Did I mention my pit-stop in Fiji?

The smartest thing I did in this whole process of moving out of the country to nanny was to get in touch with the nanny the family had before me. Here I go talking about fate again, but she lives in the same town I do. Explain that one! So we went to lunch.

I almost feel like I cheated; I don't expect to come across many problems with my travels because of all the advice I got beforehand. I didn't have to figure out things like cell phones, visas, or that tampons apparently suck over there and I should try to bring as many of my precious tampax pearls as I can.

The best piece of advice my awesome mentor gave me, though, was the fact that you can make a layover last days instead of hours. My flight goes to Nadi, Fiji, and then on to Auckland so I was going to have to chill in Fiji for a few hours. I had a random obsession with Fiji a couple years ago so it was killing me that I was going to be there and not able to do or see anything. Well, not anymore! My layover now lasts three days and I'm going to get to do some amazing things while I'm there. I'm staying at the dorms in a pretty nice resort so that's going to be awesome, but the coolest part is all the day adventures, and day cruises that they are associated with.

Walk around town checking out temples like this? Yes, please.

Hike to these highlands and visit the village? I think so.  

Day cruise out to these white sand beaches? Yes, please.

Get a nice bronzing by this pool? Don't mind if I do.

Hike out to this waterfall and go for a dip? Yep.

Eat amazing food like this and pay like hardly anything for it in American dollars? My favorite part :D

I can't wait for this adventure. Along with all these cool places to see and things to do I get to sleep in a dorm with 19 other people! It doesn't get more interesting than that!

To-Do.

I was so relieved this week when I finished my final final (I hope there are not as many f's on my final grades then there are in this sentence).

I was so ready to take a NAP.

And I did.

I gave myself 3 glorious hours of sleep in the middle of the day. I love love love sleep in the middle of the day.

When I woke up I started thinking of all the things I have to do to get ready to depart the country for a very extended period of time. Luckily I will be home for about a week in April for Chance's homecoming so if I forget my favorite pants or lucky socks or anything I won't be without them for too long.

Who am I kidding. I don't have lucky socks, or favorite jeans, and if I did, why exactly would I care when I'm in New Zealand for goodness sakes!


So here are the places I need to visit before I leave:
1. Zions National Park-hike Emerald Pools (my favorite hike there; the end pool is paradise).
2. Red Cliffs Reserve. This is a such a fun hiking place. I'll never forget laughing hysterically as Ember, Franny, and I were trying to hoist ourselves up this 3ish foot waterfall that was all slippery with wet moss.
3. The Red Mountain. Growing up a block away I have logged endless hours running around on that unique red dirt. It was the best playground a kid could have.
4. Up north. My three bestest pals will all be living up there come January. Be ready for the most fun, epic sleepover ever, girls.
5. Benja's. I love sushi.
6. Mongolian BBq. I love that ghetto fabulous place.
7. Rickshaw's. Lettuce wraps, please.
Well, everywhere involves hiking and food. I'm ok with that.



Boring To-Do List
1. Work as much as possible so I can have mulah as I travel.
2. Print off my insurance records.
3. Take family photos (Ok, this one is not boring for me, but I'm sure to hear a few groans from the men in my family).
4. Sew my dress that I have invested $20 in so far.
5. Pack. It's going to take. so. long.
6. Figure out boring school stuff. Yes, I am taking online classes through Dixie while I'm there. It might be kinda crazy, but I'm excited to have my associates when I get back.

Well this list was a lot longer when I started this post a week ago. I have a hard time finishing a post in one sitting. I've had a very productive week! Included in this productive week was finally purchasing my ticket. That might sound like a simple task to accomplish, but let me assure you it was not.
I sold my car so I could go and that meant I was not able to just punch in my departure dates and buy a ticket. No, no, I spent hours searching multiple dates; it's crazy the difference in price one day can make.

So the other morning I got on Orbitz like I do every day, and I punched in the dates. It was $1,612 which was $11 more than it was the day before. I was a little sad because hey $11 is enough to pay for my gas for the rest of my time here. Or it could be a meal. Or it could pay for internet on my 12 hour plane ride from L.A to Fiji. Anyway, I'm not even sure why I clicked on the ticket because I had to donate my plasma one more time to have enough to pay for it (oh, the things I do to get out of here). But call it fate, I did click on it, and I got great news. Orbitz had a message waiting for me, it said:, "Great news! (see, I told you it was great news) We found your itinerary for cheaper!"
The ticket was only $1,535! So I scooted on over to Chase bank and took money off my Biolife card and hurried over to my bank and deposited the money. I quickly scooted home because Orbitz threatened that this special price was for a limited time only so I had to "Act Fast!".
Act fast, I did, and the special price was waiting for me when I got home.
I fully believe in things being meant to be and all that so call me crazy but when I literally had barely enough money to buy a ticket that's on a 'special price' the days I wanted to leave, I take that as a sign that I am meant to be in New Zealand. And be in New Zealand, I will.
19 days!!!