I have been thinking about this climb for quite a few months now, and trying to mentally prepare myself for what is going to be an incredibly difficult, but absolutely amazing journey.
I make lists of items I am going to need to purchase. I plan the best route to ensure maximum acclimatization time and ample jet-lag recovery time. I listen to African music that I find on-line. I upload photos of Kilimanjaro to my desktop. I attempt to discern how I can fit 10 rolls of toilet paper into my pack while still having room for the less essential items like socks and a sleeping bag. I write myself notes to ensure that I put a bottle of champagne in the fridge before I leave, and I pre-book a pedicure for the day I arrive home… you know, all the important things.
And the more I think about it, the more I am convinced that I know exactly how this trip is going to go down:
I am going to cry.
A lot.
I need to get into shape. I can barely climb a flight of stairs in the condition I’m in right now, so climbing a mountain would be foolish, dangerous, and quite possibly the most amusing thing that someone could witness.
From here on in, I am going to eat a balanced and energizing diet. I will force myself to admit that neither cereal nor popcorn constitutes an honest meal. I will take drastic measures to ensure that I stick to my eating plan…
I have sealed all my Christmas candy and chocolate in a large, glass jar, and I have taped the lid shut.
OH, THE HUMANITY!
I met with Jessica Kerr this afternoon. She’s a reporter for the Delta Optimist. She was enthusiastic and positive about my plans, and she is graciously going to write about my journey, and has offered to help me when she can when it comes to keeping me on the radar, and promoting events (NOTE: Events are definitely coming!). She is even going to send a photographer out to see me this week so that the newspaper can have a photo of me on file!
Well, there’s no turning back now!
Oh, crap.
