Off

Well, I'm as ready as I'm going to be.

I'm excited, but I have to admit that I'm a lot bit sad about leaving The Boy. His normal bravado has disappeared and he's become truly glum. I've gotten tears in my eyes on two or three occasions at the thought of a five-week span without him. This is pathetic. I can't believe I've become that girl. Anyway, we're off to dinner this evening to spend my last remaining hours in Europe together before the long flight.

I think I've just got a bit of the jitters. I'd be lying if I said I didn't. I'm just worried about missing my bed, my shower, my friends, and my man. I'm also really hoping I won't be entirely cut off from the news, because that's one habit I just can't crack. But, missing things comes with the territory when you travel, and I suppose it just means that things are good enough back home to be worth pining over when away. That can't be a bad thing.

I'm all packed. My backpack - already considerably smaller than my previous bag brought to Europe - is only half full. Kdogg's bag is even smaller than mine, so I figure we'll have some communal spillover space on my side. I'm fine with that. For right now, the bag is ultra-light and certainly manageable. I'm impressed with my ability to streamline. I've somehow mastered the skill over the years, one of the few things I can honestly say I'm good at.

I believe I've closed up shop in Paris to the best of my abilities. Last night was a lovely dinner with The Girls to say farewell for now. Kathypath and I won't see one another for over two months, due to poor planning and general stupidity on our part. Omar is fortunately still going to be in Paris when I get back, so we'll get to spend more quality time together. And Beccarah should be back in Paris before I get home at the end of July.

This morning, my flight company informed me of a change in schedule via email. Apparently this is normal with Vietnam Airlines. I'm only getting in an hour later than expected, which isn't tragic. On the return flight, however, a two-hour layover has turned into a ten-hour one. I'm not too thrilled about that. Ten hours in the Hanoi airport? Jaysis.

In the end, I've got my journal, books, glasses, and Tylenol PM ready for the flight over. This will be the first time I fly without music, and I can't believe I'm attempting such a feat on such a long flight. Still, I've gotten in a lot of practice flying since graduating high school, so I'm not too worried. Just like my mama raised me, I have a fair amount of literature to keep me occupied. For 20 hours.

Tomorrow morning, I know I am going to be a babbling idiot when it's time to say goodbye to The Boy. In the interest of self-protection, he usually makes some asshole comment before my departures like, "It's not a big deal. You won't be gone long." This usually has the reverse effect of comforting him but upsetting me. I know he's just trying to play cool when he says it, but it makes me feel that my leaving is of little importance to him. This time, however, his cool has already started fraying. That makes leaving a bit more miserable. I have to admit to a fair amount of guilt: I hate to think of him tinkering around the house and sleeping alone. I guess that just means I love him.

There you have it. To all my friends and family: I LOVE YOU! I'll be thinking of everyone and sending along updates as much as possible. Have a great couple of weeks and I'll be in touch!

Hugs and kisses all around,
L