On packing.

Miracle Maddie

Before I start talking about packing–the main focus of preparations for Ireland at this point–I should talk about Maddie Girl and the wonderful strides she’s making! We can see that she’s working so hard, especially when she tries to focus her vision on whoever is talking to her. Since returning from Austin, Maddie’s been using new supplements and her mom is still waiting for the equipment she ordered at Dr. Crawford’s office. She’s been continuing her craniosacral chiropractor appointments, and at her latest pulmonologist appointment, Maddie impressed her doctor!

The plan is to deflate her tracheotomy cuff and then have a checkup visit in two months. At that time, the Passy-Muri valve would be the next step as long as Maddie tolerates the cuff being deflated. She’s also been able to reduce some doses for some of her medication and tomorrow, the chiropractor is going to evaluate Maddie again to see all the progress she’s made. This is all good news and we’re still feeling optimistic.

Maddie was able to catch some rays and some cuddle time with her brothers.Ireland

I’ve been struggling to pack. Planning and packing for a year overwhelms me. I’m not known for my planning (or my packing, for that matter). I much prefer to kind of fly by the seat of my pants and be whimsical and mysterious. Unfortunately, that’s not an option when you’re going to live and study and possibly work in another country for a year.

I Googled “how to pack for a year” and watched three YouTube videos. I reached out to friends on Facebook for their packing tips. I bought space saver bags and packing cubes (they’re really cute! They have cacti on them!) I worked for three days to fit everything, but alas, I had to wean down my items.

In the end, it was my dad coming through with his Army Roll method that saved the day! I’m finally all done with packing. Now I just have to take my PCR test and be on my way! This is exciting!

Writing

In between all the packing, I did find time to reach out to my publisher. I still haven’t heard back, but I’m reminding myself to stay patient. Maybe they’re operating on summer hours. And they said my projected publication date wouldn’t be until the summer of 2022. Patience has never been my strong suit, but there is still time.

A woman writer hard at work–that’s the goal, folks.

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