Want a postcard?

Then send me your address and I'll try my damnedest to write and mail you one. But Grandma gets one first, thems the rules. So after her comes everybody else.

Also, HI MOM AND DAD! I know you read this. And don't worry about sending me your address, I've got that one memorized. But you two will also have to wait till after Grandma gets her postcard mailed.

Less than two weeks

I am in the final days of the school year and that nervous ball of energy in my belly is growing larger. Today I took the backpack, on loan to me from my dear friend Shannon, for a test run around my apartment. After stuffing it full of mostly dirty clothes to try and get a feel for a fully stuffed bag I feel good. I also realized my packing list is way too large. I was toying with the thought of bringing my laptop with me on my trip but that went out thewindow once I realized the weight of everything I need for my trip on my back; taking the laptop is a terrible idea (I should have taken Andy's advice). It'll take a lot to get used to for having so much weight on my back when I travel.

I have a new girl to stay at my apartment. I may meet her beforehand which would be helpful. Sadly for the four days I am in NYC KT Hartman will be out of town but I'll have Henry and I will get to spend LOTS of time with Zuparko. If you are a friend reading this who lives in NYC and would like to see me, tell me! My dates in NYC are 18th - 22nd.

End of the school year and goodbye parties are all lined up, I just need to make sure I get everything done that needs to be done. I need another pair of pants. I need more kitty food. I need to scrub the heck out of all my floors. I need to do loads of laundry. Want to help?

Oh, and I got a summer haircut. Like it?

A happy surprise in my mailbox

I would happily kiss the U.S. Government right now. It was one week. ONE WEEK of waiting. And I did not spend the extra millions of dollars to expedite the service. Thank you Obama and your minions, you gave me one more thing to mark off my To Do list.

In other news of stress relief, I have decided to donate my apartment while I am gone to a program where I work. The Breakthrough program offers summer school to 5th and 6th graders who may not have access to a successful education in a supportive atmosphere which encourages higher learning. Their teachers are college age students from all over the country and most of them need a place to live. I can provide that! I'll soon be in touch with an awesome girl from Miami who will love my Ness and sit on my couch. Yes, I'll be missing out on a month's rent but I've been saving my money well and I can take this small setback. The Miami girls needs me and I need her so it is a happy match in the end.

I also bought nice walking shoes today. Merrell's.

I have dedicated myself to be a house manager for a drag show to help pay for these expenses. It's a fun way to make money but I am tired of being out so late every night. Time to put on my slippers and watch "Glee" while drinking tea. I live the good life, yo.

Pray for my passport

I just dropped my passport off in the dropbox at the passport office.
If I do not get it renewed by the middle of June I will cry. The woman
in window said it would be 3 - 4 weeks. I hope she's right.

Getting closer

Rail pass? Purchased.

Plane from Glasgow to Dublin? Purchased.

Bit by bit I'm starting to realize that... holy goodness... this is going to happen. Changed my itinerary slightly, now it includes Stratford-Upon-Avon. Thanks for all the love and support friends. This is an exciting journey, I am blessed to have this opportunity.

Week One - Planned

The map to the left is the basic route I will be taking. My trip has undergone several transformations and here is the most updated plan (starting in London, traveling . I will now travel by train while I am on the island of Britain and then ferry over to Dublin. Sadly I will not have enough time to make it to Belfast, the Isle of Man, and the Isle of Skye, but this means I'll have a reason to come back and visit again!

Today I booked my first six nights at a hostel in London very close to Buckingham palace. I can't wait to be a full blood tourist walking along the Thames, watching the changing of the guards, and touring the palace.

Things are starting to get expensive but I guess I knew that would happen. The best thing about planning early is that I can pay off things before they even happen. Google is being a best friend in this planning phase. I have my list in google word of sights to see, a spreadsheet of my costs, a calendar of where I'll be staying and when, and finally many maps of the entire trip and trips around the cities I'll be visiting. Neat huh? Technology!

Inverness or Aberdeen?

I am mapping out a tentative trip schedule and would love to see some Northern Scotland, so my "million" dollar question is this: Inverness or Aberdeen?