Slight panic

Right, rather unexpectedly I have suddenly started to panic in a rather large and scary way. Not really sure why but it might have something to do with my parents' complete and utter conviction that I will, in the next 4 months, end up either dead or minus all my worldly possessions.

Anyway, in order to conquer the aforementioned panic, I decided to be organised today and try and get everything ready. I thought this might convince me that I was, after all, grown up and responsible. So found my lost cuban visa (rather sensibly filed in my rubbish bin - have yet to mention this to parents!), told all my various banks / new credit card people that i was going away and could they therefore not cancel my cards when it is used in some strange outpost and then spent nearly £100 in Boots on "essentials" (pale blue travelling clock and toothbrush head covers anyone? Think I am missing x-mas panic buying!). As a little aside, how is it that although I have been on big trips every year since I was 18, I still dont have everything I need? How have i coped without a knife, fork and spoon set up to now???!!!. But, anyway, am happy to report (as you are no doubt ecstatic to read) that I have now done nearly everything on my list bar sorting out card insurance and getting a waterproof cover for rucksack.

So now all I have to do is pack all this stuff that is taking over the spare room and try and walk with it all on my back. Suspect that at this rate my hairdryer might have to be sacrificed after all.........