Cause I’m leaving on a jet plane…

...or more specifically on a proclaimed “Party Plane to Vegas.”  You might want to ask me several questions.  Let me try to explain.

1. By the time you read this I will have already arrived home - I am weird or cautious about posting things saying that I am out of town
2. Dan wins radio contests.  It’s a fact. We should probably buy lottery tickets, but we don’t.  A few weeks ago he told me he thought he won a trip to Las Vegas.  It was very circumspect.
3. This week it got real.  He did indeed win 2 nights in Vegas and plane tickets.  It even includes transportation to the hotel from the airport (I do find it a little odd that we have to get back to the airport on our own).
4. I’m not sure if I have mentioned before my anxiety about flying.  It’s real. It’s big. It’s really, really big.  I also don’t do much live music… stay with me here…
5. Dan is thrilled.  Our “Vegas Bound Party Plane” also includes a live performance from a surprise band while we are 35,000 feet in the air.  Yes, you read that right.  Most people would be ecstatic and excited.
6. I spent therapy time today preparing myself for coping skills in case I need them over the next few days.  I will be bringing in my physical carry-on baggage some aromatherapy, music, books, and ear plugs - just in case.  I was thrilled to be in a group today, surrounded by people who understand me and don’t think I am crazy to be anxious about this incredible adventure.  
7. It was pointed out to me that it will make for a great blog post!  And I figured it should give me more than one… we shall see…
8. When I told my girls we were going, my younger daughter’s anxieties came out in full force.  We had several nights of tears about my leaving town, and I had to show her compassion without allowing her fears to feed my own.  It proves yet again that anxiety in our family runs deep.  I have stumbled with my emotions with this one, but it is making me stronger, and I think it will be good for her too.
9. After putting in for a personal day, writing sub plans, packing the kids for 2 nights at Nana and Papa’s, I was ready to pack for my trip.
10. I know I have mentioned how messy and disorganized our house is and now I know I am correct. Somehow we have lost an entire suitcase.  A fairly new one.  That I just took with me to New York in July.  And I have searched.  Everywhere.  After 45 minutes I have given up and picked a different suitcase from the basement.  Unfortunately I will be racking my brain about my missing luggage, hopefully I can let it go at least for now.
11. After asking friends for suggestions of things to do in Vegas, and checking the forecast - I realize that it is ridiculous not to pack a bathing suit.  As the temps are supposed to be in the high 90s, we probably will want to check out the pool.  That means trying on bathing suits and being willing to wear one out in public.  Not my idea of fun.
12. Truth be told, I am excited to go away on a surprise trip with Dan for two nights.  Alone.  I am also excited to create memories with this once in a lifetime experience.  So I am packing my meds, my comfy shoes, my coping skills, and yes - even my bathing suit.  And I’ll be back Sunday!  Stay tuned for my post-Vegas post!