Shila VS Luggage

WELL two days ago, packing happened.
It was basically like a life-sized (and far more intense/less fun) game of Tetris. Definitely a bit of a gong show.
First things first, I had to choose a bag.
Initially I was gung ho on the hiking pack, but it was so small! I'm not really gallivanting once I get to Botswana, so I figured a suitcase would work just fine. I had two choices: a MASSIVE suitcase, or a medium one. 
The massive one was SO TEMPTING, but I decided to really try and honour the "modest living" concept, so I went with the medium one.
I reeeeally didn't want to pack, and I am a BIG TIME procrastinator, so of course I spent the first while organizing the supplies to get a tidy looking picture. My rationale was that it was necessary to document this process, for blogging purposes of course.... right guys?!?! Anyway. Here was the first detour:

So obviously, a lot of stuff. You were correct in counting nine Costco sunscreens. My next thought was to organize my clothes for a picture, but then I realized how out of hand the procrastination already was, so I got to it. Putting in the first few items was kiiiiind of stressful... I had SO MUCH that needed to fit. 
Detour number two: my headlamp OBVIOUSLY needed a test run. I mean, I couldn't just pack it without even trying it on. What if it didn't work or something? Good news guys: I didnt buy a lemon! WOO 

My mantra became "focus Shila focus." The packing saga continued for a while until detour number three: experimenting with my bandana. I have never in my life worn one, but it seems to be a trend with travellers in hot places. This particular bandana thingy was advertised as having tons of different wearing options, so it was definitely essential to try some styles out. There were so many possibilities! I could go classic Survivor style:

I could wear it as a cool hat thingy (aka stylinnnn):

And of course, there was the robber option. Maybe I'll pass on that one haha

 Annnnyway, packing continued. Here is some progress. Gum, anyone?

I then spent a significant amount of time deciding what tiny items to bring as Canada tokens (this was detour number four). I like the idea of having a few small items with me at all times to remind me of important people/things. Kind of like talismans? So here are the final items, all to be kept in a tiny pouch in my purse.

All of the items carry significant meaning, so gathering those things made me feel happier. 
Then, detour number five: having a Facetime chat with David in Justice, who are in EUROPE by the way. Isn't technology just the craziest thing? They were casually showing me the pub they were in. We may as well have been in the same room. So amazing! HI!

It was a lovely break, but I needed to get back to work. Here is more progress:

Then, the moment of truth. Would my yoga mat fit? I was REALLY REALLY REALLY happy to find that it did. 

Slowly, the jungle that was my room cleared up.
I still had some clothes that needed to fit, but it was time for the most hilarious layer yet. I was literally laughing my head off as this happened. 
SO MANY TAMPONS!!! 

But hey. You can never be too prepared! And six months is kiiiiind of a long time! 
I covered that layer with another layer of clothes, and FINALLY the bag was ready to be zipped. My goal is to not touch it at all during training. 
My training suitcase, in contrast, took about two seconds, since I literally just threw everything in. I didn't even bother folding at that point. I was just so tired of packing! 
I said goodbye to my room, and all the luxury items I had to leave behind. Some of it was kind of sad (like leaving my harp behind), but some of it was awesome (like saying goodbye to my straightener).
And just like that, it was time for training.

I picked Maura up this morning (Maura you are such a great human), we made a detour to a HUGE family reunion, and finally got to Antigonish. And here I am! Its 12:03, and training starts tomorrow morning at 8:30! I'm living in the same residence I lived in for my undergrad, so it was MAJOR déja vu coming back to this floor. Reeeeeal swanky, as you can see.

 Some Coady swag

I've already had the chance to meet some interns, and everyone has been UNREAL! We had dinner at meal hall and spent some time hanging out, and I'm ULTRA excited to get to know everyone. So many smart and talented people! And so warm too! These next three weeks are going to rock, I can feel it! SO PUMPED! 
I should sleep. 
Details to follow, caaaaaant even wait for our first day of training! 
AFRICA IN NINETEEN SLEEPS!!!
Peace and love!