but also really excited

my flight to los angeles leaves in less than twenty-four hours. the piles of things-to-bring, currently on my floor, still need to somehow fit into my two allowed suitcases, at less than 44 pounds each.

i should really be used to packing my life into two suitcases by now, but i'm not.

the problem, of course, is that in addition to normal things - like clothes, toiletries, etc - i also need to bring a sleeping bag and things for hiking, snorkeling, etc. yes, i managed to get to tucson under 40 pounds, but i'm adding on a considerable amount of things. who ever came up with these baggage weight limits anyways? and how are they still only 44 pounds for people who are traveling internationally, but have to make a domestic flight in new zealand?

although i've created about 80 million lists of things i think i could possibly need that i wouldn't be able to buy in new zealand (what can i say? i love lists) i'm still terrified that i'm going to get there and find something i need immediately, that is not available in new zealand, and that my existence is reliant upon. it's also possible that i am simultaneously excited and nervous about this whole prospect so am completely over-analyzing everything related.

i shouldn't really be stressing too much about these baggage things, because, i know, that somehow i will get everything there and will be able to carry everything by myself.

when my family visited new zealand seven years ago, i remember telling my parents i was going to go to college there. and now, here i am ...

i haven't even left yet, and i'm already in shock that i could possibly be going. that this is actually happening.

i'll be in auckland (the largest city) for eight days before meeting other students from the states for a new zealand orientation and then i fly to dunedin for the international students orientation at the university. the prospect of being by myself for that first week is a little intimidating, but i'm glad i'll get the chance to explore auckland and see the north island before going south.

(i'm boring you with my "freaking-out-but-also-really-excited"-ness, so i'll just leave it at this)