No, not really! I'm actually just really anxious and really excited. I went by where I use to work yesterday and got to see a bunch of folks that I had the pleasure of working with right out of school. One of my good friends from AOL came and picked me up and took me to lunch(yeah, super nice), since I am now with out a vehicular.
My plans were to keep it pretty low key this weekend, my last weekend in the USA. Now, I'm packing the college weekend (Thursday-Sunday) with about as much as possible. Between last hangouts with all my friends and of course my parents, there will be no sleep this weekend (hey, it's a 5 1/2 hour flight to LA and about 12 hours from LA to Tonga). I'm not such a huge video game person, but living with my good friend Troy, I've put in some time on the Xbox 360 and PS3. So it was appropriate that last night, our last night hanging out for a long time, we played video games. Well... one video game; Halo 3. I got over to the house around 5 and we started playing around 530 and didn't finish until almost 2... when we beat the game. Crazy, I know and tired I am, but it was a fun last night hanging out.
I'll definitely post again before I leave, but everyone that I've been able to see and say goodbye to in the last 2 weeks, I'm so glad I was able to and for those I've missed... Tonga's only a small $1200+ flight away - think about it!
James
9/29/07
9/23/07
Bags are Packed!
After 9 months, I'm less than a week away. I fly out Monday morning at 830(EST) and and get in to LAX at 1030(PST). I'll catch a cab over to the hotel and check in and hangout until registration and staging begin.
The past week, I've been picking up some last minute items. My sandals are in the mail and should be here Thursday or Friday. I've looked at so many different recommendations and heard from current PCVs and and RPCVs on what to bring. I think I've come up with a pretty great packing list. I've packed my bags a few times, but the bags were always coming up overstuffed. Tonight, I went through and got rid of quite a bit and the bags are nicely packed, comfortable to move and under weight; 74 lbs.
The past week, I've been picking up some last minute items. My sandals are in the mail and should be here Thursday or Friday. I've looked at so many different recommendations and heard from current PCVs and and RPCVs on what to bring. I think I've come up with a pretty great packing list. I've packed my bags a few times, but the bags were always coming up overstuffed. Tonight, I went through and got rid of quite a bit and the bags are nicely packed, comfortable to move and under weight; 74 lbs.
Here's the list:
Clothing
Shirts
T-Shirts - 10
Long Sleeve T-Shirt - 1
Polos - 4
Short Sleeve Button Shirt - 4
Long Sleeve Button Shirt - 3
Sweatshirt - 2
Pants
Khakis - 2
Linen - 1
Jeans - 2
Shorts - 5
Boardshorts - 3
Underwear
Boxers - 5
Undershirts - 5
Socks - 2
Shoes
NB Running Shoes
Hiking Boots
Flip-Flops
Sandals
Miscellaneous
Ties - 3
Bandannas - 2
Caps - 3
Outerwear
Denali Fleece
North Face Jacket
Supplies
Kitchen
Spices
Sauces
Coffee Filters
Propel Water Packets
Measuring Cup/ Spoon Ring
Spatula
Chefs Knife
Paring Knife
serrated Knife
Can Opener
Veggie Peeler
Srirachas Hot Sauce
Tabasco
Wasabi Paste
Electronics
Digital Camera
Rechargeable Batteries
Battery Charger
iPod Classic
Logitech Portable iPod Speakers
Eagle Creek 240V to 120V Transformer - 1
Laptop
Mini Lamp
Clippers
Travel Alarm Clock
Miscellaneous
2-3 Person Tent
Water Bottles - 2
Multi-Tool
Swiss Army Knife
Rope
Bug Spray
Duct Tape
Bike Repair Kit
CatchPhrase
Uno
Cards - 2 Decks
Books
Mosquito Coils - 20
Gifts
Matchbox Cars - 6
Crayola Marker - 1
Well, that's everything I'm taking, hopefully it's enough. Once I've been there for a while I'll fill you in on whether I brought enough stuff. Stay tuned...
9/19/07
The Long Goodbye!
Two weeks and I'm on my way to LA and then Tonga. I've started in on the packing; trying to get an idea of what my stuff will weigh. I got my new Osprey pack in the mail yesterday and already have it loaded full, only slightly over 25lbs. I know the duffel will be heavier, but things are looking good to meet the 80lbs maximum for checked baggage.
The past week has been spent meeting up with friends for lunches, movies and drinks to say goodbyes. I was able to see some folks from AOL for lunch last week and that was great. On Friday, a night out with the boys, some bar hopping and lots of drinks and then Saturday another night of ridiculousness with one of my oldest friends and other folks. I think I have one or two more lunches, and I'm sure to have one last crazy night out with friends, but really trying to lay low not spend anymore money and certainly stay out of any trouble.
With every goodbye, comes the realization that in two years when I return, things will be different. I will be different, my friends and family will be different, everything around me... will be different. In two weeks, I will say goodbye to my life as I know and welcome a new path in my life. I certainly am sad to say goodbye to all of my friends, but know that in two weeks, it will not only be about goodbyes, but greetings. I'll be meeting a group of people that will have an incredible impact on my life. The truth of the situation is that in two weeks I will probably be meeting people that will be apart of the rest of my life. That's exciting, I'm excited! I look forward to the future, while spending as much of my remaining time here in Virginia, with friends and family treasuring my past.
The past week has been spent meeting up with friends for lunches, movies and drinks to say goodbyes. I was able to see some folks from AOL for lunch last week and that was great. On Friday, a night out with the boys, some bar hopping and lots of drinks and then Saturday another night of ridiculousness with one of my oldest friends and other folks. I think I have one or two more lunches, and I'm sure to have one last crazy night out with friends, but really trying to lay low not spend anymore money and certainly stay out of any trouble.
With every goodbye, comes the realization that in two years when I return, things will be different. I will be different, my friends and family will be different, everything around me... will be different. In two weeks, I will say goodbye to my life as I know and welcome a new path in my life. I certainly am sad to say goodbye to all of my friends, but know that in two weeks, it will not only be about goodbyes, but greetings. I'll be meeting a group of people that will have an incredible impact on my life. The truth of the situation is that in two weeks I will probably be meeting people that will be apart of the rest of my life. That's exciting, I'm excited! I look forward to the future, while spending as much of my remaining time here in Virginia, with friends and family treasuring my past.
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