Ready for takeoff, cap'n.

I still feel like I'm speaking too soon because it's still sinking in, but now that I've just booked the airfare, I can officially exclaim that I'm going to New Zealand and India! From May 24 to August 8, Swathi and I will be in the northern part of New Zealand and then the southern region of India. Even before we were sure that we'd be going to New Zealand, I've already made a mental shopping list:

1. 2 Woddles waffle irons- It's not impossible to purchase them online, but it could save me 100 bucks in shipping and handling if I get them myself. One waffle maker is for my aunt and the other is for me.

2. Flight of the Conchords live World Tour CD- I don't think this is available in the US, so again, I'll be saving a lot in importing a CD and having it shipped here.

3. Flight of the Conchords BBC Radio Show- See item 3.

4. 2008 Summer Olympics gear for the New Zealand team- I like to get Olympic gear from any country other than the US, especially when I'm visiting.

5. Galaxy Bars and M&M's- I'm curious if I can get British chocolate in New Zealand, so this is iffy. I'll buy a bag of M&M's to see if they taste like their American or British counterparts.

I've already bought my new suitcase, too. This one is all mine. There's usually a set of suitcases that are shared among my parents and I, but I now have some luggage that is officially mine. I've always wanted spinner suitcases, but I found some Liz Claiborne luggage that was the perfect size and quite light. It also didn't hurt that they were bright red.