train and checklist

i decided to buy my TGV (Train de Gran Vitesse-- Train of Great Velocity) ticket from paris to aix on the same day i travel... i figured i would do this because the websites tell me if i purchase the ticket is non-refundable, and that you can't make reservations for the "autocar". since my hotel is like 1.5 miles from the train station, i figured i'd be there early, though, technically, i might buy it friday night. (i leave paris saturday morning)... i should probably also find directions from the train station in aix en provence to my hostess' house. :)

i'm getting really nervous and i've started making some lists of things i need to take. i will grace you with the lsit of items in my carry on:

• passport
• binder with hotel information/flight information/ mapquest directions to the washington d.c. airport and from the hotel to the train station
• cd player & cds
• book(s)
• per recommendation of everyone, i will take my basic toiletries and a change of clothes, in case my baggage is delayed or lost (KNOCK ON WOOD!)
• phone numers of people in France (Beatrice and people in Aix)
• some munchies
• pillow (i don't know if i'll put this in my bookbag or i will take it separately, but anyways)
• writing and art utensils
• digital camera

i am very ashamed to say i have being finding it hard to find motivation to read my books... so i'm still stuck in the first book, about halfway through. on my defense, the other 3 books are only half the size of the one i'm reading now, and i am (in fact) picking up speed (and comprehension maybe?)

... why is this post so long? i do appreciate any readers. i know i will be getting more when i have actual pictures to post ;)