I am more or less packed now, which is probably a good thing given that we are leaving tomorrow morning. It's so nice to finally be able to pack and not worry about liquids or a weight limit due to airline regulations.

Looking at my suitcase, I realize that there seems to be a "party" side and a "work/conservative" side. It's probably not noticeable in this picture, but the left definitely has all my party clothes. ;) And of course my latin, ballroom & salsa shoes are all packed up too, since I plan on taking private lessons when I get the chance. Last night I checked on the salsa dancing scene, and as I imagined, it is pretty hoppin' out there. Good thing I am finally 21 - means I can get into all the good salsa dancing places. :)






ITINERARY

We have one week (Monday-Monday) from the time we leave Massachusetts, to the time we need to be in Santa Fe, New Mexico. With no hotel reservations, and no other obligations (other than that Mom made us a reservation to see some performance in Amarillo, Texas on Saturday night....) we are FREE to do whatever we want, which is the way I wanted it. There is no need to rush out to Santa Fe - I don't start work until June 15.

Tomorrow night Mom and I will be leaving Massachusetts, driving down to Burnsville, West Virginia and spending the night with Granny. The next morning we will continue on, with Granny in tow, and wherever we end up for the night will be a mystery. I think it's more exciting/relaxed to do it in that fashion, anyway.

....I'm finally getting excited about the trip. My life has kind of been a whirlwind since coming home from Italy. I haven't really had any time to stop, think, and process some things. I've been so caught up in other obligations and tasks that need to be taken care of that I have really had to focus on one thing at a time. I didn't have the energy to look ahead and start thinking about Santa Fe. But, now that the reality is sinking in that Oh wait, we're leaving tomorrow! I am finally in the right mindset to go to Santa Fe. It probably also helps that...

...Mom is already driving me nuts. I love her dearly, but I am so accustomed to my college freedom & independence that coming home cramps my style (see previous entry). With that said, spending 7 straight days in the car with Mom should make this drive out reeeeeally interesting. haha. I suppose it'll be a crash course in Patience 101.

New Mexico here I come!!!

~ Katie