Day 1 we made it to Finley.

In my mind today would be a relaxing day doing the last minute packing, leaving about 2. In Chris’ mind, the departure time was 12. I worked this out at 10. We probably should have discussed this.

I’d already done 90% of the packing and had what I thought was an organised list of all the things to pack on the last day. I had a list of things I didn’t do on the weekend that still needed to be done – wash my car, clean the study, do my nails.

Somehow though (I think this happens to everyone) it’s the last minute things that take so long. All of a sudden it was 1.00 and wash my car turned into pay $50 to Caitlyn to wash car, clean the study turned into doesn’t matter, do my nails turned into pack the nail polish.

Finally we said we’re ready. Kids come and say goodbye and take a photo. While it looks like Caitlyn and Jonah are jumping for joy, I like to think they are masking their true sadness at saying goodbye. Though on close inspection the joy does look quite real.

As we drove off at 1.34 I joked “if we weren’t late, it would be funny to go back and say we just forgot…” (which is what normally happens – it takes 3 attempts to leave).

But we didn’t to that. We talked about tomorrow and whether to go for a run before we leave Finley. That’s when I remembered: I left my ear buds at home. I said “we have to go back, I’ve my earphones at home.” “We’re not going back for those.” We were about 10 mins from home. “But I need them!!!”

Chris said I’ll call Caitlyn, she can bring them and drive them to us. So I called Caitlyn. I directed her to find the ear buds “in my work bag, front pocket…” “With the purse?” she asked. Oh. Woops. “Yes.” Chris said “Did you forget your purse? How can you forget your purse?”

It was a very quiet in the car, at our first stop. Bundoora bowling centre. Waiting for my purse to be delivered.

Two lessons here: One: Half packing lulls you into a false sense of security. Two: I might need to start adding purse to my packing list. Up until now that’s been kind of a given to me.

Off we drive. Then suddenly I have a sinking feeling. I didn’t pack my runners. I need my runners. I send a text to a trusted source:

Trusted advice.

Goulburn Valley highway. Love the trees along the road. I was sad I left my camera in the caravan and missed the sun getting low photos.

We hit the start of the Newell Highway. So many semi trailers.

And finally what I’ve been waiting for since since lunchtime at work yesterday – that glass of champagne on the first night. Now it seems we are on holiday : )