T-Minus 4 days until Take-Off

In less than four days, my first international big-girl adventure begins. Soon I'll be exploring the wonders of Rome, a city I've been wanting to visit my entire life. But, before that dream begins, I have to live through my nightmare. Packing. 

No one really knows the answer to "how do I pack for four months in one suitcase and a carry-on?" The only consistent answer people seem to give me is to not pack too much. I've been an over-packer my entire life. It comes with the anxiety. So what does one pack when going abroad for four months? Eh, I guess I'll figure it out. (I haven't exactly started yet.) I'm hoping the thrill over my new luggage will inspire me to start soon (they're really pretty). 

Of course there are the other issues. Leaving my family, not being fluent in Italian, missing my friends, not being able to pack my entire library...but my main concern is leaving Frankie. 

For those who are new, Frankie is my dog. 

I know she'll be alright, but as I'm writing this she is sitting next to me in her fluffy, blue bathrobe and barking at nothing. I'll miss her presence and I am worried she will miss me too. I never considered myself a dog person (gasp, I know) but then I got attached and now I'm stuck loving this weird, scrunch-face fur creature. I love my parents and I know they will do their best to take care of her, but the thought of stuffing her in my suitcase when no one is looking grows more tempting by the day.