Good morning. 3 days left before I head out of my home and on my way to Australia. Honestly I am anxious. It’s a big trip. I want nothing more right now than to hug my dogs and stay at home. It’s like leaving my kids…lol. I will be fine once we get going but for now I am no nervous about the distance, the lack of communication back here to home, the inability of being able to help if anything is needed….. (ha! There I go thinking I actually can control things again!)
On a lighter note, if you popped in here yesterday you would have seen the pictures of many of the bloggers/ book lovers that sent me a picture of them and their planned book for the first book of the New year. Throughout the morning the bottom picture changed frequently… late pics came in, I accidentally missed one.. and then by the afternoon I had a handful more that I decided I would just post them again today with all the additions.
All in all, between the pictures, and the posts, we had over 70 participants in this one day meme. I was thrilled with the turn out.
Today I have lunch with friends and then I will do a little shopping for the trip. Having that part done will be a step in the right direction. I am getting there… baby steps…. but I am getting there. 🙂 Reading my first book Station Eleven and so far really enjoying it!
Book Journey 
enjoy your trip – make sure to try TimTam’s (best bicuits/cookies in the world)
You are my second person to recommend them… I must search them out 🙂
mmm, they are awesome – best way is a timtam slam – bite the end of each and then suck coffee/hot chocolate through them
LOL.. now I need to take notes 🙂
ohh and pavlova (like this cloud like dessert)…dang it, now i’m drooling!
Have a great trip Sheila!!! So jealous – would love to get to Australia one day 🙂 Can’t wait to hear all about it!!!
I will take lots of pictures and notes 🙂
Don’t worry about what you can’t control! You are going to have a blast!!
I know Kathy… I know it… just having trouble doing it 😀
Oh, I always get anxious before a trip…once you’re there, you will be glad you didn’t give in to the urge to stay at home! Enjoy!
I know Laurel its happened before that way …. now I keep telling Al, why dont I just stay home, then I can take care of the house and we know everything will be ok 🙂
Have an awesome time and thanks for hosting..this was fun!
Sure, it really was a good time 🙂
Have a great trip! I always hate the few days before a trip because everything’s arranged and I’m just kind of waiting. I’m not good at that! You’ll feel better once you get going. Love seeing the pictures again this morning! Thanks for hosting such a fun challenge!
Sure, it really was a good time 🙂
Sheila, have an incredible trip! What a fabulous way to start the New Year! I look forward to hearing about it.
I will be fine once we get going… or get there.. or something 😀
Before started a trip it can be hectic. Relax and enjoy. I spent yesterday reading THE SPELLMANS STRIKE AGAIN. I spent the time laughing it is funny. I would suggest starting with the first book you will understand it better.
Sounds like a good one, I do like books that make me laugh 🙂
Write what an awesome turn out of participation you had and soo fabulous that you took the time to collage all of them together like that!!
It was a lot of fun 😀
I was thinking the same thing!! How much time it must have taken to collage us all together!! Super fun. Plus it sure was nice joining a challenge I knew I could fulfill 🙂
Picmonkey makes the collage fairly easy – the tricky part is trying to be sure I didn’t miss anyone 🙂
How exciting that you’re going to Australia! I understand your anxiety, though, especially about leaving the doggies.
I love all the blogger photos. You did an amazing job with this.
Thanks – it was a fun way to start out the new year 🙂
Thanks for all the work you put into 1st book, I saw you everywhere! It certainly has grown in popularity, I enjoyed looking again at the photos and noting who they were and if I had visited.
I think its normal to be anxious about a big trip but you are right you will enjoy it and let go once you are on the way.
It was fun to follow all the posts and match the pictures to the bloggers:)
Oh, Sheila, I completely understand the anxiety of the distance and the feeling of not being close if someone needed me, but hopefully you can do your best to fall into faith and leave everything in God’s hands 🙂
Right. That is what I need to do. Thanks Donna 🙂
So fun!!! And safe, safe travels.
Thank you Candace 🙂
70 participants is awesome!!
It was a great deal of fun. Thanks so much, Sheila.
Have a wonderful time on your trip…don’t worry about anything, but you sound like me when I go away. 🙂
HUGS.
Thank you 🙂
I went to Australia last year and it was amazing — and despite the distance, super easy to get around. People could not have been nicer, its amazingly safe and clean, and within country flying was a breeze. Curious where you’re going? Kangaroo Island and wine tasting were two of our favorites but the Great Barrier Reef was unfortunately too choppy to enjoy (we went in May). Have a great time!
Oh thanks! I appreciate this… makes me feel a bit better 😉 We are doing a wine tour, we will be on the hobbit set, visiting a castle…
I get more anxious when leaving the country for some reason. This trip sounds so awesome, Sheila!
Thanks Mary 🙂
I’m so excited for your trip! You will have a great time. Aus is a beautiful country. Friendly people and easy to get around too, although driving on the left is a little challenging. And, they have some of the most fabulous birds on the planet.
I second the Tim Tams… and try the Buderim Ginger Bears… yummy. If you like fish, try the Barramundi. I would avoid the vegemite, but I suppose you should try it to know what you’re not missing. 🙂
Ok, enough babbling from me. Have fun!
Thanks for the advice! 🙂
That is a great turnout for a one day meme! I hope you do it next year too!
I can’t wait to read Station Eleven. I won a copy at the end of last year and have been eager, just busy.
I wish I was going down under…. I could fit in your suitcase though… Just sayin. 😉
I plan to do it next year – I have so much fun with it 😀
Sorry I never got to sending you a picture of my first read but its been crazy in real life but i am taking part and reading the book now. Have fun on your trip Sheila
Sweet! 😀
Have a wonderful time Shelia. I loved this post!
Happy New Year
What a great time you guys will have! Trip of a lifetime. I’ve had several friends who have done this. All seemed to have a lot of fun.
I’m getting back into the blogging world after a long, long time away. Wanted to say hello and also that I thought about you when I got a letter at the end of the year from Camp Benedict. Such good work there and know it is dear to your heart. I have a new blog – kay’s reading life – hope you will stop by when you’re back in our part of the world.
Deep breaths and off you go on a great adventure! Happy New Year!
I hope to participate next year, this year we are moving into our new beach house, and I knew New Year’s Day would be crazy busy. I didn’t even pick up a book all day, too tired to read even before bed! I hope you have a wonderful trip……but I’m sure that you will!