Last week I wrote about my upcoming trip to France. I was going to try to prepare ahead of time, doing little bits at once, so I could avoid my usual ADD drama wherein I run around like a decapitated chicken for the last three days before I leave. I thought I was in pretty good shape.
Then, due to some inexplicable corporate reasons, my partner was informed that the entire company will be shut down for the third week in February. Everyone has to use vacation time whether they want to or not.
So, we will be going to France the week before my husband’s industry meeting, instead of the week after … instead of leaving on the 20th we’re leaving on the twelfth … and I spent Monday in hyperdrive trying to make sure I could get everything accomplished that needed to get done before we leave. I realize that having to go to Paris a week earlier than I planned is a pretty good problem to have. But I gotta ask, Universe, really? I have attention deficit disorder. I have trouble getting anywhere late. And you decide I have to be ready eight days early? Thanks for that. Thanks a lot.
Anyway, here is my list so far, with line throughs on the items that are completed:
Things to get done before France:
Set up cat-sitting
Make Dr’s appointment for scrip
Get meds
Buy small storage containers for seeds
Shop for clothing:
- two more quick-dry tops (one in ivory or cream, one in green?)
- two pairs travel pants WITH POCKETS (one black, one brown)
- one pair of jeans?
- comfortable walking shoes that aren’t too fugly
- warm hat
- gloves
Buy travel jewelry bag?
Have pants hemmed
Choose guide books and phrase books
Practice French
Find reading material for plane
Clean house
Pack
Check CQ(OL)ZBOS* and top off any liquids
Sell all that stuff on Craigslist I was supposed to deal with in November
The first thing that occurs to me is that the Craigslist items are just going to have to wait. There’s no way I can deal with posting an ad and dealing with Craigslist flakiness while I’m trying to do everything else. So that one is off my list.
My cat sitter was able to change her dates, and I was able to get an appointment to see my doctor. I’ve ordered the shoes, hat, and gloves, officially with plenty of time for them to get here before I leave. We’ll see about that.
The seed storage container is for an art project (long story) for which I needed to sort some rainbow corn according to color. I don’t want to undo all that sorting, so the corn has been sitting on my studio table for … let’s see, two months now. If I get a place to put it I can finally clean up my studio. I can combine that errand, along with finding a pair of jeans, with my doctor’s appointment next Tuesday. Once that’s done I’ll be able to fill my prescription, and hopefully by that point I’ll be able to focus on getting myself ready to leave by Friday morning.
Wish me luck.
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