Every book I have read about backpacking in Europe has told me to pack light.  Over and over, don’t take what you don’t need, minimize your pack, streamline, prioritize, light, light, light!

While my backpack, a camping overnight pack, is almost completely ready for the trip, minus one or two final details, I have been busy the past few weeks downsizing and relocating almost everything that comprised my life here in Atlanta.

A month ago I left my job.

Three weeks ago, I left my dog Matilda with my parents in Missouri.

Two weeks ago, I moved out of my apartment and transported all of my belongings to my new house in Florida.

Tomorrow, my mom is coming to collect my car and drive it back to Missouri for the summer.

As of Tuesday, I will be unemployed, homeless, living out of two suitcases, sleeping on my friend’s couch, vehicle-less.  Piece by piece, I have been living lighter and lighter here in ATL.  Cassie, one of my friends kind enough to let me stay at her apartment, noted my load of laundry had finished and asked “Do you mind waiting to start another load until after I get in the shower.”  I looked down at my pajamas, back up at her and smiled.  “I don’t have another load.  All the clothes I have with me are in the wash right now.”  How is that for living light!

Wednesday, I leave for Texas, via New Orleans, with my two good friends Kevin and Nicole.  We spent yesterday planning our excursion, but the majority of planning involved picking out our driving route, determining arrival times and then leaving the rest of the New Orleans adventure up to local recommendations and spontaneity.   I am really  looking forward to it!

Tomorrow starts the whirlwind.  Domestic trip #3, followed by a quick flight to NYC, then off to Spain.  Nicole pointed out yesterday that even once I return, the whirlwind will continue, with grad school orientation, the start of classes, a new city to learn and new friends too!  I suddenly feel less guilty for lazing about by the pool this past week!  It appears there will be no rest for the weary for the next 2-3 months, at least.