I invited a bunch of friends over to “kick me out of the country” since I leave on my grand adventure exactly one week from today.  I wanted to see my friends one more time before I left.  I’ll miss all of them along with my family and my furry kids (Kinley and Aker).  I thought it would be fun to see them  now and then see them again when I get back home.

The first disappointment came when so few of my friends accepted the invitation.  Most of them didn’t respond to the invite at all.  Two called today, before the party, to tell me they were sick and “didn’t want to get me sick before my trip”.  And, then at least one friend told me she’d be here and then didn’t show up.

To be honest, I’m not surprised.  The people I knew would show up did and the people I thought wouldn’t show up didn’t.

I did have one huge surprise.  A friend that has disappointed me in the past showed up and shocked me.  It was incredible to see her and I was so touched.

The evening ended better than I expected it to.  I had a fantastic time with those that did show up.  I suppose if others had shown up I wouldn’t have been as relaxed since my hostess duties would have taken over.

The coming week is going to be a flurry of preparing for my trip.  I can’t wait for the moment when I board the plane, sit down, and take a deep breath.