Preparation

Here we are... three days before we leave... and I haven't packed, purchased, or hardly thought about what to bring. I have been so sucked into finals the past two weeks, that I've kept putting off packing. For whatever reason, I also thought it would be a good idea to pick up extra at work, so I've been working twelve hour shifts on top of that. I normally am such a planner - so now that I'm coming to the realization that we leave so soon... I'm stressing!

I've started my preparation with a to-do/to-get list (I make these lists almost daily). I plan to run to Walmart tomorrow evening, and purchase some "bathroom stuff," an umbrella, and lots of snacks! The biggest struggle I'm having is what to bring as far as clothing goes. I know the temperature there will be much more enjoyable, but I'm so used to either scrubs or sweats, that I'm not sure I remember how to dress casually. Since I'm not really sure what to expect as far as the places we will visit, how the weather will be, etc... I'm just going to bring an assortment of clothing and hope that I can come up with appropriate outfits. :)I am going to bring my laptop, cell phone, and tablet (loaded with games and movies) to keep me entertained on the train. I'll also bring a sleep mask, blanket, and pillow - in hopes of getting some sleep during our ride. 

The biggest apprehension I have with this trip is leaving my kids behind. They are almost 5 and 1.5 and I have never been away from them for more than a night or two. I'm a bit of a control freak and I worry about how on Earth their father will keep them alive without my help. My family is encouraging me that I need this trip and that I deserve a break... and I'm trying to believe that too. I am looking forward to it, I just know I'll miss them. While I'm gone, they will maintain their regular routine and we will hopefully be able to FaceTime regularly.