Just putting it out there...

I pledge (temporary and somewhat tokenistic) alligance to the flag of the United States of America...this being said, no, I would not like to supersize my next meal. No, I will not spell organisation with a 'z', (I will continue to battle the autocorrect function on this phone), and I will be attempting to kick my caffiene addiction, partially motivated by health reasons, primarily as a protest against the vile cup of black liquid Americans call "joe". 

So why am I embarking on a journey to the land of the "free"? (This is less of an elaboration for the sake of your understanding and more to actually back track and remind myself.) I believe it started less than a year ago, sometime in July 2010, I was running a session for some uni students in which senior mangers from various major accounting firms and banks were sharing their career stories. One speaker told a fabulous tale about how when she was first employed at , she indicated she wanted a job with international travel, she wanted to go to New York! And within her first 18 months - BAM - she was sent to NYC for work. The moral of the story kiddies: ask for what you want, and you shall receive. This gave me a laugh. Don't get me wrong, great story, but setting these kids up for disappoint much?! So, being the smart arse I can often be, I turned around to my manager at the end of the presentation and boldly said, "I would like to go to New York," and with a grin continued, "well you can't blame me for trying, can you?". My manager laughed at me and made reference to the fact that the university doesn't quite have the same international opportunities, or budget for that matter, but nice try. 

I know some of you smart cookies have beaten me to the punchline, but stay with me here...less than three months later, the big boss greets me in the kitchen while I'm making my porridge for breakfast, and says "I want you to go to the next WACE (I'll explain that acronym later) conference, it's in Philadelphia. You'll need to organise and pay for it this month." Seriously?!?!? (The big boss has been known to say some pretty cruel things...but not this time.) Yes, he was serious. 

My mind went wild with thoughts and plans for adventures! To be honest, 7 months later, it's still a bit crazy up there, *points at head,* as so much is yet to unfold on this trip. 

***The captain is welcoming me on board this flight as I type, so excuse me while I pause briefly to power down during take off - I'm a responsible passenger... most of the time...

...And I'm back.***

My manager, the subtle lady that she is, only ever made one small reference to that initial event in casual conversation one day, saying "Philly is a short bus ride to New York you know..." and she left it at that. I couldn't, and barely can now, believe that my cheeky comment that night (plus a few serendipitous work factors) would lead me to sitting on this plane right now.

The States was not at the top of my list of travel destinations, however If work is offering me this amazing chance, I'm going to make the most of it! 

I've long been a firm believer of putting thoughts, desires, wants and needs out into the universe in the hopes that the universe will provide what it can. "You have to put it out there," my mother would say. Ha! Whadya know?! It worked! 

Vego meal just arrived, (tip for young players, people with special dietary requirements get served first). 

Now which movie shall I watch first?