Packing

I have finally finished packing, and for those who care, this is what I packed. I will come back in awhile with a new post stating what was worth it, what wasn't, what I brought enough of, what I didn't, etc... so here goes!

I had two luggage bags, one a bit bigger than the other. I got them for christmas from my parents, along with a hiking backpack from my sister which I used as a carryon. It all fit, suprisingly! Keep in mind I am a pretty big guy, too- most of the stuff is XXL.

3 Pairs of Pants
7 Pairs of Shorts
1 Pair of Swim Trunks
2 Baseball hats
1 Beanie
Pair of gloves
4 Polos
~10 T-shirts
1 New pack of undershirts
3 Long sleeve t-shirts
1 Dress shirt and tie
1 Hoodie
1 Coat (with zip-off liner)
2 New packs of underwear, and about 5 pairs besides
1 New pack of socks, and about 7 pairs besides
1 Pair of Aquasocks
1 Pair Sunglasses
1 Sleeping bag
1 Camping Mattress
1 Camping Bag (holds mattress, sleeping bag and makes it easy to attach them to my backpack)
1 Utensil set
1 Dishware set
Laptop
Power converter and adapter plug
Digital Photo Camera
Video Camera (its small, about the size of a digital camera)
Wind-up flashlight
3 sets of Flight Earplugs
Sinus meds (I have sinus problems)
Battery Powered alarm clock
~2 of every hygiene product (deodorant, shampoo, bar soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, etc)
Sunblock (spf 50)
1 Towel set
1 Pair of sheets & pillowcases
Large pack of Batteries
1 Journal
6 Books

And I think that is about all! I think I got everything I would really need, and a lot I won't. I also plan on leaving a lot of stuff there to make room for my return!

Preflight Prep

To begin, I suppose I should introduce myself. My name is Shea Stevenson, I am 22, I am an operations management major with certificates in IS and leadership, in a few organizations such as Delta Sigma Phi, a social fraternity; Circle K, the college level Kiwanis club; Phi Beta Lambda, a leadership organization; APICS, the organization for my major; and I try to keep up tabs on a few others such as Student Senate, UWEC Housing (which I was active in until I moved out of the dorms), and the PSA (Progressive Student Association). So, as you can see, along with always pulling down one or two part time jobs, I keep myself busy. Doing well scholastically is important to me- I won't post the actual figure but I have a high GPA- and I also manage to have my own fair share of fun, through various activities (most of which I won't talk about here). Either way, that was me back at Eau Claire- we will see how things change in Lismore.

Well, it is coming up on the big day- February 10th. That is the day I fly from Minneapolis 3 1/2 hrs to LA, wait around for 9hrs, then fly almost 11hrs to Nadi, Fiji for a few days of 80+ degree weather and sandy beaches! But, before I can go, first I have to pack. I have bought all the gear, set aside all the clothes, and began trying to find a way to fit it all into two suitcases and a hiking backpack- which I am using as my carry-on. Its interesting to say the least. But, when I figure out what exactly I am bringing, I will make a list to put up here! I am anxious- mostly for flying, though. I have sinus problems, and the last and only time I ever flew my ears popped so bad I could barely hear for three days. But, this time I am prepared with lots of gum, special earplugs, sinus meds and my ID showing I am 22- legal enough for some whiskey to help the pain if need be. Hopefully I won't need it, though!