Preparations

Thirteen days until lift-off and panic is starting to settle in. I wake by 5:15 every morning with the realization that there is one more thing that I've forgotten to put on my to-do list. Later, in the light of day, I realize that even with that one extra thing to do, I should be well prepared by the 19th. Funny how those hours before dawn can play with you.

In the last two days I have delivered my cats to their fabulous new home and I've sold my car. It feels great to be able to cross the two biggest things off the list.

Despite the mild panic attacks about getting everything done on time, I haven't questioned my decision about this trip. I haven't missed my house or any of the things that I have given away or stored and I look forward to my adventures with nothing but excitement. If my enthusiasm ever flags, I will look to Mark Twain for inspiration:

"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you did not do than by those you did do. So throw off the bowline, sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade wind in your sails. Explore, dream, discover."