packing day

the week's gone by really slow, but i expect that before every trip. i also have this nervous excitement about going. it hasn't hit me yet because everything leading up to friday has been sort of a blur. one day i was planning for uk to spend a week here, then all of a sudden, i'm buying a ticket to spain for a week. crazy! anyway, doing some prelim stuff today (calling my credit card companies, making copies of my passport and ID, buying a new hoodie at the americana, you know, the common pre trip stuff hehe). stopping by mike's to see the fam and have dinner before packing. i've decided on two hand-carry luggage instead of checking a big suitcase. problem #1 - i don't know which two i'm going to bring. to be decided tonight.

i'm really going to try - even though every time i travel i seem to fail to do this - and pack light for this trip. but in my head i've already got at least four jackets and eight pairs of jeans to bring, so i'll have to pare that down. i'm the worst packer i know, so i often ask for candy's help. i even had jeff pack two weeks' worth of clothes and souvenirs for me during my first time in london.

camera. must bring camera. i plan on taking lots of photos while in spain and really give travel photography a shot (pun intended).

my parents both seem well. dad got his cat scan done earlier this week and he went back to work the next day. i asked my mom this morning if either of them were in any sort of pain or discomfort and she said no, so i'm really thankful for that. in my mind, everything right now is just precautionary and we will do everything we can to keep them in good shape. i've told friends, coworkers, and coworker friends about it and everyone's been really supportive. it's extra nice to have them around at this time.

today is also voting day, for me. i mailed my absentee ballot earlier today and it felt great. it's hard to believe i've voted on two presidential elections. the last time didn't turn out the way i wanted to, so this year better be in my favor.