Visa has been. . .

Issued!!!  What a relief.  I have to say the whole visa application was quite a stressful process.  First, the questions are so vague and don't make any sense.  Second, they ended up putting an older appendix form up after I had already submitted the updated form.  Nearly gave me a heart attack.  Thank goodness everything went smoothly at the consulate in New York.  The consulate overnighted my passport with my fancy visa sticker.  The process was much faster than I anticipated, I think it took nine days from the day they let me know they received my package until I got it back.  Not too shabby.

In other news, I have packed the majority of my bags with the exception of clothes that I will be wearing until the departure.  I have two suitcases of clothes, shoes, photos and other miscellaneous things.  One bag is entirely full of books... I really hope that it doesn't exceed the 50 pound (or should I say 22.7kg) limit.  I also purchased a new backpack this last week to use as a carry on bag.  I have a carry on suitcase that will have all of my clothes for the wedding in New York, but before leaving for Glasgow, I will switch out for some warmer clothes just so I have stuff in case my luggage is lost. 

The poor living room looks like a war zone with all my stuff strewn about.

But things are now a little more organized:

The following picture is scientific proof that cats love luggage.  Just ask Olivia and Sarzo:



Olivia always wins.

 The countdown in getting closer!  We leave for Philadelphia in two weeks, and will drive to Newark to pick up my sister the next day.  Then we will attend my aunt's wedding in Newburgh and will spend sometime with my east coast relatives before driving back to Philly the following Wednesday when my mom and I will leave to fly to Glasgow! Only 14 days until the 4952 miles or 7967.77 kilometer treck begins!  (I better get used to using the metric system soon). 

The weather change will be quite different too.  Right now in Phoenix it is about 105 degrees Fahrenheit with about 15% humidity.  In Glasgow it is about 16 degrees Celsius (62 Fahrenheit) with 80% humidity.  Extremely different, but I am so excited to escape the heat and go from this:

to this:

More to come soon as I prepare for the big move.

Cheers!