Shoe attachment? Perhaps.

I am currently trying to learn Russian. And let me tell you, it is not easy. In fact, I find it to be quite the opposite. It is almost as difficult as trying to pack all of the crap that I need for a two-year hiatus from living down the street from Target.

On that note, I began packing the other day. Emily was kind enough to help me sort through all of my clothes, and it wasn't too difficult to eliminate a handful of things that I really don't need to take. Such things included: a "dressy" dress, a 27th cardigan, and that one shirt that I haven't worn in 5 years, but just might want in the next 2. That sister of mine sure is a trooper.

Then, we moved on to shoes. This was a completely different story. I can understand that the reality of me needing a pair of 8 year old blue chucks that have holes for heels and "Bush is a Tool" written on the side of them is not likely. In fact, according to the welcome book, Khazakhstani women wear high heels most of the time...including in the frozen winter. Professional dress is required most of the time (my mother jokingly thinks that maybe the Peace Corps picked the wrong girl...). Dilapidated as they may be, however, do I really want to be on the other side of the world for two years without the shoes that got me through high school, undergrad, the year I spent as an R.A., my first art show, student teaching, my first professional presentation, and my master's defense? I think not. Their well-worn character is a comfort that, I imagine, will be much needed at times.

August 17 is quickly approaching. I am very nervous, excited, scared, nostalgic, nauseous, anxious, worried, sad, pumped, energetic, and everything in between. Mostly, however, I am very ready.