I would like to begin by saying that yesterday was a cold, rainy day, and I received a phone call at 6:45 telling me that the wing commander had released a delayed reporting time of 10:00. Last night, we received at least 2 inches of snow and the roads were covered in sheets of ice until about 9 o'clock this morning. Yet, we were expected to report to work at 7:30. I watched two accidents occur and nearly skidded out of control on bridges three times. Sometimes, you have to really wonder about people's decision-making processes.
Anyway, flashing forward to exactly one week from this moment, I will no longer be an Arkansas resident. How long have I waited to be able to say those words! (Though, technically, they won't count until it actually is a week from now...)
Have I started packing yet? No. Have I thought about starting to pack yet? Yes.
I'm so overwhelmed, but I think I'm going to put everything in the hands of God and Mayflower Moving company. I'll pack a couple of suitcases and stash those in the bathroom along with all of my liquids that shouldn't be packed and then tell them to just box up everything except the refrigerator, oven, and dogs. I don't think puppies do terribly well in storage facilities. Although, I'll admit, I am tempted to experiment.
I'm pretty excited about having a month and a half off from life as a working girl, though a bit nervous about living with my parents for the duration. My plan is to attempt to stick to a schedule, and get as much wedding planning done as is humanly possible. I'm also devoting myself to writing. I figure there's probably not another time in my life when I'll be as free to take a stab at this "full time writer" dream, so I'm finishing that damn novel if it kills me. And it very well might. Then, if I'm not dead, and I'm feeling particularly ambitious, I'll start on my idea for my next novel that came to me in a dream a few nights ago. Literally, it came to me in a dream. Weird.
In other writing news, my Wise Bread blog on Target shoes was the only one to be quoted in the Carnival of Shoes and Bags and my article on the shipping kit for military addresses was picked up by The Consumerist. Not bad for my first week on the job!
Since I've had nothing to do at work for the past couple of days, I've begun researching for the honeymoon. We're pretty much decided on two weeks next March in Rome, Florence, Capri, and the Amalfi Coast, so I've been scouring Trip Advisor and have come up with a nice loose itinerary that I think could work very well. If anyone has ever been to Italy, do you have a recommendation for a town to base out of along the Amalfi Coast for about 3 days? I've been looking at Positano, but have seen some warnings that it's gotten pretty touristy.
I've been having a blast though--I don't know why people get travel agents, I've had so much fun doing the research and googling this and that. Half the fun of travelling is when you get horribly lost on your way up a "hill" that turns out to be a mini-mountain or are unwittingly attempting to travel by the seat of your pants on a bank holiday and end up having to stay at the bartenders flat above the pub. You'll have to remind me to tell you those stories some day...
Anyway, I've got a busy weekend planned. I'm hosting an old-fashioned slumber party at my apartment Saturday night, complete with chick flicks, pizza, ice cream, and pajamas, and then all day Sunday will be spent in a panic preparing for the movers to come on Monday.
Expect my next post to be written as I'm cowering in an out-of-the-way corner, horribly embarrassed as a group of strange men tromp in and out of my apartment, hauling my furniture and possessions away. Should be fun!

You can title the tale of college freshman living/touring in Ireland for the summer "Every Parent's Nightmare." Particulary the part about taking up the pub bartender on his offer to sleep in the spotless rafters above the bar.
Posted by: OldWarrior | February 02, 2007 at 10:16 PM
OK, even though I'm not sure of the actual location, besides that it's in the Liguria region, I've heard nothing but amazing things about Cinque Terre. If you email this guy (chris@chris-o.com) and tell him that Lynn sent you, he should be able to give you more information :-) He's a VERY well-traveled buddy of mine from England.
Posted by: Lynn | February 03, 2007 at 03:26 AM
Oooh. I'm jealous of your honeymoon trip. Totally jealous. I am not, however, jealous of your move. I hope yours goes smoothly and quickly and much better than any of mine have gone. HA!
You are SO RIGHT about Target shoes. After reading your article, I had to check them out today. If I had not had my squirmy toddler with me, I would have gone home with so many cute shoes! I will be going back to hit those shelves again, most definitely!
Posted by: Steph. | February 03, 2007 at 03:51 AM
Oooh, I second the Cinque Terre comment! I was 12 when I went to the Amalfi Coast so not much help there. Congrats with the writing work and have fun before the movers come!
Posted by: maggie | February 03, 2007 at 03:54 AM
Dude! You're moving! To Seattle! The home of Costco! Wheeee
(does my enthusiasm make you feel any less stressed?)
Posted by: Heather B. | February 04, 2007 at 07:14 PM
Oh! I'm so excited for your honeymoon plans! I'll call you this week, and you can tell me all about it -- if you have a free moment, that is! And yes, climbing Killiney "Hill" was an absolute blast -- really. I didn't think we were all going ot pass out before reaching the top, or just jump, or be abducted by the cute little "gardner" at the "Canadian Embassy." No, it was a blast. Just like taking ths bus to walk a mile and a half in the rain to the back entrance of Padraig Pearse's school...and meeting at midnight in the middle of Trinity on that glorious bank holiday...Okay, you're right, it WAS fun!!
Seriously, I'm psyched about your honeymoon. Y'all will have an amazing time, I'm sure. And March'll be such a nice time to go...Not too hot, not too many people...Okay, I'll call you tomorrow. Nuff said. Or written, anyway. Ok, I'm stopping. Now.
Posted by: Annie | February 05, 2007 at 04:48 AM
Seattle is the home of Costco?? I thought it was the home of NORDSTROM! (and a little company called Microsoft)
HUGS!
Posted by: Anonymous G | February 05, 2007 at 05:00 AM
Just think, you will get to know ALL NEW Target shoe departments when you move. Enjoy your planning time at your parents!
Posted by: shopper | February 05, 2007 at 05:04 AM
Wow, can I just tell you how envious I am of your honeymoon trip? I want to go to Italy so badly, but I want to wait to go with someone.
Posted by: Becky | February 07, 2007 at 12:37 AM