Preparations

With each day I get more excited about this decision. I went clothes shopping yesterday (an activity I generally despise) and actually enjoyed picking out a wardrobe with Korea in mind. I spent more than I meant to, but it was fun nonetheless, and, knowing me, I'll probably return a few things.

I also got my documents back from the Secretary of State, where they authenticate them for international visa processing. Now I'm just waiting on my transcripts and I'll send all my paperwork to Korea to get rolling on my visa. They want me to start in mid-August, but I'm hoping that I'll be here at least until August 22nd, for various reasons. I guess it will depend on how long the paperwork takes once they receive it.

I've signed up for an online Korean language course, but sadly I've not taken real advantage of it because I tend to forget during the day at work, and by the time I think of it at night I'm too tired to learn a new language! Work ends on Friday, though, so after that I'll probably download the audio lessons, print the others, and take them in the car with me for my solo camping trip across the state. I plan to visit my foster sister's family, my brother and his fiancee, two or three friends, and my sister and her family. I don't know when I'll see them all again, especially if I have to leave earlier in August than I'm expecting. None of them know about the trip, but I'm sure they'll understand : )

I wish I could say goodbye to so many other people as well. I feel as if graduation went by so quickly, I barely had time to say hello to everyone that day, let alone say goodbye, before leaving for WI. I really miss people from Ithaca, and it's unnerving and saddening to think I may not see some of those people for a very long time, if ever. I miss them already, so I guess in that sense being in Korea won't change much.