• Glasses
• Bathing suit for spa days at the castle
• Phone charger
• Camera
• Passport

There is so much to do before I leave tomorrow, but it’s all manageable. I got this!

A week from now I will be cruising around Dublin on Easter Sunday…so what’s with the anxiety?
It’s just typical me worried about the stupid shit. I’m prepared. I have all my confirmations, my ticket, my passport, RealID driver’s licenses, medication and my GLASSES. I should be okay, but that doesn’t stop that sudden fear and cold panic that washes over me RIGHT before I fall asleep. Last night I opened Google Maps and I followed the route we will be taking and tried to pronounce the name of the towns we will pass through.
It might have helped. The downfall was looking at all the towns and then googling them makes me want to stop in each one and explore and there isn’t enough time for that.

My next post will probably be from Ireland. Stay tuned.

The other day I had a freak out because I thought for a second I couldn’t find my passport. I’m 22 days away from leaving and the passport wasn’t where I last saw it. I then quickly remembered that I put all my important documents in a safe place. Oh being organized has made my life so much easier! I say that, but I also didn’t realize that my driver’s licenses was due to expire on my birthday and I would need to take care of that before I left. After those two minor things I decided that at some point I should probably make a list of other stuff I need to remember. MY FUCKING GLASSES are on the top of that list!
When did having to remember my glasses become such an important thing? Getting old sucks ass. No wonder my mom was always grumpy!

TWENTY TWO DAYS.

My sweet angel puff

Today marks the one month until I am in Ireland countdown!
In my memories the other day I found the photo from when we decided to travel to Northern Ireland. We began this journey a year ago.
Ma came into my office yesterday and we were just buzzing with excitement that in a blink of an eye we will be getting on that plane. Ma has never travelled abroad and the giddiness and joy when she got her passport was something I will never forget. For two weeks I get to experience a place I have already been, but now that I know the history…it will be with new eyes and I will be able to pay my respects. My request for this trip was two days in The Burren and Mick made sure I got that. I love county Claire and when I get my ancestry done, I am guessing that is where we came from. It just feels like home. With Ma I will get to see things I haven’t got to see yet. AMOR FATI!

I started a wall on Pintrest for the Ireland 2019 that I have been working on by days and places. It’s coming along slowly because I know jack shit about Northern Ireland. The last trip I was co-pilot and I learned all the freeways and major highways. This trip I get to sit in the back with Ma and just write, take photos and space out on the view. It’s been making getting all the stuff together a little slow. I better hurry up…i only have THIRTY DAYS LEFT!

On our way to Denver yesterday I was struck by a comment made when I expressed an upcoming flying anxiety.
“The obstacle is the way…” and he smiled and gave a chuckle as he led me through a breathing exercise.

When I got to the airport, my anxiety had lessened and I knew my strength was now centered. I walked through the book store as I waited for my plane and I found shoved on the bottom shelf a book with the same title of the comment that was made. Flipping through the book, I decided it was probably one I was going to have to read.
I picked up a note pad as well because whenever I am reading something that I know I am going to learn something from, I write notes down like a mad woman.

The flight was only two hours, but in those two hours I filled up a notebook of quotes and things I need to set my intentions to when I start meditation in the morning.
I’m at a jumping off point and I know that at these places in life is where I gain the most strength and knowledge.

Rejoicing in the obstacles for I am given the gift of learning something new and it teaching me something very important I will get to use later in my life.

Life…it’s pretty fucking good!

Fifty Eight days from now I will be boarding a plane to go to Ireland for the second time.
Everything I need is ready to go. This time around I know what to pack and what to leave at home. This time around I know what can go and what can stay at home.
My last trip I packed way too much. This time I know that in Ireland you don’t need half the clothes you pack, just pack clothes you can layer.
My co-traveler packed all he needed in his backpack and I thought he was crazy, but come to find out he did just fine for 2 weeks. I bought a small on board suitcase and found a great backpack that will fit everything else for the long flight.  
This trip is so different than the last trip.  This time we spend the majority of the time in Ulster.
I had a million questions for Mick about what we should call things. Is it Derry or Londonderry? He said, “GOOD QUESTION! You call it DERRY!”  I had a feeling he would say that and the more research I did on Ulster, I am baffled by why the Home Rule wasn’t in their favor. I guess they probably ask the same thing about the US and the Civil War.  

Things in my life are calm.  I really like calm. My anxiety has been almost non existent in the last few months. Home life is 100% and work life is 100%.   It’s been nice to spend time with my love and get into a really awesome place together.
I’ve been having amazing conversations with my amazing friend, Liz.  I’m pretty sure there isn’t anything we haven’t touched on. From children to java coding and our solar system. It’s nice to have a detailed, intelligent conversation where you can laugh, learn and inspire each other.  It’s nice to talk and know the person is listening to understand and not to just respond. Positive talk.

The weather has been nuts lately and Shea sends me daily photos on what lift she is on that day. I can’t express how much those mean to me.  The photos all look the same; snow, hills, snow covered trees and a ski lift. It’s the thought that she knows that I worry about her and she wants to share what she thinks is beautiful.  

I can’t wait for winter to end and she can come home and we can hang out in the sun.

Life. It’s good.