For several years now, I've had a list of things I wanted to do before I turned 30. I wanted to be realistic, so my list only has one item--I want to go to Europe. Well reader, I leave for England in one week. I'm spending next semester studying at the University of Leicester. I'll be immersing myself in Victorian culture for the next six months.

Right now, I'm trying to take care of all of those last minute things, which involve, sadly, a root canal and a meningitis shot. I'm also in the midst of the rather unpleasant task of deciding what I really can survive without for six months. I'm buying my luggage tomorrow, so the real decision making can begin. It's probably going to take me all week--I'm a chronic overpacker.