Up Early
05.12.08 (10:58 am) [edit]I woke up on the early side today and didn't feel like going back to sleep. I'm hoping to keep this pattern going now for the rest of the week so that I'll be on a somewhat normal schedule when I go to tattoo school next week.
I'm really looking forward to it but I'm also really nervous of all the "unknowns". You know, the stuff that everyone else takes for granted...like being able to find their way around a strange city. As much as I know Toronto, I don't know it well enough to feel comfortable there.
This week I have to pack for the trip...two weeks is a long time to have to pack for. One week is hard enough. I guess I'll have to use the hotel's laundry service to maximize my small luggage. You see I have to remember that on my way home I will have all of my luggage PLUS a tattoo kit filled with machines, power supply, ink and some paper handouts. These items will be encased in some kind of suitcase/briefcase type of box that I will need to carry to the train, in addition to my duffle and laptop bags. So I'm trying to pack lightly so I don't have too much to carry. Remember that I have MS and am kitteny weak as well so that adds to the fun.
When I travel I really don't like using suitcases persay. I prefer a duffle bag because a) (when travelling by plane) the airport staff don't rip off your stuff because your bags look "uninteresting" b) I can fit more luggage in my duffle than in my suitcase and c) because it's easier to carry a shoulder bag than a dead weight with little wheels that you have to drag behind you. What is the deal with those tiny luggage wheels??? Besides, it's safer too because you have your hands free.
So I travel with a duffle bag and a laptop bag and nothing more, to allow myself to be mobile and have my hands free. I have at least half of my duffle bag taken up with medications, shoes and makeup/beauty care stuff. So that leaves me a half duffle bag to take two weeks of clothing with me. It's a good thing that I own a lot of yoga pants and t-shirts!
I think that the hardest part for me while I'm gone (aside from missing my husband, dog and parrot) will be just the fact that I cannot see green grass and trees. I'm going to be staying in a downtown Toronto highrise hotel. There's no pool either so I can't swim (I LOVE swimming...even in a hotel pool). I guess what I'm saying is that I'll miss being able to walk outside and hear the birds and the breeze blowing through the aspens. I'll miss being able to put my bare feet down in the grass. Urban life feels confined and unhealthy to me...and the noise is going to drive me nuts. However I'll be so tired most days that I don't think any of that will impede my sleep.
Today I'm finished my period. When this happens my entire body changes shape! I have the runs for a day or two as all the hormones suddenly change over. I can literally feel the "bloat" disappearing and I pee constantly. I come out of the end of my period about two sizes smaller and it all happens in a day or two. It's often very painful as I have these cramps and the runs. I can honestly say that I will be glad when I go through menopause so I will stop changing size so drastically each month. At least my "skinny" portion of my cycle is now in full swing. This is also when I'm at my most energetic too. I think the timing couldn't be more perfect for my trip away. Now all of my "normal" clothing should fit well again. Stupid body!
posted by: PirateGirl (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (10:59 am)
WOW! Have a great trip and remember to have FUN!
( and maybe pack an extra duffle that is empty in case you need more room for things on your trip back home )
Keep us posted! ;D
posted by: wolfen (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (1:33 pm)
Reply to: PirateGirl
Hmmm...that's a great idea PirateGirl! :)
posted by: PirateGirl (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (2:22 pm)
Reply to: wolfen
Hey, I try ;D
Remember to have fun! :D
posted by: wolfen (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (4:01 pm)
Reply to: PirateGirl
Will do! :)
posted by: rosietulips (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (5:00 pm)
Is it already time for those classes?? how time flies!! I think you will have an exciting two weeks!
I almost felt like I had the runs when I finished my period this time. I guess I was constipated as usual while I was PMSing, and I guess there is a release when Aunt Flo arrives.
posted by: wolfen (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (5:45 pm)
Reply to: rosietulips
I think it's going to be fun...if nothing else I'll be right downtown in Toronto and the restaurants should be wonderful.
As far as the aunt flo issues go, it's a very common problem with many women to either get constipated or have the runs...hormones! I am just glad to be fitting back in my clothes again!
posted by: mimi (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (6:43 pm)
good luck! good wishes! good everything!
xoxoxo
posted by: wolfen (reply)
post date: 05.12.08 (6:51 pm)
Reply to: mimi
Thanks mimi! :)
posted by: sebastianjoshua (reply)
post date: 05.13.08 (12:48 am)
i always watch Miami Ink... kinda interesting to have tatoo... lol
have a nice trip and enjoy your life there... and dont forget to smile always :-)
posted by: Cutter (reply)
post date: 05.13.08 (4:35 am)
Just an idea (it worked well for me, in the past) -
Get a box while you're there and mail things to yourself back home, rather than having to drag them around with you on the trip back. No sense in having to lug around dirty laundry along with everything else you'll be having to transport... and it doesn't weigh too much or break in shipping! :)
posted by: wolfen (reply)
post date: 05.13.08 (9:12 am)
Reply to: sebastianjoshua
I'm just going for two weeks...I'll be right back home in no time! :)
posted by: wolfen (reply)
post date: 05.13.08 (9:15 am)
Reply to: Cutter
This is a good idea. I also found out that there's a coin operated laundry facility in my hotel so I won't go broke using the "send out" service. I can just do like I did in my 20's and use the coin wash. :) That means I can bring less clothing and wash a few items while I'm there.
Also, this morning my instructor said that if I bring my own machines I save $200 on the cost of the course. I just happen to have two shiny new machines I've been dying to try...so that's a nice savings in space as well. I now only need room for the ink...which I'll bring ziploc bags for.