No! Not 53 Lbs.

So, for the most part I have been packed and ready to go to Uganda for over a week. Still, as I piddle around the house I keep finding things that make their way to my suitcase, and now, with only one day to go, I have a suitcase that is 3 lbs. over the weight limit. I can't help myself. Now, I'm going through rounds and rounds of elimination. Scotch tape and extra staples--stay. Picture frame--goes. Walking shoes--go. Colorful permanent markers--stay. Favorite quilt--goes. Top 10 favorite novels--stay. Wait! Take 5 at least! Ok, take 3! Deal.

Packing has turned into a constant battle of negotiation. Which parts of my life will get squeezed into these bags in order to land in Uganda? Which things are the most important to help me turn an apartment into a home? I can't decide if I'm more disgusted by all the stuff I feel like I need or if I'm more sad that my paintings and complete collection of throw pillows must remain behind. Is 3 suitcases too many? I'm pathetic. I'm going to bed.

Tonight I will dream about my new neighborhood and where I'll position my bed in my new place. I should have it completely decorated by the time I wake up tomorrow (P.S. I don't even know what it looks like). HA! Goodnight!

I Can Almost Taste It

As I sit here on the sofa watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition (don't judge me) and feeling slightly chilled from the air conditioning blowing gently in my general direction, I am reminded how different my life will look in just 10 days. This is the worst part...waiting! I have packed and unpacked just for fun, trying to master new techniques. I have everything ready to go. I keep saying goodbyes, and I'm ready to get gone already. I can't wait to laugh with Sylivia, cook with Shelly, sit with Abdul, love on all the kids I've been missing for months, and eat the best pineapple on the planet. But I know that just as I am craving all things Uganda, it won't take too many months of being in Uganda before I'll begin to crave things from here...fast Internet, my own transportation whenever I want it, Netflix, evening walks with Erin, hugs from my mom, and cheese. So, for now I'm drinking it all in...watching television, sleeping late, hugging my friends longer and tighter than usual, and eating entire blocks of cheese.