Just a few more odds and ends...

So, I have a little over one week and counting. I am very impatient for time to pass quickly and by the time it gets here, I will be very sad that I don't have anymore time. I have been doing many things lately, in no particular order:
1) Spend as much time hanging out with my Mother
2) Annoying my Father as much as possible
3) Loving on my dog, Rocket Man

I have been spending time really enjoying my environment and family. I even cut the grass just so I could lay in it. I have been trying to really appreciate what I am leaving. I know that I will eventually get home sick.

I've also been busy packing what I can, making sure I have what I need, throwing out things I will no longer use. I've thrown out clothes that are too big, because I am not going back! I have colored my hair and gotten a hair cut. Unfortunately, it was not too short, otherwise Manny will be very disappointed.

Today, I did a few things that I felt were important. First I took a ride to my local AAA office and purchased an Inter-American Driving Permit. Brazil ONLY allows the Inter-American Driving Permit. It costs $15 and you can get it from any AAA office - no membership needed. It only requires two Passport style photos and your drivers license. It is just an official translated document that accompanies your license. Any time you drive in Brazil, you are required to carry both. If you get a ticket, it will be counted against your US State license. And to my knowledge, police do not stand there with radar guns, they setup hidden radars and camera tickets. They snap a picture of your vehicle's license and the owner gets a nice pretty ticket. So beware.

The second thing I did today was buy luggage locks for my suitcases! The TSA only allows certain locks that are pre-approved and can be opened by any TSA agent in case of inspection. 

So now I can explain to you the limits allowed by Delta, flying into Brazil. I was surprised and happy to find out that they allow 2 FREE checked bags with a 70 lb limit! I get these 2 bags, plus my carry-on and my laptop (personal item). I keep adding things to my suitcase, rearranging and transferring items to my carry-on that are important to me.

I will add more when things come to me!