10 Days to Go, and What's in the Box?

That's right. Continuing the Region 2 Diaries is the announcement of the final 10 days before I leave this country behind and spend time with Alex doing whatever it is that British people do. I will admit that the last post was largely inspired by an ELO kick that I have been on. Don't ask me why, but somehow "Mr. Blue Sky" is really hitting the soft spot right now.

So anyways, with 10 days to go, I thought that I would just inform you of my thought process. For starters, I am currently trying to compile an ultimate playlist of music to enjoy. This was inspired from my recent trip to Arizona where I found out just how crucial the right music is. For the time being, I am trying to reach a vibe that kind of shouts "I am lost." This can be done either through meditative slow music or music that doesn't even fit the region. That's why I have uploaded a few Ennio Morricone scores, the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo score, and two Dario Marianelli scores that are heavily piano. I have some pop records by Green Day, Regina Spektor, and the Clash dabbled in for fun, but my soundtrack is inspired by the antithesis of what I expect to have with Alex. There is something psychologically satisfying about it.

Why do I want a psychologically isolated, deviant soundtrack? Because for whatever the cause, I want a way to either be meditative or look at England in an offbeat way. Nothing would be more gratifying and unique than blasting Morricone while staring out of a moving vehicle. The sense of emptiness and juxtaposition will keep me sane. I expect Alex to be upbeat and full of great records, so why waste disc space with music that he'll probably have?

Also, expect me to watch the Girl Talk // All Day movie a few times. I figure out how to get it onto my iPod, and after a test run last night, I am good to go. I really hope that my choice to play against type with my music will not seem desperate in the reader's eyes. I just need juxtaposition in order to feel creatively satisfied, and I don't want to be high and dry when that time comes in England. 

Other than music, what do I have in my bag? For now, I will spoil the small things. I am bringing Waddles with me, as I probably will need a companion on the trip. I apologize to anyone who is offended that I am not taking the other ones, but my suitcase cannot hold everything. I may sneak one more in, but there is no guarantees. 

My father gave me a New Years' gift of the hat with ear flaps. I have officially worn it in the three days of 2013 at least for three hours and I plan to wear the heck out of it on my trip. I adore these hats, and while I long for Fargo replicas, I still love what I have. I also have a ton of new shirts that I will be trying out. Thanks to everyone for not getting me embarrassing shirts. I'm glad that we understand each other on a basic "I plan to wear this a lot" premise. However, despite recent rumors, I do not own a pink shirt. Yes, that was a fatal blow. Also, keep an eye out for my mockingjay pin. Representing District 12 the old fashioned way.

Other than that, I am keeping a few homely items in my bag. For starters, I am bringing along Alex's jacket, which he left here last time. Since, I have held it ransom and attempted to tear at his soul by flashing it around town like a common whore. Well, I will do that no further. The jacket will be homeward bound on an incredible journey, but with less dogs and cats.

I will also be bringing some reading material, including the comic adaptation of "the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo." I need an excuse to read that along with Uggie's biography. Yes, I may be going light on reading, but who wants to spend an entire trip reading books? I'll probably bring notebooks along to. You never know when I want to write old school. You kids don't know how much more cathartic freehand is. 

Also, keep an eye out on my daily blog a Jeopardy question. Thanks to Anna, I have a calendar with a daily question. To combat home sickness, I will be posting the question every day and hopefully forcing Alex to answer. If not, then I have no idea what's going on with this trip. I must admit that of all shows, I think I look least stupid getting pissed that they canceled Jeopardy in order to show presidential speeches. I guess in that way, print form trumps it. Hooray!

I will also hopefully be strapped with money that will have been on two continents. Working hard for that money. I don't know what Alex has planned, but you know I'm going to rock it and make it rain by skipping Euros across the pond and hitting the Statue of Liberty. I know that it will be cold, but hey, you finish this thought.
But yes, to be live and free. Who knows what's in store, but it beats work. All I know is that I will expect a lot of accents, Doctor Who tardises at every corner, and junkie Scottsmen on every corner that look vaguely like Ewan McGregor. I know that my vision of this country is a little bit 80's, but bear with me. All I remember of that place is HMV and brick buildings with moats. I cannot wait to be proven wrong.
However, what I am expecting is a great time with Alex with plenty of public transportation issues, him complaining about hipsters, and listening to SModcast incessantly. I am getting my ears back in the swing of things, but I am not giving up Operation Kino or Marc Maron when I don't feel like hearing Kevin Smith. Who knows what else I'll sneak in there.

This wasn't really a planner blog, but just a "hey, I'm packing up" thing. I guarantee that while the pre-trip stuff will be casual, verbose, and often inane, once the plane takes off, I will be talking and posting pictures that actually matter. For now, I don't have much to say besides... 10 Days to Go! However, by the time that you read this, it will be nine. I am a lousy planner like that. But do give me credit, I was the one who wanted to see Django Unchained. Much better than his decision to see Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

Until my next sporadic post, which may be all about what movies I plan on watching on the airplane (spoiler: Pitch Perfect and Perks of Being a Wallflower are in high contention), I say goodnight to you all and I hope that you are enjoying my pre-flight entertainment. I am just trying to get you adjusted to this blog instead of launching it at you rudely in a few weeks.