I'm off!

Its been a whirlwind of a day. But at the end of the day everything is in order. My house is more tidy and clean then it has been all year. Even the loft and basement are organized. And even though I'm not there at the moment, I feel the lightness. Plus it's nice to come back to peace and quiet versus chaos. 

And at work, I went through all the emails and got everything in order. Queued up projects for staff and finished up deliverables. Well, all but one which I figure I can do at the airport. 

Everyone was super impressed with how light I packed. I'm impressed!  I really made myself think of every item. Do I really need a bag to put my toiletries in?  Answer is no - I put it all in a side pocket of my back pack. 

The one place I was weak is technology. I almost only packed my iPhone (actually Sue's old phone since it has a better camera). But in the end threw the camera and iPad in. Pictures are what I value most from a trip and I think I'm addicted to my iPad. I left it at work last night and it was so strange being at home without it. Apparently I use it a lot more then I realize. In the morning while I'm brushing me teeth, at night while fixing dinner. I also packed two sets of headphones which is the only back up, other then a spare set of contacts. 

I justified the iPad by loading some shows for the plane ride and layover. Plus I type faster on the bigger iPad so more likely to post my journey which I want to capture in the moment.  And of course, for finishing up work. 

It's strange heading to the airport with only a light backpack. I blend in with the day commuters. And strange not to have my phone. No ability to call or text. Which I didn't have ten years ago and was perfectly fine. 

Being lightly packed allowed me to get out of the packed bus at my stop. If I had a suitcase - there was no way. Official final weight 6.6 kg. That included jacket and sweat jacket, iPad, iPhone, and camera which I figured on the way back I can wear during the weigh in, thereby reducing my bags weight. 

I just boarded after a leisurely stroll figuring what to get for dinner and breakfast. I don't know why there are such poor food options in terminal E. I wistfully passed the elevator that could whisk me to the glorious business class lounge of Virgin Air with all the wonderful spread of food and drink options. 

I'm truly on the other end of the spectrum from first class - with my back pack and budget air traveling. 

I'm surrounded by young travelers. I feel like I'm on the fung wah bus to NY. If you've never taken it, it is the bus between NYC and Boston and is super cheap so is full of college kids. At least it's a night flight so everyone should be sleeping and quiet. 

 I had a small glimmer of hope just now. Apparently they were expecting more checked bags so to balance out the planes weight they are moving 15 people from the back to the front. How nice to have my own row. But no such luck. At least I have the window.