Because I have a touch of OCD

[jethrien]

I've started putting together my Italy folder. The physical one, that is - the electronic one has existed for months, supplemented by the two guide books. But I'm now putting together the folder of print outs and tickets and confirmations and maps that I'll take. They make me feel so much less nervous. Maps and lists make me feel safe, like a warm fuzzy security blanket. If people try not to give me things, I have confirmation numbers to wave in their face. If I need to go off course, I have maps so I know where everything is. If plans change, I have books that include alternate attractions, restaurants, even hotels. All will be safe and well. (It's not that I can't handle changing plans, I just need to know there's a backup. Even if that backup is just "here's a book that includes a list of alternate acceptable hotels and a map to the train station".)

In other news, it was a nice weekend. Good balance of social and getting-things-done time. We went to a party in Williamsburg on Friday, and took the opportunity to go to what had been our favorite restaurant when we lived there. It's amazing how nostalgic it was, going back to a place we went when we were first dating. Also, they had beet gnocchi in a cream sauce that was just amazing.

(It's funny - we did come to the conclusion that while we weren't sure if it had been on the menu six years ago, we're pretty sure neither of us would have eaten it at the time. Our palates have both expanded.)

What the hell? How has it been six years?

Comments

[ivy03.livejournal.com]

I am also putting together a folder. Or rather, I am bundling the printouts by day and putting each day in a separate plastic sleeve. Also, I am photocopying relevant pages of the guidebook to bring with me on the day.

This is not anal--this is just how you optimize your trip. Not crazy at all. :)

[chuckro.livejournal.com]

What the hell? How has it been six years?

Seven since we started dating. Almost nine since we met.

We're ooooooooold.

[chuckro.livejournal.com]

this is just how you optimize your trip

I think pretty much any action taken to optimize your trip deserves to get thrown in the little-bit-crazy pile, kinda like my use of the word "monetize" in casual conversation automatically labels me a tool.

[fyrna.livejournal.com]

That folder sounds like an excellent, excellent idea. Especially for Italy. (Yes, sometimes even confirmation numbers don't count in Italy.)

[jethrien.livejournal.com]

Oh, I know. But there's not a lot I can do to deal with that ahead of time. I have my printouts and my credit card and my good-at-blustering father, so we'll work it out.

[jethrien.livejournal.com]

putting each day in a separate plastic sleeve.

No, not crazy at aaaaaaall.