Philly, For Short

Just a quick note from staging festivities in Philadelphia. 

I filled in some forms and sat in 6 hours of meetings. I am officially a Peace Corps Trainee. 

I've eaten my last 'American' meal: sweet and sour chicken (for those of you that were wondering). 

I have managed to temporarily solve the packing crisis, and am quite proud of myself. 

Before reaching my final destination I have more than 24 hours of travel and airports to look forward to. I'm not sure how I feel about that. 

The Time Is Now...

The problem with procrastination is that you have to do stuff eventually. And usually lots of it all at once. 

Those Last 5 Pounds

I pride myself on my packing skills. This is a well-known fact. But two years in two suitcases is a little bit more challenging than your average six-month semester. Or so I tell myself. And Mom agrees. In the end, I have decided to compare this packing adventure to being on a diet. It is impossible to loose those last 5 pounds. And I'm OK with that. Mostly because I've never been one to go on diets. 

Technology Hates Me

According to the nice man at the Apple Store, my computer is in great shape. But I have decided that this is because it is basically a glorified typewriter and search engine. I don't use it for anything else. As is evidenced by the fact that I had a extremely difficult time making friends with my external hard-drive. Ergo, I left Dad in charge. And I'm taking some DVDs. 

A Picture Is Worth 1000 Words

This falls into a similar category as above. I never learned to use my digital camera. I don't really like taking photos to begin with. Once again that's Dad's territory. So chances are if you have a Facebook album that has pictures of yourself or our mutual friends, I've stolen a few and intend to show them to everyone I meet in Azerbaijan. Just a head's up. 

I hope the details above excuse the delay since my last post. 

I leave for Philadelphia in the morning. I will meet up with some fellow volunteers at the airport and we will head over to the hotel for staging. What staging involves I am not exactly sure. But I assume it is lots of meet and greet activities and some more paperwork. Then on Wednesday we will head to JFK airport and start our overseas adventure in earnest. :-)

I will write from one of the hotels on en route if I have time.  

 

Panic, Thy Name Is Procrastinate

The title of this blog entry pretty much explains my state of mind at the moment. The fact that it is a bastardisation of Shakespeare is just an added bonus. :) 

Honestly, I haven't reached the panic stage of preparation yet. But as per usual, I've mastered the art of productive procrastination. The things I've done in the last two weeks for Azerbaijan fall into three categories: 

Things That Directly Relate To Departure: 

- I have written a super itemised packing list (600 words) 

- I have pretty much everything on the aforementioned list in my possession (trip to Target needed)

- I have bought vacuum sealed bags (the no vacuum needed kind)

- I have raided the attic for camping gear and duffel bags (currently airing in the backyard) 

- I have bugged teacher friends about World Wise School program 

- I have asked a friend to send me some M&S tights. 

- I have bought an external harddrive, and asked people who speak 'computer' how to use it.

- I sent the Medical Office an official letter about my root canal. 

Things That Sorta Relate To Departure: 

- I have started to narrow down my "Books To Bring List" 

- The Labor Day sales have caused me to reconsider my previously impervious packing list. Oops. 

- Due to out-of-town visitors I have managed to cross a bunch of stuff off the "Things I Need To Eat Before I Leave America List" such as IHOP, Cracker Barrel, Chick-Fil-A and Mexican. 

- I went to the dentist.

Things That Have No Relation To Departure Whatsoever: 

- I have been watching the US Open non-stop.

- I have learned to use the DVR (as a direct result of #1).

- I almost convinced my parents to buy another dog. 

Things I Am STILL Procrastinating About: 

- Anything that involves official paperwork or hours spent 'on hold'. 

- Doing the test pack Dad insists is necessary. 

- Announcing my departure to the world at large. ( Coming soon to a social networking site or inbox near you) 

All things considered I'd say things are going smoothly and according to schedule. :)