I like lists

I leave for Vietnam two weeks from today. While I was feeling overwhelmingly anxious a few weeks ago that has recently subsided and has been replaced with indifference. I’m of the mindset, “Yeah, I’m gonna do this thing. Whatever. No big deal.” Perhaps "indifference" is not the suitable adjective for what I'm feeling. Acceptance may be more appropriate. I've finally accepted that I'm making this major shift in my life. I think the change from anxiety to acceptance came once I finally sent in my application for my Visa. That was really looming over my head for awhile and I wasn’t quite sure if it was going to be ready in time. YesterdayI called the consulate in New York City to see if it was received and being processed and after being on hold for 15 minutes I found out that it was ready for pick up! I’m going to get it on Monday when Pete and I go to Lupa’s and Shebeen for his birthday. What a relief!

I’ve always been one to keep lists. When I was in middle-school I kept a list of potential baby names, pet names, boys I liked, and (superficially enough) a list of character/physical traits of the “perfect man”. Since high school I’ve been keeping lists of the books I’ve read, places I’ve wanted to travel, and every time I go to the supermarket it is imperative for me to have a grocery list. I thought it was funny when I met Pete’s aunt for the first time and she asked me about my astrology sign, when I told her I was a Virgo her follow-up question was, “Can I see your lists?” Weird. Keeping with my natural inclination to make lists I’ve made one of the last few items I need to purchase for my trip:

Band-Aids	Motrin
Feminine Products	Cotton Rounds
Electrolyte Tabs	Moleskine Journal
Deodorant	Teacher stickers
Anti-Diarrhea medicine	Luggage locks
Neosporin	Travel size shampoo, soap
Women’s Multi-Vitamins	Q-tips
Ester-C	Antacids
Cold medicine	Insect Repellent
Pens/Highlighters/Markers	Plug converters
Vietnamese/English Dictionary	Grammar Guide

In other news:

I had my Bon Voyage party on Sunday at Nia's apartment. Definitely much fun had by all! I really did not want to have a big event with lots of people, so it was a small affair mostly with my closest friends who I see on a regular basis. I'm incredibly grateful to my friends for coming, Nia for hosting the party, and Noelice's Mom who made her delicious pancit - one of my favorite dishes!