07 · 21 · 2009

Flying Solo

The day after tomorrow, I will board a plane all by myself.

I will pack just for me and not bring a single diaper, wipe or sippy cup. I will not be the parent who bounces a child on her lap mid-flight or catches vomit in her palms. (Hopefully.) I won’t have to lay a doll or bear in the security x-ray machine while blocking out tearful pleas. I will sleep in a bed all alone and have the luxury of showering without an audience. I will eat breakfast in bed and lunch and dinner in actual adult company. And I will not be loading a dishwasher, folding laundry or running a single errand for three whole days. I can hardly wait.

But, I’m also nervous. You see, along with the diapers, wipes and sippy cups, I’m also leaving behind my security blanket. All three of them.

Since having my first child five and a half years ago, I can’t think of a major outing I have taken without at least one of them. Children, and pregnancy bellies too, are fantastic conversation starters. Evan will run up to anyone with his messy face and open arms and break even the toughest of ice witches. Lily, my little people pleaser, gravitates towards babies and children. And Ben, in his aloof coolness, provides an easy out if I don’t feel like socializing. They make it totally easy and non-intimidating to meet new people and visit unfamiliar places. I’m never alone.

But, in two days I’ll leave them at home while I attend BlogHer. And I can’t wait.

Mostly.

Previous post: The stuff nightmares are made of

Next post: BlogHer High

{ 67 comments… read them below or add one }

1 Danielle July 21, 2009 at 8:09 am

Excellent point. You had Ben with you at our 10 year reunion, yes?? (Or should I say you were “with” Ben? LOL)

Have a great time at BlogHer, and enjoy every precious moment of “me” time that you get. (In between moments spent sneaking off to an empty hallway to tap the toe of your fabulously stylish shoe while waiting for Jeff to answer the phone.)

:)
.-= Danielle´s last blog ..LOLZ =-.

2 Scary Mommy July 21, 2009 at 12:12 pm: Exactly— I had company in utero. Plus a room full of peaked in high school ex-classmates was less intimidating than strangers. :)

Reply

3 jodifur July 21, 2009 at 8:22 am

I hope to meet you…
.-= jodifur´s last blog ..The Dream, Revisited =-.

4 KathyB! July 21, 2009 at 8:28 am

Have fun! I think the first time is hard for about half an hour and then it feels goooood! And the best part is coming home having missed them…
.-= KathyB!´s last blog ..Apparently =-.

5 cindy w July 21, 2009 at 8:32 am

That’s so funny, I was also thinking about how easy airport security will be with just little ol’ me, minus my sherpa loaded down with the kiddo’s travel needs.

I hope I get a chance to meet you!
.-= cindy w´s last blog ..my first vlog =-.

6 Mariano July 21, 2009 at 8:33 am

Have a great trip! I’m sure the kids will miss you loads.
.-= Mariano´s last blog ..First Look: Concrete 5 CMS =-.

7 Jessica - This Is Worthwhile July 21, 2009 at 8:38 am

I’ve traveled only once since having my son and I kept thinking I’d left the stroller, diaper bag, baby (?!) somewhere in the airport. Later, I was weepy and emotional for about 8 hours whenever I thought of him, then it passed. I actually just wrote about this the other day when my parents came and snatched my son for a night.

Have fun and enjoy it! Take 30 minute long showers and leave all your chords plugged in and exposed. :)

PS: Love your new pic – Wish I had curly hair like that!
.-= Jessica – This Is Worthwhile´s last blog ..Why do models have to be rail thin? =-.

8 marymac July 21, 2009 at 8:44 am

Have fun. You’ve earned it!
.-= marymac´s last blog ..Funniest Crap on the Internet =-.

9 christy July 21, 2009 at 8:45 am

I can’t wait. Mostly, too. I for sure can’t wait to meet you! Yippee! You’ll be great – and I love your new profile photo! So pretty!
.-= christy´s last blog ..One and a half bags of sugar =-.

10 Earth_Mommy July 21, 2009 at 8:47 am

I know what you mean, about having your kids with you to help you facilitate conversation with new people. I am sooo shy when I first meet people. I went for three days with my husband to a conference in May. I hid in the hotel room most of the time, because I only knew a few people there (it was work related).

That said, I hope to get to meet you at BlogHer NEXT year :) I’m too slow for this year ;)
.-= Earth_Mommy´s last blog ..Weekly Winners =-.

11 AmazingGreis July 21, 2009 at 8:49 am

2 days. It feels like just yesterday we were counting down weeks and months. I can not wait til Thursday and arriving in Chicago and meeting so many phenomenal women. I hope to meet you.

Have a safe trip and I’ll see you in Chicago!
.-= AmazingGreis´s last blog ..3 days… =-.

12 C @ Kid Things July 21, 2009 at 9:09 am

Sounds almost exactly like me. Except you get a break this weekend. Have a great time!
.-= C @ Kid Things´s last blog ..The Life of a Train Conductor =-.

13 Heather @ nobody but yourself July 21, 2009 at 9:20 am

Oh, so, so, so jealous on the one hand. Jealous that you are getting to travel, jealous that you are getting a hotel room all to yourself, jealous that you are getting to socialize with other adults without worrying about how much it’s going to cost you and what time the babysitter needs you to get home, jealous that you’re going to BlogHer as I’m not. *sob*

On the other hand, totally hear you about the security blanket of kid(s). While I’m terribly bummed out that I’m not going to BlogHer or SITScation in the fall, a tiny part of me is just the tiniest bit relieved, too, because that means I won’t have to spend significant time all on my own.

Oh, but I would recommend bringing at least a travel pack of wipes with you regardless of your child-free state – they come in handy even for grown-ups, y’know. :D

Enjoy BlogHer! I’ll be sitting here at home this weekend, three shades of pea green with envy. Or maybe chartreuse – pea green makes me look a bit sallow. No, wait, *sage green* – a nice, calming color. That way I can multitask and be both envious and calming simultaneously!
.-= Heather @ nobody but yourself´s last blog ..You know how it can be *too* quiet? =-.

14 Keyona July 21, 2009 at 9:44 am

All moms need a break. Soak it up and love them THAT much more when you return. Refreshed!
.-= Keyona´s last blog ..The Park =-.

15 Loukia July 21, 2009 at 9:59 am

You will have a great time, and I can’t wait to read all about it! I only wish I was going, too. Except if I was going, I’d somehow convince my hubby and kids to come so at least they could be in the same city as me… I can’t handle being apart from my kids for more than 24 hours. I can do 24 hours. But more than that, I don’t think so… not yet, anyway… maybe next year, or when they are a bit older… I have the worst mommy guilt!
.-= Loukia´s last blog ..A scary mommy moment =-.

16 Maria July 21, 2009 at 10:28 am

Holy shit I never thought of it that way. My boys (including my husband) are my security blankets. When I’m in Manager Mode making sure they’re safe/fed/etc. I don’t have time to indulge in my own freak-outs. I’m sure that is contributing to the huge knot in my stomach about traveling without my family for the first time.

HOLD ME.
.-= Maria´s last blog ..drinking the kool-aid =-.

17 Jennifer July 21, 2009 at 10:51 am

Just try to relax and have a good time. I’m sure that is what they will be doing. And you are going to blogher, it isn’t like you are going to a room with a ton of strangers.
.-= Jennifer´s last blog ..Dinner, a Movie and a Bangin’ Babysitter(s) =-.

18 Kimberly July 21, 2009 at 10:58 am

Have a blast! I’m jealous :)
.-= Kimberly´s last blog ..Scaring Myself to Death, Part 2 =-.

19 Liz@thisfullhouse July 21, 2009 at 11:48 am

I haven’t outgrown my security blanket(s) either — safe travels; hope to meet you in Chicago!
.-= Liz@thisfullhouse´s last blog ..BlogHer, I Don’t Even Know Her! =-.

20 Megan @ Hold it Up to the Light July 21, 2009 at 11:54 am

Have an awesome time. I must say, I’m a bit jealous. I can’t wait to live vicariously through all you blogher girls…..and hope to oneday meet some of you myself! Try to “mostly” enjoy yourself, for I’m sure it will pass quicker than you had hoped for!
.-= Megan @ Hold it Up to the Light´s last blog ..Not My Child! =-.

21 Jasie VanGesen July 21, 2009 at 11:54 am

Silas has always been my security blanket. I can totally relate. Though now that he’s older, it’s more like he’s my partner in crime. I hate having him away.
.-= Jasie VanGesen´s last blog ..I hate to be redundant… =-.

22 Mwa July 21, 2009 at 12:37 pm

Well, good luck! And have a great time.
.-= Mwa´s last blog ..All dressed up and ready to go =-.

23 Lady Mama July 21, 2009 at 12:45 pm

Yeah, I would feel the same. But they’ll be fine. And before long the fear will melt away when you realize you only have yourself to worry about. Ah the bliss. Have fun. Looking forward to hearing some good stories!
.-= Lady Mama´s last blog ..Chocaddiction =-.

24 Val July 21, 2009 at 1:21 pm

It’s in Chicago??? I should go! It’s only a 6 hour drive… But then what would my 3+ security blankets do without THEIR security blanket??
.-= Val´s last blog ..RAGBRAII in Iowa =-.

25 d July 21, 2009 at 1:39 pm

I totally hear you.

The bear in the bin/ security thing. Was a total nightmare for me too.

I also have caught puke in my hands on a plane. twins!

sitsa
d
.-= d´s last blog ..Saline, Shop N save and mufflers =-.

26 Carrie Anne July 21, 2009 at 1:59 pm

I hear you. I think as moms we look forward to these moments on our own or with adult only company. And then when it comes, we can’t help but miss our handfuls. How many times will you panic because you think your kids are with you but you’ve misplaced them, only to realize you’re on your own (I hate that feeling). Just think about all those extra hugs and kisses waiting for you when you get back :-)
.-= Carrie Anne´s last blog ..Next Steps – July 20/09 =-.

27 Roxane July 21, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Have a great time, try to enjoy your non-mommy time! You deserve it :)
.-= Roxane´s last blog ..They went to the chapel & got married! =-.

28 Tabitha Blue July 21, 2009 at 3:29 pm

Have a great flight!! It’s amazing how our outlook on travel changes with kids…. I used to feel lonely sometimes when traveling by myself, now I look forward to a quiet flight where I can read a book! Haha. There is definitely a pleasure to traveling both ways.

:)
~Tabitha
.-= Tabitha Blue´s last blog ..The Weekend. =-.

29 Ann Harrison July 21, 2009 at 4:05 pm

I hope you have a fantastic time!

I have had evenings away from my family many times however, it’s still odd not to do the “night time routine”. The tucking in, the story time, etc. I always miss that, no matter how much fun I’m having in the grown-up world. :->
.-= Ann Harrison´s last blog ..Anyone Bring Ice Cubes? =-.

30 Missy July 21, 2009 at 4:31 pm

I know exactly how you feel. We crave that alone time, yet we also miss our blankets.

I didn’t know there was a convention for bloggers! How fun! Maybe my blog will grow enough in the next year to make it worthwhile.

Enjoy!
.-= Missy´s last blog ..Chef in the house =-.

31 Sally July 21, 2009 at 4:37 pm

You’ll be fine – more than fine once you get to BlogHer and folks start recognizing you! Just remember to do that final dust-off before you board the plane – I walked into work for a major meeting once with a yukky burpcloth still over my shoulder!
.-= Sally´s last blog ..The Shallows and the Deeps =-.

32 Summer July 21, 2009 at 4:42 pm

I am soooo jealous! The flying solo, the hotel room, the sleep, the conference.

I can’t believe that stuff really happens in real life…I thought it was just on tv.
.-= Summer´s last blog ..The Bachelorette: The Men Tell All =-.

33 Paging Doctor Mommy July 21, 2009 at 4:57 pm

HAVE FUN! Enjoy the time to yourself, even if it does make you feel like you are naked!

34 thepsychobabble July 21, 2009 at 7:19 pm

Isn’t it funny how we would just about kill for a break sometimes, but then we get that break from the kids, and life in general, they’re all we can think about?
.-= thepsychobabble´s last blog ..Truck gets banged up =-.

35 T Rex Mom July 21, 2009 at 7:50 pm

Have a great “vacation”!

You’re right! Kids are good ice breakers. Today in the locker at the swimming pool an old lady pushed past me giving me a disgusted look as I took up too much space and blocked her locker. My son looked at her, pointed to her, and in his soft sweet voice called her “Nan”. It totally melted her and she instantly became our friend!

Be safe and enjoy!
.-= T Rex Mom´s last blog ..Building with Friends =-.

36 paige July 21, 2009 at 8:30 pm

Have a great time!
.-= paige´s last blog ..RIP Cardanita =-.

37 Texan Mama July 21, 2009 at 10:50 pm

Girl, it sounds like you are way overdue for some alone time. Trust me, this will be like a shot in the arm: a bit painful at first but really it’s best for you in the long run!

Have a good time… I’m so jealous you get to go!
.-= Texan Mama´s last blog ..Making Kids Happy =-.

38 Sandy July 21, 2009 at 11:35 pm

Relax, enjoy yourself, and have fun. You deserve it! I can’t wait to go next year. This year I’m a little sad and left out, sniff.
.-= Sandy´s last blog ..The Way We Are in the Rain =-.

39 Kelly Smith July 21, 2009 at 11:36 pm

I am soo jealous…. My advice to you-only phone home to tell them you arrived safely, and then to say you are coming home. Hearing little voices asking when you are coming home and saying they love you 30 times in 2 minutes will make you sad!!It’s better if you don’t know who has a cold coming on, and who is constipated… Don’t do it! Trust me!
.-= Kelly Smith´s last blog ..Lessons in the city… =-.

40 Shannon July 21, 2009 at 11:52 pm

I will feel the same way in October when it’s time for SITScation.

Have a fabulous time at BlogHer! Wish I were going, too! :(
.-= Shannon´s last blog ..O, Autumn – where art thou? =-.

41 SeattleDad July 21, 2009 at 11:59 pm

Have fun. Time away is nice, but then it is always better to get home.
.-= SeattleDad´s last blog ..Aged Longer for Extra Flavor =-.

42 Diana Orgain July 22, 2009 at 1:30 am

I can totally relate! I’m leaving my three little ones with my husband (and my mother will be checking in religiously – I’m sure) Will miss them, but not the dishes, diapers, nursing, spitup, blah blah blah – am looking forward to it!
.-= Diana Orgain´s last blog ..…Oh Dear – One month to go… =-.

43 Angela July 22, 2009 at 2:13 am

I am so excited for you. Enjoy the alone time!
.-= Angela´s last blog ..WW: The Fair! =-.

44 Elisa July 22, 2009 at 7:33 am

I couldn’t have said it better.

But don’t worry, I’ll be there! We’ll skip all the icy exteriors and just dive into the warm, fun ones ;-)
.-= Elisa´s last blog ..What I’m wearing to BlogHer, part 2 =-.

45 Lolli July 22, 2009 at 8:13 am

Two years ago, I started a tradition of spending a week with my mom and leaving the kids at home. It was tough to leave, but oh my goodness, the week was so fabulous that I have done it again every year. Leaving is tough, but being gone is amazing, rejuvinating, addictive. But I am always happy to return (mostly).

46 complicatedmama July 22, 2009 at 8:37 am

I too am going to miss my kids, as much as I complain about them… but there is something refreshing about travelling without the sippy cups and diapers. Its like reclaiming your independence (even if it is only for 2 days).

Cant wait to meet you!
.-= complicatedmama´s last blog ..These are my kids… =-.

47 American in Norway July 22, 2009 at 9:31 am

You are going to have the BEST time! I can not wait to hear all about it..take pictures, I am jealous!
.-= American in Norway´s last blog ..Day 3-4 Tropical Island Berlin =-.

48 Lizzie July 22, 2009 at 6:22 pm

i hope you have a super fabulous time!!!
.-= Lizzie´s last blog ..That Darn Puppy, Ice Baths, & More =-.

49 mom July 22, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Can’t say what will happen Saturday afternoon or Sunday (a new puppy perhaps? NONONO) but they will be loved like crazy while I am there with them. I know exactly how you feel BUT have a GREAT time and enjoy–you so deserve this special time for yourself!! xxxxxxxoooo

50 Gabrielle Valentine July 22, 2009 at 9:57 pm

Two words: JEALOUS.

; )

Joking aside, I can relate (not been on an outing in quite some time). I’m think it’s great when moms get to get away and relax and enjoy themselves for a while. Moms have such a difficult job. Glad you are able to go. Hope you have a fabulous time!
.-= Gabrielle Valentine´s last blog ..Message for Simon: I’m at the Ivy With Adam…Back around 3-ish. Introducing My First Vlog, Everyone. =-.

51 Christina July 22, 2009 at 10:52 pm

Great blog! I hope you have a fabulous time. :)
.-= Christina´s last blog ..The fourth of July and being free. =-.

52 Jodi July 22, 2009 at 11:47 pm

I am so jealous! Have fun, learn lots, enjoy your down time! And come back and teach us all your new found secrets!
.-= Jodi´s last blog ..Wordless Wednesday! =-.

53 cristin July 23, 2009 at 1:22 pm

I’d feel lost without the kids… wonderfully, joyously, blissfully lost… enjoy your trip!
.-= cristin´s last blog ..The One Where I Try To Kill A Guy. =-.

54 Live.Love.Eat July 23, 2009 at 1:56 pm

Have a great time!!!! I didn’t realize it was here already. Anyhoo, I LOVE what you did with the previous comments thing. Now, I don’t have to scroll all the way through………….. you rock :)

55 migrainemom July 23, 2009 at 5:36 pm

Hope you are having a great time! Please blog about it so I can live vicariously through you. Hopefully one day I will feel secure enough in my blogging and will attend too!

56 thatgirlblogs July 23, 2009 at 11:24 pm

way too self conscious to go to blogher. afraid people wouldn’t like the IRL version of me… yikes, people! you are brave. post all about it, with pictures, b/c we cannot WAIT to hear…

57 Ryan Ashley Scott July 23, 2009 at 11:28 pm

So true. I’m sure you’ll miss them, but you’ll be fabulous at Blogher all by your fabulous self. Enjoy the weekend!
.-= Ryan Ashley Scott´s last blog ..It’s UP!! =-.

58 Blissful Babe July 23, 2009 at 11:46 pm

I finally find a moment to pop on over and your ass is out of town. What the hell is that crap??

OMG I KID.

Have a wonderful time on YOUR OWN!
LUCKY!!!!!!!

I love you!
xoxo
.-= Blissful Babe´s last blog ..MIA =-.

59 Schmoochiepoo July 24, 2009 at 1:06 am

Have a great time!

We are living vicariously through you, no pressure…. LOL!
.-= Schmoochiepoo´s last blog ..It’s tough to be Tahoe =-.

60 Bethany July 25, 2009 at 1:40 pm

Have a wonderful time!!!!!

BTW, I tried to email you but it came back. I’m going to double check the address, but it went to jill@scarymommy.com…
.-= Bethany´s last blog ..Martha’s Vineyard II =-.

61 Scary Mommy July 25, 2009 at 6:15 pm: It was me- I was having some issues, but I’m good now. Sorry about that!!

Reply

62 georgie July 25, 2009 at 10:22 pm

I hope you are having the time of your life!

63 Amber July 26, 2009 at 12:13 am

When I went on a plane without my kids it felt weird.

But it was also nice. I’m not going to lie. I was able to read a magazine in peace. I learned all about how Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie were deliciously happy.

64 Lynn Craig July 26, 2009 at 2:35 pm