So today is my last day in Topeka. I guess I have mixed feelings about it. The feeling that is the most recurring is that of still being overwhelmed–probably because I still haven’t finished packing. And here I am, writing a blog post instead of putting stuff in my suitcase. Writing a post and watching an America’s Next Top Model marathon. Classic. Before productivity kicks in, I have a few thoughts on the day I thought I’d share:

Packing

Okay, so I have these swanky new orange suitcases in a great set I got from Dillard’s a few months ago. They’re spacious and fabulous and, well, so beautifully orange. I have also gotten these great compression bags from Target that are similar to gigantic Ziploc bags. They’re like vacuum sealed bags, but you don’t need the vacuum! They’re pretty much ingenious. You need to buy these bags.* For example, I somehow fit fourteen sweaters, shirts, and jackets into one and it fits so nicely into said orange suitcase, with much room to spare. However, the obstacle I’m running up against, and it’s really starting to get on my nerves, is the stupid weight limit for suitcases provided by United Airlines. 50 pounds per checked bag. I know that sounds like a lot, but when packing for a seven-month excursion, it’s actually quite tricky. I wish they could make an exception for people staying for longer than a certain time period. I may write a letter to the airline (in my spare time-ha!)

Google Maps

Thought number two: the awesomeness (and pseudo-creepiness) that is Google Maps. I’m not sure if you’re aware of this new feature, but G Maps now offers a “street-level view” for much of the U.S. in Google’s quest to take over the world. So, when googling for directions from my house to my parents’ in Ohio, I found this. Yes, by clicking on the camera by my address, you can peer at my house and my neighbors’ . . . and that’s not all! You can then click on next step and follow the road all the way. There are a few exceptions where Google hasn’t sent its minions to capture, but it’s only a matter of time. I’m sure that soon, Google will have “in-house views” that tell you the best route to get from your living room to your kitchen . . . yikes (but also really cool)!

Driving

So speaking of maps and directions, the drive tomorrow is probably going to be annoying. I have some podcasts and Dutch lessons to listen to on the way, but 10 to 12 hours in a car does NOT sound like the best way to spend my Saturday. However, I guess I should be more goal-oriented in my thinking, because as I said last time, I’m really looking forward to seeing my parents and hanging out for a week or so. Any suggestions for good audiobooks I should pick up today when running errands?

Gas

A logical leap to my next topic from my last is the FREAKING price of gas. Diesel in my case, which is way worse. The station down the street from our house (which isn’t necessarily representative) is $4.93/gallon. The last time I filled up, it was $4.65. I know I shouldn’t complain too much because my Jetta does get amazing mileage, but it still feels like someone punches me in the stomach everytime I have to fill up. I won’t dwell too much on this because everyone can identify with this sentiment, unfortunately, but GRRRRRR.

Not my Jetta, but you get the idea

Mac and Washburn

Speaking of “grrrrr,” my last rant today is against Washburn’s bookstore. I recently switched from a PC to a Mac laptop (which was, pretty much, the best idea ever) and I want to purchase the Office for Mac 2008 software so I can get all my Word files from old computer to new. Washburn purports to offer these great deals to students that offers the regularly priced software package of $300 for students at $60. $60!! As soon as I received my MacBook, I inquired about purchasing said software . . . this was about a month ago and it was on backorder, but they assured me “it will be in next week” . . . SO, 3.5 weeks later, I’m still getting the “it will be in next week” response and I’m sorely disappointed. Best Buy offers it for $150 and I may end up having to do that as I don’t want to wait until after arriving in NL to get set up with this essential software. Boo, Washburn. Get someone on the phone and make it happen.

Well, it is time for me to be productive and stop complaining about the small things. I suppose the next time we talk, I’ll be writing from Ohio. I’m serious about the audiobook suggestions, if you have any good ones, send them along!

Parting thought: Happy Birthday, Nelson Mandela. May we never forget what you’ve done for South Africa and our world.

* The author was not paid for her endorsement of Embark Compression Bags. She just thinks they’re fabulous. You really should buy them. Really.