The days leading up to an extended trip (and for me, that means longer than a weekend) are always hectic. There’s the packing, sure- that undoubtedly takes the longest amount of time- but there’s also making sure my bank knows I’ll be heading out of town, wrapping up loose ends at work so that I don’t return to absolute chaos- and the maybe-but-maybe-not weird rituals I have like cleaning my apartment and my car from top to bottom before I head out.
I think there’s just something about coming home to a clean and organized space after a long flight or an even longer drive that just keeps me relaxed and prevents me from getting frazzled and overwhelmed when it’s time to return to my normal, every day life.
However, when there’s a global pandemic still very much happening- the hectic levels get amped up considerably. Do I have enough masks? Hand sanitizer? Lysol wipes? Did I remember to do a temperature check and pack some vitamins- just in case?
It’s been a pretty busy few days- but I think I’m ready to go. This weekend I’ll be heading back to Nevada and California for a split week on the West Coast. The first half of the week will be spent celebrating Kelsey’s birthday and her life at a long overdue and socially distanced memorial service in Las Vegas, followed by a few days in San Diego to drive-by visit friends before I return to Nevada to celebrate Halloween with Kelsey’s kids. I’m not entirely sure if Trick-Or-Treating is going to happen in Vegas- but I’m bringing the bright orange Jack-O-Lantern sweater pictured above and a lot of candy regardless.
I think my last venture out West back at the beginning of August helped prepare me for travel during COVID-19. I was alert and diligent- as were the airline and hotel staff I encountered during my stay- so I feel a little more comfortable heading out on this trip than I did back then. That’s not to say I’m going to be lax on the rules and protocols by any means- but it’s nice to not be completely gripped by fear the way I was during my last vacation when I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.
Although my week is going to be pretty busy for sure, I’ll still have enough downtime during this trip to post regularly- but you can follow along with me on my journey over at MY INSTAGRAM in-between posts, too! I’ve got a couple of creepy desert locations I’m excited to check out before All Hallows’ Eve (and November!) get here.
See you all soon!
xx
Coffee & Chiffon 