Early Wake-Ups & Overstuffed Bags: Philly Here We Come! 🧳

OMG!!! Just two days to go—and really, not even a full two days since we’re leaving at the crack of dawn. For someone like me, who has a natural tendency to stay up late (and therefore sleep late), leaving at 6:00 a.m. means waking up around 4:30 or 5:00 at the latest. Yikes! Let’s just say I’m extra grateful that I’m not the one driving.

Still, this trip is going to be fabulous. The drive to Philly will be filled with girl talk, good music, and plenty of singing. Mary and I used to sing together back in our Nashville West Coffee House days, so you can bet there will be some harmonizing happening along the way. We can talk about almost anything, and since we’re both Toastmasters—on our way to the Toastmasters International Conference in Philly—that will definitely come up. Plus, we still need to make some sightseeing plans!

As I mentioned in a previous post, Mary will be attending the conference while I’ll be setting up camp with my laptop and tablet. With a room that has a nice window view, I’ll have the perfect space for a major editing session. No need to print everything out—just me, my screen, and my words.

Of course, getting ready for this trip has been its own little adventure. On Thursday, I had my hair touched up (yes, I’m a natural redhead—I just like to stay a redhead). Tomorrow I’ll be running more errands, picking up last-minute things, prepping meals for my Sweetheart, and, of course, repacking because… well, I overpacked (no surprise there!).

At the moment, I’m in full-on “get ready panic mode.” Writing out the feeding and potty schedules for the dogs, watering instructions for plants and birds, getting laundry done—because even though I’ve overpacked, I’m convinced there’s something I want to bring that still needs to be washed. (Spoiler: there probably isn’t, but better safe than sorry, right?)

So tonight, I’m focusing on finishing my daily goals—which includes writing, some art time and a quick Duolingo language lesson.

With that, I’ll close for now. May your days be filled with hugs, love, laughter, and blessings.

Goodnight! ✨