Christmas shopping

One week into Christmas holidays already! Where does the time go?
Anyways, we went shopping today for stuff for my gap year. We bought my rucksack (£45), sleeping bag (£139), platypus (£17), and some tops (£extra).
See, this seems really expensive and I personally have trouble spending such amounts, but let me explain. Items that are bought this year for my gap year are either paid half by myself, or are this Christmas and next, and this birthday and nexts presents. That's four different sets of presents rolled into one.
Anyways, we still have to book the flights and and buy a couple of extra things, such as a new camera and new MP3 player. Those will be bought as close to the holiday as possible to get the lowest prices possible.

Dammit, lets talk about my rucksack instead of the huge money loss. This thing is a 70+18L rucksack, with detachable day sack.
The platypus is a 3L instead of a normal 2 with a bite-valve.
The 'dreamcatcher 500' sleeping bag is a damn comfortable elastic bag that has a huge comfort temperature zone.
The towel? Well that's just a thin dry-fast towel. I don't know how good it works yet.

Onto other matters, I'm going to be looking back at the list of places to work at Banff later and emailing some of them to apply for a job. If I get a reply, I can apply for a VISA. THEN, we have to book the flights. *sigh*.

I was sooooo excited today when I realised how close I was to the gap-year. But just realising how much planning there is left to do just puts a downer on the whole thing. Meh, it'll get better.

EDIT: Applied to Rose & Crown via email. Awaiting responce...