Let the Meltdown Begin!!

I'm starting to get a little panic attacky about this whole packing and leaving for Italy for two weeks thing I've got going on here for the next few days.  I'm not worried about Italy--in fact, if I could fast forward in time to Saturday evening Rome time, that would be just fine.

No, I'm worried because we are leaving in 57 hours and I have to do laundry, clean the house, pack two weeks of clothes into a suitcase that was too small for 3 days in San Francisco, print out our itinerary, confirmations, and important phone numbers, make copies of our passports, credit cards and id cards, and at some point decide what I'm going to do about a hair dryer.  (Current thought process, just buy one there.)  Oh, and become fluent in Italian.

Oh, and then there's Google Reader, which I have so far resisted marking all as read, because I HATE to do that, but I'm trying so hard to keep up and there are still 73 unread items in there--that's down from over 200 yesterday, but I'm pretty sure by the end of the day it will be back up again.  And I haven't responded to comments this week, because I SUCK.  I know.  I know.

Work is INSANE right now, only because I'm trying to wrap up all of these loose ends (that, quite frankly, I didn't realize were loose, but hey, I'm not in charge here), which means that I have spent the last day and a half pulling out a file folder, making sure it's in order, and refiling it.  Over, and over, and over again.  I'm on my last drawer this morning.  Hallelujah.

And then there is The Hills recap, which I am determined to fit in tonight, because holy crap was that fun last week.  Priorities.  I know I've got them somewhere around here...

Anyway, I thought I would just take today to introduce the lovely guest bloggers who have agreed to keep the dust of this old blog o' mine while I'm off sipping on Chianti and stuffing my face with mozzarella.  I really hope that you'll be very nice to them while they're here, mind your manners, and brush your teeth before you go to bed.  I'm also a little worried that when I come back, I will have no readers left, because you will have all suddenly realized how frightfully boring I am and will have abandoned me for these far more witty, interesting, and charming bloggers.

But that's a risk I am willing to take, so without further preamble, let's meet our cast of characters!

(In order of appearance)

TasterSpoon: I am always guaranteed one of those fantastic bursts of snorting laughter when she posts, and even her comments here make me laugh.  She's one of those "runners" that populate our planet, and she's always got a great story to tell about her latest race and the cool swag she gets to take home.

La: This girl is one of the absolute sweetest bloggers I've ever had the pleasure of "meeting".  We found each other through the 20 Something Bloggers, and she just has the biggest heart and three of the most adorable puppies I've ever seen.  (Not to mention a pretty fantastic new boyfriend!)

Ashley: Ashley and I began reading each other's blogs during NaBloPoMo (I think?) and were apparently just fated to become friends after a chance encounter in a FedEx/Kinko's and multiple run-ins in the lobby of our office building!  I love her posts about her latest craft project or recipe attempt and can't wait to see what she has in store for y'all!

Kate: Kate is a more recent find, but oh my heck, do I LOVE her blog!  She's hilarious, she's thought provoking, and she's a fantastic storyteller.  Anyone that can make me cry laughing on my first visit is guaranteed to become a fixture on my blog roll.

Risible Girl: Lori is another dear internet friend that I've been lucky enough to bond with in real life, and she's been mentioned a few times on this site, most notably for hosting a super fun wine shower for Colby and me last summer.  We actually "met" years ago online, and were able to keep in touch through our blogs.  When I moved up here, it was just a big duh that I would force her to be my pal whether she wanted to or not!

Girl, Dislocated: Girl, Dislocated is by far one of the more fascinating blogs I read, not only for her amazing spirit and strength, but also for her honest thoughts on her exciting, and sometimes tumultuous life.  She can always find a way to laugh in the face of adversity, and I hold her in extremely high regard.

Fraulein N: Fraulein N and I have bonded over pretty much everything... our love for Wicked (she sent me her extra copy of The Grimmerie, therefore earning my love and devotion forever) and Lost and our similar fears and thoughts about this whole "baby" thing.  I really think that if you enjoy what you read here, you'll love what she has to say as well since we seem to be basically the same person.

Michelle: That just doesn't look right--I have to call her Michelle & the City!   (The ampersand is crucial!)  Michelle was one of the first 20 Something Bloggers that I began reading, and her blog opened up this whole world of other bloggers out there that are my age, going through many of the same ups and downs as me.

Brittany: Aw, it's my little sister!!  This is actually a sneaky ploy on my part to try to get her hooked on blogging, so that maybe I'll hear more about her fascinating life firsthand rather than through my parents or Facebook status updates.  She's well on her way to becoming a Broadway Baby and of course I fully expect her to introduce me to Idina Menzel in about five years or so when they're costarring in Broadway's latest hit.

Mighty Maggie:  Maggie!!  Maggie was one of the first bloggers I ever read, and it's been so long now, that I don't even remember how I found her.  She has the most hilarious, dry humor, and just about the cutest most squishable baby I've ever seen with another on the way.  I fully blame her and her blog for making me want a baby desperately every few weeks.

So, that's it!  I happen to think that you will be VERY well taken care of and highly entertained over the next few weeks, and I'll admit, I'm so curious to see what they come up with, that it's distinctly possible that I'll be checking in from internet cafes all over Italy.

Comments

[Kateastrophe]

You, my dear, are far to kind. And um, my panic is beginning because WHAT DO I WRITE ON YOUR BLOG THAT WON'T BE UBER STUPID?

See, I share your panic just a tic.

[Miriam]

I still can't believe you're going to be gone in Italy! for two!whole!weeks!

I'm so jealous.

[La]

Awww... that was so sweet!

[RisibleGirl]

Let the blog stuff go (responding, reading, etc.) Sometimes I do that and it's very freeing. We'll all still be here when you come back. I promise!

I hope I don't run off your readers, by the way, when it's my day. ;)

[Operation Pink Herring]

Mark all as read... doooo it.

As for the backlog that will surely await when you return... if you post a list of all the blogs you follow, I'll summarize all the ones we have in common while you're away so you can "mark all as read" without worrying you've missed anything!

[Sassafras]

Oh boy, I do the same thing when I am leaving for a trip.

Make a list and cross things off as you go along - that's what helps me.

Oh, and I'm SO jealous. I want to sip (gulp) chianti and stuff my face with mozz!

[Michelle & the City]

don't have a meltdown! :)

i'm sure you'll get everything done in time. it always seems to work like that.

[Jenn]

I hope you have a fabulous trip!

[maggie]

I'd say something reassuring except I'm too busy being jealous.

[TasterSpoon]

I started freaking out Monday morning, thinking, Is this it? Is today the day I'm on call? When does she leave? I had nothing, NOTHING to say. I was totally going to steal a meme.

As for packing,

1. Don't stress. Italy has become really very civilized in the last 400 years - there's little you can't buy there (and your hotel might have a hair dryer - call housekeeping). And if you can't, how bloggably exciting!

2. Leave your bag half empty if you can, or at least fold in a duffle bag so you can return with all the souvenirs and new foods and clothes you WILL buy.

[Caro]

As I blow dust off my wonderful and beautiful Mac, I just wanted to drop by and say how much you will be missed, but that I hope you have the most wonderful time in Italy with Colby! I can't wait to hear and see all about it :) Cherish every moment, take lots of pictures, drink yummy wine, eat lots of food and enjoy your long-waited honeymoon! xoxo

[Deutlich]

I completely understand the anxiety attached to travel plans. I'm ONLY going out of state for a couple of days and I've been meticulously planning everything for 2 weeks.

Good luck w/all that and I wish you a safe trip!

Also? Press "mark all as read"

seriously. no need to let the blogosphere add to the craziness.

[nousha]

Thanks for the lovely article

[katelin]

man i am so jealous you're going to italy for so long! ah! but i am right there with you, i hate the packing process like no other, oy.

[Girl, Dislocated]

You are tooooo sweet!

I know the craziness you describe, but you did a hell of a job planning and getting everything done for your wedding, so I know you'll soon have all of this under control!

[e.p.]

Don't freak out. It'll all get done. I remember I didn't pack for my entire SUMMER in Italy until the morning OF. Yeah. But somehow, I managed to get everything in my bag. *shrugs*

Have a great time! I cannot wait to hear all about it! I hope you manage to pass some of my old haunts along your way!