Things to look forward to

I'm in full-on vacation mode...too bad it's 5 days too early. My brain does not want to concentrate, I've been reading travel books at all hours of the day, plotting wardrobe decisions, and thinking of all the sites to see in these next few weeks. I leave for New Jersey on Saturday morning which promises to be a really wonderful break. There will be a trip to New York City, including a stop at a museum I've wanted to visit for ages, some yummy German food, American shopping opportunities and belated general relaxing. I'm hopeful that NJ weather is much more pleasant than SK weather. Because frankly, if I see another snow or windstorm or any type of deep freeze activity I may just have to flee the continent.

Which leads me to the second phase of my journey - Ireland! Yep, Lora and I are going to be headed overseas to visit the marvelous Meghan who is living a very cosmopolitan life in Dublin. Her roommates are going to show us an authentic Irish St. Paddy's Day, so please keep me (and my liver) in your prayers. We will be exploring Dublin, taking a wander out to the countryside for a castle tour, and knowing us, just doing a whole lot of talking and catching up. I took a wonderful trip to the British Isles back in the day with my grandma and it left me with a deep love for Ireland. I can hardly believe that I will be there again. There will be lots of postcards being sent back across the ocean.

Then it will be home to Ontario for Easter with my family, as well as a chance to meet Baby Nate! I have been very homesick these last couple of weeks and I'm looking forward to getting home to some familiarity.

Otherwise, I'm trying to get through this week in one piece and figure out a way to pack lightly. Which as all of you who dare read this blog know, is an extremely difficult task for me. My motto has always been to over-prepare in case of emergency. I do admit, however, that sometimes it can get a bit excessive. You mean I won't need a flashlight, 4 packs of batteries and a emergency supply of gummy bears? But what if there is a freak electrical storm or a strike by battery workers or some sort of blood sugar emergency while I'm traveling? Clearly I would be a lousy backpack through Europe kind of gal...

I'll post some photos and tales of my adventures when I return. Ciao for now!