The Final Countdown

There is now officially ONE WEEK left to go before I embark upon my trip with Silver Lining Tours. I've started planning what to pack based on the information packet SLT sent, and one of my tripmates was kind enough to provide additional advice. In a sweet gesture last week my grandfather gave me a plush neck pillow after asking "why do you want to do this dangerous thing?" My wonderful mother, on the other hand, has started singing "blue skies shining on me," I think she might be a little concerned.

It's not [only] about the thrill of the chase, this is the chance to make a childhood dream of mine come true. Technically speaking, the opportunity to learn more about severe weather from live meteorologists who aren't on TV is something that I'm really looking forward to; usually the forecasting steps are only glossed over or hinted at on the storm chasing shows. To go more in-depth from a scientific perspective will be a great educational experience, and I anticipate sitting in on the morning forecast meetings with unbridled enthusiasm.

SLT is already conducting their first trip of the season, and the forecast models are predicting an active couple of days. I can't wait to see pictures from the storms they pursue. I'm thinking of this forecast for stormy weather as a possible preview of things to come.

The thing that will most give this trip meaning for me- beyond the fulfillment of a lifelong dream- is the fundraising aspect. I have a background in nonprofit management, with a focus in donor management and development. I'm thrilled to stretch the wings of this skill set by using my trip as an opportunity to do good for those who are impacted by natural disasters such as the very storms I may be chasing.

As a decade-long follower of Dr. Jeff Masters' WunderBlog, I first learned about the organization I'm going to campaign for as Dr. Masters showcased their mission of training communities in disaster preparedness and assisting those with disabilities in the wake of these events. Portlight Strategies has supported disaster relief endeavors since 1997, and I hope that between my friends, family, and the internet we can lend a hand to this worthy cause. The campaign is set to begin on or around my departure date, April 30. I'm on such tenterhooks- one week until I endeavor to make the acquaintance of Oklahoma City!