One Week Countdown...

Isn't it strange how quickly big trips sneak up on you? A week from today will be my last day of work in Denver. A week from tomorrow, I leave this continent for three months. I am what you would expect....nervous, excited, and anxious.

I started panicking this morning when I realized that my mental list of things to do before I leave is getting too long to remember. I have 15 post-it notes randomly listing whatever came to my head. I need to make a copy of my passport. I need to pack up my SLR. I need to fill my iPod with music. I need to do laundry. The dogs need a bath and I need to cut their nails.

I couldn't sit still, so I left work for Target where I proceeded to go a little overboard. I bought enough dog food to last six months and a giant bag of rawhide bones for my crazy little Maci. I bought travel towels. I bought Listerine strips. I bought Taj an endless supply of squeeky tennis balls. I bought him his favorite treats. Then I started to tear up and decided to leave and not have a nervous breakdown in Target thinking about leaving Taj.

This coming week will be a whirlwind. I have to write a paper for my Global Law class before I leave, since it's due on October 1st and I'll be skipping that day entirely enroute to New Zealand. I need to see my friends before next weekend. Nate and I are spending the weekend in Vail, just us, relaxing in the mountains, eating great food, and hopefully getting a glimpse of the amazing Colorado fall foliage. The aspens are breathtaking this time of year. I'm going to miss Nate so much so I have to savor every second.

Another preparation for this trip, a tiny splurge, I booked myself a day at the spa in Christchurch!! I found a really fancy, shmancy spa in the downtown area near my hotel. I booked the best pampering package - it includes a body massage, aromatherapy, microdermabrasion, a facial, and a "five star" foot massage with pedicure :) Yesss! I booked it for the dreaded day October 2, the 2nd year anniversary of my Mom's death. Two years without her, and I still feel just as lost. I will be alone in New Zealand, probably jet lagged and nervous, and I wanted to distract myself from the inevitable - crying out of control and longing for the Mom who I miss beyond words. I'm sure the spa staff will think I've lost my marbles, but I'm used to that reaction!

I also wanted to share this link with everyone. It's a live webcam of McMurdo Station that updates every few minutes. You can see the time and temperature in once quick glance. Also, there is a lot of great information at this link if you feel like spending some time reading :) http://www.usap.gov/videoClipsAndMaps/mcmwebcam.cfm

So, let the countdown begin! Seven days...

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