Packed.

Just a short update as the minutes lead up to the date of departure. In the past few days, I have packed and unpacked and re-packed about seven times, each time trying to take out things I don't see as necessary right away. For instance, I'll have my tent mailed later since I probably won't be able to use it much during training anyways. And it is still heavy, heavy. And I've been going back and forth on taking a small duffel bag as my second bag or a small wheeled suitcase. Oh, the decisions. The big backpack is a given, of course. And PS remind me in a few years to buy a smaller pack. 5500 cubic inches just is not necessary for a girl of my size. Plus, I think it may be bad for my back. That is, unless I gain oodles of weight from amazing Filipino food...then perhaps a big, big backpack will just balance me out. Anyways, I'm on a tangent.

So, the feelings right now? Well, I am definitely a 10-point level of excited on a 10-point scale. I'm just trying not to let that be overshadowed too much by the stress, worry, and nervousness that have also been trying to bubble up. Most of it comes with packing. I think it may definitely be one of my least favorite activities, ever. It's the worst. So, how to relax tomorrow? I'm not quite sure. I know I need to get the car washed. Also, I need to clean the house and make it seem as if I haven't lived here like a bum for the last few months. And I need to hang out with my dog. And just try to get settled. Yikes, this doesn't sound relaxing at all. Wish me luck.

Also, I want to do a big shout out and thank you to all of my family and friends who have been supportive of me up until now in so many ways--sending good luck notes or "How are you?" cards, attending going away parties, checking in and seeing how I am, and just being there to listen while I go on endlessly about how excited I am or I rant about how stressed I am. It is all wonderful to have, and nothing is more valuable than the other. Emotionally, I need it all. So thank you.