23 May 2008
by 
Dear Reader,
I’m bursting with excitement and would love to share it so if you are at all voyeuristic then today is your lucky day, read on. I woke Thursday morning with a heavy onset of dread. My belly was rocked with disquiet and I pulled my already packed luggage out and repacked it all, certain I must have forgotten something.
After a few last minute shopping expeditions I was satisfied that I really was prepared for this next great adventure in my life. I settled into a computer game (to take the edge off the anxiety) and hours later joined my extended family for dinner. My mother is watching my two young children and on the drive to the airport they clung to me. It was both exciting and heart wrenching to be saying goodbye. Two weeks may seem like a lifetime since I’ve never been away from them before.
Despite a few hours wait in the Perth departure lounge I boarded without issue. I even aced an explosives detection test and passed the first scanning point with no beeps. My seat was cramped and almost in the tail of the plane. An isle seat I might add which was uncomfortable and far too small. Planes are not designed for ample bodies.
The flight was uneventful and while I couldn’t sleep well I managed a few fitful dozes. I was seated next to a lovely Australian couple returning after six weeks working vacation in Perth to their home in Sydney. They were knowledgeable fliers and even offered me the window seat for the landing so that I could see Sydney from the air at sunrise.
Now, I’m sitting in Sydney airport with less than an hour until I board the super long, 20 hour flight from Sydney to California. Nervous, and excited. This time I’m more prepared. I’ve kept my gum handy, stocked up on my own water and will put my bags under the seat instead of in the compartment.
Who knows, perhaps I’ll even manage to get some sleep on the next round of this trip. I hope you are all fairing well with your own writing adventures.
Sincerely,
Rebecca
Oh, Rebecca, I’m SO excited for you! My eyes are filled with tears as I pick up on your excitement, sadness at leaving your children, anxiety of the unknown. You’re going to hit California by storm, girl! You’re so talented! Enjoy this journey. You’ve come so far, you deserve it! I was hoping you’d share bits and pieces of your journey. Imagine how my heart flipped when I came here, hoping by chance you might have posted something, and discovered your sincere, heartfelt letter! Thanks for sharing your heart, hopes, and dreams with us. I can’t wait to see where this adventure takes you! I love watching you grow as a writer, as my friend….
WooHoo for you!
*smiles and hugs*
Michele
2 weeks without your children, not an easy task.
I went away for 10 days once and it was very hard for me.
Thanks Michele, it’s a bigger deal for me then I even mention here. lol But that’s private life and while I share some, I don’t share all. *blushes* I really am enjoying my time here. I’ve got a tour guide (a friend who lives locally) and it’s great to have someone who can show me around. This place is so big, it’s scary for a little Perth-grown girl. In Perth there is one city, the city we call it, Perth. Outside of that is suburbia for about 30 minutes drive before country. Here, you can drive hours and still not be out of city. City is everywhere. Apparently there are lots of them all clustered together.
The buildings are old. Western Australia is such a young state. We’ve not been established very long but California has been around for a very long time. It’s a mixture of wild and wacky and while I’m looking forward to the convention starting Wednessday I’m also enjoying the long weekend and the chance to experience some of this fabulous state.
@ Warenwirtschaft: It really is challenging. What is worse I think is how much they’re loving it back home. I’ve made and effort to connect via webcam and voice each night (their afternoon) and they’re full of smiles and laughter. I’m starting to wonder if they ever want me to come home. lol
You’re welcome, Rebecca! Thanks for sharing. Don’t be intimidated–you rock!
Stay brave, girl, we’re rootin’ for ya!
*smiles and hugs*
Michele