Help, I just want this to be over.....
Rita
First, refer back to ryck's post and brew yourself up a bathtub full of your favorite time-killing beverage.
Now, let's re-examine your intent, which is, as I understand it, to d/l Mt. Lion within your time window (8-24 latest) and have it available as a potential upgrade
from Lion
if you should choose to upgrade. Correct?
If so, then you've got the next 18-20 days to immerse yourself in Lion, find out what you like and don't like about it, do some research to see if you find Mt. Lion to be a more desirable option, and still be within your d/l window.
If I've got that straight, start immersing yourself in both Lion and your bathtub, and I'll refer back to joemikeb's post after you've responded.
Welcome to the brave new world of "It just works!"
Edit: And since it's free, it'll make sense for you to d/l Mt.Lion under any circumstances...just to have around, maybe even play with, if only for the heck of it.