When I visited two years ago, there was really no expectation, because I'd never been there before, I'd never met my 'roommates' in person, and I had my nightly activities pre-planned. Plus the kids were younger and school wasn't as much of an issue, plus Jesse had the week off work so he just stayed home with them.
Since this is technically a 'business trip', much of my itinerary is already in place and part of me worries that I just won't have time to do all the running around and sight~seeing that I will want to take part in.
Since I'm going with my Dad and he is partially disabled, I don't want him to feel left out because I felt the urge to go see a gig if I find out one of my boys is playing some night. This trip wouldn't even be possible without my Dad and I owe him absolutely everything...I would love to be able to explain why I love the city so much in words, but I simply cannot, so perhaps I'll have the chance to do so while we are there and I can show him some of the sights.
Regardless of my level of tourism vs. conference participation level, I'll be in New Orleans, which is awesome.
But today, the day before my trip, I am pregnant with anxiety; I feel like my nerves are swollen and overly sensitive. Putting my two eldest on the bus was bittersweet, because I know I won't see them again until Sunday evening. Right now, my youngest (who doesn't attend school until around lunchtime) is being quite a little pill! Although his special needs hold him back in some areas, he knows something is going on or that something different is about to happen. So he's giving me a hard time, and I'm guessing that will be until the very moment I put him on the bus today.
I'll be picked up around 2:30 this afternoon so Dad can avoid needing to get up extra~extra early and running into a.m. rush~hour traffic tomorrow a.m. picking me up on the way to the airport. I have the distinct feeling I'll be even more nervous at Mom & Dad's house, so I'll arm myself with my Scriptures & coloring materials. =P
I figured by the time I finished what must be an incredibly boring blog for anyone (but me) to read, I'd be hitting the 24~hour mark of when I'd actually be boarding the plane. And I have to say I'm pretty darn close.
