It seems we've come to the end of the road...

It's unbelievable to me that I have only 3 full days left on this trip (maybe only 2 if you subtract travel time back to Christchurch). While I'm ready to get home I'm doing my best to keep enjoying my time here and not obsess over too many lists of things to do when I get back. Sitting on the grass with live music in the middle of the Queenstown arts and crafts fair is not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Only some ice cream could make it better.

I did my sky dive yesterday. I wasn't scared. That was probably the weirdest part about it. I wasn't scared on the way up and I wasn't scared on the way down. My "tandem master" barely spoke to me so I can't credit him with soothing my nerves (Evan's tandem master didn't speak a word and Courtney's was similar as well). I think I was just ready. I knew I was doing it and, honestly, once you're out of the plane there isn't anything you can do to save your life if something goes wrong. 12,000ft, 45 second free fall over amazing New Zealand scenery is pretty unbeatable...even if it's your last hurrah. I would sky dive again in a heartbeat.

Today we "river surfed" which is basically going down level 3 rapids on a body board. Guido and Garth, our guides, were pretty fabulous (and kinda hot - especially Guido's Spanish accent) but regardless, I HATED it. I didn't mind the rapids part, I didn't mind the whirlpools, I didn't even mind the hard work. I just can't stand not being in control of my own direction.

Sure...I realize I made no sense right there. Loved sky diving and zero control hated river surfing and attempting control. My explanation: if you give me something to control I want to own it 100% and if I can't I'm going to be super frustrated (and a bit terrified) but if you tell me that there is nothing I can do, that something is going to happen and I have absolutely no chance of taking control...I have finally learned to let go. At least that much I can do and I'm ok with getting that far in 6 months. Plus, I wouldn't be me if I didn't try to control my life and try to micromanage every detail. That's endearing, no?

Tomorrow Evan and Courtney are bungy jumping. I'm passing. I have zero interest in that and it's also super expensive. So...I get to go for a long run, wander around town, maybe (MAYBE) get that tattoo I've been considering for ages. Monday we jump on a bus to Christchurch and Tuesday evening we begin out many flights back to the States.

I can't wait to feel like a girl again. I want to wear heels and skirts and jewelry and carry a purse and get my hair done and a pedicure and maybe even a manicure. I want to cook and bake in my own kitchen and put my toothbrush in a toothbrush holder. I want my cats and my couch. I want football Sundays, girls' nights and chats with my neighbors on my front steps. Home can be anywhere you settle down for a while and for me, for now, home is Philly.

I'm excited to figure out where I'm going (or staying) and what I'll be doing for work. It was fun to be a nomad for a bit but I think I'm ok sitting still for a little while.

So...unless something epic comes up, this is probably me signing off for a bit.

Later Gators!