Last official day of work: March 7

Needless to say, I’m far behind where I should be in getting ready.  This is a list of everything I needed to do before leaving - I’m keeping it up because others may find it useful in their planning stages.

Medical

• Checkup (medical, dental, optical)
• Vaccinations
• Malarial drugs (will buy in Mexico)
• Buy contacts

Packing

• Camera: Purchase lens (18-200mm VR), filters, extra battery for my Elph (decided against buying), underwater housing for Elph (not available), carrying case for Elph
• Laptop: Purchase USB key, travel mouse, case for scratch protection
• Travel: Purchase headlamp, sunglasses, first aid kit, clothes, toiletry kit, hiking shoes, bathing suit

Financial

• Talk to my bank and open up a second account/credit card account
• Give my parents power of attorney
• Create a will?
• File taxes for 2007
• Car insurance?
• Get a new drivers license (Mine seems to be both outdated AND broken in half, it’s really very impressive)
• Figure out trip insurance. I’m considering trying to get sponsored, which would obviously help!

Practical

• Pack up my apartment
• Figure out my cell phone plans
• Make physical and electronic copies of important documents (passport, driver’s license, receipts and warranty information for my electronics, insurance information, etc)

Webpage:

• Get new header image!
• Migrate over to new domain (www.malena-rtw.com)
• Make new world map (with marker for my location)
• Write “Preparation” “Packing List” “Finances” “FAQ” and “Route” pages
• Create new sidebar for different countries (Mexico, Canada)
• Make a way for people to sign up for email notification when I add a new entry
• Sponsor page! So people can pay me money to go…
• Photo galleries, for all the pictures I’m going to take! (Or have taken already)
• New interface for candy reviews/pictures
• Randomize “Recent Candy” sidebar

So yeah, two months to do all that - sounds fun, eh?