The LedgeHer: On the Road Edition

Working on the road is one thing, but what about everything else?

There are many things I can bring with me. With just a tablet, phone and my HP 10BII+ calculator I can generally work from anywhere. Today, it’s from Kapnos Taverna at the DC Ronald Regan Airport. I’d hoped to be home by now, but poor weather in New England delayed or cancelled all connections, and I ended up jumping ship (figuratively) from Delta to American Airlines. I may have the special Delta Amex, but the gloves come off when flights are cancelled.

I try to set the bar low for travel days. Assume the worst, try to eat some protein and something that grew on a plant, and hydrate like your life depends on it. Today, reality met my expectations (and that’s okay). I’ve got my little mobile office set up, my big glass of ice water, and some herb-crusted pommes frites. I’m holding onto some hope that I’ll make it home in time to meet Spouse near our home airport for a date to see a favorite author on her very first book tour, but it’s looking dicey. Worst case scenario: we ask some friends to take our tickets and grab signed copies on our behalf, and I get home in time for some sleepy cuddles with Toddler.

I made an exception this week that I should not have made. I’m writing this on a Thursday afternoon. I reluctantly agreed to take a Friday appointment, when I have drawn a hard line against appointments Friday-Sunday since becoming a mom. This is the first time I’ve ever made an exception to that rule, and today I’ve been forced to mull the consequences. I’ve been on the road (domestically and internationally) for over two weeks. I miss my baby. I am craving a decently brewed pot of Earl Grey so badly I’m dreaming about the steeping leaves. What a perfect example of why boundaries are lifesaving, but only work if you actually enforce them. The tea and the toddler will have to wait a few more hours.

No more travel for me for about six weeks. Maybe I'll even get around to folding that laundry. Who knows what the weekend has in store...

With love,

E