Almost there...

Whew, I'm tired today. Errands and social obligations leave little space for alone time. Yesterday only involved a few errands, and the rest of the day was spent slothing around with my husband who was preparing for his own flight to New Zealand. He was in a stressed-out mode that involved much questioning of his career and choices, so as Faithful Wife I listened, sympathized and offered my opinions. It's a tough thing, relationships. You have to learn when the other is simply venting or needing a legitimate feedback or requiring whack in the head. I usually save the last for dire situations but sometimes it adds a little levity to the situation.

But now he's off, and hopefully has reached Wellington safe and sound. I hope he can spend the rest of the weekend re-acclimating and avoiding work. This is the third time he's flown to New Zealand in three months, so I can see why he's over it. Me, I'm all sorts of excited.

I'm down to just a couple more errands, my last improv show tonight and thinking about packing. Everyone I talk to asks if I'm packed yet. I never pack in advance because then I can't find my stuff. I figure whatever I wear here is what I'll be wearing in Australia/New Zealand, so I already know what to pack. Is that weird? People have been looking at me like I'm insane when I say I'm a)not packed and b)not stressed.

The good news is that I now have four publications interested in articles while I'm traveling. Two gay print, one non-gay web, and most excitingly, one non-gay, travel-oriented print. Having worked for a well-known travel journalist has been a huge help in getting editors to actually give me a chance, and it's given me renewed vigor to pursue a freelance career. Since my husband's jobs requires the utmost flexibility from me, I need to develop a career that can move with me. Plus I work well when I'm at home in my PJs. Go figure.