The List....

Oh my.
How am I going to fit my life into a backpack? The thought of it was completely absolutely and totally overwhelming.
... and did I mention, a bit emotional?
So, I sneakily wrangled one of my dearest friends into going to REI with me to look at backpacks. Being that I have never really backpacked. Ever.
I needed help.
And help he did. I found a beautiful 60L Gregory backpack which will very soon become my new 'home'.
I've done a ton of research on what to pack for a big trip like this, so while we were at REI, we also picked up a few other essentials that I will need (thank you REI garage sale!).

Here is the tentative packing list:
2 pair of lightweight pants - check
1 pair of jeans - still deciding which pair to take
2 skirts - decisions decisions
1 pair of sleep/athletic shorts - check
1 slip dress (suitable for beach, or dresses up for going out) - check
3 tank-tops (1 is a dressy tank)- uh..er... well...
3 shirts/t-shirts - ok - no prob
1 long-sleeved thermal - pink?
1 long-sleeved microfiber outdoorsy shirt - hmmmm
1 fleece pullover - not yet.
1 zip-up hoody - check
3 pairs of socks (1 hiking, 2 cotton)- no, yes.
8 pairs of underwear - do I really have to wear underwear?
2 bras - check
1 sportsbra - double check
1 scarf - oooh yay!
2 pairs of leggings - super check
1 hat - check
1 pair of Teva-like sports sandals - not yet
1 pair of hiking boots - not yet (REI!)
1 pair of flip flops (for shower shoes in nasty hostels) - check
PacSafe Mesh net - CHECK! YAY!
Microfiber travel towel - coming soon
Silk-blend sleep sheet - check
sleeping pad - check
sleeping bag - Check
Sunscreen
Deet insect repellent
Water bottle/camelpak - check
1 extra copy of my passport
1 mini sewing kit
1 carabiner clip
1 headlamp flashlight - check
1 mini set of eating utensils
1 pocket knife
1 power converter
1 travel medical kit:
TOILETRIES - hmmm going to have to research this a bit.
My Laptop - do I bring it?: Dell Latitude ES400 (It would help staying in touch... but it might not make it through the trip – it’s not exactly new)
Camera: Cannon
Headset for Skype?
Journal
Neoprene laptop cover (it’s my computer’s rain coat!)- check
Pens - check
Deck of cards (they have my initials on them!) - check
Secret Money belt (ssshhhhh)- check

With the notion that this whole list could be modified as I get closer to 'go time'.

and... as I look around my house... it's starting to hit. All of this, will be gone.
By the new year I will be on the road. Starting over.
Fresh.
New.
Clean.
Letting go of everything I once knew. Everything I was holding on to...
Going where the wind blows...
I'm scared.
**shiver**