Una Semana

One week until I leave for Madrid. I decided that maybe this momentous occasion called for me to start packing. I've realized that I need to start packing before now, but every time it crosses my mind I ignore it because a) it's damn hard to know what I am going to want in Spain and b) even when I figure that out I have to fit it in one suitcase. I'm going to have to be ruthless in deciding what makes the cut, even though by my nature I am warm and inclusive (and a chronic over-packer). Hence the procrastination.

But, tonight I started packing. And by started packing, mostly I mean I threw some things that I won't be needing in the next week into a corner on top of my suitcase. Winter coat, you may join the pile. Passport, you should probably move from under the pile of papers on my desk to this more suitable locale. Sweaters, check. Guidebook, into the pool, too. Past the obvious, though, it gets tougher. Check out the preliminary carnage:



Also, I know it will be utterly useless and a waste of space, but there is still a part of me that wants to pack my hockey jersey. All I have to say is that if the Freep lets me down and does not live-blog the hockey and basketball games this season, I may be forced to commit premeditated acts of violence (through the internet?).

The other item on my agenda (literally, I did put this on my calendar for today) is to start eating meat. I started again with fish last week (well, had it twice, two days in a row, and not since then). The logic is that maintaining a vegetarian diet will probably be close to impossible in Spain (they love their jamón over there), so to avoid any unpleasantries during my first couple weeks there, I should probably reintroduce my digestive system to meat beforehand, just in case it rebels.

The problem? Pretty much anytime I contemplate eating meat I feel nauseous. Probably not the best plan to try to avoid sickness by eating meat that makes you sick. Literally nothing I can think of with meat sounds appetizing. I tried thinking of what did I used to really enjoy containing meat, but mostly I've only come up with fish. I don't want a turkey sandwich, bacon, a hamburger, chicken nuggets, or sweet and sour pork (all previously eaten and relatively enjoyable). Suggestions?