It took me a while today to find a simple countdown widget to put on my blog to countdown the days til my trip to Italy. At first, all I could find were widgets that linked to advertisements. Finally, I found one I liked, a simple countdown widget that I could even customize with my own photo. 40 more days and I am on that jet plane!!! I am starting to get in my panic mode and my major procrastination mode. I am also beginning my...maybe I need new luggage, a different day bag, new shoes, etc. etc. Does this happen to you? So, what do I do? First, I spend hours and hours checking out new luggage - this year it is "Should I get a different carry on? One that can roll and slip on top of my check in rolling bag?". Then, I begin the procrastination stage. No decisions are made. Instead, I watch TV and spend time on the internet reading blogs.
Tonight, while reading one of the Italy blogs I follow, the olive notes... , I noticed a cool widget on the sidebar that plays short travel videos. I probably wouldn't have noticed this widget if I hadn't spent much of my morning checking out a bunch of countdown widgets.
I watched the video about the Campo in Siena and I was hooked. I clicked on the link below the widget and was taken to a site called geobeats. This cool video site plays short videos of destinations all over the world. Something new to do instead of cleaning my house, going through all my piles that need to be organized, starting to get organized for my trip, and the many other things I love to avoid. Check it out.
I was also going to add the Bush countdown widget to my sidebar. I actually did, but after 5 minutes, I changed my mind and deleted it. I decided I did not want to look at his name every day. 253 more days.... sigh.... still too many more days (although for me, one day is too many days).
Comments (7)
I love your trip counter! Only 40 more days (3 hours and 17 minutes) to go. Really, that's not that long to wait. Especially if you have shopping to do for your trip. I'm the same. This time last year, it was a new suitcase (supposedly lighter weight, but still pretty damn heavy) Then, before Rome in January, a new camera.
It's good to have time to think about what works and what you really need to replace, a few weeks in advance so you're not making hasty choices just before your trip. And yet, I always forget something crucial. Last June, I arrived in Cortona without a plug adaptor. Luckily, there was an electronics shop just steps from my hotel with lots of them and cheap.
And the shoe thing is always a challenge. If you need new sandals, now is the time to buy 'em and break them in -- and they won't have time to get too scruffy (which is another problem, you want them broken in but not looking years' old!)
Much more fun to think about than housecleaning!
Posted by sandrac | May 12, 2008 10:43 AM
Posted on May 12, 2008 10:43
I also go into a panic and procrastination mode before a trip. Once I have an itinerary and reservations made I don't start thinking about luggage, packing and printing information until a week before departure.
The short travel videos are really cool! I watched a couple from different locations and they are great. Better than watching travel videos on Youtube.
If you want to, you could add a Bush countdown clock to your desktop, that way you see it only when you want to.
Posted by María I. | May 12, 2008 10:49 AM
Posted on May 12, 2008 10:49
Nice widget. Your trip won't be long now.
Posted by Marta | May 12, 2008 5:53 PM
Posted on May 12, 2008 17:53
Susan, Everytime I read your blog I think we are really going to hit it off! I am in the "what else should I buy" phase now, too. And as for Bush--I think you made the right decision.
Posted by jgk | May 13, 2008 12:14 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 00:14
Sandra, oh I also am famous for the last minute orders :) I had a bad weekend and even stayed home yesterday with migraines and missed my opportunity to purchase one of the bags I have been thinking about getting while it was on sale this past weekend. Maybe it was meant to be? Regarding shoes, sandals I have, my problem is always finding a good pair of covered shoes...something I need to once again find.
María, although I start earlier, it doesn't seem to help in the end since I am always still packing 5 minutes before I should be leaving for the airport. Glad you like the videos. They can be very addicting.
Marta, thanks. Yes, it is really not far at all :)
Jan, I feel the same way! I am so excited to meet you also :)
Posted by girasoli | May 13, 2008 7:04 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 07:04
I haven't checked out the videos yet, but had noticed the trip counter yesterday (it was there yesterday, wasn't it?!) Your post cracks me up - I too am a major league procrastinator and am easily distracted (in fact right this minute, I should be dishing out supper to my clamouring daughter instead of reading blogs...gotta go!)
Posted by Anne | May 13, 2008 11:13 AM
Posted on May 13, 2008 11:13
Anne, I think we have a lot in common. I think I started my procrastinating back when I was little and could not get up in the morning to go to school. My mom would call me about 3 or 4 times and then finally come up the stairs and only then would I finally jump out of bed.
Posted by girasoli | May 13, 2008 10:42 PM
Posted on May 13, 2008 22:42