Bursting at the Seams

      I called a certain bank this morning and asked if I would be able to exchange cash for euros without being an account holder at that particular bank.  I was assured it would not be a problem, but when I got there, the teller informed me that I was mistaken and that I would need to make an account, transfer money into the account and then euros could be ordered for me.  So I then had to drive all the way to AAA to buy packs of 65 euros for $100, which is a horrible exchange rate.  But hey, you gotta do what you gotta do, right?

     I attended a dessert party this afternoon, hosted by a friend.  There were crepes, muddy buddies (peanut butter, chocolate and powdered sugar Chex), beignets, ice cream, Nutella tiramisu... I thought I was going to explode!   I had a really great time though, laughing and catching up with friends before I leave.

     I then came home and taking a second look at my suitcase, I realized how stuffed it is.  At this stage, I'm approximately 85% packed.  I really didn't overpack, I swear.  I was very controlled in my packing.  I realized that the way I had packed earlier, my heavy comic books and liquids were all at the bottom.  The combined weight made my suitcase really difficult to lift from the floor onto my bed.  Yeah, it was a bit of an issue.  I took out two comics and put them in my carry-on, in the hopes that it would trim down the weight.  My carry-on bag is mostly packed and is super heavy, without my laptop!  So far what I'm bringing in my carry-on:

• Laptop and charger
• Cell phone and charger
• iPod and earbuds
• Camera
• Two comic books - Batman HUSH and Lost at Sea
• A Game of Thrones - My friends all rave about the TV series.  I saw the first episode of it and it kind of weirded me out.  However, I'm willing to give it another chance after I read the books.
• Small cosmetic bag with makeup - I doubt I'm going to wear much makeup, but sometimes applying makeup can wake me up a little
• A Ziploc sandwich bag with extra contacts, contact solution, my moisturizer, Say Yes to Cucumbers facial cleansing towelettes, toothpaste, hand sanitizer
• Toothbrush - I am obsessed with my teeth being white and clean.
• Deodorant - I'm super paranoid about how I smell
• Ibuprofen - My best friend
• A change of clothes just in case
• Jewelry - Not that I own expensive jewelry, but I'd be devastated if I lost them
• Journal
• Pens/pencils
• A pair of socks - I'm wearing flats to get through security but my feet get cold on planes
• Eyeglasses - for when my eyes get tired
• Spanish to English Dictionary
• Spain guidebook
• Notebook
• Sunglasses
• Hairbrush and hair elastics
• Finally, my binder - This has all of my flight information, housing papers, etc.  Every important document is in it.  It just helps me stay organized

Anything I forgot?  I don't have that feeling like I forgot something, but I'm sure I will when it's too late.

      The flight is about seven hours.  I'm thinking I'll probably spend the first few hours reading and writing, but I am determined to get some sleep!  We land in Barcelona just before 10 and then I'm awake for the rest of the day so I am going to get some sleep!  That's the point of a red-eye flight!  I have my plane outfit planned already, but I may change into shorts the following morning once we land in Madrid, depending on the weather. 

     I'm currently craving deep dish, stuffed crust pizza from a small family restaurant in Providence...at 1am... I'm strange, I apologize.  I have no idea why.  Maybe Brianne and I will take a little weekend trip to Italy!

     My good friend from high school who was stationed in Afghanistan is finally back in the states!  I'm so glad he's back and safe!  I'm going to miss seeing him!  He'll be home while I'm gone!  Arrgghh!  I feel so guilty!