My free trip to Africa is getting expensive. I've been running around gathering supplies and filling out my wardrobe as per the official dress code. I got some more shots and pills this week. and now I'm almost done. I just need some things to keep me entertained during all my flights and wickedly-long layovers. Anyone know a good book to buy? I have a Stephen King novel that I need to read, but it's probably not appropriate reading for a missions trip. (Even thought it's NOT a horror story.) I've also been trying to think of what I'll miss most by leaving comfortable America, but I haven't really come up with anything. I guess I won't be gone very long. I can take it.

I've also been kinda busy with other matters, but I won't discuss until something is final.

And now I'll get back to work. My next post will probably be after I get back from Africa, so wish me luck. (Great; a legitimate excuse for not posting.)

Do you ever notice things and wonder if anyone else notices the same kinds of things? Not because you're particularly clever, necessarily, but... maybe just by chance? or maybe something about the way you're put together, whatever that means? Let me offer an example:

The subway doors have just closed. Just before the train begins moving, you instinctively clench your body and do an ever-so-slight lean into the direction of movement in an effort to soften the jolt that's coming. That's the normal thing to do unless you are a tourist and you are not aware that you will soon be stumbling into a stranger's arms or lap. BUT, then the train doesn't move. Sure it will soon, but you're stuck in that body clench / lean act that you're accustomed to. Do you ever notice how that's feels? While not painful, it's completely uncomfortable. It's indescribable, really, but it makes me want to squirm.

Or maybe it's something that really bothers you while everyone else just dismisses it as normal. I will again provide an example: My roommate, Ryan, has what you might call a pet peeve about something at the movies. (is it really a pet peeve, though? Not really. It's just something that happens.) Ryan does not enjoy the moment of time between when the previews end and the film begins. Or perhaps it's the gap between the pre-movie slideshow and the film previews. Whichever it is, the problem is that everyone has started munching on their buckets of popcorn, but the "movie" isn't making any noise. Everyone is quiet with anticipation, EXCEPT for the munching of that popcorn. I admit that it's not a pleasant noise. Ever notice that?

i realize that i haven't posted anything in a while. thinking about it now, it's because nothing much has happened. i didn't go anywhere last weekend except home depot, so there's no exciting tale there. (although it is the first and only home depot in manhattan.) work had been busy, but i try not to say anything about it here.

i'm starting to get ready for my trip to Africa. i get another shot on monday, and i have some prescriptions to fill before i go. i need to gather some supplies before i leave too, so i'm going out to long island tomorrow for some of that. hopefully i'll find some things for the apartment while i'm at it. i should also try to think of ways to keep entertained during all these horribly-long transcontinental flights. they should just drug you until you get to your destination.

i'll try to do somehting exciting soon so i have something to post. ha, ha, later.