I couldn't help but whistle a merry little tune as I crammed everything I will need for six weeks into one suitcase, a backpack and a shoulder bag.

Go me!

I was pretty proud of myself; I can't lie. My mom said, "It can't be done." I said, "Watch me."

Ah, if only cockiness always paid off like that.

All that is left to pack is the laptop I am typing this from. However, I am not concerned. I already have a place set aside for it in my backpack.

My father should be very proud of the puzzle, piece-fitting skills I gained from him. Everything fits a certain way that allows it to be packed into the relatively small areas. He would have beamed with uncontrollable fatherly-pride if he could have looked into my mind and saw that it was working exactly the same way his does.

Oh, father...OCD and puzzle-solving skills.
Thank you?...Maybe.