"The Golden Rule.  Pack your suitcase a week in advance.  Then unpack it and get rid of half."

First and foremost, I'd like to slap you Rick Steves for being the source of a very high level of anxiety in my life this month.  I have packed my suitcase (note, one suitcase for one year) twice, and I am failing miserably.  My carry on is devoted to Tahiti, we've got that covered.  My very large Christmas present suitcase however...it's not havin it.  I've read enough articles and blogs related to year long packing that I feel as if my head is going to spin off in another direction.  They all repeat the same things...pack light.  You'll never under pack as you can pick up different things no matter where you are.  Cue the Americans turned New Zealanders I've talked to...who very much disagree.  "Pack as much as you can.  Pay for an extra suitcase no matter how heavy it is.  They have luggage carriers for that."  Or the "Things in New Zealand are four times as expensive in the states.  Bring a year's worth of make-up, jeans, and absolutely every pair of shoe you will need.  And a raincoat.  It rains a lot here."  I would be amazed if I could choose ten pair of shoes to bring.  I think packing twelve dresses is a stretch for me...they are my everyday staple.  Tonight, I'm going to start this process over.  I've been making a list while reading of absolute must haves...I need to collect all of these things before I start packing again.  I also need some friends there to say "NO MA'AM you may not take that with you.  You'll wear it three times."  And maybe some Amos Lee playing in the background.  It's crawfish season.  Maybe I'll have a crawfish dinner before packing...to really mellow myself out food coma style.  Either way, I am conquering this packing, and I'm conquering it in a planned out successful way.  I mean, would two suitcases really be a failure?  I don't even own two suitcases.  Maybe a suitcase and a duffel?  Packing, I will prevail!!!!  

Can you tell I'm excited about this trip?  I. cannot. wait. to. go.  Seriously, I'm dreaming of New Zealand every night here.  Face buried in my Lonely Planet...I never thought that I would be more excited than a five year old on Christmas Eve, but I am.  
 
Making an acquaintance with routine is a mistake.  In three weeks, my routine will come apart, and I will be headed in a new direction.  Now that things here are coming to a close, I have the chance to think about what it is I really want out of the upcoming year.  What public service projects do I want to begin or become a part of?  What will my new day to day look like?  Most importantly, what can I do that will scare me?  My fellow Ambassadorial Scholar Gregory is speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos today.  I bet he is scared to death (but doing those folks proud)!  I am ready to paint my picture just like Greg is doing.  Give me my paintbrush!

Three weeks left.  I have packed one suitcase as a sort of dress rehearsal.  As much as I hate it, we are probably looking at a two suitcase year.  Rick Steve's will be very disappointed....either way, I'm working on it Rick...

In anticipation of tramping club, I'm now the proud owner of some Mountain Hardwear Gear, a Marmot rain jacket, and some Merrill hiking boots.  We're off to a good start!  

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