Travel

Since our whole adoption journey started, we knew we will only have 1-2 weeks notice that it is time to go.  That seems like such a short time, because as soon as we get the word, we need to arrange for the time off at work, for the big boys to spend the time where they need to go, to see who in the world is willing to take on a 100 pound dog for that long, the cats will stay home but need to be fed and litter kept clean, mail picked up, rent collected every week and deposited so the bills can still be paid while we are gone....the list is just endless.  Mike laughs at me right now.  I have our 3 suitcases laid out in Molly's room, each half packed - I'm taking clothes I no longer want so when we leave China, the clothes will stay there, Zach got some new clothes from my mom and sister, so they are in the suitcase now, waiting for the journey, Molly's clothes are packed, I have scoured the Internet for packing lists from other adoptive families who traveled to China, so there are several things that have been bought for the trip in the suitcases too.  Then there are assorted small toys and activities designed to keep 2 children happy both through a LONG plane trip each way, and throughout the trip in the hotels while we all bond with Molly and get what I am sure will be much needed rest.  I have lists in process for the big boys packing, I have lists made for the other things that need to be arranged before we leave.  Mike says I don't need 1-2 weeks notice, I just need 1-2 hours to finish the packing.  HHMMM, that could be true other than knowing laundry will have to be done to complete it.  Mike and I are polar opposites when it comes to getting ready to go on a trip.  I begin to plan very early, compiling packing lists, seeing what will need to be bought - you all know how it is with growing kids- OK, lets try on those summer clothes and see if ANYTHING from last year still fits.......Then I begin to pack about a week ahead, adding as the trip gets closer and I think of things I had forgotten.  Over the years my anxiety has lessened a bit as money was not as tight to include, "well, I guess if I forgot it, we can buy it there".  Mike, on the other hand, is SO laid back about packing it borders on, well......stupid.  (Sorry, honey).   On Mike's second trip to China, we were seriously dating, so the night before he left, I came over to spend time with him while he packed.  He started packing that evening.  He ran up and down from the loft bedroom to the basement laundry room several times, searched for parts he needed to take with him,  searched for everyday things to take......he was packing until 2 AM, and had to leave for the airport at 6.  NEVER, NEVER, NEVER will I do that.  I sleep bad enough the night before a trip, from excitement, to stay up late packing.  I must say, his laid back attitude calms my neurosis, and my over planning has cut back on his procrastination.  I guess we fit.  Both of us, in either category, would be disasterous.