It is exciting for the date to keep getting closer, though also a bunch more arrangements to be done on three fronts (a) wrapping up work (b) being able to leave my household for 10 months and (c) trip preparations. This week we got an official approval from the HP benefits center for my leave. In order to keep COBRA health coverage there are some things I’ll need to do from an internet cafe from Siberia, however other paperwork is hopefully in place. I am still waiting for my visa invitation to come back which I’ll need to turn around and apply for the Russia visa itself. I’ve talked with my tennants and worked an arrangement where they provide additional “house sitting” set up. I’ve been getting money in the right accounts for the trip, and this month will start changing my address on the official bills to my parents so they can pay things for me. A lot of other little things to get done.

What happens in one month? Well, that is the first official day of leave. I’ve reserved a mini-van so I can run a few last minute errands before saying goodbye to my residence for almost 10 months. Plan is to drive to Dallas and then bicycle from there to Texas Hell Week. I’ll fly from Dallas to Amsterdam on the 24th of March. As that gets closer, I’ll likely change the countdown clock to start counting to March 24th.