I'm packing, finally! I got up this morning, showered, went to get a manicure, came home and started packing. I have one half of one suitcase looking pretty tidy. It's such a shame the airlines now only give us only 50 pounds instead of 70. It's amazing how much difference 20 pounds makes. We have had to go to smaller suitcases in order to not overfill.

I'm an expert packer. I have been packing for international trips for almost 8 years now. I can fill a suitcase and know by picking it up if it is overweight to about a 1/2 pound. I still have a compulsion to weigh them at home before I go to the airport, though. I had 70 pounds down so well, knowing just what combo of clothes and heavy items I could fit in and not go over. Having to shed 20 pounds has been challenging, but I'm getting really good at it. Smaller suitcases help a lot.

I'm really not procrastinating by blogging. I needed a little break. I had a little snack and just need to think about what I'm going to pack next. If I can keep going, my goal is to be packed by 5:00 p.m. Ok, break's over and it's back to work.

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Ok, so it's almost 5:30 and I'm not quite finished, but I have made great progress. I have not taken a nap (yeah!) and have persevered through the brain burn.

I find that I can continue to pack things until there is not one corner or ounce left for something to be stuffed, squished or pounded in. So, the packing will continue until I get to that point!

I think it's time for some real food, so I will take a break to eat and try to regain some energy to finish up. There is a hugh sigh of relief for us when we make it to the airport, through all the screening and ticketing and are upstairs eating breakfast at McDonald and wasting time until our flight is ready.

I am starting to get excited about seeing our son and my sister and the rest of the family. I won't get to see future daughter-in-law much until really close to the wedding, as she is working and living about 4 hours away.

Ok, enough pondering....to work!