And I'm off...

Thanks to everyone who came out to see me last night or made a special trip otherwise. It has been really great catching up with people the past week or so. I'm going to miss many. And it's nice to be able to say "see you later" and know that distance and time won't really change a relationship. You know who you are. ;)
But aaaaaaahhh! I'm moving to Africa tomorrow!

ticket-in-hand

So 12 days to go... now that certainly doesn't sound right. But 'tis true. And tickets in hand-- well almost-- can't expect ACTUAL tickets yet from PC when there is over a week remaining before departure! It's really going to get here and I'm really ready. I think.
So there to Joey-- enough about ME? :)
Last week Broadlawns folk threw me a going away lunch and it was pretty much the nicest thing i have ever had done for me at work. They ordered food, had gifts (and cash!) for me, and pretty much everyone in the hospital signed a going-away card. Thanks Casey. ;)
Had an MRI on my leg done on Sunday and have Dr. appt. tomorrow to check it out... I am torn between hoping he'll find nothing wrong and wishing someone would tell me what's wrong. I am too young for chronic pain!
And on a happier note, I can't wait to see all in 10 days when I throw myself a going-away party! No shots, everyone. Sorry. I'm not 20 anymore.

was the last post "tired"???

So the desert gets really hot... and also really cold... and I'm fairly certain the Coachellamonster ate my pocketbook ($5 lemonade? $7 can of beer!?!), love of the "outdoors," as well as my sanity at times... but viva la música! (Although saying I enjoyed Tool would be taking it a bit far...) But Steph and I had a great time and the trip went off without too many hitches... Oh, except that one that involved us not sleeping last night... Just brushing up my travel skills, I guess...
But I did come home to a Staging Kit waiting to tell me all about going to Philadelphia in EXACTLY 3 WEEKS! Wow. That's all I have to say. That, and I've got a lot of shit to do.
That, and Happy International Workers' Day/ Immigrants' Day... iViva la revolución!

tired

Wow, spending time with people that you'll miss is tough on my body and mind... But I'm sure will all be worth it in the end. Speaking of which, I have something like 24 more days here?... Talk about how I should be getting scared and nervous but am not really yet. I wonder if that'll happen when I finally get the tickets in my hand... Also speaking of which, I have not heard from the PC on that issue (claro que no)...
And on a semi-related note (that of not sleeping enough), Coachella should be fantastic this weekend. I really can't wait to leave tomorrow at 4 am. Whoo hoo! Hopefully Steph and I'll get back Monday, though, since there's "talk" of closing down LAX as a result of the "day with no latinos." Which I couldn't be upset about since I wholeheartedly support the boycott and demonstrations, but I can't imagine would be too thrilled with if I found myself tiredly and dirtily hanging out all day in the Los Angeles airport...

so little time, so little money

Steph and I took the plunge-- we're going to Coachella in Indio, Calif. on Ap. 28-30. Whoo hoo! Now I've just got to pray to the dios de dinero that I can actually make and save a little before I leave. But regardless, we should have the best time at the festival... I mean, sweating like mad in the middle of the desert for 2 days... where do I sign up? Oh also, there will be a lot of great bands, maybe interesting people to meet (either that or Steph and I will just make fun of them the whole time-- whichever). And I'm hoping to hook up with Dijana there as well.
Well, lots to plan for as the days get longer but the time before I leave gets MUCH shorter...

The LIST

How does one pack for 2 years in 80 lbs. and 147"? There is no conceivable way. Here is my tentative list. The * indicate I still need to buy or come across somehow...

digital camera & 35 mm camera
film* & photo cards
solar battery charger* & batteries
tent*/ sleeping bag & mat
shampoo & cond.; soap & moisturizer; toothpaste & toothbrush for at least 3 mo.
bag balm (v. important)
razors & tampons* (a mochila full! heh)
bandanas/ head scarves*
watch
travel alarm clock
sunglasses
2 pair glasses ( I have 1 pair...) & glasses repair kit*
UNO & cards/ other games*/ stickers/ candy* for gifts
hiking shoes ; 2 pair sandals; 1 pair nice shoes
travel towel & wash cloth
2 nalgene bottles
flashlight
bras & underwear & PJs
mp3/ CD player* & CDs
seeds/spices*
short wave radio
pens/pencils/stationery*
stamps/envelopes/address book
dictionary
calendar
2 pair pants* & long skirts
t-shirts
1 dressy outfit
antibacterial wipes
photos from home
nail clippers
blank journals/ books to read*
rain gear
warm jacket
2 pair colored smartwool socks
hiking boots
duct tape
swiss army knife and leatherman tool
some herbs/ cranberry extract, etc.

Here you are, aunt Cathy... :)
I'd take any donations from anyone as well. heh.

Almost freaking out

So I'm really not freaking out... but maybe I should be? I leave in exactly 8 weeks and I feel like I've done next to nothing! I have a tentative list for what I should pack, about 3/4 of it not purchased, no ticket, not enough money, and too little time to see everyone I'd like to before I leave!
I did have a really nice time with Ashley last night... we went to dinner and she asked me to be a bridesmaid! Honestly, it caught me completely off guard, but I couldn't be more excited about it. Well, I could possibly be more excited if I'd be here to help in doing the things that bridesmaids are supposed to do... like throw showers, etc., but maybe Nancy will take that over for me.
I've been looking at some other people's lists and that has helped me get a better idea... I feel like I stress out about nothing important, only the little things... "Hmm... should I buy the Chacos with the backstrap or no strap?" Like this is the decision of a lifetime or something.

Getting Ready

I don't really know that anyone will read this blog,... but I guess I just am thinking so much about leaving and trying to stay in touch with people. I really want to know what is going on with all those I love while I am gone, and I want you to be able to see what's going on in my life as well and share snipits of my service with me.
Love you all.
Cal