we'll see how this goes...

So i haven't really explored the whole blogging world before, but i figured it would be a good way to keep people posted on what i hope will  be an amazing year. 

i leave on September 3 which means that as of now there are 94 days until i leave for Spain! yesterday we got the letter from my doctor saying that i have no severe mental problem nor communicable diseases, as well a letter from the police station confirming that i have no criminal history. i've never been asked those questions before, but i guess there's a first time for everything. the next step is to take all these letters to the Spanish consulate, which is more complicated than we'd expected seeing as the nearest consulate is in San Francisco. 

i'm getting excited for packing and getting everything together, though i'll probably do that in the 8 days i have between my month at camp and my departure...maybe i should attempt to break the procrastination habits now...(i have a friend who leaves for a year abroad in Hong Kong at around the same time who has already started packing)

if anyone's interested in the packing list:

 

-1 dressy (“interview”) outfit (jacket and tie or

dress), plus shoes

- 1-2 dressy casual outfits (dress shirt/trousers or      

blouse/skirt) 

- 5 pairs pants (including jeans)

- 6 shirts

- 3 long-sleeved shirts/turtlenecks 

- 8-10 pairs socks; 8-10 sets of underwear

- 3 pairs shorts

- 2-3 light sweaters

- sunglasses

- 3-4 heavy sweaters

- 1 raincoat or water resistant shell

- 1 winter coat or parka

- 2 sets of sleepwear

- 1 robe

- 1 pair slippers, flip-flops or Teva-type sandals

- 2 pairs comfortable shoes

- 1 pair waterproof shoes or boots

- 1 set of swimwear

- lens solution (if you wear contact lenses)

- gloves, scarf, winter hat

- 2 sets gym clothes

- sweat pants or gym pants - flash or memory stick for computer data storage

- athletic/running shoes (you will be walking

frequently)

- recipes (convert to metric before you leave)

- luggage locks and sturdy name tags

- #2 pencils with erasers (you’ll want to purchase your

   other school supplies abroad)

- small nylon or canvas bag for overnight trips

- day pack ( useful for sports, short trips and             

overflow on the return trip)

- laptop computer with MS Word and charger that

   can handle 220-volt current (more information will

- your musical instrument (check with airline)    be sent to you in our June orientation mailing)

- sport specific equipment, i.e. cleats, etc.

- TI83, TI83 Plus or TI84 or TI84 Plus calculator    

   (required for math students)

- battery-operated alarm clock (required)

- 1 towel & 1 washcloth (required)

- Electronic French, Italian, Latin or Spanish/ English

dictionary

- small flashlight

- travel umbrella

- camera

- 1 toilet kit