my lucky number.

11. it was my soccer number first, but throughout the years, it has turned into my go-to "lucky  number". and now, that's the number telling me how many days left until i move to france! this whole process has been so crazy, stressful, exciting, scary, frustrating, even numbing at times. i feel like i've waited my whole life for this opportunity, and now that it's here.. i don't know what to do with myself! it's going to be the adventure of a lifetime, that's for sure.

as of now, i have a to-do list about a mile long. naturally, it's colour-coded. i'm slowly chipping away at it, and it looks like i'll finish before my departure on the 14th (thankfully!). of course, visiting my friends is on the list. but unfortunately, there are just too many people to see! that being said.. if i don't get to see you before i leave, i still love you. and i'll be back in july.. with pictures and souvenirs and stories a-plenty.

to be honest, though.. the thought of saying goodbye to my favourite people makes me a bit more than sad. i'm going to miss everyone so much! and i wish i could just take everyone along in my pocket so we could all share this experience together. but alas, i do not have willy wonka's shrink ray. so the internet will have to suffice in terms of maintaining communication.

speaking of the internet, i'm going to try REALLY hard to keep up with this blog (it's one of my new year's resolutions!) so please, please read it often and comment!! i'd love to hear feedback on what is surely to be a very wacky and colourful record of my time abroad. if you want email updates, subscribe to the email list (top left of this page, follow the link!).

i'm so thankful for everyone who has helped me along this process, from linguistic help to emotional support. i am so blessed to have such amazing people in my life! :)

well, that's about it for now. the official countdown begins tomorrow.. :)

"how lucky i am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard." -annie.

-jill