Fins

Got the Mares fins. The color wasn't correct but I like them. Very super hero-esque.

Rounding Second and heading for third base....

Need new fins and smaller sized dive boots.  In addition, I am waiting on my first aid kit to arrive, it if arrives?  I got an emailing saying they didn't have it but offering a different one instead.  I responded and haven't heard back from them. Tonight is my final airline purchase and is my return flight to the capital to catch my flight back to the US.  Believe it or not, I am pretty much packed, vaccinations are complete, scripts filled, approvals granted....wow, I am really heading for third base!

I'm looking forward to this journey.  I'll miss my job and of course my friends and loved ones, but I am excited!  My life has truly been about experiences - some good and some bad...and several were incredible. Rarely would I ever considered exchanging on though.  They have been my building blocks from which I have grown. 

I am hoping to blog while I am there, though on the NGO's website.  Hopefully my friends and family will be able to learn of my adventures before I return home.  Once I return home time to focus on returning to work, continuing to develop the company I am helping to build, and quite possibly consider opening the doors to my love life which are currently closed for renovation. (But only to someone who is worthy...)

Next trip will need to be full of restaurants, night life, nice resorts and adventure. :-)

Madagascar Expedition Preparation

My roundtrip ticket is confirmed with travel insurance of course, departing NYC in February and returning from Madagascar in April.  I need to get my photo taken this weekend for my Visa so I can send my application on Tuesday.

Equipment shopping has been easier thanks to scuba.com, swimoutlet.com, and diveprodivegear.com.

Today's shopping list includes:

Wetsuit - must finalize

Duffel Bag

Mosquito Net (pre-treated)

Water Purification Tablets (most likely iodine)

Dive Knife

Dive Torch (aka flashlight)

Return Legally Blonde Scuba Barbie Fins (although I like the style....actually I'll probably keep them)

Dive Watch

Arrived already:

Akona Titanium Dive Boots

Delayed SMB

Oceanic Ultra Dry Snorkel

Reel

Black Fleece Beanie (to keep my post-dive wet head warm)

Dive Slate + Pencil (note- must order more pencils)

Save-A-Dive Kit (i.e. extra mask straps, fin straps, o-rings, etc.)

PADI OW and AOW Manuals (required to have on site)

Elta MD 50+ SPF (might return)

Dragon Organix Biodegradable Spray Hand Sanitizer that fights against MRSA

DAN Insurance

Waterproof Holder for my Kindle

Small Drawstring Backpack (great to toss in a magazine, spf, towel, and go to beach)

En Route:

Rashguard/short sleeve - Black/ Blue

1mm Reef Shorts - Black/Pink

Mack's Dry-n-Clear Ear Drying Aid

Straw Fedora Hat (to block the rays)

Cotton Strapless Dress - Black (simple, comfortable and easy to pull on in the evenings)

Beach Sandal - Black

Rashguard - Blue/White

Board shorts - Black

Recent Developments

A lot has and is happening with life.  I am writing as much as possible and even moved the YA draft to my laptop, which is a huge accomplishment for me. (I prefer writing with a pen in a moleskin journal.)

Nevertheless between work, my art, my writing, friends, family, holidays and planning my upcoming adventure, my time has been limited.  I am happy though which is what matters the most. 

I am not dating by my own choice.  I grew tired of too many Mr. Wrong(s) when I know what I want.  I'd rather be accomplishing something important, or at least working towards it. I've been in love once in the past couple years.  Unfortunately, there are claims that the timing wasn't right.  It was quite a spark though and one that hasn't left me.  I don't think it will.  For that reason, I don't know if I buy the excuse of timing or not.  If the feeling was at all mutual, you don't let something like that go.

Upcoming developments:
1. Reef Conservation/Scuba Expedition that I am taking in February.
2. Additional non-profit work.
3. New media/documentary company that three of us started - one is an old college friend 
4. My "day job" which I enjoy the challenges and learning experience of....
5. Art - would love to do a show in the by end of 2012, hopefully incorporating pieces from my upcoming expedition and donate portion of proceeds to charity or maybe back to the inspiration for the pieces.  If I am able to show pieces that people created there, their profits are theirs to keep. :-)
6. Manuscripts - will finish this YA one, find an agent and complete/publish; would like to officially be an author in this decade; not just once but multiple times.