One week to go

Today I started my official leave of absence from work.  It's weird to think about what I am leaving behind, but I still feel that I am making a good decision.  Going on this adventure is likely to be hard and probably often uncomfortable, but will also be (I hope) an amazing opportunity. 

All of my pre-trip shopping seems to be done, now I just have to start the mind-boggling process of packing.  Because my accommodations will not be a comfortable hotel room and I will be nowhere near a Wal-Mart, I have to try to pack everything I might conceivably need without going overboard on the luggage.  I will be out in the field for 14 days at a time, with possibly one day off between deployments.  Although we are supposed to have access to laundry facilities, I still plan on having at least 2 weeks worth of field clothes with me just in case.  Add to that the boots and other field equipment, and I think I will be getting a giant army duffel to use as luggage.  The big trick will be getting said giant duffel to fit in the passenger seat of my car (I have no back seat and my trunk is 3 cubic feet).  Should be an interesting drive!