Actually, he's still in Maryland

Okay, so I haven't left yet, but I thought it would be appropriate to begin this blog prior to my departure to capture the entirety of this thing.

I quickly estimate that I write this blog riding day 43 of an overly-generous winter break. The Republican National Convention (held in Minneapolis) prompted an early beginning to Macalester's academic year. If I was informed a few months ago that I would be feeling lethargic and glum in the coming January due to Sarah Palin and crew then I would most likely have had to launder my pants. Luckily, her affect on my procedings will be, from this point on, short-lived.

Anyway, I'm going to Costa Rica in 112 hours. Subtract out sleep time (which will constitute a shameful portion of that 112) and we're getting pretty close! I still need to pack. That will take some time. I need to shop for some stuff. That will take time. This leaves, me, I'd guess at least a couple dozen hours to continue with what I've been working on all break. Er, I haven't been doing anything productive on a regular basis for the last 6 weeks. Go ahead. Hate me.

I'm excited for Costa Rica. Not because it signals an end to my boredom here (despite the fact that as of late, as a friend put it, D.C. has been like Mardi Gras without the boobs or the booze - but still happening), but because I really think it's going to be swell. My host family(ies) seem neat and the program gives its students a certain amount of freedom I think I will enjoy having in a country like Costa Rica. Though I've been down to Costa Rica twice before, I have little idea of what to expect for this go-around (other than the beauty/richness of the country itself).

Okay, this is enough for now. I won't touch this blog until I have something actually interesting to post (probably in 5 days or so).

Weeeeeehaaaa.