This time tomorrow...

I'm using the free WiFi at KCI, looking at the sparse crowd in the terminal and hoping for no more than the anticipated 45min delay, and I notice two things immediately.

1) I'm truly in vacation mode. Surprisingly. I don't have my mind on projects or family things or anything even remotely stressful. I don't feel like I've left things unfinished. Just... ready for 4 weeks of honest-to-God vacation.

Yes, I feel a bit selfish... I have a fantastic job, truly great friends I adore, supportive family I'm close to. And now I get 4 weeks off to travel France? I made a side comment to a friend that "I'm not being a grown up right now," thinking only of the idea of taking the time off work. Said friend immediately pointed out - vehemently - that this is more adult than most people ever get. I've arranged for the time off with my job, making it part of the plan all along. I've saved up for 4 1/2 years. I've made the preparations so as to make sure everyone is "all set" while I'm gone. I'm simply focusing on a personal priority rather than a work-driven one. And ya know what? That's grown up, too. (thanks, friend)

2) Conversely, I feel completely disconnected without my phone! You know those mornings you forget your cell at home and you kinda itch all day without it... and then make a trip home at lunch to get it? I'm going to be without my (American) cell for 4 weeks! But the text messages we're missing!, my fingers say. The tweets we could be tweeting! Then the more I think about it... I realize I've got email, twitter (online) and IM all at my fingertips. It's just that I can't call my mom real quick for a favor when I need one. Oh, well. I'll email her.

So this time tomorrow, I'll be in Paris, getting settled into the hostel and trying to decide which adorable wine bar in le Marais I want to treat myself to! (not braggin', just sayin')