Going away Party

So I know that i've been talking about this forever but I've finally gotten myself together.  I printed invitations for my going away party yesterday and they should be going out later this week.  So if you're looking at this trying to decide which party is for you let me help...Party #1 is a fun maddie is done working shindig.  Party #2 is the one that will be going on facebook eventually, my big going away(and birthday).  Party #3 is less of a party, not crazy, minimal-no drinking.  It's just an informal chance for me to spend time with my favorite people before I leave.  I'm really excited but I'm getting really nervous about being so far away from everyone that I care about.

So much stuff

I don't think I've ever realized quite how much stuff I have.  I can only take 2 suitcases and a couple of over stuffed carry-ons with me so I'm trying to get rid of a bunch of my stuff.  I would love to be able to sell it but that's not as easy as it sounds.  Plato's closet doesn't want to take most of my clothes :( even the brand name stuff, they say it looks too old(as in I wear old lady styles, poop).  ebay isn't going as well as I'd like either, neither is craig's list.  I don't want to throw out everything so I'm looking into selling it at pawn shops and flee markets.  I'm trying to donate some stuff too.  Oh goodness! When I try to narrow it down to the essentials, I have a ton of junk!

Australia List

I have been running into people left and right who have fantastic ideas on things to do and see while I'm in Australia.  I'm so grateful for all the advice and support that I find everyday.  This is a list of thing that have been mentioned to be that I would love to do while in Australia.  Please add to the list if you have suggestions.
-Walk across the bridge in Sydney
-See Rainbow beach
-Hop over to New Zealand
-Great Barrier Reef
-Try Vegemite
-See a show at the Sydney opera house
-Take a trip to Antarctica

Moving, planning, and getting excited

If you couldn't tell from the blog, I'm moving to Melbourne for three years to get my DPT.  The program begins on January 30th, 2012.  I'm so excited.  Australia seems like so much fun.  Man what an adventure!  I'm trying to find housing, the University of Melbourne suggests that I find a homestay but those aren't assigned until December.  Cutting it a bit close, Yikes! I want a place to live now.  I'm also working on the Visa process, trying to get all set up to go to school and work.  Unfortunately, I'm early on that count too.  The Visa office would appreciate it if I'd wait until October 1st.  Sigh, I guess I need to learn patience.  I have lists and lists of things to do before I move away but it looks like I'll have to wait on most of those activities until closer to my departure.  The only thing to do now is relax and spend time with the people I will miss when I'm on the other side of the world.