Date: 2010-02-11
To: The Big 4
Miles today: 0.0

As I write this the snow is falling quite continuously. Not so normal for the Dallas area. Anyways, lately I¢ve been extremely stressed out. Funny enough, most of it has little to do directly with preparation for my April 1st start date. No, the majority of it is life related and the stuff I have to do before I take the fateful step off of Springer Mountain. I have four what I call major events happening between now and April 1st. These four events are causing me anxiety, stress, and a general nervousness. Thankfully, God is watching over me and guiding my every move which is lessening the stress and making able to cope with all of this.Big 4 #1- Next weekend one of my best buddies from the University of Kentucky (go Cats!) is getting married right outside of Atlanta, GA next weekend (Feb 20th to be exact). My initial plans were to fly in but then I realized most of the other buddies attending this wedding are flying in too so being transported around would have been more of an ordeal. So, with it being cheaper and more accessible to drive, I will be making the 12 12 hour drive early next Friday morning and then driving back Sunday afternoon. I plan on stopping halfway on my way back, maybe in Mississippi or something, and then finishing the drive on Monday. The wedding itself is not stressful to me but it¢s the prep and driving that can seem a bit long. Big 4 #2- The very next weekend, February 27-28, my roommate and I have to move out of our apartment due to the end of the lease. Again, very stressful. I am trying to get rid of most of my stuff but its harder said then done. Another buddy offered to let me use a storage unit as he owns a storage facility so I am thinking of taking him up on that. However, from Feb 28-Mar 25 I will be homeless. Now, I will not be sleeping on the streets but I will be on couches and floors. I think I am staying with one friend who has graciously offered me the couch and is cool with having my dog stay there as well. Anyways, you know how it is when you feel like you¢re imposing on someone¢s life¢¦Yeah, that¢s how I feel.Big 4 #3- I think I have set the date to drive back to MD (where my parents live) from TX as March 25. It will take me 2 days with small breaks in between. My sister might be joining my dog and I which would be totally fun. Plus, if I can find a home for my car and its payments here in TX it might be done in a rental car as well. Anyways, according to Mapquest.com its going to take 21 hour 11 minutes to drive the 1338.61 miles. Its kind of a long drive. Plus, I¢ll have to stop to let my dog go to the bathroom and have my favorite travel snacks of Red Bull and Combos.Big 4 #4- I¢ll get to Maryland around March 26th where I will hang out for a few days and tie up some loose ends regarding gear and stuff. Then, on Wednesday March 31st, my mom and I will be driving the 10 hour 52 minute 650.79 mile drive to Amicalola Falls so I can be on the mountain by April 1. That raps up the Big 4. I didn¢t even mention the little stuff I will be doing with my continual purchasing of gear, finishing my job, and working with the Cornerstone Crossroads Academy students. To add to the stress I have to find a home for my car and see if I can put my college loans on hold for the time I¢m gone. Also, last thing, I have to take several days to wean myself off of my beloved coffee. Yeah, I don¢t want to just quit cold turkey the first day on the trail. I want to be good and ready for the trail coffee-free.Gear Update: Got my Patagonia Nano Micropuff jacket yesterday. Since it is snowing and crappy outside I have been wearing it while walking my dog. Seems super warm. Now, I¢m thinking about getting the Marmot Precip as an outer layer and a rain jacket. Decisions decisions decisions. I also got my 2010 Thru Hiker Companion book yesterday so I can start logistical planning. I have been using the 2009 but, you know, you want the most up to date version. Lastly, I got the confirmation that my lovely University of Texas burnt orange Crocs were shipped. Yay, I¢ll have camp shoes. God bless you.One Life