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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: PROCRASTINATE (08/04/16)
Dear God,

What a mess I am. Panic is surging throughout my body. I’m freaking out! Anxiety is getting worse each day, and coursing through my veins. My heart is racing faster than a hamster on its perpetual wheel.

I have waited too long to prepare for our two-week vacation. Why? How long will it take to decide which clothes to cram into my small suitcase?

Matt and I are headed to the Northwest—to the Seattle, Washington area—for week one of our trip. The San Juan Islands at Friday Harbor is our first destination. It’s still summer, yet the nights are cooler. What pajamas should I bring? The Orcas, also known as the Killer Whales, reside near the San Juan Islands. My eagerness to see them is exhilarating.

Our second stop is in Seattle for a few days. Their forecast looks sunny and warm, so I need summer clothes still. The Space Needle is something we both want to experience, and seeing Mount Rainier. Rain in the mountain’s name is a cause of concern. Seattle is often rainy. Even though the forecast looks pleasant now, it could change by next week. It’s probably best I haven’t started packing yet—I need a better idea of the weather to start. I’ll check it again tomorrow.

For the second week, our third destination is heading out to sea. At long last, we are taking a seven-day cruise to Alaska. This is a cruise we have wanted to take for years. It’s finally going to happen, and I’m freaking out over what clothes to bring.

Breathe…there is still lots of time to pack.

It’s colder in Alaska. The temperatures are forecasted to be cool to mild, with occasional rain. Rain-cooled air makes me shiver just thinking about it. I bet it will be windy and cold during the helicopter tour out of Juneau, and when we cruise through Glacier National Park. Do I need a parka? Maybe the Glacier National Park website will be helpful…I’ll check it later.

Do I need winter gear to be on the deck to watch the scenery, and scan the landscape? I have a bucket list item to see a humpback whale fluke its tail, and that I can get a picture of it too. Through with my binoculars I’ll be searching for whales, dolphins, seals, and even bears on the ice. Buying the new binoculars is a task I keep moving on my calendar. Good heavens.

So many clothes are sprawled on the guest bed—sweaters and jeans, long sleeve evening tops and slacks, short sleeve tops and shorts. With so much to consider my mind is spinning hopelessly around making me have vertigo. Am I packing the right clothes? Do I have enough underwear? This is an exciting vacation, and we leave in one week. I’m stressed out because there’s not enough time to decide what goes, and what stays home. Why did I procrastinate?

Toiletries are another baffling issue. Do I take the actual containers of my hair conditioner and foam mousse, or try to stuff some into those tiny travel containers? How much will it take to last two weeks?

Oh, and the prescriptions! I have so many medications, and they need to be organized into daily compartment containers so I don’t mess up what I’m taking and when. I messed up in the past, and the results were not good. Organization is a must when it comes to my medications. Oh help me God, please. I’m frazzled to the point of analysis paralysis. It feels like my hair is fried from being twisted on the curling iron way too long. I’m feeling sleepy—a short nap might help give me an energy boost.

Long trips are not something new—it’s the different climate changes that have me stymied. I don’t believe all I really want to take will fit into my luggage. Matt is a foot taller than I am, and has longer legs meaning more material, so he needs the larger suitcase. By default, I’m stuck with my carry-on bag. How do I fit two weeks of multi-climate clothes into a carry-on size bag? Shoes, I haven’t thought about those yet.

Help me dear God! I’m a mess. I need to start packing. Maybe a cup of coffee will take the edge off…I’ll worry about the details later.

Love, me.


Nonfiction
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Member Comments
Member
Date
Pat Small
08/12/16
I enjoyed the humor in this entry. Been there and done that! I think you should do well with this.
Francie Snell 
08/13/16
So funny. I procrastinate with naps or a cup of coffee too. Hope you enjoy your vacation.
Robyn Harbour
08/18/16
WoW! that is me too! I am packing tomorrow for a week in Tasmania. As it is nearly spring the weather is up and down, I need to pack for two seasons but am only allowed 15kg on the plane. I have this problem every time I travel.