It's official!

No, your eyes have not deceived you; the visa is here! I saw the postal worker walking up the drive way and I literally ran outside to get it from her. I'm sure I scared the lady, but you gotta do what you gotta do.

Getting the passport photo taken for this was quite an ordeal. I had to go change and come back because you can't wear white for an official photo, and then I was told to have a neutral expression on my face. I don't know about anybody else, but when someone tells me not to smile I can't help but do it, so it took 3 or 4 tries before one was deemed acceptable.

Despite all this, the bags are packed, I have beautiful feet thanks to my personal spa specialist (you're the best Mom!) and there are 4 crossword puzzle books in my carry-on ready for my 12 hour layover (still painful to think about).

Here's the picture of my family that they sent me.

So much to do, so little time

Lots to report. I have my flight! I'm set to leave the 23rd of August, arriving on the 24th. I have a really long layover in London, but knowing how often flights are delayed, I don't have a problem with it. I am still in the process of getting a visa. It is much more complicated than I thought and I have to fly to Chicago for an interview. I am crossing my fingers that the paperwork will be done in time because they recommend a longer period for it to be processed than I have before my flight. I also know what family I will be staying with. There are 7 children in the family, 6 of whom are around my age.