Last minute post.
Sep. 19th, 2005 02:36 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
castalia*FLAIL*!!
Now I know why people kept asking if I was nervous yet and then eyeing me and saying I was oddly calm about it all; the panic stage was just delayed a bit.
Am packed, though tenuously. My original plan of one large suitcase, one smaller one, a duffel carry-on and my LLBean travel bag was dashed to bits by the realization that the duffel was too small to do me any good. Thus a trip to Walmart to get a larger duffel; but of course, that meant two huge bags to deal with plus carry-ons, and the thought of trying to struggle with all of them while on the Tube and the trains seemed impossible. I've eliminated what I think I can live without, so now there's the two large bags and the travel bag for my laptop and essentials. Both the large ones have wheels (they can be up to 70 lbs each before any extra fees get added on), so I think I'll be ok.
Gah, I have to leave so many books behind. I managed most of my CDs and a good number of DVDs, but still. Ouch.
Am terrified of dealing with luggage on the Tube. Absolutely no idea what to expect, but I am armed with maps and advance train tickets, so I should survive somehow.
I hardly ever cry, but I think I've made up for years' worth over the weekend. The stress of it all and the prospect of really leaving home for the first time has finally hit me, I think. Managed to hold it together through the Eucharist this morning despite Father Joel's little speech about me leaving, everyone's comments about my singing (we did a special anthem we'd been working on forever and for communion I sang "I Am a Poor Warfaring Stranger" and made Sandy cry), and all the hugs and goodbyes. Several more people came up and gave me cards and money, but it was Pat who made me break down when she took me aside and gave me what should be a proper family heirloom: a crystal and silver rosary from Ireland which she had blessed by an Irish monk when she and her husband visited the country. I'm to take it with me on the plane. The response to my leaving has been rather overwhelming, and I feel very blessed right now.
Not blessed enough to avoid panic, of course. Just a bit. I need a Hitchhiker's Guide of my own to tell me not to panic in large, friendly letters.
![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
cimmerianwillow will be here at 8:15 or so, then after a quick trip to the bank it's off to Knoxville. My flight is at 1:10, with a connection at Dulles in DC, and I should arrive in London around 6:20am their time. I'll be staying at the Bangor Youth Hostel at first until the student housing office can help me find good yet cheap accomodations. I'm wireless equipped, so I'll try to post when I get there and keep you all apprised.
And now I need a nap. See you all soon.
Now I know why people kept asking if I was nervous yet and then eyeing me and saying I was oddly calm about it all; the panic stage was just delayed a bit.
Am packed, though tenuously. My original plan of one large suitcase, one smaller one, a duffel carry-on and my LLBean travel bag was dashed to bits by the realization that the duffel was too small to do me any good. Thus a trip to Walmart to get a larger duffel; but of course, that meant two huge bags to deal with plus carry-ons, and the thought of trying to struggle with all of them while on the Tube and the trains seemed impossible. I've eliminated what I think I can live without, so now there's the two large bags and the travel bag for my laptop and essentials. Both the large ones have wheels (they can be up to 70 lbs each before any extra fees get added on), so I think I'll be ok.
Gah, I have to leave so many books behind. I managed most of my CDs and a good number of DVDs, but still. Ouch.
Am terrified of dealing with luggage on the Tube. Absolutely no idea what to expect, but I am armed with maps and advance train tickets, so I should survive somehow.
I hardly ever cry, but I think I've made up for years' worth over the weekend. The stress of it all and the prospect of really leaving home for the first time has finally hit me, I think. Managed to hold it together through the Eucharist this morning despite Father Joel's little speech about me leaving, everyone's comments about my singing (we did a special anthem we'd been working on forever and for communion I sang "I Am a Poor Warfaring Stranger" and made Sandy cry), and all the hugs and goodbyes. Several more people came up and gave me cards and money, but it was Pat who made me break down when she took me aside and gave me what should be a proper family heirloom: a crystal and silver rosary from Ireland which she had blessed by an Irish monk when she and her husband visited the country. I'm to take it with me on the plane. The response to my leaving has been rather overwhelming, and I feel very blessed right now.
Not blessed enough to avoid panic, of course. Just a bit. I need a Hitchhiker's Guide of my own to tell me not to panic in large, friendly letters.
cimmerianwillow will be here at 8:15 or so, then after a quick trip to the bank it's off to Knoxville. My flight is at 1:10, with a connection at Dulles in DC, and I should arrive in London around 6:20am their time. I'll be staying at the Bangor Youth Hostel at first until the student housing office can help me find good yet cheap accomodations. I'm wireless equipped, so I'll try to post when I get there and keep you all apprised. And now I need a nap. See you all soon.
![[identity profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/openid.png){kind=small}
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 07:29 am (UTC)Am terrified of dealing with luggage on the Tube.
You'll be okay :) Even if you do get turned around, it's easy to catch another one right back. ;)
Will see you in the A.M., babe.
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 07:36 am (UTC)See you soon!
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 07:34 am (UTC)And if there are books you really want but can't take now, have them posted to yourself, US postage rates are cheap enough to do that (beware of the postage the other way, though).
Everything will work out, really!
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 07:38 am (UTC)I've had to make myself distinguish between books I want and books I honestly need. But if I find myself wanting something months from now, I can always call my mother and ask her to send it :)
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 08:01 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 08:06 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 08:10 am (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 11:06 am (UTC)When you are settled I'll send you books, CD and DVD. : )
big big hugs
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 01:17 pm (UTC)Bags on the Tube are't as bad as you think they'll be. Trains go by all the time, so you can always move slowly and catch one, let a particularly crowded one go by, etc. And sometimes a really nice guy will come along and help you, as happened to me when I left in June. :)
Goo luck! *hugs*
(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-01 07:32 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-10-02 08:23 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 01:54 pm (UTC)Good luck
Date: 2005-09-19 02:46 pm (UTC)Enjoy your time over there!
Good luck
Date: 2005-09-19 02:57 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 03:09 pm (UTC)PUB GRUB
(It's cheap & hearty.)
Have fun!
(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 06:23 pm (UTC)(no subject)
Date: 2005-09-19 08:48 pm (UTC)Look at lots of pretty sea creatures.
Have fun
Date: 2005-09-20 03:02 am (UTC)Have a safe trip!