So preparation for this trip has definitely hit upon three of my weakest areas:
paperwork
pictures
procedures
As anyone who has ever left a piece of paper within a six-foot radius of me knows, I hate it. I hate it so much I often lose it never to be heard from again. So I am really keeping my fingers crossed that all the bits of visa letters and health insurance and tickets all stay together in the envelope!
As anyone who has ever taken my picture knows, I hate this as well. Having referred to my stepmother as “the paparazzi” on several vacations, she can vouch for the fact that you are taking your life into your own hands if you want to take my picture. Who needs evidence of themselves exiting the ocean with their bathing suit at a very strange angle (and possibly not covering the right bits)? Not me! Well, this trip has caused me to sit twice for passport photos for a total of six pictures. The second set of pictures make me look very much like a stroke victim. The entire left side of my face is sagging. I like to think that this is not happening in real life.
And as anyone who has ever forced me to follow any kind of procedure will tell you, I really really hate them. I don’t really know if there is some deep childhood experience that created this or if it is just my nature, but I have a really tough time following a bunch of rules and regulations. Can we not let common sense be our guide? This thought always put me to the episode of “Absolutely Fabulous” where Edie is taken to court for driving and other offenses. (Found here.) We don’t all need nursemaiding!
Amy Oswalt 