On my way

So here I am in Heathrow airport with another 1.5 hours until I fly to Spain (Barcelona and then another small plane to Sevilla). Figured it would be a good time to attempt a 2nd entry.

I managed to fit everything I think I need for 6 weeks in 2 carry-on bags: a backpack for the overhead compartment and a "tote bag" for under the seat in front of me. If you know me then you realize what an accomplishment this is for me. The tote has only my papers/books, travel documents, day bag, water bottle, medication, an assortment of earrings, camera, ipod, and my multitude of chargers.

In my carry-on sized backpack I fit the following items: 3 day dresses, 3 night dresses, 6 tanktops, 4 pairs of pants/shorts, undergarments, a bathingsuit and coverup, a hand towel, a rain jacket, 2 running outfits, 2 yoga outfits, 4 pairs of socks, running sneakers, 1 nice pair of sandals, 1 comfy pair of sandals, 1 pair of Toms shoes, and my toiletries, most of which are less than 3oz and squeezed engineer-style into a quart-size ziploc. Thank goodness for short hair!

Speaking of short hair, I did decide to chop it off. I'm still getting used to my missing curls and the "oh, so you like girls now?" jokes but you can't beat the convenience. BTW, I don't have a problem with girls liking girls (although I personally have preferred boys (and now adult men and some good "SI" **that's for Susan and Kiran**) since that time in nursery school when I had 3 boyfriends: the neighbor, the pattycake-er, and the one who tried to peep on me in the bathroom). I just don't appreciate being defined by my haircut or being made to feel like less of a woman without my flowing locks. Honestly, there have been moments in the past 5 days of short hair where I felt sexier than ever and I'm just going to hold onto those (and keep wearing lots of earrings and barrettes :-P).

Also, to clarify, don't worry, I packed 6 travel packs of woolite so I can do a handwash now and then. I may have packed light but I don't intend to smell like it!

I watched a sappy movie on the plane which pulled up a bunch of thoughts about why I'm taking this adventure and who/what I'm leaving behind. I have moments of doubt where I panic that I am going to fall behind professionally. Can I get the non-profit public policy job I dream of? Will I make a career change all together and chase the old dreams I had before I dropped college chemistry freshman year at Penn? But then I realize that the right opportunity will come along when I'm ready for it. It always does.

And then, the personal side. Luckily I have email and bbm on this trip so I can stay in touch for the most part. It still makes me a little sad to think about the experiences I will miss. Sure, I'll probably have an amazing time here but sometimes nothing beats hours of drinks, jokes and conversations around my dining room table with the friends/people I love.

And love...well, my dad gave me a nice lecture about "settling down" a few days ago. Maybe this time by myself will help me figure out how to do that. Apparently, according to my dad, I'm not getting any younger.

When I told the woman sitting next to me on the plane that I quit my job, planned a 6 week trip where I will be mostly by myself (except for a week with my parents and a week with Margeau), and chopped my hair off and it's all made me wonder if perhaps I have a brain tumor she said, "No, I'm guessing you'll be turning 30 soon. That's when it happens."