48 hours from now

... I will be on a plane over the Atlantic, flying to exotic... New Jersey. I have so much damn stuff to take care of by Friday morning before my 6:15 shuttle pickup, and somehow (I tell myself), it will all get done. I am giving myself permission to leave on Friday without having first cleaned the apartment; I hate coming home to a messy place but frankly I have too much on my plate already right now, and something has to give. I'd prefer it not be what is left of my sanity.

What I'm taking to NJ with me for my 10 day trip:

• 1 backpack (for laptop and book/sundries for the flight), 1 carry-on wheelie bag, and 1 large duffel. This time, I'm not bringing/paying for extra luggage. I've got most of what I need here in Paris already.
• Christmas gifts purchased while on my recent travels (less stuff to bring back/shop for in December)
• About 5-6 days worth of clothing (anticipating the joy of an actual EFFICIENT washing machine and a DRYER -- imagine, my jeans won't be all stiff and scratchy for a change)
• Photos of my trip to share with my grandmother when I see her
• All manner of notes and paperwork for my grandmother's affairs, clients, and even my own tax prep stuff.
• Souvenirs from my trip to show my family and friends.
• A bag or two of French chocolates for the kids in my life; gotta bring them SOMETHING from Paris. I'll probably buy them in the duty-free at the airport - no time to shop otherwise.
• My eagerness to see all the people I love, and to finally meet and cuddle with Maddie, the new Golden Retriever puppy.

What I will bring back to Paris with me:

• Several tubs of peanut butter, my favorite Crystal Lite ice tea mix and other grocery/personal items I just can't get over here where supplies are running low and I won't be able to stretch the stock until Christmas.
• Some more books from my "to read" stack that I left behind -- why buy new books over here when I've got around 40 waiting for me back there?
• Whatever new fall clothing items I manage to pick up for myself -- specifically I'm hoping to find a nice black jacket and new black top, and some black boots... maybe a red jacket, too. Red seems like it's going to be "in" this winter. Perhaps a sweater in soft pink or grey (also "in" colors). I can't find clothes to fit me here but I've already got a lot of things to wear so I don't need much; just a few new pieces to keep the wardrobe looking current.
• The same stack of paperwork (plus whatever new documents I accumulate after the week's work), laptop, etc. PLUS I may see about bringing my back-up laptop with me. I've been having some minor problems with the newer one and don't want to risk a real crisis.
• The satisfaction of knowing I did what I could for my grandmother during this final part of her journey. I can't fix what's ailing her, can't alleviate her growing confusion, but I can ensure all her affairs are in order, and that she is both comfortable and being well cared-for. And I can let her know she's loved.
• My usual euphoria at my first glimpse of the Eiffel Tower on the way home from the airport. It just never gets old.