Three weeks and counting....

Until I leave for Paris. I really can't believe it.  Time flies. What I really don't understand though, is how it creeps up on you.  I am a self-professed anal over-planner....and you would think I am always ready for anything.  Months of reading, note scribbling, web surfing, checklist making *and remaking*, itinerary planning, reservation requesting...you get the idea...all boils down to sheer panic at the last minute. Some days I feel like Munch's 'The Scream' painting looks.  I realize that I am running out of time, a precious commodity around here these days, and I still feel like I have so much to do.

Wanna know what is stressing me out....well...here is just a sample of my to-do list...

• Rework my itinerary, as other friends plans are changing
• Wait with baited breath to get a call that the  20" Tumi wheelie that will be my only source of luggage, has finally arrived at the store in the color I want
• Pack and unpack, several times...I am going all carry-on this time!
• Convince myself(and you guys now) that I am not crazy based on the carry-on thing
• Pare down my list of 500 cafes, restaurants and wine bars that I want to visit in my 10 days, to a more manageable list..like 250..tops!
• Uh, rework my itinerary...again!
• Compare noise canceling headphones to decide which ones are the best, without just dropping the ridiculous $300 for the Bose, like everyone else does.  Just-can't-afford-that!
• Purchase said headphones along with a tush-cush, inflatable neck supporter, travelsox, black mary-jane Crocs, solid shampoo and solid body butter and pray that they arrive within the next 2 weeks
• Jam 5 quarts worth of liquid cosmetics into a one quart clear zip lock bag
• Oh my god....I need a pedicure!
• Take a passport sized photo of myself for my Carte Orange
• Attempt to locate my converter for my digital camera battery charger *good luck*
• Buy an international phone card
• Practice my French..."je voudrais une carafe au vin rouge de la maison, s'il vous plait"
• Buy champagne to drink on our way to the airport *remember the $300 I am saving on the Bose headphones...that went to 'treating' us to a car service to and from JFK....you only turn 40 once ya know!*
• Taking the pooch to 'Grandma's' house
• Money... need I say more
• Uh, what are we he** doing with the mail?

Well, that's just some of my list.  It should be shrinking, but it is growing, taking on a life of its own!  As I cross something off, I think of four more things to write, and this doesn't even being to cover the added stress of worrying about how many hours I may be sitting on the tarmac.  Aargh!

I love to delegate and would love a little help at this point!  Who is gonna help me?  What are you gonna cross off my list for me??? What are the things that stress you out at the last minute when traveling?

Comments

[reslifedan]

I know the feeling! I am prepping for an October 1 trip to Ireland (first time there) and have to also get my International Driver's License and road maps! Have a great 40th birthday in Paris and enjoy that House red you ordered so perfectly!
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Thanks! I certainly have my priorities...wine is most important...who cares about the rest ;) Have fun in Ireland....my Mom went last October and loved it! Great time of year!

xoxo
Robin

[foodie froggy]

May I add something ? A corkscrew to open a bottle of wine for a picnic !! And also sunglasses, sunblock as september will probabbly be beautiful (which seems quite logical, given we did not have any sunny days this summer)!!
Yes, I am back but sooooooo jet-lagged :-(

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Welcome back mon amie!!! Hope you had a good trip...can't wait to see you guys in just a few weeks!!!

Bisous,
Robin

[Jeni]

Oh, isn't the planning and anticipation fun! You know how to travel well and smartly. Oh, by the way, last time I tried to do all carry-on, I was limited to something ridiculous like 15 lbs. (I believe it was a flight to France, too.) I had to repack right there in the airport, switching all my luggage around. With all these new rules, you might not be able to do all carry-on. Be sure to check with the airlines first.
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Oh no Jeni,

That would be a pain in the neck!!! Our airline restriction for carry-on is 26 lbs. My luggage weighs 8. I will be weighing before I leave the house :) Thanks for the tips!!
I am bound and determined to do it!!!!

xoxo
Robin

[Merisi's Vienna]

Better leave that corkscrew at home, I cannot imagine that it would sit well with security at the airport. They do sell them in Europe, you know. *g*
Put the heaviest stuff in your handbag, but be careful to pretend it's lightweight, otherwise they may force you to weigh that one too.
And make absolutely sure that your carry-on meets the size restrictions of the airline(s) you'll travel with.
You wouldn't believe how often rules are changed midsentence these days and there's nothing you can do against them once you want to get on that flight. In the good old times one would complain, nowadays I wouldn't dare anymore. I quietly do what they tell me.
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Merisi-

I know...it has become ridiculous, IMHO. At some point..you just sign your life over and say...whatever will be will be..will be. I will just hope for the best ;)

Robin

[NurseTerry]

Here is what I have found on our many trips: take sink-washable clothes. I took 4 pairs of underpants and washed one every night. They were dry the next day for wear the following day. Same with clothes. Everything is basic black, sink washable or spot washable. Black shows nothing and the new materials are very comfortable. Take2-3 different tops to wear over the black outfit as desired. Multi colored as not to show dirt. Wear 1 pair of shoes and carry another. One should be sneaks. Other should be black to go with basic outfit. Take no good jewelry. Carry on your meds, tix, addresses, etc. Fly direct if possible, otherwise check bags only to first destination and get them for the next leg. Wiggle your legs and get up in the plane at least 1 x per hr to prevent DVT's. Vital. Don't plan so much. Let it flow. So much more fun. Pick 3 great things to see and the rest will follow. Let the natives be your guide. They love it. Never drink booze on the plane.Lots of h2o. Carry Ambien. Make a copy of your passport, in case you lose the original. Makes life easier at the Embassy. Don't worry about the restaurants. They are almost all better than what we have in this country. Just stop and eat. Don't bother with the phone card. I still have mine from a trip to Central America 4 years ago. Make sure you have a drink at 9pm at the Cafe de l'Homme in the Troc. Best sight I have ever seen...........relax, and have a wonderful time!
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Terry,

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I totally do the 'black and everything that goes with black" thing, but I am afraid that I must take scarves and jewlery to help me feel like I have different outfits! I always take a black dress, and I am very fond of the crepe and lycra type materials that pack well and are comfortable. And I totally agree on the shoes..it's all about comfort..not fashion! I swear by my Crocs..and they are sooo light for packing!
I am determined to make the carry-on thing work...while everyone else is circling the luggage carrousel, I'll be cruising along in my taxi...to Paris ;)

xoxo
robin

[NurseTerry]

Oh yes..one more thing. Forget all the makeup.
1. You don't need it
2. If you do, buy it in the duty free shop at the airport.
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Why Terry...are you trying to say that I am a natual beauty????? Merci! ;)

[Merisi's Vienna]

I was just thinking about your question re the mail. In Washington DC and Maryland you can request that it be held back at the post office. You can even assign the date when all of it gets delivered upon your return (or you pick it up yourself). I loved the moment when we came back home and a big US MAIL plastic container was sitting there. ;-)
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Merisi,

Thanks...I think that is what we will do. Up until this year...we had a neighbor that was a friend of mine..and we always took turns in the 'getting the mail' department. SHe moved in December...and I just now had that 'ah ha' moment! A mail bag on your porch would be pretty cool ;)

xoxo
Robin