And we're off.

It's 5.29am. I'm at the airport, puffy bug-eyed and croaky-voiced (early starts have never been my strong point). Despite definitely needing more sleep, I am excited and happy, a relief from the agitated freakout that has been my underlying and sometimes all-consuming mood for the last few days. Since officially leaving work last Friday (I am unemployed for the first time in my adult professional life) my life has been a mad scramble of packing and list ticking, punctuated by leaving parties, that while extremely fun, have made my daytime tasks all the harder for their residual hangovers. Yes, it seems storming, brain nullifying hangovers have tip-toed/gallumphed back into my life, but I'm not going to talk about that right now. Right now I am more concerned with the fact that I am about to board a plane to Christchurch, the hometown I have not seen since before bone-rattling earthquakes literally shook it to its foundations. I am excited to be seeing my family, and excited that this marks the beginning of my epic journey to who knows precisely where. But I am a little apprehensive as to what will greet me when I touch down. It's okay though. Surely it's better to know the reality of a situation rather than let your imagination run wild?
And so my time in Sydney is almost done for now, which feels a little crazy after 10 odd years. Ridiculously, and quite predictably, over the past few weeks I have suddenly begun appreciating Sydney's particular charms all over again. Pulling crisp, dazzling, blue-skied, golden-lighted Autumn days out of the bag consistently, this pretty city has done a good job of displaying her allure. The crowd of small, cool bars that now populate Sydney's social scene have also played excellent host to many a fun event. And my friends have come out in force, opening my eyes to the true beauty and quality of the people I know. I have been happily surprised and genuinely touched by just how many truly great people I can call my friends, and by the evidence that people such as these actually care for a gal called me. My whole recent experience leaves a very pleasant aftertaste, but does make me wonder why I am leaving at all. But I suppose it is because of the momentum brought by swinging into NYC action, and the fresh energy that has been flooding my brain as I contemplate complete newness, that much of the goodness has been coming together. And at this stage, even if I wanted to I couldn't turn back. So whatever with the what ifs. My adventure awaits. It is time to hit the road.