Have Twins, Will Travel

Somerville, Mass – The twins and I will be spending the next week in Belize. That’s cool, but what’s really radical is that we’re going on a press trip. That means that the wonderful folks at Island Expeditions are treating us to a week of adventures–just so I have something to write about. (And they think we’ll have such a fantastic time that we’ll write something good about them.)

This is sort of terrifying for several reasons:

(1) I will be spending the next nine days flying solo. Just me and the twins. No Daddio. No grandparents. No school. No nothing. God help me.

(2) At the same time, I’m supposed to be “on” professionally. Whatever that means under these circumstances.

(3) We’re all going to be exercising some new skills (SCUBA diving for me, snorkeling for them) in new, challenging conditions.

(4) And we’re under some pressure to do something that will make for a good story.

You can tell I’m nervous, because I printed out Island Expedition’s packing instructions and checklist and carefully followed it, step by step. Packing instructions? Checklist? The concept is new to me, but it meant that I didn’t have to think too hard about what I was doing today, which was a good thing, as I was also entertaining two housebound four-year-olds.

And as a result, I have a first-aid kit, carefully packed in a ziploc bag. I have the required clothing, carefully packed in a dry pack. I have wet suits, water shoes, snorkel gear, sunblock, insect repellent, rain gear, books, toys, puzzles and snacks. Lots of snacks. I have never been so prepared for a trip. The only thing I don’t have is alcohol (which was on the “optional” part of the list, but I ran out of room).

But the only thing I really need is patience. A TON of patience. And a little luck. So please send some my way.