A typical boredom-filled workday has left me surfing the web for some pass-the-time net goodies and, ultimately, brought me to the National Geographic site. This site is full of interesting facts and finds from all around the globe, so it really did the trick in helping make the day a bit smoother (and that for a few coworkers who were also intrigued by my finds). Take for instance this mummy with the fake toes, providing an even older discovery of the first prosthetic device. (You can thank me later.)

Most of my time today with National Geographic was spent reading about the Genographic Project, a study of the human journey. The project’s main focus is to trace our genetic code back to our common ancestor from Africa, and then trace migratory paths to get a full picture of just how groups eventually populated the globe. In order to do this they are compiling a database full of genetic information from, hopefully, at least 100,000 people. The best part is you can contribute to the project by buying a kit to take a sample of your DNA, and, with those results, you will be able to see which lineage your ancestors were a part of in this whole “populate the planet” model humans have followed.

Thinking about this has brought many questions to mind: “Where did I come from?”, “Why am I here?”, and most importantly, “Did my ancestors travel around the world, and if so, is that why I have an intense need to also travel RTW?”

It’s interesting to think that my distant relatives called Africa home. During the whole migratory process, did they then swing over to Asia and slowly work their way to Europe? Or, did they see fortuitous lands up north and go straight there? Without taking that DNA test, I am without certainty of my distant past.

The unfortunate part is that the kit costs a whopping $100! I understand that lab fees and whatnot apply, but seriously, $100?

The kit includes the following:

• Buccal swab kit
• Multimedia DVD
• Exclusive National Geographic Genographic Map
• “Quick Start” card
• Genographic Project Brochure
• Self-addressed envelope
• Confidential Genographic Project ID Number (GPID)

I know my logical side says, “Hey, Brooke, $100 goes a long way on your RTW travels,” but my nerdy side says, “Wow, this rocks. It is totally worth the $100!” Blasted. It’s like I have logical side on one shoulder and nerdy side on the other. I really want to do this, so here is what I have to say: “FAMILY, FRIENDS, WHOEVER… I WILL TAKE THIS TESTING KIT FROM THE NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC GENOGRAPHIC PROJECT FOR A BIRTHDAY OR CHRISTMAS PRESENT. THANK YOU.”

Put your hands up.

Now put one hand down.

You can now count the number of months until our Central America excursion, and the beginning of a long and interesting journey afterwards, on that one hand. Five months to go people. Five itty bitty, teeny tiny, count-it-on-one-hand months.

Wow.

I started planning this trip about 13 months ago, and there have been various moments, or landmarks, during this time where I thought I felt it. Buying the backpack proved I had every intention of going somewhere, whether it be circumnavigating the globe, or just to the beach. I had my bag. When I called to start the vaccine process, I thought to myself about how exotic that location would be. Then, when we bought the first plane ticket, I thought I felt it, as I finally knew where that exotic place was located.

When I say I felt it, I am referring to the feeling of dream becoming reality. When you’re constantly planning for an event so far in the future, the day-to-day struggles take away from the realization of the event’s magnitude. It isn’t until you hit one of these landmarks that you take a step back from the small details and see the big picture again. The excitement rolls over your body.

In all of these previous moments, I thought I felt it, but now, while looking down at my hand and knowing we are so close, I can’t help but think about all the items I still need to cross off my list, how much money I have saved, and where I see myself in a year. At this moment, I am inundated with excitement, anxiety, nervousness, joy… the reality of a decision made 13 months ago to leave this country for adventure.

It just may shock you.

Everyone knows I’ve been super fanatical about saving money for our RTW trip, and even though that specific plan might now be placed on the backburner, I’m not about to go and blow all the dough I’ve saved on some shopping spree. Oh, no, I still have travelling to do with that money. I am still super-money-conscious Brooke.

Our site has gotten away from us recently, and in an attempt to regain the old pre-trip funding character we loved, I’m going to share a little tip that might help speed that whole saving process up for you all — how to give up cable TV.

*GASP!* Give up cable TV, are you nuts?!

Yes, I am.

But, besides that fact, there’s something else you must know. Way back when we were a couple of “wet behind the ears” RTW trip savers, we thought that subscribing to a DVD-in-the-mail service was the way to go - only a couple bucks a month for many, many movies. However, I’m not so sure anymore. We cancelled that back in April as we just couldn’t take watching anymore bad movies. No, you no longer have to spend more money a month just to watch B-class movies while you countdown to take-off. I give you:

http://www.tv-links.co.uk/

Hundreds of TV shows, multiple seasons, all at your finger tips, 24/7. Love the Sopranos, but don’t have HBO? No sweat! Want to relive your childhood with shows like, “Salute Your Shorts,” “You can’t do that on television,” and “The Secret World of Alex Mack”? You got it! I hope you all enjoy this little morsel of television goodness. I know I do.

Welcome back! We are building a new site for our “new” trip plan. Keep checking back for more updates!