- I have mentioned this (I think?) but I've already booked and paid my conference fee. I've also exercised courage and signed up for all the speaker evaluation sessions possible (EEK! what if those American ladies can't understand my accent?).
- I mailed our company's corporate travel agent to ask for help. They were very helpful and the lady emailed me in detail what to do for the visa.
- I started completing the visa application about 3 weeks ago and after page 1 of about 7/ 8 pages, I just didn't get to it for over a week.
- We are so busy at work because we're two people short that it's madness - I literally make my sandwich and eat while I answer emails, etc. Usually I do my personal admin over lunch but no such luck and you have to do most personal admin during the work day since the call centres, etc. are only available from 8 - 5.I'm the type of person who starts freaking out if things are outstanding for too long so eventually I just stayed late one night and completed the visa, this after carrying my precious passport to and from work for a whole week.
- I did the first bit and felt super-victorious when I got the confirmation that the application was now submitted.
- It then took me another few days before making payment and scheduling the appointment.
- Well, my appt is next Friday morning and then comes the "fun" bit, paying for flights and so on.
 |
| of the hundreds of pics we took, this is one of my favourites. Can you see why Superhero photo is perfect for me? I'm very weird! |
Except he's being such a drag - he doesn't know if he wants to come. Have I mentioned he's such a nervous nelly where the kids are concerned?
Also, our personal styles are very... different. If I waited for him to get organised with his visa, I could wait until Christmas :) So I'm going full-scale ahead but nagging him half to death every day.
Now. Here are all my thoughts:
- In Charlotte, I want to see Mandy, Deanna, B (another friend you guys don't know) and hopefully Jayme? and Laura C. Well, if all those people are keen.
- In New York, I must see Heather (yes, I must!) and if it works out, I would love to see Mo and Puffer.
BUT I do understand life happens so I will try hard not to be disappointed if it's not possible. :)
I've received the LOVELIEST emails from Melissa, Deanna and MandyE (thank you again) telling me sights I need to see, how to get around, food, etc. I love it all.
I'm not a great researcher because once I cross my impatience threshold, I become pedantic to the nth degree. It's like with spreadsheets - I really don't love them, but once I settle down and start playing, I can get quite OCD.
And this is why I don't like to plan travel too much.
That's D's job - he can research and plan til the cows come home.
Also why I need him to get on board to do all the (boring) research for me. If you're a researcher, I apologise :)
Loosely my plans are to be at the conference from Thurs to Sun. Then go to Charlotte for a few days (will 2 days be enough - I'm thinking to drag all my friends with me to do stuff so we're accomplishing as we connect...) and then to NYC from Tues to Thurs, possibly Friday, and then fly home and back to work Mon or Tues.
I'm also very concerned/ worried about the kids because they can vocalise exactly what they're feeling, if they don't want us to go to work, if they're sad, etc. EEK. We should have done this last year when they just cried more :) and weren't so articulate.
Have you travelled away from your 3-year-old? if yes, what was that like?
What's on your travel wish list at the moment?
PS strangely I've kind-of resigned myself to the fact that this is going to be very expensive. I'm justifying it like I haven't travelled overseas for 3 years so it's all those years combined! Madness.
