Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions.”

- Peter Hoeg

I don't know who this Hoeng guy is, but he seems to have some insight into my experience.

The process of getting all my ducks in a row has been a two-fold challenge. First, I had to procure said ducks. Second, they tend to waddle off at random. When you have one or two ducks--no prob, Bob;  up but when your flock reaches a dozen or so, it starts to get a little unnerving.

But! Here I am, spending my last night in the comfort of my super cozy bed. I have successfully applied for the study abroad program through UNM, and have been accepted as an international exchange student at the University of Canterbury, in Christchurch, New Zealand.  My preliminary schedule is all set. My passport sits at attention on my shelf, fat with the hologram of my glorious and insanely necessary student visa. Next to it sits a Lonely Planet guidebook mottled with blue post-it notes, delineating the beginnings of adventyres yet to come.  Thick printed itineraries are waiting in my backpack because I don't trust in my ability to procure digital proof of the flights if something comes up.  A 10'x20' storage unit is peacefully resting in Taos, sated with boxes full of ex-room decors, books, collected letters, skis, bikes, and clothes.

 

This is everything I want to bring. Including un-enthused dog.

The hardest part will be saying peace out to my pup. Although she is currently blissfully farming to the point that i'm nearly nauseous, I still can't imagine leaving her home.  I'll miss her right down to the stanky rips.

We took a wonderful hike on our fave go-to in Taos: Devisadero Trail

Paring down my closet to fit into 2 carry on suitcases hasn't been a walk in the park. I bought these awesome vacuum seal bags that are really helping to transform my bags into dense bricks of clothes-and-no-air, but even so... Ito a challenge to not bring every awesome piece of clothing I own!!

Here's the packing list Nathalie sent me:

• 3 pants

• 1 shorts

• 1 skirt

• 5 t shirts

• 3 long sleeve

• 2 button up

• 2 dresses

• Socks

• Undies

• 3 shoes

• 1 winter jacket with boots                  

• 1 rain jacket with rain shoes

Aaaaaand.... here's what I ended up with:

• 6 pants
• 2 shorts
• 0 skirts
• 10 +/- 3 t-shirts
• 2 long sleeves
• 2 button up
• No socks or undies
• Jk
• 5 dresses :-/
• 6 shoes?!?! :-/
• 1 winter jacket with boots (which were included in the shoes count)
• 1 rain jacket

 So, tomorrow I move out completely. I'm feeling some strange mixture of contentment and anticipation.  But i'll rest well knowing that no matter what happens,  I'll have plenty of pants.

Xoxo