What?

Who am I?

Where am I?

Old age must be rattling my cage because here I am, about to leave for a 2.5 week trip, and I am feeling calm & collected. Yes, there is still laundry to be done. Yes, my kitchen floor is a disaster. Yes, the yard looks like the local birch, oak, and beech trees all had a giant collective sneeze directly onto our lawn. Yes, I still have to pack for all 3 of us. But I don't feel frantic at all.

I feel happy. And excited. And a little laissez-faire.

So we no longer have a portable DVD player, and I am little worried about how to keep the kids from screaming for 4+ hours on the plane. I suppose that's why crayons & coloring books are the eternal entertainment standby.

So I won't be home to start my Christmas crafts. Here's a little secret.... other towns have fabric stores too.

So Big Sis will miss 2 weeks of school. It's KINDERGARTEN for Pete's sake. If there is one grade level where I think I can keep up with the work, this is it. I may not have this luxury when she moves into first grade and starts learning quantum mechanics.

So our little family won't be all together for Thanksgiving. Big Daddy doesn't even like turkey!

I think my new attitude is one part unemployment (with a renewed appreciation for time with my family & what REALLY matters), one part desperate need for a vacation, and one part desire for a change of scenery before the bitter cold of winter.

Bon Voyage - we'll be back December 2.