home sweet home away from home

Welcome to my new humble abode, allow me to give you the grand tour.

Alley to our apartment.

My bunk bed.

Doorway, kitchen, bathroom.

Front door

Dining room.

Living room.

Kitchen

Courtyard

Shower

Right now I'm laying on the couch in shorts and a t-shirt with the fans on and all the doors and windows wide open. The weather is beautiful, this apartment is adorable and I couldn't be happier.

sixteen hours

This is my life in two suitcases, a backpack and a purse.

Not to brag or anything, but I'm actually a pretty decent packer. Please take note of the suitcase within a suitcase, which I'm pretty proud of. I can check two bags for free, so on the way home the entire second suitcase is for any new items I've acquired.

The most precious of my cargo?

1. The journal I made.
   
   
   
   
2. My iPod, loaded with a soothing plane playlist.
   
   
   
   
3. My binders: chock-full of organization tools and lesson ideas.

To the surprise of many, I'm not panicking. I spent a relaxing day at home soaking up family time and finishing some last minute things. I'm ready to tackle this experience head-on.

two days

five days

Here is a sampling of my thoughts from today.

I leave in 5 days.
I need to pack.
More importantly, I need to go to Dunkin' Donuts.
Can I bring snacks on the plane?
I should make another list.
Where are my highlighters?
I shouldn't have ordered this pita "extra spicy."
What if there's no coffee creamer in Brazil?
I have so much to do.
I'm panicking.
I'm so excited.
I'm so excited.
I'm so excited.

one week

Welcome to the countdown.

Seven days until I leave

Ohio

and venture to

Rio de Janerio.