Packing and unemployment

Today I began thinking about packing for South Africa.

Early in the morning, strangely, I get really motivated to do things and can get a lot done before I begin feeling lazy again. I re-read the requirements for baggage and, after pulling out the luggage that fit the requirements, I realized that I will have to cut down. A lot.

Yesterday, after I got sent home from work. (Screw you, Diane.) I began throwing things out. It's easy to throw things out when you only give what you are about to throw out a second's thought. So let's say you see a shirt and even though it could be in style in two years, you know you haven't worn it for awhile, you just throw it out and move on. Bang. Just like that. After the decision process was completed with my closet, I threw everything into a black trashbag (2 big trashbags! Go me.) and hulled it downstairs. My closet is still on the full side, but I figure after I pack, I'll throw out more.

I know what you're thinking: Why throw things out when I'm going to be back in two years? Well, I've always wanted to be that person that can fit everything they own into a car. I definitely can't do that now (damn couch), but after the Corps, I probably will be able to. That's a cool feeling. And isn't it fung-shui to live with only the basics? Hmm, maybe that was a Buddhist thing I read...

Anyway, the packing has commenced and it isn't a fun process, folks. Good thing I'm unemployed and have the time to put some elbow grease into it. It's hard to pack when you have no idea what it's going to be like in Africa. Ok, ok, mad props to the Peace Corps, they do try by sending out a packing list and trying to give you as much background information as possible about your assignment, but the underlining message is: Hey, anything can happen. Be prepared.

So although I hate packing and unemployment is a little scary in this bad economy, it has made me more excited. It was strange. Until....9:30 a.m. this morning, I don't think I would describe myself as excited, but the more I cross things off my list and talk to Leroy about my imminent departure, I get more excited.

The way I think about it now: I'm unemployed. People more educated as me can't get jobs, so I'm going. No turning back now.