Emmy June: 2012-05-27

Bon Voyage

31 May 2012

As I sit on this wicker couch, in shorts and flip flops, hearing the sounds of flowing water nearby,
I'm happy to say that the Big Adventure has begun. I started this post as a draft several weeks ago, and as I read it now, I cannot help but laugh. I planned to post this the day before we left, and I wrote that I was feeling "excited and adventurous." Pffffffhhhhhh.

I guess that's what I get for trying to draft a post so far in advance. Let me tell you how I really felt.
STRESSED.
Anxious.
Tired.

I completely underestimated how emotional I would feel, how much work it would be, and how difficult it would be to juggle a house guest, wrapping up work, packing, and cleaning. J and I spent the last three days fighting with each other, then barely talking--I was upset that he didn't do enough to help and wasn't being emotionally supportive. I'm still not exactly sure why he was upset. Stress, I guess.

The cleaning was a one-step-forward-two-steps-back process. I cleaned one area, and noticed two other areas that were dirty. It was time consuming and frustrating. I also felt like the burden of organizing and packing fell completely on my shoulders. My husband couldn't do anything without asking me questions first, because he didn't understand my packing system.

Nevertheless, we made it, and I suppose that is what's important. We said goodbye to Sydney, hopped aboard a plane, and made it to Hamilton Island (Great Barrier Reef.) With each passing hour, I could feel the stress and burdens of the previous weeks melting away. And while I don't feel completely carefree {yet}, the harmony and fun in my life has been successfully restored.

Hamilton island aerial view {via}

Rather than attempt to schedule 60 days of guest posts,
{I think that's what they call Blogger Hell},
I decided to create some short, little
Fun Facts about Emmy June.

So while I hope to blog-as-I go,
and use this space as a travel journal of sorts,
I also anticipate many days where that's not practical.
We'll have days in transit,
days without internet,
and days where I simply want to immerse myself in the experience.

On those days,
you'll get a "Fun Fact About Emmy June" post.

I hope y'all were serious about wanting to
"live vicariously" through me on this adventure,
because we're in this together, peeps.
You're coming along with me--like it or not!

In case you've forgotten, here's our itinerary:

June 1-5, Hamilton Island, Australia (Great Barrier Reef)
June 6-13 Bali
June 14-28 Vietnam
June 28-30 Taiwan
July 1-6 Okinawa, Japan
July 7-21 New Zealand (North & South Islands)

Bon Voyage!

I Miss Our Dogs!

30 May 2012

My sister sent me this video. My little nephew has finally cracked the secret call that gets Mazzy to "talk" on command. I've tried for years to get her to "talk" when I want her to, but her will power was greater than mine. Kai has been trying different repetitive sounds for the last year, and, at last, has cracked Mazzy's constitution.
I miss them.
Like crazy.
As much as I love getting pictures or videos, it's very bittersweet.It makes me realize how far away they are,how many sweet moments I'm missing.
I actually hired an animal communicator before we left.I know, I know, roll your eyes.I dare you.But now put yourself in my shoes for a second.How would you explain to your dogs that they're not being abandoned,that you're just leaving for a year but still love them tremendously?So I hired an animal communicator, that was recommended by a close friend.Without getting too technical, basically she tells you what she's saying to the dogs,and what they are saying back in a stream-of-consciousness sort of way.Within the first sentence,"Mazzy says 'they can't be leaving'",I started sobbing.It was really, really hard to hear.But I'm also really glad I did it.It gave my dogs the proper understanding of the situation.There were details and things she said that made me believe,100%,that she was able to communicate with the dogs.And when I brought them to my sister's,they settled and acclimated so quickly and easily,it seemed really obvious that they understood what was happening.
I still feel sort of silly sharing it though.It feels really personal, and yet I also expect skeptics.I was skeptical myself, until my friend shared how it helpedwith her pets, and I tried it myself.
All that aside, I share that story to help you understandjust how much I miss my dogs.Get ready for some doggie reunion awesomenessin a few, short months.