Starting the checklist

I tend to be a very list-oriented kind of person. So, I am attempting to create a checklist for the time remaining before I leave for Brazil. Unfortunately, there’s so much going on right now it’s hard to sit down and concentrate. I went through oral interviews with my students today and will continue for the rest of the week. Basically, I ask them some questions based on a randomly-chosen topic and we have a mini-conversation in Spanish. Things have been going pretty well so far. It’s exciting to see the semester winding down but I’m really going to miss these groups. They have been a lot of fun; though they probably think I’m crazy. I’m always bringing music and props, acting things out, singing, dancing and making jokes in class.

Anyway, I digress—yet again—away from the list. Ok, I think this is pretty much what I need to do:

1) Pack (I’ve already purchased a suitcase so large that—no kidding—Felipe can fit me in it and zip it up.)
2) Write a Gift List for family and friends
3) Write a postcard/letter list with names and addresses
4) Finish up my travel grant paperwork so I can get my refund
5) Clean every document off my pin-drive (after Finals Week)
6) Turn in my thesis proposal to my committee
7) Buy presents for Felipe’s parents and sister (who is coming all the way from Germany to meet me!)
8) Finish the IRB paperwork so I can conduct research and surveys while I’m in Brazil
9) Find a few good books to read while I’m there
10) Clean the apartment so my roommate won’t have to while I’m gone
11) Leave money for bills with my roommate
12) Give away clothing to Goodwill or the Salvation Army (I have a TON of clothing in my closet; I expect to bring a good bit back so, I need to make room.)

Hmm…I think that pretty much covers it—at least for now. I just need to focus on grading (though it’s mostly done thanks to my handy-dandy Excel program á la Felipe) and the work I have to do for Finals Week. Stay tuned....