Thank you for praying for my trip to Florida.  I am truly convinced that ‘the effectual, fervent prayers of righteous men and women avail MUCH!’ as the book of James promises.  It seemed to be a divinely-appointed assignment and I arrived home  safely, on time and very encouraged late Saturday night…yes, a bit tired, but encouraged.  Coast-to-coast travel involves a 3-hour time change that sounds small but lives big.  My assistant and I arrived at 10ish their time, which was 7ish California time…so we weren’t too sleepy of course so we finally headed to bed about 1am Florida time which is 10pm California time.  BUT we had to wake at 7 am FL time, 4 am CA time…then the next morning I woke at 3:30 FL time, which is 12:30 am CA time…get the picture?  By the time I hit the sac in my own bed back in CA – it was 2 am CA time, 5 a.m. FL time…dizzy yet?  I don’t know how many hours behind or ahead I am, all I know is, I’m still catchin’ up…

Traveling can sound very exciting and and glamorous; of course it’s always an adventure of some sort…but remember, I don’t have a maid and I’m still a mom who home educates and a doting wife, along with running my book business (don’t forget I’m also vice-president of our community as well don’t laugh!).  This is where the ‘juggling’ part comes in.  I always have lots to do before I leave town.  My husband arranged his travel schedule this month to be home with our boys while I was away, and he thoroughly enjoys doing so. He is a dedicated father and a man’s man.  He’s the kind of guy who likes his ‘3 squares’ every day.  He’s not Mr. Mom however, and very much appreciates (and expects) his food to be at the ready for him and the boys while I’m away.  He doesn’t need ‘fancy’ but he does need food!  Sooo….a few days before I left, I began to shop and prepare for their meals and snacks all the while I was also collecting my teaching notes, Powerpoint displays and illustrations while planning and  arranging my wardrobe to prepare for packing my suitcase and briefcase.  This time I also had the privilege of having my assistant flying down from Seattle to join me on my journey, which meant preparing the house for house guests (clean sheets, clean house, groceries, airport run, etc.)  The day my assistant arrived I awoke early to chop onions and blend assorted ingredients to prepare a meatloaf, baked potatoes and steamed green  beans for a ready-to-eat meal to be sealed and stored for the guys while we were away.  I also boned a whole chicken and boiled potatoes and cleaned and chopped a crop of assorted veggies to create a giant chicken shepherd’s pie and massive tossed salad for dinner that night and to last for a couple more meals while I was gone.

I was also busy typing a full page of detailed instructions, various meal options, snack menu and reminders for hubby and the boys…don’t forget that I had to correct the math lessons and I created detailed lesson plans and chore charts with various instructions for the boys to carry on with life, too…

I did laundry until I walked out the door and again when I walked in the door, so…all that to say, yes, traveling is an adventure but traveling is exhausting! Now to catch up on mail, paperwork and unpacking…