Getting stressed...

Wow, I'm becoming more and more aware of all I need to do before I take off next week.

I've made huge strides already, but I still need to box up my carefully divided piles. It's a big puzzle how everything will go into those boxes and where they will end up, and I think that's the most daunting part of the task.

I still need to find homes for my desk and a couple tall shelving units. I have leads, but it's stressful getting my needs and others' schedules to meet up.

Planning the drive to Oregon is giving me a little stress, but my hope is that once I'm on the road along the California coast, it will be a sort of vacation. My initial plan is to make it to Monterey on the first day, and on the way I want to see Hearst Castle and whatever else I can see. The second leg will bring the Monterey Aquarium, a short stop in San Francisco, and I'm hoping I'll be able to get to Eureka by nightfall. And then the final leg will take me up the coast into Oregon and to my folks in Lebanon. In addition to wanting to see the California and southern Oregon coastline, that route will also help me avoid what could be snowy patches along the I-5 route. I do look forward to being in the car, listening to favorite tunes including my reference CD of the songs that will be in the Milwaukee show. Road trip!

I've also gone ahead with plans to take part in a living room reading as a last (for now) hurrah with my peeps at Musical Theatre Guild. That takes place on Monday, but we have a read-through rehearsal this evening. I'm a little ashamed to say I haven't done much homework and I'm afraid that I will be the weak link. While they are working with me fully knowledgeable of my situation, I still feel bad. Maybe if I can just set aside an hour before rehearsal, I'll feel a lot better.

That's not all... I've taken on a commissioned illustration project that needs to be completed before I leave. On one hand, it's a little stressful, but on the other, it might just be the saviour of my sanity. When my brain gets full with planning and organizing and my body gets tired from lugging boxes, it has been healing to be able to sit at the desk and create something of beauty. The subject resonates with me and I'm finding it a joy to draw. And the fee will be partially applied to packing and shipping and traveling expenses, and for that I'm super grateful.

Add to all of this a steady schedule of meetings and lunches and coffees. I've got to plan a tiny road trip to return a guitar. I'll be attending the opening night of an amazing show featuring dear friends. And I've got to do my best to get my rest. The happy irony of this situation is that even though I'm stressed out, I've still been able to fall asleep when the head hits the pillow. Grateful!

And of course, I'm procrastinating by posting on my blog. But it does feel great to write out what's spinning in the noggin. Back to work! Take care, all! Peace and love.