Vorfreude

The Germans have a word for my current state of mind, Vorfreude.  The joy before (an event).  I am simultaneously completely buggered from early starts for the last two weeks (so not an early morning person LOL), rushing around getting stuff bought and ready for the trip, and the absolute peace and joy, knowing I get a Sista hug in just a couple of days.  It has been far too long since I've seen anyone overseas.  Not since 2018.  I usually go every two years (unless there are weddings, or christenings etc that make it every year for a while there).  2020 was the year that wasn't.  The world turned to shit, we learnt who was capable of critical thinking, and who were happy to go down conspiracy theory rabbit holes.  2021 we were still locked in the country.  2022 I changed jobs (so very thankful that I did).  Not realising I was completely burnt out, until the very thought of searching for a job made my brain shut down.  Three and half months on the sofa doing bugger all, except getting addicted to Temu (don't judge me) and watching TV and reading.  I'm so glad I had the resources to do it, as it was a good re-set.  Then I landed the job where I am now.

I was supposed to go in 2023, but cancelled as I was supposed to have back surgery, but then it was decided that the chances of success where pitifully minimal.  Two years of going to every kind of doctor and juggling meds and I am comfortable sitting down and sleeping (which I wasn't for a long time, so I am grateful for the amount of pain I AM out of, but alas, walking more than about 50m or standing up for more than about 3 minutes just sends my entire system into lockdown. My lower back, then my upper back and neck, my quads go next.  So I made the decision that I wasn't sitting at home doing nothing anymore, and if I couldn't have a social life upright, I will have one in a seated position.  Man - waiting in line is going to be SO good from now on.  I have bought a compact motorised wheelchair.  It has made so much difference already.

So I am ready to get going.  Well, not really.  I haven't packed at all, and still need to grab a couple of things tomorrow, but overall, I am ready to go.

And so begins the journey.......

We are T Minus 32 hours and 54 minutes.........