Thought you should know

Next month, I'll be traveling to Charlotte with a friend for a speakers' conference. My first. Her second. I look forward to learning more about effective communication and refining my skills. I know the speakers there will be encouraging. I'm a bit giddy at the idea of three days for "me" without mommy duties... but don't tell the kids.

When I travel, my quirks will go with me. Of course. So, Leigh, here's your warning. Thought you should know that:

• I sleep with a pillow over my head. Yes, it's true. My little head, squished between two pillows like a sandwich. I've slept this way my whole life -- or at least as long as I can remember. Honestly, I didn't know it was a little weird until my last road trip with a friend. She found it quite hilarious!
• I can't survive a day without popcorn. Perhaps I could survive a day, but I'm certain I can't survive three without it! I share -- but only begrudgingly.
• I don't wake up till the coffee cup has been drained -- at least once. Some days, I need two cups before complete, rational sentences form on these lips.
• I always check the bed for bedbugs. Always. Long before the recent bedbug scare.
• I don't consider myself arrived until the bags are unpacked. Sadly, I'm not a drop the bags and run for fun girl... Unpacking settles me. (Note: I am good at leaving the bags when I arrive before check-in. It's just that I consider myself "checked in" only once I'm "settled in.")
• I always hit the snooze! Always! At least once. Usually twice. Or three times. Why rush the waking process... See note on coffee above.
• I need to know the day's weather report. It's almost as essential as coffee. Don't ask me why. Especially going to a conference in a hotel where I won't be outside... If I go back to college, I think I might study meteorology.
• I sleep best with my sound machine, set on ocean waves. Very soothing. However, I can go without it if you can't sleep with the ocean in the background. I think. Maybe.

That's about it. Now you know what you signed up for -- I'm glad that was non-refundable, because you're stuck with me now!