So, Remi (my brother) and I went to a local place for breakfast called Mad Hatter. I had a simple breakfast of potatoes and eggs, while Remi had a fabulously pretty looking breakfast burrito. We headed back to my parent's house to relax until the movers called. We geeked out a bit, watching (more than once, and in slow motion) the trailer for HBO's "A Game of Thrones," a new tv series coming out in 2011 that is based on George R. R. Martin's "Song of Ice and Fire" series. It looks pretty cool, and if you're into adult fantasy with a bit of magic, kings, queens, eunuchs and knights... take a look and read the series (which is, in fair warning, not yet complete and may never be).
The movers did call and let me know that they'd be there between 11:30am and 12pm. We headed back to the storage area at quarter til noon and soaked up the rays - it was a beautiful, clear, sunny blue day - until noon exactly, when the movers arrived. One hour later, they were done and driving away!
It's official, folks: almost all of my belongings are in a 10'x10' storage place. I really felt, as I rolled the door shut and locked my shiny new lock on it, that this was a major step towards leaving on my trip. A very satisfying step!
The day continued to be a productive one: I got my International Driver's License at AAA, which cost $15. There, I also learned that through AAA (of which my mother is a member), I can get foreign currencies! This solves a recent worry on how to handle getting foreign cash. There are many options, but all have their downsides. Luckily, at least to get me started, I can get this cash from AAA for free (well, there may be a $12 shipping fee, but that's not confirmed yet). In any case, I can get out some Korean won to start me off, since I'll be arriving at the Incheon Airport fairly late.
Anyway, after AAA, my mom and I went to the Social Security office, where I applied for a new social security card. Not strictly necessary for travel, but still something pretty good to have when I get back. Then we went to the grocery store to refill one of her prescriptions, and I asked the pharmacist a couple questions about my meds, refill procedures, prices, etc. She was incredibly helpful!
When we got home, we got to relax for a bit, and then it was time to search for my car title. I wasn't sure of it's exact location, but was fairly sure it was in one of the boxes of files I keep. When the movers delivered my stuff, I (luckily) found the box the files had been put it and brought it home. My mom and I went through all of my files, including an entire box of military stuff that I keep separate. Eventually, I found the title, but in the process we collected several interesting pieces of paper that will be kept out of storage, in case it's ever needed.
Once I take my car in somewhere to get a once-over checkout, I'll transfer the title to my parents. We've worked out a deal that they'll use the car, and pay for basic upkeep, insurance, etc, while I'm gone, and when I get back I can have it back. Nice, huh! It works out well because my dad's Mitsubishi Mirage is ... well, I'll just say, having a car that locks, and windows that work, and air conditioning that cools, will be a nice change of pace.
When the mail came today, I got my insurance approval notification, so I'm now covered for health insurance (although with a 25% increase in premium price from the original quote, which I need to appeal).
Then I cooked dinner for us, which was a basic dinner of garlicky leek and artichoke soup, crackers and cheese, and reheated crowder beans with mushrooms. Healthy and surprisingly filling!
Is it any wonder I feel like this was a productive day? I'm a step closer on several issues - health care and prescription concerns; sale of car; foreign finance plans; and a completed move!
--Z
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