[caption id="attachment_7235" align="alignleft" width="225" caption="If only I read p. 19 when this first arrived months ago. If only..."]<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P8140033.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-7235" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P8140033-225x300.jpg" alt="" width="225" height="300" /></a>[/caption]

I don't mean to panic, but...

&nbsp;

<span style="font-size: large; color: #ff0000;"><strong>IS THERE A DOCTOR IN THE HOUSE?!?!</strong></span>

&nbsp;

That was my first thought when I dove into my Traveler's Handbook for Italy on Day 322.

&nbsp;

I set aside the afternoon to leisurely look through books on Italy that my neighbor lent to me a couple of months ago.  The problem is that 365 day project bloggers don't have time to plan Italian vacations.  Thank HEAVEN I had the foresight of talking my cousins into an organized cycling tour.

&nbsp;

This is all good.  Because I am a planner by nature.  And this 365 project forces encourages me to walk the walk and truly carpe diem every step of the way.  Just as I promised on Day 1.  How about THAT for a valuable life exercise/growing experience?  I love it when I accidentally stumble upon something powerful.  :-D

&nbsp;

I tried to remember this when I quickly grew overwhelmed with my pile of my books.  I sorted the essential from the non-essential.  What must I read NOW regarding Italy?

&nbsp;

<img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7233" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P8140017-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />

&nbsp;

Traveler's Handbook from tour company and What to Pack books to help me know what I need for a foreign country.

&nbsp;

Yes, people.  Outside of the continental U S of A, I have been to Hawaii, the Bahamas and Canada.

&nbsp;

See?  I am not kidding about this whole Late Bloomer thing!  I am visiting Europe for the first time at 41!  (We're already talking about Spain for next summer.)

&nbsp;

I AM ALSO IN A PANIC AND NEED YOUR HELP!!!!

&nbsp;

<span style="font-size: medium; color: #800000;"><strong>I LEAVE IN 24 DAYS AND I'VE BEEN CARPE DIEMING SO MUCH THAT I'VE DONE NOTHING FOR ITALY!!!!!</strong></span>

&nbsp;

I was only a few pages into the Traveler's Handbook when I was reminded that I need shots.

&nbsp;

Crap.

&nbsp;

It's been more than 10 years since my tetanus shot.  Crap, crap, crap.

&nbsp;

And technically, you're supposed to get it 4-6 weeks prior.  Crap, crap, crap, crap, crap, crap.

&nbsp;

I'll be fine.

&nbsp;

(Side note:  Do your homework and don't listen to pharmacists, peeps!  If I had, I would be getting measles/mumps/rubella and pertussis (mixed in with the tetanus) WHEN I DON'T NEED THEM!!!!  Thank you, THANK you, THANK YOU to whomever taught me to THINK FOR MYSELF AND RESEARCH!!!!!)

&nbsp;

O.k.  That's all I have for now.  I need to get back to reading my bloody handbook.

&nbsp;

*****

&nbsp;

What words of advice would you give to an overextended bloggess who has 24 DAYS before she departs on her Italian adventure?  Be gentle.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P8140028.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-7236" title="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/P8140028-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a>