Keeping in touch

It's so weird to think that in less than two weeks, I'll be halfway around the world. Luckily, I have technology to keep in contact with everyone here!

I'll always check my emails regularly, so no need to worry on that front. You can reach me on AIM/iChat @michaelmalyn, Skype @mmalyn, or on Google Talk @mmalyn as well. I'll be there in case you miss me too much and/or want to see my pretty face ;)

Next on the agenda is to figure out what to do about a cell phone during my time in Oz, but I have a pretty good idea what I'm doing once I get over there. A good friend of mine graciously gave me her old AT&T Blackberry that takes a SIM card that I will be able to use, and lucky me, the data plans in Australia are ridiculously cheap. This means I can constantly check my emails and run Skype and Google Talk right on my phone all the time! It also means that you can BBM me any time. My new pin will be 24786D14.

One other awesome piece of technology that I discovered was Google Voice.

Google Voice is a call forwarding service that assigns one phone number to everything. Basically, it allows me to make/receive from the calls with a US number in Australia. If I happen to be at my computer in Gmail, I can make and receive calls as VoIP calls and it's completely free. I've also figured out how to use my iPod touch to make and receive calls over the internet, so if I happen to have wifi, I can call for free!! SO EXCITING!

Another cool feature it has is text messaging and voicemail. Unfortunately, Google Voice cannot forward to an Australian number, so my phone in Australia will never ring, BUT their Blackberry application lets me listen to voicemails and send and receive texts over the data connection, which means you can always call me and leave a message, I can see that you called me, then text you back. Basically you can call and text me in Australia with an American number. COOL! (well at least I think it is). My Google Voice number is 609-975-9373. Make sure you keep that handy.

Spark notes version:
You can always email me!
AIM/iChat: michaelmalyn
Skype: mmalyn
Google Talk: mmalyn
BBM: 24786D14
Google Voice: 609-975-9373
And a local phone number that has yet to be determined...

I can't wait to get there and I can't wait to update everyone once I'm there!