Packing, preparing, wondering

In one months time, I’ll be leaving Denmark. Embarking on what I am sure will be an amazing adventure and tremendous challenge. I’m sorting through my earthly belongings, tossing everything in one of five categories;

1. Stuff to bring with me (must be containable in 2 barrels and 2 suitcases (total not exceeding 126 kg). Relevant literature, clothes, items with affectionate value, some kitchen utensils fall into this category.
2. Stuff to stow away until I return (Books, mostly. Many, many books.)
3. Stuff to give to others (My Ivar bookshelves, for instance. An elderly television set.  Books I have no intention of ever reading (again), a printer).
4. Stuff to get others to care for while I’m away (I think most kitchen utensils, a dining set from my grandmother and my hifi will end up in this category)
5. Stuff to throw out (a bed that should’ve been replaced years ago, kilos and kilos of papers from a variety of committees, boards and the like, study-notes, etc)

This process – in the knowledge of needing to end up with less than 126 kilos to bring with me (and having to stow the rest away) – has made me realise how little of my many things I really need. I have thrown so much junk out these last few weeks. And I’m only halfway there…

At the same time, I’m trying to get ‘my affairs in order’. Moving out of Denmark, the number of subscribtions to cancelled, authorities that need notifying, innoculations taken, and papers signed are legio.

And still, all this is easy compared to trying to imagine what this challenge I’ve embraced will bring me. In the actual work I’ll be doing. In new experiences and challenges living and working ‘abroad’. And in missing family and friends back here in Denmark.

It’s T-30d5h37m. Yeah :).