Tomorrow morning I get on the plane for the first part of my journey. A trip to Jersey with an overnight stay to meet with my dear friend and traveling buddy, and then on Thursday we board the lane for Honolulu!
I have completely lost all perspective on my packing. I made a list, checked it twice, and then checked things off as I put them in my suitcases. I had my other list of non-clothes stuff like my snorkel and mask, dry bag, extra camera battery, camera battery charger, etc. etc. etc. I have everything I need. I think. Like I said, I’ve lost all perspective as to whether I packed too many or too few clothes, or whether I have the right clothes for all of the different activities.
Now I’m holding onto the logical thought of, “So what?” I either have it or I don’t. If I do, great. If I don’t, it’s not like I’m launching on a voyage and won’t see land for weeks. I’m going to Hawaii. There are stores. Rumor has it the cruise ship even offers laundry service so if I need to get clothes washed, that can happen. What a shocker! Here’s the best part. If I need to buy something, I’m now at a size where I’m not limited to Lane Bryant, The Avenue, Catherine’s or some other specialty store for plus-plus-plus-sized women.
There is such freedom in that reality. I’m decided to not stress about it one more second. I’m ready. Honestly, I’d be in worse shape if I left my snorkel home. Yes, I know there are plenty of snorkels to rent in Hawaii, but mine’s a dry snorkel and I love it!
I’ve already shared about the different adventures we’ve planned to try. I promise that I will take as many pictures as possible, but in the interest of full disclosure, I don’t know how often I’ll post while I’m away. I’m taking my travel computer, but Internet rates onboard ship are exorbitant. I hate not checking in for the whole time that I’m gone. It feels like I’ll leave behind some of my accountability and I refuse to do that. This blog and our community matter to my recovery and it’s important that I not let my attention to recovery lapse while I’m off on my vacation. Although it’s not easy to do long blogs on the tiny touch screen keyboard of my iPhone, at least I will be able to post. I promise to do so, even if the posts aren’t overly long. I’ll make sure to also take some pictures with the phone so that I can include them from the road.
I also promise to write full reports when I get back. Until then, I’ll be here as often as I can!
Aloha, friends. Talk to you soon.
Weighty Matters 
Tell Paradise we said hello!
Safe travels.
Julie
Have a wonderful, wonderful time!!! Take lots of pictures. Y’know, the last thing we usually say to each other as we drive away wondering what we forgot is, “We have a credit card and they have stores.”
Bond voyage, dear friend! Feel the joy and God bless!
Have a great time! You deserve this and it’s gonna be great!
I’m so excited for you, Mary. Have a wonderful time!