[youngwhippersnapper]

You know. I think that if this discussion is going to be about this 23 yr olds apparent hair-brain scheme and possible mental instability. Maybe the 23 yr old in question should actual have a say in this.

So since I am the 23 yr old in question. You can have my opinion. Take it for what you want.

Yes I met this girl while playing World of Warcraft. I won't deny that. But there is less information in the original post than their needs to be. We have frequent phone conversations. And, thru an amazingly simple form of computer technology, I can see her. Webcams are wonderful things when you want to make sure that the person you are speaking to is at the least, who they say they are physically. And, as far as I know I am not a blind person. I do know the difference between a 24 yr old black woman and a man of any form who is trying to play a cruel joke on me.

I'll admit fully that in this situation I may have decided to order my plane ticket and reserve my hotel room a little early. But another bit of information is that If I didn't take my vacation time now and go on this trip now, I'd have no chance to take my vacation. I work in the travel industry in Dodge and when peek season hits. There is no chance I will get to take this time. And frankly, I'd like to actually take my vacation time for the first time in over 3 yrs employed at the same place.

On my financial status, I dont live at home for free. My father and I don't share the bills, rent, etc., etc... equally ( I am on the shorter end). But I still provide enuf that makes saving difficult. But even so, I ask you this. How can you consider me irresponsible for making this decision on my own. Going thru the mediums I went thru to attain the finances for this trip was not irresponsible or being coddled by a parent. Hell it comes down to the money being a birthday gift of all things. Albeit, It was given to me for a specific purpose.

To the statement that I know no-one out there. That is incorrect. I have made contact with a family friend who has been as close of a sister as my own sister. I have my backup plan set up if the trip happens to go sour.

To Wordsmythe, I'm not going to deny that i spend to much time playing WoW. (Btw its not a basement). I prefer to stay in after dealing with people all day at work (which I do full time). So yes, I don't spend much time outside of the home though, you are correct on that. But I can't stand to go to bars because I dislike being around the kinds of people that frequent those place. The club scene is equally unimpressive.

To KC Muffins, How dare you imply that anything harmful should ever happen to my mother. I can't even being to fathom the depth of the coldness of your heart.

To Army_of_One, You may be right. I may regret this whole idea. I may waste a bunch of money on an insane rick. But my mental stability is perfectly fine. Honeslty can you say you never did anything stupid or even slightly risky at my age?

To Bubba, I appreciate your words of advice on certain locations to not just steer clear of but to tottaly avoid even near proximity. And the advice of memorable locations to visit will be very helpful.

To my father, I apologize for aggrivating you in the way I have. I love you dad. You are one of my reasons for living. And I owe you so much just for being the good father you were and still are. You are my best friend and I hope you always know that.