A little secret...

Good morning Bob! 

I'm going to let you in on a little secret....I'm a little nervous about our trip! No, don't panic! I'm not nervous enough to not go, just....apprehensive. You know, fear of the "Great Unknown"! 

Here is a sampling of what keeps running through my head:

" What if....I get there, get scared and never leave my room?" This is so not likely to happen I can't believe it even enters my mind! It's not even not likely, it's just plain not going to happen! Forewarned is forearmed! Sorry scaredy cat Shawn! You gave yourself away!

"What if....I get lost while driving and panic?" This one is a real possibility, Bob. I am, well to put it delicately, directionally challenged. And not just a little bit! However, the whole point of the trip is to see the country and really experience it.  So, what better way than off the beaten track, right? Remind me of that when I get us lost and start to panic, would ya Bob?

"What if...I forget to drive on the left?" Okay, Bob, another possibility here. But, I have been reading for months about what to expect when driving on the "wrong side of the road". I think I'm ready! The first few traffic circles, and these things are EVERYWHERE, will probably ruffle my feathers a little, Bob but don't be scared. I can do this.  I found this great travel website, www.ricksteves.com. I have spent a lot of time on this website in the last several months. One of the most recent gems I gleaned is to make the scary, frustrating traffic circles into a game. I'm paraphrasing here, Bob but basically, he says to go around once and scope out all your options. Then if you find your road, take it on the second time around. If you're still not sure...go around again! Laugh at it, take your time and stay happy! I'm going to take these sage words to heart, Bob. But, give me a little nudge if I need it okay?

Wow...that was a lot about traffic circles!

Here's the big one...and really the most ridiculous...

" What if...I lose my passport, all my ID, all my money, my suitcases and my toothbrush?!?!" Wow I feel better just telling you, Bob! Its totally silly to worry about losing my ID...I have copies! As for losing my clothes...hopefully I'm not naked when said clothes go missing so at least I'll have what I'm wearing, right!?! And, really, the toothbrush! Come on.... The money thing...that would be a little concerning... but I have skills! I can scrub pots and make beds, among so many other very useful things, so I'd work it out! And, if all else fails...call home!!!

I  know these things are not going to happen. But if, on the off chance any, or all, of these do occur, I can handle it, Bob.  Rest easy, we will be fine! Great even! 

Wow! I really do feel better now! Let's get packing...I'm putting in an extra toothbrush!