Preparation

My job is quit. I am mostly outfitted for travel.

My next mission is to let go.

Even though my mission is to take my trip as it comes, I can't seem to help but try to plan every detail of my trip. It is a daily struggle not to keep a checklist of things I haven't done yet.

My sense-of-adventure side says "You have your ticket and your passport. You're fine." While my planning-for-success side says "Don't waste this opportunity for experience - and make sure you avoid any disasters." There is no clear winner.

I want to make a calendar of banking issues to take care of at home.

I want to have the perfect set of gadgets... a mythical all in one shaver device.. the perfect set of light but high quality ipod speakers. The idea is to go as light as possible but to have everything I need.

I did manage to kill a mission to buy a new fleece jacket I probably won't need in the tropics.

As the departure date gets closer, I am beginning to resolve to the fact that I will not have everything I want, complete every task, see every person I would like to before I go.

My next step is to try and feel excited and free rather than loaded down with tasks to accomplish. I am told this will come a week or two into my trip.

I'll mark an approximate date on my task calendar.