I have a confession.  I have never spent more than a day away from my children not even when I attended Hearts at Home.  No overnight trips.  No extended girls weekend.  Nope, none of that.  I wondered if I this was a rarity since many of my friends don't mind getting away sans children.  I was recently reminded that there are other moms who are just like me, moms who haven't found a reason or two to head out alone for more than a day.  I have finally found my reason, and it's the 2:1 Conference which will be held in Ohio this year.

If you've read this blog for awhile, you would have noticed that over the past few years I have started to put a little more effort into it.  There are more frequent posts and a lot more transparency.  I have finally felt into a rhythm of sharing more and I really enjoy it.  I appreciate the friendships that have come from Joy in the Ordinary (formerly, A Little This ... A Little That).  Earlier this year,  I made the decision to go a bit deeper into this journey, and part of that was to attend my first blogging conference.  I wasn't sure which one I would attend. I prayed and prayed. The 2:1 Conference won out this year.  I am so excited because not only will I learn about the blogging craft, but I will be able to hang out with other home educating moms.  The theme for this year is REVIVAL which causes me to anticipate a refreshing time and some rejoicing.

I leave in exactly 48 hours.  We have started our fall break so that we all can have a little breathing room before I head out on my big adventure.  Last night I began packing because I tend to forget and lose things in a matter of minutes.  Last night, I actually misplaced a sock that I just purchased and taken out of the package. It happened in less than a minute.  This is why I have to prepare a bit a early, LOL.

Packing for the 2:1 Conference

Since this is my first blogging conference, I am not 100% certain what to take. But here goes.

1. Clothing and shoes for three days.  The conference is held from Friday through Sunday.  I will already be dressed for Friday upon arrival, but I am bringing an additional outfit in case I change my mind about what I want to wear. 
2. Bathing suit.  I forgot to add this to my suitcase so I am glad this post is happening.  The conference is taking place at a resort.  I doubt that I will swim, but I might sit at the edge of the pool or go around the lazy pool if they have one.
3. Notebooks, pens, and planner.  I have to have my writing supplies after all this is a blogging conference.  I packed my writing supplies way before I packed my clothing, LOL.  I was able to get a cute, new journal from the (in)courage meetup I attended a few weeks ago, and my husband also gifted me one of his notebooks I had been eyeing.  I am somewhat of a notebook addict.
4. Laptop.  Did I mention I like to write?  I am hoping I will be able to implement a few ideas why I am away so the laptop is coming along for the journey.
5. Money.  I have to feed myself during some of the conference so I can't go without money.  I am also planning to bring the girls back a souvenir although Dad doesn't think it is necessary.  Some things I just can't help. :)
6. Miscellaneous stuff like my CPAP machine.  I have sleep apnea so I have to use it if I want a good night's rest.  Cell phones with lots of memory to take pictures and livestream.  A book and coloring book for my flight.  Just a few things that keep me smiling and sane.
7. ME!  I am an introvert so I have to pack away all of those tendencies I fall into when meeting new people.  I am grateful that I already got pushed out of my comfort zone by agreeing to room with two of my Periscope buddies.  I believe this decision will help me ease into the conference without much worry and more excitement.

I can't believe after nearly 12 years of being a mom, I am going somewhere without my daughters. They are thrilled for me.  They have been counting the days until I leave as an encouragement for me to go out and enjoy myself.  It's a blessing to have a supportive family.

Have you taken a trip without your family recently?  If so, for how long?  If not, what's stopping you?