There is so much to be done in order to leave home for three months. I find that I am nervous. I feel like I did about August the year that I went off to college for the first time. Stomach aches. A lot of quietness. Nervous. My mind is so busy that sleep is not so good. Thinking through every possibility. Hoping I can figure out what trains to get on and how to get a cab. Double-checking all my lodging reservations so that I don’t show up and they have no record of me.
Then there is the homefront, making sure I’ve taken care of
things, paid bills, gotten medicine refills, doggie medicine too, let everyone
know who needs to know.
Over these last days as I’ve felt nervous I have also been
stepping more and more into the adventure.
As much as I love all the projects I’m involved in, it will be nice to
have no responsibility for a while. It
will be nice for my few remaining brain cells to concentrate wholly on my own
learning and experiencing.
I’ve already been detaching from Americana, well that is
current-events-Americana. I haven’t even
watched Beyoncé’s Lemonade. I will be so
glad to not see anyone’s stupid opinion about gender neutral bathrooms (I am praying that they all get a life and
take an adventure!) I will be so
thankful to pass some days without seeing Trump’s face or really any of the
candidates. Cruz’s face is painful to
see also. Sanders and Clinton’s face are
much easier to look at, but I’ve had enough! Now, I realize that American
politics is a hot topic in the UK and Europe also, but I’m not likely to read a
newspaper or watch a TV. Hopefully no
one I meet will engage me in such conversation.
As painful things have happened recently – the continued
difficulty for our neighbors in Deweyville, terrible flooding for my Houston
neighbors, more weather problems just north of me, lots of shootings here and
there, bad car wrecks….I keep thinking I am taking a vacation from all
this. It is OK for me to forget about it
all for a while and immerse myself in the history and a life of another
country.
There are things I am finding harder to leave behind. My dad.
While he has great caregivers and my husband and brothers keeping their
eyes on him, I know that my non-anxious presence gives him a little peace when
he is worried. He trusts that I’ll see
about him. He also trusts the others, so
I just need to remember that.
It is hard to leave Winston, my pup, but I know he is in
good hands. But, ya know, nobody loves a pup better than his momma! He’ll miss me. And I hope that he doesn’t hate me when I
return! I could send him postcards but,
ya know, he is a dog and I don’t think he’ll appreciate that.
It is hard to leave hubby.
I am used to his company, his partnership. Only a phone call away I know, but not by my
side. At least, God bless him, he is the
one stuck with handling all those little household things that will come
up. He is my hero.
I know what I’m leaving behind as I go somewhere. Now to think about the what I’m taking…whew!!!
Changing my latitude, changing my attitude.... a little encouragement from Jimmy Buffet.
Jimmy Buffett Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude
Oh the places you'll go! Be brave dear friend, if anyone can do this trip alone---> it is you! Godspeed.
ReplyDeleteSweet sister, the amount of preparation in getting to the airport is the hardest part. Before you know it you will be sitting on that plane and able to relax. Now the fun begins. My best advice when travelling alone is to be confident. Read every sign at every airport, train and underground station to make sure you are going in the right direction. Take your time. Try to have all the relevant addresses and a map handy for hotels etc so that you can show anybody if you get a little bit lost.A map would have been handy when I got to London as I was on foot trying to find my accomodation.Ask as many people as you need to for help. Most of all have fun and revel in your freedom. Think of that little person who will come into your life a bit later with delirious anticipation but,before then, it's your time. Travel well, travel safely and embrace all that is new and exciting xx
ReplyDeleteDear Pat,
ReplyDeleteGod will bless you and keep you. You are one of his fishers of men.
You need to take time to learn and grow and experience all these new cultures and joys. Enjoy the new Grandbaby and know that everyone here loves and supports you.
Seize the moment!
Love, Heather Steelman
Dear Pat,
ReplyDeleteGod will bless you and keep you. You are one of his fishers of men.
You need to take time to learn and grow and experience all these new cultures and joys. Enjoy the new Grandbaby and know that everyone here loves and supports you.
Seize the moment!
Love, Heather Steelman