A Significant Tragety

Something AWFUL happened this week.

It's not your typical tragedy.  But a tragedy just the same.

On Monday, I learned that I had a Tuesday meeting in Scranton.  What's the big deal?  You might say.  Well, Monday's are "Sanctuary Days". Days I spend on site in Dalton to manage meetings with my team, visit the animals and otherwise stay connected to the mission.  Tuesdays are NOT days where I do that.  But on rare occasions where I need to be in Scranton for 2 days in a row, my amazing husband often suggests that I stay overnight in Clarks Summit to avoid the drive and get a little "me" time.  I relish these moments.  I'm afraid to hope for them.  But they are glorious.

I have a specific hotel that I frequent.  It's not fancy.  It's not glamourous.  But it's mine.  It's the Hampton Inn in Clarks Summit.  Along the "strip" in NEPA (past the "notch" for those who know), lies a simple, clean, efficient hotel.  I'm not a celebrity.  I'm not glamorous.  In fact, I often arrive sweaty, gross, and in my filthy barn boots.  But they welcome me just the same.  I am fortunate that Nick's travels grant me the Diamond Status parking space, the snack, and the Diet Coke (not to mention the cute diamond glued to my key card envelope).  I feel special and I enjoy feeing special.

On top of all of that, I have at least 12 amazing hours where I'm not accountable to anyone.  I can do what I want.  I can take long hot baths.  I can work into the night.  I can watch hours of Bar Rescue or Law & Order with no one to ridicule me.  I can GO TO BED EARLY!  I never do this on purpose.  I hate this.  I hate the need for rest.  I would rather get more books read, emails answered, steps taken... the list is endless.  Sometimes I pass out.  But anyway...

When I pack for such a blessed evening to myself, I have a system.  Yes, there is the clothes, the toiletries, the food (it's so much easier if I just plan to eat whatever I'd eat at home).  But then there is the PROJECTS.  The BOOKS!  The chance to read, uninterrupted, is so alluring that I can't imagine limiting myself to just one.

So, I pack a bag.  There's the suitecae--this has the clothes and toiletries.  The work bag-this has my computer, cords, whatever else I need to be functional professionally.

But then, there's "the backpack".  This is the bag that holds my precious items--the things I hold dear.  My lists of things to do.  My calendars.  My BOOKS!

I packed it carefully Monday morning.  My current journal.  My Bible.  My Kindle that holds my book specifically for running.  My Christian Study book, my fiction book, my professional growth book.  I packed 7 total books in this bag along with charging chords, HDMI cords, headphones, booklights and several other items needed to progress in my "projects".

Ok.

All is well.

Except no.

At perhaps 3pm, I get into my car, leaving Indraloka to head to the hotel.  My BFF Amy (who ALWAYS calls on Monday despite my insistence that I'm in meetings and can't talk) calls along the drive and we chat about many things--teenagers, seniors, marriage, planning, church, oh so many things!  I arrive at the hotel, check in and unpack while we chat.  Towards the end of our chat, I realize my bag of books is not in my room.  Must be in the car.  I slip into my barn boots and head back to the parking lot.

But it's not there.

Wait!  What?  WHERE IS THE PURPLE BACKPACK???

I'm frantic.  Amy is confused.  What's the big deal?  Just use your phone. Or watch TV.  Or whatever.  Why is this an issue?

But I am DISTRAUT!  How do I function without BOOKS???

Oh no.  Oh NO!  This is awful.  I can't talk anymore.  I have to go.

I think about my options.  Yes, I have my phone with 4 audio books.  Yes, I have my computer with plenty of work.  But... how will I run tomorrow?  How will I fall asleep tonight?

I feel empty--naked!

Thankfully I packed my bathing suit.  I put it on and head to the pool.  I tell myself this is good.  This is a valuable way to spend time.  But I just can't.  Alone in the pool, I put on an audio book.  It relaxes me and I feel better.  I use the time wisely.  I fight sleep as I lounge in the hot tub.  I WILL make the best use of this time.  I will progress!

Oh, who am I kidding?  I have a problem.  And there's no hope for me at all.