London Calling

Ok so here it is Wednesday January 7th-2 days before my scheduled departure! And I am COMPLETLEY FREAKING OUT!!!!!!
I have my copy of Conyers Read's Bibliography of British History: the Tudor Period in hand, there are even post-it flags on the pages to identify all the documents that I need to locate-it actually looks like a rainbow is trying to escape the book since I used a different colour to identify the papers of each individual (green for Mary Queen of Scots, Pink for Elizabeth I and so on)
I have pulled out my suitcases folded all my socks and undergarments so that they can be neatly tucked in the space bag and packed away-all my fun scarves and mittens (I hear it's a bit chilly in Jolly Ole England this time of year)
I have extra batteries for my camera and 5 GB worth of memory cards -I really hope that will be enough because I haven't figured out how to use the cord to move my photos to my laptop and they won't let me carry my printer on the plane (GEEZ)
The extra notebooks, cards, pencils, post-its, and microphone for my laptop are all gathered and ready to be packed.
My carry on has a toothbrush and toothpaste (just in case) and all my textbooks that I still have to read before I get back.
Sounds like things are moving along smoothly right?? WRONG!
I have been waiting on the university to release my funding for this trip-I have a research grant, because lets face it in these economic times unless you are independently wealthy (or mommy and daddy are footing the bill) travel to Europe is more than just a mere luxury right now. So monies that I should have had 4 days ago have yet to be released.
What does this mean you may be asking yourself- ok so maybe not but you know I am going to tell you anyway.
1. It means I have not purchased my ticket – in watching the air fares at this point the only ticket that will still be in my budget means that I have a 12 ½ hour lay over in Toronto Canada- I am not a fan of the airport there I ALWAYS GET LOST and last time the sent me to the wrong gate and I missed my flight and had to spend the night in the airport –which by the way reminded me of a military aircraft hanger and was every bit as draftee, cold and uncomfortable.
2. It means that all the last minute shopping I have to do to get clothing for my trip (no this is not part of the grant money –but my student loan money which is being released at the same time) Why not take what is in my closet you ask…because NOTHING FITS I have gone up 2 sizes since I quit smoking almost 3 months ago. Ok so I have gained a bit of weight but let me reiterate I QUIT SMOKING after 30+ years!!!!
3. I still have to book a place to stay in London oh and by the way I have no idea where a good place to stay in London is that is affordable because the professors that are my mentors for this project are in Egypt STILL and I don't know what areas of London are safe and where the British Library is in regards to other areas of the city.
In other words I am freaking out!!!!
Now the sane person might say … (and has) why not just postpone your trip!
Wellllllllll because I have to present my findings on April 10th – I have already made arrangements to miss the first two weeks of classes which will be much easier than trying to miss the middle and make up exams.
So come hell or high water (where did that saying come from anyway) I will be on my way to London this Friday – and I will be blogging as often as possible from the United Kingdom