Moms Get-A-Way

Today is the day I leave for New Orleans.  I’ve had my trip booked since May and I really cannot believe it is actually happening.  I’m a ball of freaking nerves.  I cried when I took the kids to school and Layla to the babysitter.  Even though they will be at their dad’s this weekend regardless of whether I’m in town or not, it is still gut-wrenching to say good-bye.  I feel this way every other week on our final drop off before their time with him, but it’s never this bad.  I know I will see them throughout the weekend whether for soccer games, Church or them dropping by the house for a “forgotten” item.  This weekend, I won’t see them until Monday afternoon.  That is a long time without them.  I’m worried and anxious and literally sick to my stomach over it.

On the other hand, I’m really excited for this trip.  I haven’t been out of state since last year about this time.  It, too, was a weekend trip while the kids were with their dad.  I hopped a flight to Pittsburgh to visit a friend. I was nervous then, too, but having a few drinks the night before and going straight to the airport after dropping the kids off led into more excitement than nerves.  This trip is a little different.  I’ve had all day at work to stress over the outrageous amounts of things that could go wrong.  I’ve counted, recounted and re-budgeted a million times today.  I have more than enough cash with me for this trip, but I don’t want to spend it all.  I’ve tried to be conservative with my budget.  My Pittsburgh trip was paid for.  From the flight to the extra-curricular activities, money was not a worry then.  This time it is.  I’m paying for this trip all on my own.

I’m not completely packed and fear I will go into panic mode and way over-pack.  I’ve got all of the clothes that I will need, but still need to pack up the last minute items…toiletries, chargers, hair products and so forth.  I should be home tonight by 5 and we are leaving at 11.

Which brings me to another source of anxiety…the 10 hour drive with three of my chattiest friends.  Who have been off all day and sleeping so they can drink on the drive there.  I, however, am going to need to sleep on the way there. I do not want to start this trip exhausted from pulling an all-nighter in the car.  I’m hopeful they will quiet down long enough for me to catch some zzz’s.  Then again, I don’t sleep well in cars or in the company of others.  So I’m stressed!

But….this trip is going to be fun!  I mean, it’s NEW ORLEANS!

So, I’m wrapping up my last few items at work.  Going home to down a beer and a few Valerian pills.  Setting my alarm for 8pm and trying to get in a few hours of sleep prior to departure.  I should be able to finish up packing, showering and cleaning up the house in enough time to be ready to roll at 11pm.  With a few hours of sleep under my belt, I can hopefully make it through Tennessee and sleep during the boring drive through Mississippi.

I think I’m overthinking all of this!

Hell….it’s 4pm.  I’m just ready for a cocktail to calm my nerves and get this party started!

Goodbye STL.  Hello NOLA!