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Okay guys (err..and girls). I know I promised more frequent updates of my blog and my udpate on travel/moving status... However, we haven't quite gotten there yet! But, the countdown is on. With only 11 more days of 'work' left, and a grand total of 22 days until I fly into Slovakia, its only a matter of time before the plan goes into action.

I'm already packed and ready to go (nearly a month beforehand). I'm anxiously awaiting my flight out. With a quick stop in Amsterdam, to view and tour the scenic areas and museums, my European 'vacation' will begin in mere 20 days.

To battle my anxiety, I've devised a plan... Keep myself busy. At work, I've processed more paperwork than I ever have, and seem to have left the other designers in my area in the dust. Knowing there was so much to do before I left for the trip, I hauled ass getting my stuff updated and completed.... unfortunately, it was done nearly a month before my final day at work. *sigh*

Ahh well.. At least today, I was able to combat anxiety with a little shopping spree. Now, don't get me wrong, I really didn't *need* to spend the money. But everything I bought is going with me to Europe to begin with. I thought smart, not hard.... at least not too hard......

The plan was simple.. Items I needed before the trip were: clothes, shoes, and I required myself to get a nice journal for travel needs.

I traveled up to the well known 'Tyson's Corner Center' mall (as my favorite brand name store, Armani-Exchange, has a shop there....though I'd never been there before). Walking around the mall, I kept thinking about how I didn't need to spend any money on anything that wouldn't be beneficial in my adventures... A quick stop at 'Barnes and Noble' got me some reading material, and a beautiful leather bound travel journal (for those long train rides through Slovakia.. at least it gives me a chance to work up thoughts about the days past). Then it was off through the rest of the mall..

Now for those of you who know me personally, you'd know I'm a 'larger than average' man. However, I've always been one who loves to purchase 'name-brand' items (if I get a good deal, of course!). Shopping around at places like 'Abercrombie & Fitch', 'H - Hilfiger', 'Aerostople', and others always appeals to me. Just because you 'shop' doesn't mean you have to 'buy. I strolled into 'Old Navy' on the way, because as a thrifty buyer, I know that when they do a clearance on any items..... they drop the prices down low. Muscle shirts.. at a beautiful price. Clearanced to $0.97 a piece. That could come in handy! Sold!

Walking around the mall, I checked the other 'high end fashion' stores. Deals just weren't meant to be.. While there were styles I liked..... I didn't like the price... I rarely enjoy paying retail for anything.

I walked the mall for hours. Finally strolled into 'Sketchers' to see if they might have a deal or two.. Now this was one of those 'trendy' stores, where none of the shoes were out, you had to get a salesman to check in the back for you.. I was greatly surprised at the service, as I know he brought out more than 15 different pairs of shoes in my size (hard to do sometimes, I wear a 13 / 14 depending on the cut and style of the shoe). Finally, after deciding on two very comfortable pair, I was on my way...... to the place I wanted to go since I got to the mall..

Armani-Exchange [A|X]

*sigh* .. Seems a bit odd, doesn't it? .. I spend all my time looking for deals in fashion, and to find something that fits my 'larger than normal' body size, and yet, I take my business to a place that doesn't normally do either.....

I've always shopped A|X online, but have never actually been to a store. Knowing how 'some' items fit me, I've always been skeptical about buying some clothes online (note to self.. never buy "phony" A|X on eBay..... if it says Extra Large, it fits like a Small.. damn the cheap rip-offs sold there)..

I walked in to find stuff all over the store.. So much stuff in so many styles that were all in my size....... Like a hungry baby at a strip bar, I was in love. Again, noting my overall size, I'm always a bit embarassed to tell the store clerks what size I actually am, so they got a bit peeved when I was rummaging through all the clothes in the store looking for the right size.

Finally, they stepped up, and explained that if my size wasn't out on the floor, they'd probably have it in the back...................... This was a good, and bad statement.

The good? Yes, it was true that most everything on the floor not in my size WAS in my size in the back..

The bad? .. I wanted all of it.

*cry* .. I guess thats what credit cards are for, huh?

Short story long, I was very happy with my purchases and finds today. Though I didn't come home with 50 million new items, I was happy with what I found.

At least on a positive note, all this ended up giving me something to do.. Unpacking all my suitcases and re-packing them with my new stuff.. Huzzah!

Europe, here I come............. in 20 more days.