Packing and driving

Last-minute things are under way at the moment. It is beginning to feel surreal. Most of the time when I think about leaving I am happy about it, but occasionally I feel a sudden jolt of sadness of the people and things I will miss when I am out of touch with my life in Canada.

Today I got a refresher lesson from Aynsley of how to drive stick-shift. She said I was doing quite well, at least until we were inspected from afar by campus security. Apparently we were driving in the forbidden lot. Eventually I think they figured out what we were doing, although never actually asked us. Great security guards we have... way to protect the students!

I also packed, well, mostly. I am getting fixated (worriedly) on things that I perceive as future problems. These OCD style fixations are very typical of me. Right now, I am fixated on the weight of my bags. I'm apparently allowed two checked bags and a smaller carry-on. The checked pieces are a maximum of 50 lbs, which is a ridiculous lot if you are going on a holiday, but not much if you are going for 4 months of work where you need a large variety of clothing, objects, and equipment. I have two big duffel bags, which are far lighter than traditional suitcases, but the downside is that I have to actually carry them, and I can't carry them both at the same time (let alone pull my carry on). Now I know how high-maintenance women feel in the airport. (Wait - they would have luggage with wheels). I wouldn't be so worried, except there is a stop on overweight bags to Quito - meaning if my bags are heavier, they won't make it. I can just see myself in the Buffalo airport wondering how to courier a bag that size to Ecuador. It's just not an option.

My fears were allayed somewhat by my bringing my blue duffel to the shipping office at Brock and weighing it on a scale there. It was about 41 lbs. Since that point I added three light items, and it shouldn't be over 50. The other bag (my personal bag) feels slightly lighter, so I think I am in the clear. Still, I am carrying my weight in baggage. I really sincerely hope that I can find carts, especially in Quito, to get myself around the airport. At least (I think) my bags fly through to the destination. Once I'm there, I plan to leave a lot of my things there in Santy's house. He did get two drawers in that dresser ready for me...

If only suitcases still looked like this...