the last trimestre

I don't believe I received the "JO! you're moving continent! Stop faffing around uploading photos and start making some PLANS!" memo! and yet somehow I'm only 10 weeks til D-Day with a not-so-completed list in the 'planning department'...

What should I do? Where do I start? When do I start? What do I need? What don't I need? Should I worry? Should I act worried? When should I worry/start acting worried? What happens if I forget something? What happens if I take too much? What's more important: looking good or keeping warm/cool? What's more important: Don Quixote or my reference bible? Debit card or travellers cheques? VISA or mastercard? Immodium or laxative tea? Diary or Macbook - he he? Suitcase or backpack? Scarpas or espadrilles?

ABORT ABORT ABORT -> SOMEBODY TAKE THE PRESSURE DOWN

I'm still adjusting from my last move. Yes I'm serious...I've still got unpacked boxes, and not just the 'stowed out of mind in my parents' garage' variety; unpacked boxes in my room: fully visible!!!!!!! Not to mention the stuff I left...ah-hum I mean, lent to my old housemate:)...how can this be happening again?!

It may be cliche but there is truth in the words: 'time flies'

This time a year ago I was pondering what to do with my life; casually reading a past year book about how the preaching work started in India, weighing up what would be harder - Vietnamese or Nepali? weighing up what would be more of an experience - Barcelona or Nepal? considering whether or not 'I'm that kind of person'? or is it even possible?

And now, I'm here. Leaving for Bangkok in 76 days, and arriving in Kathmandu, Nepal (my home for the next 12 months) in 87 days.

But the exciting news is:
'guess who's back? back again?
[Chasty's] back, tell a friend,
guess who's back? guess who's back? guess who's back? guess who's back? do do do...'

Yes, my partner in crime (AKA Alana) just returned from her 4-month stint in Nepal, and we are now getting down to business-> 'it's business, it's business time!'

I've booked my flights, and just got my leave of absence approved - thank you Gilbert! (insert French accent), we've got a place to live (high-5s for Chasty!), we're discussing different VISAS (the permit, not the CC), and are investigating ways to heighten language absorption (rapping is a possibility). So yes, we appear to be in 1st gear!

Unfortunately each time I open my check-list it seems to lengthen rather than reduce...which is a little unnerving as I was hoping this would be the 'once in my life' where I'd have everything all-together and terrifically sorted before I hit the tarmac. Is it too much to ask that I can be well-rested, neatly packed, beautifully dressed, on time and under the baggage weight limit???

I hope not friends, as this is my mission!