Hi everyone. I started this blog for the sole purpose of tracking my progress and daily excursions while i spend my first ever trip abroad studying in Beijing via a study abroad program. I am to leave the third week in august and return sometime in December. Right now i am trying to raise about $6000 before i leave because i have to pay for airfare (tickets), food, transportation, and cell usage to contact family at home. I have been fortunate enough to keep one of the two jobs that i had, so that i can still try to save something before i leave. I lost one of my jobs due to the bad economy, and now a bulk of the money I have to raise is left to kind-hearted people willing to donate to help aid me in partaking in this, what i call, a very important and life changing opportunity that i profoundly look forward to undertaking. I have made the effort to look for other jobs, but due to the fact that i will only be able work 2 months then leave for 4-5mths, they aren't willing to train me and have me leave so soon after. It is already getting down to the wire, and i haven't even been able to pay for my airplane ticket ($1300, the cheapest as of yesterday) due to bills and owing new york state and federal taxes. So coming up with $1300 is my first priority, and quickly before the tickets get too expensive. I would be very disappointed in myself if i can't even pay for the ticket to get to Beijing to partake in the study abroad program which i am going on full scholarship. I have to admit that early in the summer i didn't manage my finances exceptionally well, which now has me in a bind. Well...I'm going to cross my fingers and hope people are kind enough to help me, while i also kill myself working overtime at my job, if i'm even able to pick up extra shifts. Thanks everyone, until the next blog. I'll keep you updated.