The mental count-down to “departure” computes differently in my brain now than it did in childhood. While it used to be all I could do to contain a launch, now I must contend with holding the mail, boarding the dog, mowing the lawn and work (not in that order) -and it all messes with my unbridled enthusiasm.
I cannot wait until I board my California bound flight on Thursday afternoon! I just hope that I’ll have managed to pick up Hannah from soccer conditioning and dropped Lily off to boarding before I hop in my niece’s car for the ride to the airport. It was SO much easier when all I had to remember was a good book, my journal and a puzzle magazine. Oh yeah… and a toothbrush. Dedicated dental hygiene began early over here.
My prayer is always to forget socks or underwear or… the toothbrush. I can easily replace all of those virtually anywhere. Harder to find would be a camera battery, hotel reservation or running shoes. Note: I have sadly forgotten the battery, and once in early sleep-deprived motherhood, even forgotten the camera. I have slept in a car for lack of a hotel reservation and gas to get to the next exit. -But never ever ever forgotten my running shoes.
Think I’ll sleep in them Wednesday night, just to be sure…
*This time: Newport Beach, Yosemite NP, Mammoth Lakes…
Have a fun trip, Heather. Can’t WAIT for the posts!!!
I have a fear of forgetting my battery camera too, and extra cards and the tripods and….
Hugs, JJ
Meant camera battery and where did the j come from in my last name?. LOL Can you tell I am just back from a trip and sick?
Hugs, JJ
interesting blog site
Have a good and safe trip.
I just dropped my oldest off at Port Columbus. He’s on his way to Chicago and then Seattle (with the final destination, via mini-van, Vancouver). It’s his first flying trip alone.
I think he has everything he needs. Well, he’s certainly got everything ne *needs* … money, passport, a note for the border guards … the rest, as you mention, can be replaced almost anywhere.
have a great trip and thanks for dropping by, my camera is a Samsung S73 with a large memory, holds 2 15 minute videos or up to 500 or more still pics.
JJ: Sorry you’re not feeling well! You didn’t eat any of those cheese puffs you were tossing to the seagulls, did you?? Excellent photos!
MrNiceGuy: You ARE nice! Thank you.
Delmer: Ow. Maybe it’s not as hard for dads? I went through the same deal with my oldest a couple of months ago. You watch them head for security and wonder just how much they’ve paid attention over the years! ~But the whole trip went well… Sounds like a terrific adventure for your son!!
mee mOe: Thank you. The videos are a nice addition! I kept wanting to stick a toe into the surf!
LOL…You hit the nail on the head! I tend to always pack at the last minute myself.
Have fun
I know what you mean – preparing for departure is a lot of work. Have a great vacation!
Yeah! You will make California a better place
At Newport Beach, you’ll be at one of my playgrounds……..Davey’s Locker. It’s a great place to rent a boat and fish in the harbor. Did it many times.
Have a SUPER GREAT time. If I wasn’t married, I swear I’d try and track you down
But instead I’ll just wish you an awesome time and look forward to your posts!!!!!!!!!
Your blogger friend Keith.
Have a wonderful trip, Heather!
Hi Heather,
I hope you are having a nice time there in California and not having a chaotic time. Did you not forget the laptop?
Patrick: I’m a great packer when I have the luxury of focused time, but it’s always a challenge when the kids are headed in a different direction (as in the opposite coast!).
Thanks Trisha. So far, it’s been great!
Keith: Newport was terrific, and I loved running the Upper Bay area trail. Wish we’d had time to fish; maybe next time… We flew north this morning and plan to hit Yosemite in a couple of days. I do like your state!
Graham: Thanks much. -Hard to go wrong with warm temperatures and lovely scenery!
Rino: All is quite wonderful, thanks! Days kind of fly by when you’re having fun -and I have limited internet access at times this week. I look forward to sharing some of the “adventures” when I get home to Ohio.
Enjoy your trip, can’t wait to read about your adventure (hopefully it was an adventure)
Yosemite was awesome. Love it there. Enjoy!
Cate: Thanks! ~Spent some time in San Francisco the last couple of days and thought of your wonderful article on train travel as I rode the BART from suburb to city, Tomorrow: Yosemite. Can’t wait!
Keith: I wish we had more than a couple of days, but I do think we’ll enjoy the time we have there! What are your favorite hikes and spots in the park?
I’ve always been paranoid with forgetting my passport before flying overseas. I must check it 20 or 30 times and keep feeling for that reasssuring square book in my pocket. It doesn’t stop me forgetting other things which I should be equally (or almost equally) concerned about.
Limits in time and space seem to trigger all those “did I really remember” reflexes. I try to do a calm search through my brain rather than a frantic scramble through luggage, but that is definitely a learned skill!
I put “passport renewal” on my computer calendar and am getting daily reminders that it’s time to start the process. I harbor fantasies of spontaneous travel. ~And that, ironically, requires the unspontaneous discipline of a current passport!