Waiting.

I leave on the 15th for Detroit then catch a flight to Tokyo and then Manila on the 18th.

This is my first time traveling such a great distance and so completely alone. I hope I don't get stuck in Tokyo or lose all of my luggage.

I am going in order to:
-- (re)learn Tagalog
-- get to know "where I'm from"
-- travel
-- take classes (as opposed to teach them)
-- visit family

Almost a year ago I made a huge list titled, "In the Next 5 Years..." filled with a number of goals, plans, desires, silly wishes. I'm big into lists. They make me feel busy, organized, and special. Like a go-getter. Like a get-er-done-er. Ohh...but not like that annoying stand-up comic with the sleeveless lumberjack shirt. Oh. You know what I mean.

But, lists. I like them. I also once read somewhere that physically writing goals down on paper made them 25% more likely to happen. Being fluent in Tagalog, going to the Philippines and participating in this program were high on the list on the list. So. Here I go...

Surprise: I also made lists for this trip--for getting there, for while I am on my way there, and for, y'know, being there. More on that later.

Take note: this blog is on Manila time...and, soon enough, I will be, too.