I feel the clock has picked up speed. The tick-tock clamors for attention. I can’t believe there’s less than a week to go.
- Packing is half-done
- Airport limo hired for flight and return home
- Two appointments outstanding for next week
- Bills paid and up-to-date
- New refill to be picked up Thursday at drugstore
- Most groceries in fridge used up
- Calcium tablets low, pick up new to do duration of trip
- Notify newspaper to suspend delivery
- Pickup money
- Talk to bank about bank card and where it will be
- Type instructions for Lady Gaga’s feeding schedule + list likes and dislikes
- Pick up more kitty litter
- Pick up ear plugs
- Pack lots of chewing gum
- Decide whether to bring boots for traipsing Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, etc.
- Make a decision regarding internet usage away
- Pack snacks. (Wish I could make popcorn in the rooms.)
- Tidy dining-room table of all the crap that’s been collecting
- Double check what I can pull out of my suitcase
Good thing I’m writing this post and making a list. I’m reminded of a few jobs I hadn’t thought of until now. Must keep a copy so I don’t forget to do these things.
Sometimes my brain slams to a full stop and leaves me blinking. It can’t compute and I wait for something ot come. Too much to think about. Thank goodness I’ve made lists (and sub-lists and sub-sub—I kid you not). At least I’ve had the presence of mind not to scribble on loose pieces of paper or on a notepad. I used a spiral note book (6” x 9”) for note-taking because it’s harder to misplace. I’ve a talent for losing things.
Note B to self:
Do not pack any jewelry. What no earrings? I’ll feel naked without my baubles. I promise to pack only one or two cheap pair. Someone made the comment, “You don’t want anyone ripping your ears off when they grab your earrings, do you?” (Large is implied, I can tell.)
“No, but…” I have only one size: big. Maybe I’ll leave them behind. Maybe. We have a couple of formal dinners on the ship while on the Yangtze River for four days. I can’t dress up without some bling. I must pack a couple of pair, right?
By this time next week, I will have been en-route for about twelve hours, including a five-hour stop-over with miles and hours to go. With time changes, it’s still going to be a long day.
Note C to self:
Take a long afternoon nap Thursday afternoon. Must be awake at 3:00 a.m. Friday morning when airport transport arrives.
This is it guys and dolls. One more post and screen dark until my return. Will miss you like crazy. If I have time. No, I will miss you all. Cross my heart.
March 21, 2014 at 6:54 pm
Tess, where are you going? Is this for another book reading or are you going on vacation? Either way, I wish you a great trip!
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March 21, 2014 at 7:01 pm
Have the best of times we will miss you. xxxxxx.
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March 21, 2014 at 7:07 pm
I’m exhausted just reading your lists! Pack a pair of simple gold earrings (nothing fancy) and a matching necklace (for a second set perhaps think fake pearls – they go with anything!) Simplify as much as possible Remember: the goal is to enjoy yourself, not make yourself crazy worrying! Have fun! Live for the moment! Be adventurous! And take copious notes so you can fill us all in on your adventure when you get back.
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March 21, 2014 at 7:20 pm
Oh my goodness, it’s coming up so quickly! Always a lot of preparation to do beforehand though. Making a list is smart. Saves you from that “now what did I forget” moment on the plane. 🙂
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March 21, 2014 at 7:50 pm
I am so excited for you! This is a wonderful adventure. You forgot to pack me! Enjoy your time. We will miss you and pray you have a safe trip.
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March 21, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Have a fantastic time Tess! I will very much look forward to hearing all of your adventures when you get back.
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March 21, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Dont forget your canera and travel note book, and enjoy, it will be fab ★♡★
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March 21, 2014 at 8:05 pm
It’s so exciting! Have a wonderful trip. (I’m sure you will!)
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March 21, 2014 at 8:39 pm
Travelling is wonderful and broadening. But….getting ready to go is a bear. Date: Fri, 21 Mar 2014 22:44:28 +0000 To: thspencer51@hotmail.com
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March 21, 2014 at 9:29 pm
I hope you have a wonderful trip!
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March 21, 2014 at 9:40 pm
This is so exciting! You’re on the launch pad. xoxox
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March 21, 2014 at 10:01 pm
Phew, what a list and no doubt you will think of more to add being the consummate professional that you are. As for the bling, use the opportunity to purchase some unique bling over there. That’s if you have time of course. The trip sounds amazing 🙂
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March 21, 2014 at 10:47 pm
Ms. Tess, I hope you have a fabulous time! I know you will…how very exciting! I love your pre-trip organization. Enjoy!!
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March 21, 2014 at 11:47 pm
TESS!!!!! I can’t believe it’s so close!! I got excited, and nervous, reading this. Take your baubles for the ship. Don’t wear them when out galavanting around. 😉 Safety first! I vote for taking the extra shoes for good walking. 🙂
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March 22, 2014 at 12:34 am
tick tock indeed! so close, no wonder your brain is in overdrive. Always pack some bling hun, you never know when you may need it. As for day time, pack a pair that you won’t mind if you lose. Comfy shoes for walking – definitely! Lots of photos and notes to tell us on your return, you better miss me woman! 😉 xx
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March 22, 2014 at 4:26 am
Have a fabulous time, I feel excited for you! I know that feeling of so much to do that you become stuck and feel like you can’t do any of it for a while! Just remember there is nothing THAT important here that can’t be sorted if you forgot. As long as you have your tickets, your passport and your money/bank card when you go, everything else is ok – anything you forgot to do at home you can sort by contacting your family, and anything you forgot to bring with you, you can probably buy another one if you really need it. Anything can be sorted simply enough, so just relax and enjoy 🙂
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March 22, 2014 at 4:29 am
Tess: I’m so proud of you and excited all at the same time. The sights you are about to see, the people you’ll meet, new taste, new smells, the unimaginables, everything will be great. Lady Gaga will miss you something fierce and she’ll become glue when you return home but home coming is as sweet as the holiday you’re taking all rolled into one. Prayers and hugs coming your way.
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March 22, 2014 at 7:58 am
“Decide whether to bring boots for traipsing Wall of China, Terracotta Warriors, etc.” Decisions.. decisions!
This has come around quick Tess! At least you’re almost ready – and don’t think about us when you go – just go and have a great time!
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March 22, 2014 at 8:33 am
Just around the corner Tess!!!
Man – you’ll have so much fun, but we will miss you just as much. Do take lots of pics, especially of the Terracotta soldiers – it’s long been a dream of mine to have a full sized replica in my garden of one of those fellows – they are fascinating!
But really – just have fun, and even if the flight is long, make it part of the journey.
Enjoy and almost bon voyage 😉
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March 22, 2014 at 9:07 am
Earrings: Put gold or silver posts in your ears and leave them there. It is easier.
Medicines: Put them in a ziplock bag and keep them in your carry on. Make certain all are kept in their original prescription bottles with your and your doctor’s names on them.
Footwear: Unless you have something really against walking shoes, do not buy boots they take up space. Buy good sports / walking shoes with good support.
Buy snacks at your locations. There will be plenty of things you will recognize and other things that will tantalize, promise. Don’t use precious space.
One thing missing from your list, power converter and plugs. Check these for China and make sure you have the right ones for anything you are carrying with you, don’t buy over there.
If anything you are carrying with you requires batteries, take extra with you.
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March 23, 2014 at 2:27 pm
Yes, I have the power converter. Thank you. Batteries. Right. Good idea about the snacks and thumbs down re the boots. I have excellent walking running shoes.
Weeeeeeeeeeeeeee! Thank you, Val. 😀
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March 23, 2014 at 2:27 pm
By the way, any tips on internet?
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March 23, 2014 at 2:31 pm
I have international service on my IPad. You can do a couple of different things depending on what your provider has available to you. My service provider has packages that actually end up being fairly economic given my usage, you might want to check with them first.
The alternative is to buy service when you get there, again this will depend on your laptop.
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March 23, 2014 at 2:38 pm
I called my provider a week ago and was told to sort it out when I get ‘there’. They can’t do anything for me. Have you heard of VPN?
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March 23, 2014 at 3:02 pm
Yes, that is simply how you access the service that is available in the hotel. You will simply pay their access charges. Don’t use your laptop except when you are in the hotel you should be fine.
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March 23, 2014 at 4:36 pm
But isn’t that WiFi in the hotel. Are you suggesting it’s safe?
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March 23, 2014 at 5:46 pm
Should be, usually. Most WIFI is a local VPN network though. I wouldn’t to much worry about it Tess, if the hotel offers it, just connect and make sure when asked you link to it as a public network not a private network, this way you protect your private information.
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March 24, 2014 at 9:46 am
Thanks so much, Val. A need-to-know. I don’t have plans to be on internet because of time and trying to unplug for my vacation but need to keep in touch with my family. 🙂
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March 22, 2014 at 10:42 am
Tess, I can’t stress enough on this one issue.
BE SURE TO PACK ONE DAY’S WORTH OF CLOTHES PLUS EXTRA UNDER GARMENTS IN YOUR CARRY-ON BAG.
If your luggage decided to take a side trip without you, you will be completely miserable if you don’t have these items with you. Don’t think it will happen? Think again my friend. It happens every day of the week. You could be the next victim.
Expect me to have dozens of ‘what if’ questions plus a few more concerning the story when you get back.
Please have a fabulous time!
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March 22, 2014 at 11:22 am
oh yes, this is a great idea about a day’s worth of clothes in your carry-on as one never knows what might happen! We missed our flight in Paris on our way home from Spain 3 years ago and then of course missed our connecting flight in Atlanta next and spent the night in Atlanta(on Delta’s dime!!). Luckily, Delta put us up and they give you these overnight packets complete with toothbrush and paste (prolly a razor for him), a t-shirt to sleep in a some other stuff I don’t recall…..but yea, might have been nice to have fresh under garments that day!! 😀
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March 23, 2014 at 2:04 pm
Point taken. I rushed over to my carry-on and packed that right away. Nice to have some help. Thank you.
😀
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March 23, 2014 at 2:08 pm
Thanks so much, Glynis. I ran to my carry-on and packed the extras as soon as I read comments.
Looking forward to going and to coming home afterwards. New beginnings afterwards. Work hard. Hope I will be of some help.
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March 22, 2014 at 11:18 am
I’m sooooooo excited for your trip! I’m a list-maker too, can sooooo relate. you’re going to have a great time and I can’t wait to hear all about it!
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March 23, 2014 at 2:05 pm
I can’t wait to hear about my trip too. I’m in a trance or a fog right now. 😛
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March 23, 2014 at 9:34 am
It sounds exciting! I will miss you too, Tess!
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March 23, 2014 at 1:59 pm
Sigh. I’ll be back soon, tired but happy. 😀
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March 23, 2014 at 2:09 pm
🙂
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March 23, 2014 at 2:33 pm
😀
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March 23, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Last minute advice: pack an anti-diarrheal medicine. Just in case…
Wishing you an absolutely smashing trip! 🙂
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March 23, 2014 at 2:39 pm
Yes, I went to a Travel Doctor in January. Got some shots and stuff to deal with the traveler’s…you know…you know. 😉
Thank you.
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March 23, 2014 at 6:39 pm
Take your boots. To heck with the internet. My brother was in China last year, and internet coverage was weird. Have a great trip!
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March 24, 2014 at 9:43 am
Thanks. That’s what I like to hear. Real news of what to expect. Thanks, Nancy. 🙂
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March 24, 2014 at 7:24 am
Dang girl we just can’t get over your list & how well organized you are!!! To say we’re jealous..is putting it mildly! Kudos to you for being an organized woman! Sharing now 😉
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March 24, 2014 at 9:36 am
Thank YOU, but I don’t feel organized at all. I’m all thumbs today trying to tie up loose end.
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March 24, 2014 at 11:45 am
What a great post. I can feel it with you. You are so organized, Tess. You know, there’s no reason you can’t post from China (or is there? How’s their internet?) If you have downtime, shoot us a note.
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March 24, 2014 at 12:39 pm
Ah, a planner! I knew you were my kinda gal!
Have a great trip, Tess!
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March 24, 2014 at 1:33 pm
So exciting! In one of the used books I purchased I found a note from I think a man and I assumed it was a list of things to do before a trip. It had several normal things like pack and charge camera batteries. Then it listed shave head. I add that to our list every time to see if the better half will actually do it. Might be a shock for us both.
Have a great time!
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March 25, 2014 at 1:27 pm
Thank YOU TBM. Shave head sounds like my son-in-law. 🙂
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March 26, 2014 at 4:22 am
maybe it was his book!
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March 24, 2014 at 8:56 pm
Have a wonderful adventure! Can’t wait to hear all about it when you return.
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March 25, 2014 at 1:18 pm
Thank you, Darlene. Heartwarming you took the time to write. 😉
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March 25, 2014 at 8:19 am
Oh Tess, can’t believe I’m only just getting to this post, but I read that you’re going Thursday right, so I’m in time to wish you an absolutely wonderful trip. I’ll miss you like crazy too, how will I manage without your wonderful stories and comments on my blog? The blogosphere will be a sadder place without you, but don’t worry about that, just have an absolute blast and keep safe and well and happy, happy, happy. Oh, and Tess? You simply must pack earrings, that’s a must…much love and hugs and can’t wait to hear all about it when you return…bon voyage my friend 🙂 🙂 🙂
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March 25, 2014 at 1:13 pm
Thank you, thank you, Sherri. I’m feeling the excitement now but won’t relax or feel I’m really going till I’m on the plane. 🙂 ;-);:-D
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March 25, 2014 at 3:36 pm
I know that feel!! Not long now… 🙂 🙂 🙂
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March 25, 2014 at 5:41 pm
😉
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March 25, 2014 at 12:19 pm
I meant to reply before this but got sidetracked, Tess. Sorry about that! Hope you have a wonderful trip. We’ll miss your comments while you’re away and look forward to hearing about your new adventures when you get back. Safe, fun travels!
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March 25, 2014 at 1:11 pm
Thank you, Laurie. Hope to do just that. 🙂 Sweet that you took the time to write. You are sweet.
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March 25, 2014 at 11:32 pm
Bon voyage, Tess. I am so excited for you. Just think of all the blog fodder you will return with. Have the time of your life–be safe!
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March 25, 2014 at 11:42 pm
Thanks so much. I will try all of the good wishes offered and return them. Nice of you to take the time to send these my way. 🙂
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March 26, 2014 at 3:35 am
have fun!
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March 26, 2014 at 5:38 am
Oh, Just arrived back in time to say have the bestest time, Don’t take baubles, bling…why…cos you can buy new stuff…yeh!!!
Will miss you but will think of the fun and mischief you will get up to……..till you return………
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March 26, 2014 at 2:03 pm
You are right. Earrings are at the top of my list to bring back. Am starting to relax. Finished with running around. Now time to clean house. 😀
Thank you, Rose. I’ll try to keep up as well as inhale all the sights and sounds. 🙂
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March 26, 2014 at 5:09 pm
My daughter laughs at me when I have to clean house before going away. She says it’s silly as I clean it when I come home as it is dusty. She doesn’t understand that if I ever decide not to come home I can’t have anyone saying I was … Heaven forbid… Dirty! 🙂 🙂 Your notebook is serving you well.
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March 26, 2014 at 9:33 pm
My mother was always a stickler in clean underwear thinking. I guess I got it from her. 😀
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March 26, 2014 at 4:53 pm
I wish you a happy and safe trip my friend. What a wonderful trip it sounds to be. I also know well about lists. I usually start my packing and arranging things list weeks in advance of my trip so I can jot down things I know I’d forget if left to the last few days. Ya, it’s that brain fog thing. As for earrings, for me a day without earrings is like a day without breakfast, so do find a way to bring a few pairs with you, they will help you feel glamorous! 🙂
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March 27, 2014 at 1:08 pm
I’m so happy for your Tess, you’re going to have a fab time, I just know it! Don’t get stressed on the details, if need be, you can buy what you may have forgotten to pack. Enjoy every minute and take LOTS of photos. You lucky woman!!!
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March 27, 2014 at 4:04 pm
My brain isn’t computing. Probably won’t until the airport limo comes or I’m on the plane. Thank you for your cheer. Hope I’m not too ga-ga to take lots of pictures. 🙂
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March 31, 2014 at 9:32 pm
Hope you are having a blast! Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers!
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April 5, 2014 at 9:39 am
Have a wonderful trip. Gather lots of experiences for your stories. Stay safe and have lots of fun! See you when you get back.
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April 5, 2014 at 2:44 pm
I’ve never been able to travel much. However, I did go to the mall. Two years ago.
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April 9, 2014 at 9:03 am
Tess, I’m so excited for you. Have a glorious trip and we can’t wait to hear all your great stories when you return. 🙂 All the best, Terri
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April 9, 2014 at 11:00 pm
I miss you! 🙂
When are you coming home? Hope you are having the time of your life!!
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April 22, 2014 at 12:08 pm
Tressa, I’m home as of Sunday night but have slept for past two days. Need time to get my act together. Thanks so much for perking me up. 🙂
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April 22, 2014 at 7:06 pm
Glad you made it back safely! I bet you needed the sleep after all your gallivanting around the world! Recuperate quickly!
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April 25, 2014 at 11:35 am
Thanks much, Tressa. Gallivanting barely covers it. Can’t wait to feel like myself again.
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April 16, 2014 at 10:00 am
Ah…so you’re on a trip. Question answered. Can’t wait to hear how all went upon your return!
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April 19, 2014 at 3:52 pm
Hope your trip is everything you dreamed of and more! Looking forward to reading about it on your return. 🙂
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April 22, 2014 at 12:07 pm
Me too. When I get my act together. Have slept past two days away since arrival home. Must get groceries but can’t get my act together. Will be back s.o.o.n. 🙂
Thank you for checking in. You note has cheered me up.
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April 22, 2014 at 12:28 pm
Ah!!!! She’s back she’s back she’s back. Sleep dear efriend. We’ll talk later.
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April 22, 2014 at 1:46 pm
Thanks, Jacqu, for the smilei. How did you catch on?
Happened to see your comment when I wanted to shutdown. Good to be back but have no energy, but soon…
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April 25, 2014 at 7:30 am
Tess, hope you’re feeling better. You were obviously well missed. Looking forward to hearing all your news. Susie
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April 25, 2014 at 10:19 am
Thanks, Susan. Nice to be back. Hope to stay awake a while today. Hope I do a decent job of sharing my adventure although I cringe when I think of my pictures.
Nice to be back.
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July 22, 2014 at 10:28 pm
Tess, I’ve deliberately held off reading your China adventure and I get to begin with 14 chapters – ooorrraaaahhh! I love this glimpse into your traveling mindset. Spiral notebooks are just indispensable. Bon voyage, Tess! I can jump the time continuum, yes?
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July 22, 2014 at 10:56 pm
The world is your oyster. You can do whatever you want. I am honored that you are interested to read about my trip. If it wasn’t for blogging, my spiral notebook would end up in my bookcase and later I wouldn’t decipher the scribbles. 😀 ❤
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July 22, 2014 at 11:46 pm
Ah, I bet I go you one better – my morning journals each take about two months to fill about 200 pages handwritten. I’ve got boxes of ’em….. I always thought some historian could sort it out later, but I did label and keep them in date and year order… 🙂 ❤
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August 10, 2014 at 9:26 pm
Finally getting to read your travel posts, so expect new comments from me, okay? Pre-travel post reminds me of my lists when I’m going away…without them I’m sure I’d arrive at the airport stark naked except for earrings, maybe! Lists are my friends, and apparently they are your friends, too. Looking forward to reading more.
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August 11, 2014 at 9:44 am
Thank you, Sylvia. I’m honored you wish to read about my travels. I’m pleased to have you along. ❤ ❤
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August 23, 2014 at 4:46 am
Reblogged this on Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life and commented:
I caught myself saying the other day ‘I am not so keen on doing long haul flights anymore’ and to be honest I am not – having racked up enough airmiles to go to New Zealand and back a couple of times I am not so keen as I used to be. To be fair, once on the plane, I kick back and try to either sleep or find a good in flight movie. If I am honest it is the pre-flight procedures that have taken some of the shine off travel. Whilst I appreciate the necessity for all the new security measures and am happy to comply I am not impressed by the level of retail blackmail involved – outrageous prices on bottled water being one. Anyway here is the start of a journey of a lifetime I would suspect to China and certainly I am sure an interesting one to follow.
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August 23, 2014 at 1:17 pm
I haven’t traveled in almost 20 years and have read about how security has changed. Yes, I was nervous and didn’t sleep at for 44 hours.
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August 23, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Looks like it was worth the visit – well done…S
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August 24, 2014 at 12:15 am
Yes,. I felt like a kid in kindergarten.
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March 28, 2015 at 4:49 pm
Thought I’d check out some more of your pages, Tess. I’ll have to work my way through this one. 😉
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