Today I depart for a two-week trip to the Mediterranean, cruising with my sisters and sister-in-law on what I am sure is going to be a trip of a lifetime. Due to overbooking, we learned on Thursday that rather than sharing two staterooms, we will “have” to squeeze into a suite instead (oh, the torture!). We have our shore excursions booked, have researched sites to visit and geared up for the journey. Why, then, am I feeling so torn about leaving? Just one week ago we moved in to our new home . . . ‘nough said? Perhaps for someone who is accustomed to overseas travel, this whole idea wouldn’t seem so daunting, but I am hardly that person. As I’ve confessed before, I can be quite the homebody, and this past year has been one of huge transitions for me and my family. For the last nine months we’ve lived in a small, two-bedroom apartment while most of our household goods have been in storage. I’ve felt a bit adrift, and just now to head out on a long trip when I feel the urge to settle in to my new nest is difficult. I feel guilty, too, for leaving my husband behind to deal with unpacking boxes and all the day-to-day business while I’m off gallivanting around Europe. And I feel guilty for not being more enthusiastic about the trip, for which I am deeply grateful and I WILL enjoy. Part of my problem is the simple impracticality of trying to pack for a trip when I’m not sure where half my stuff is, precisely. Where did I put my camera charger? Am I going to have time to get those dresses out of storage and to the dry cleaner before we leave? I made detailed lists of what went into each box, but the shift from the apartment to here was less orderly than I would have liked, hence the confusion. Enough!! Sorry for the unburdening; perhaps it’s the most important bit of unpacking I needed to do before heading out on my big adventure. And now, with less than four hours before I leave for the airport, I’ve got to get back to my packing. Sure hope that camera charger shows up! –Patty Vanikiotis, proofreader