Wednesday, January 17, 2007
The last few days have been a whirlwind. So much to do. I have tried to notify every living human being I know [in real life or cyberspace] about the book being available to order. I’ve also contacted umpteen adoption websites, to see if they will list the book – still waiting to hear, on those. Yesterday, Alesia and I walked around to all the close neighbors [10] and delivered invitations to my book signing drop-in party on Saturday.
Trip preparations continue. I’ve finished all my gift buying for the trip. I’m afraid if I buy any more I won’t have room for clothes in my suitcase! I also offered to help the Antares Foundation folks by taking medical supplies to the orphanage, so that will take up some room in my suitcase. I am trying to get by with taking Mother’s big rolling suitcase and the small case that clips on the handle but will count as one checked bag. If I can just avoid rolling more than one set of things around the airports, that will help tremendously. I am also carrying a backpack and a purse.
The paper chase isn’t over. Alla just e-mailed me yesterday and said there are some more documents I will have to come up with, and she would send me a list. I dread gathering up that stuff – doubtless it will have to be notarized, apostilled, etc. Today, my friend Maria sent me forms for my will, living will, and power of attorney. I have to make sure those are done before I go.
There are so many little miscellaneous things I need to do. I am reviewing my Russian, and I keep thinking of things I need to go over with Alesia before I go. She’s my language coach. I’ve printed out a long list of Mommy words and phrases, plus I have a set of CD’s I listen to, with still more words and phrases [only a little overlap]. I bought AT&T International phonecards, and I will have to see if those work in Kazakhstan. I was told by my friend Apryl, who is with Antares, that they worked there last June. I am trying to get more exercise. I am walking on my lunch hour, 3 laps around this huge corridor in the basement, plus 15-20 minutes on the elliptical every day. I feel much more energetic, but I can’t tell much difference in my clothes. I am just gearing up for walking those long concourses in the airports.
I talked to my aunt Diddy last night, and my Aunt Evalyn is in the hospital and not doing well. Her husband was my father’s oldest brother, Lewis, and very dear. He painted the beautiful oil paintings that are in our house. Evalyn’s health has been declining for about 15 years, and I am praying God will be merciful with her. Please say a prayer for her.
