5 days!

Less than a week to go til I leave for Maryland!

Now is the time when the rubber meets the road, and packing is the number one priority. I've just recovered from my Utah/Arizona trip and now I have to pack up again, but then I 'm excited about this new adventure.

I'm really pumped for next Monday. I've been glued to my computer, itching for any new info/stuff talking about Americorps, especially the Class XVI group on facebook that I started awhile ago. I'm pumped to meet all the new people who I'll meet in a couple days. The AmeriCorps Anticipation is killing me!

though I've always been somewhat of a procastinator, its really taking a big effort to get started packing. Dunno why, maybe then the reality that I'm leaving will set in. I've made it a rule to really start packing today, and get a serious amount done.

At lot of the preparation I've been doing has been mental. Getting myself prepared for 10 months on the road, and everything. Plus, I've also been preparing for the cold weather, which with my cold weather test run during my road trip, which (hopefully) shouldn't be a big shock.

I actually went to a cool talk at Loyola Marymount University (or LMU if you're cool or live in LA) tonight. Greg Mortensen gave a talk about his work in Afghanistan and Pakistan building schools (especially for girls), and about his journey to work in the non-profit sector. The stuff he's been doing is pretty awesome, and if you want to know more check out his website http://www.gregmortenson.com/ or http://www.penniesforpeace.org/ .

Driving to LMU, I passed by LAX, where I'll be departing from on Monday. LAX is always a cool place, since it was were my dad worked until he retired recently. Flying has always been fun for me and I love the thrill of travelling.

Besides a couple family get togethers, I have one last big event to watch before I go- the SUPER BOWL. For my favorite team, the SAINTS of course, this has been a long time coming. With Mardi Gras two weeks away, and the super bowl this weekend, I can only guess at what a fever pitch New Orleans is in. Talking to one of my friends, he said if the Saints win, the city may just burn down from excitement (figuratively, of course). I agree the greatest parting gift for me would be a SAINTS superbowl win. :)