I Have to Pack!!

Buongiorno!

2 days to go and then I'm off on the first part of my trip!

I just checked the forecast and it's looking bleak. DC and NYC are both in the mid 40's, with possible freezing rain on the days we'll be there. Then Rome, Venice, and Florence are also around 50F with rain as well. *sigh*. Just last week I checked and while I wasn't happy with Rome weather (~40F), the rest of the cities looked ok (~75F). This sudden change in forecast is not helping me with the packing situation. What the heck is freezing rain, anyway? :P

Winter travel is much more cumbersome, having to lug coats and having less room in suitcases because of bulky sweaters and such. My friends and I plan to check out the nightlife in Italy, but in 30 degree weather? Puhlease. It will be fun, I'm sure, and something to talk about later, but it's hard to think about looking cute when you're running in the rain in heels in freezing temperatures, and you ladies know how our cutest outfits aren't always the most practical! :P

Anyway, it just occurred to me that we might get to see some holiday festivities in Italy while we're there, so I'm really looking forward to experiencing a bit of that, especially in a city where their history and faith are central to their outlook on life.

I'm finally starting to get excited, although I'm not letting myself get TOO excited. I think I overhyped my last trip to Europe to the point where I was very disappointed with some of the places I went to, but then again, I went with an ex and the funniest thing after that trip was realizing the best time I had while in Europe was when he got sick and my gal pal and I went off to explore the Irish countryside without him. Needless to say, we are no longer together. That's definitely one of the relationships I don't care about anymore. I do hope he's doing well and all, and perhaps those lessons I learned while I was with him were necessary and helped shape me, but thank goodness he's not in my life anymore. I can't imagine he'd have the ability to make me, or anyone for that matter, happy over the long haul. And no, I'm not saying that from a place of resentment. I'll elaborate on this in a future blog, I'm sure.

Oh. I think I just digressed. Where was I? Oh. I have to pack! Yikes!

Ten things I have to do before I leave on Monday morning (in no particular order):

1. Send copy of itinerary/hotel info, etc. to sis/bro. It's always a good habit to let someone know where you'll be at!

2. Make copies of important documents. It's always a good idea when travelling overseas to do so, especially when travelling to Italy where pickpockets are abound.

3. Finish up a part transfer at work.

4. Upload pics from my camera and clear up space on the flashcard.

5. Pick up cheese and a banana for my pre-run breakfast tomorrow morning.

6. Go on my 9 mile run on Sunday.

7. Clip my toe nails. Yeah, I know. Too much information. :P

8. Send directions to my place to the person giving me a ride to the airport on Monday morning.

9. Send an email/itinerary to my friend picking me up when I return.

10. Read up a bit on Italy and make note of simple phrases.

Ok. I'm gonna get started on this list now.

Arrivederci! A presto! :-)