Time for our Tuesday Slice of Life Sharing at the Two Writing Teachers blog. Thanks to all who share, and to those who host the community. I've traveled quite a bit in my life, with my parents of course, with my husband, with the rest of the family, with friends, with my students, and on. This year I've traveled four times since the middle of May, only one road trip. Coming Saturday will be the next air trip, to Captiva Island with both my son's and my daughter's families. My nephew and his partner live in the Ft. Myers area and we will see them too, with a few other extended family members coming in for at least a day or two. My SLICES of life today have to do with the preparation, the planning, the insistent voice in my head that asks endless questions before time to go.
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| It looks like this: |
It goes like this:
What do I need to do ahead of time? Notify people, like the credit company about travel, like holding the mail and the dairy delivery. Instead of that (still time), I pruned the roses today.
I need to bring up the large piece of luggage-beach towels and a kite, swim wear and ocean toys will take more room. Instead-I wrote a poem for someone, mailed it and my book giveaway today. I read most of the afternoon.
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| No, this is not my luggage, but fun to imagine the stories within them! |
I need to be sure all the bills are paid. Instead I finished a blog post yesterday, and vacuumed with my new vacuum.
I really need to make a list of all the clothes and accessories. What jewelry? Get out the sunscreen, lotion, insect 'after-bite', toiletry kit. What sandals shall I take-what will take the least room? Where are my straw hats? What did we really need last year (we're renting the same house)? Instead, I went to the store to buy groceries because a friend is coming to lunch tomorrow.
I need to decide with my daughter if we are having a car pick us up or are they driving? My car is too small to handle all of us. It's too late now, but I'm sure she has it planned. I know we'll be at the airport on time.
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| Our Denver Airport. |
Just wondering if all of you think like this as you prepare for big, or even little, trips. My mind is a whirl, full of so many parts to cover that I'm ignoring them. I know, I know I'll get started soon. And we'll soon be there, where we want to be!
Haha. This is exactly how I pack! But I think it's my brain's way of thinking and sorting, because once I actually settle down, getting things done goes smoothly. Here's to a great vacation, Linda, and to smooth preparations!
ReplyDeleteSo glad your thinking is like this. I certainly am crazed about now-so much to do, & the PD posts to write, too! Thanks, Deb!
DeleteI loved the way you structured this, what I need to do vs what I am doing. Keep working, you will get it all done and in the nick of time. Have a great trip, I look forward to your pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Elsie, I know in an emergency I could be done in a flash, but when one has a whole week... I'm sure I'll post about the trip. We are so excited!
DeleteLove the choices that you made. Linda! Great reminders that we need to keep our focus on what really matters, even when we are getting ready for vacation. Have a wonderful time at the beach!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if my focus is correct, but it's fun doing what I'm doing anyway. I keep thinking that when I return, it'll really be time to start the serious thinking about school. Thanks, Melanie.
DeleteGreat travel tips. Have an awesome time!
ReplyDeleteThank you! It will be fun I know!
DeleteYes, there are all the "must do's" just before a trip...but alays that delicious knowledge that soon we will be on our way and in the company of some of the people we love best in the world. What could be better! Safe trip, Linda!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tara, the anticipation is fun, too, I agree.
DeleteI totally do this before a trip!! I love how you wrote this. Safe travels and enjoy your family!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michele, so happy I'm in good company!
DeleteI think you have created a very good "to do" list in this slice. My mind works like this also. I know what "needs" to be accomplished and yet, there is always time to actually complete it. I find I pack much more efficiently if I wait until the last day! Happy and safe travels to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy. I think I am always torn whether to do some things "before" the trip, or "after".
DeleteSo much fun to read someone else's thoughts about packing! I drove a friend to the airport the other day, and asked her why she has so much luggage. She replied, "two different climates; California and Oregon." Show show much I knew:) Wishing to a lot of fun on your vacation!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jaana. What a funny story. I wonder if she's ever heard of layers? Another idea for packing!
DeleteI love this! It's an I need to.../Instead I... poem. You've created a new form. Have a wonderful trip!
ReplyDeleteThanks Laura, I never thought of that! Great idea!
DeleteBetween our road trip to CO and then an overnight stay in MI and this weekend we have an overnight stay again, I'm getting good at packing! But it's funny how we go through similar steps. What we do may be different, but the procrastination is there. And like you said, it always gets done! Enjoy a wonderful vacation!
ReplyDeleteThanks Michelle. Yes, I think I go through this every time, nervous that I won't remember something really important. It's silly, because we are staying in a big house, will have everything basic we need anyway. Fun to share & to hear everyone's response!
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