Getting Packed Again

I traveled to New York with a small backpack, with little more than a change of underwear, night wear, and essential toilletries ( I wanted to feel entirely unburdened, I did not even take my computer). So unpacking was simple and easy. But now I am packing again for Montreal, where it is cold and snow is threatening. We have yet to unpack our clothes from the storage unit, so we truly have no appropriate clothes for our trip. I found gloves and hats and Maya has a ski jacket, but no boots. I am afraid we are going quite unprepared for this adventure and will stay in the house and the car and underground. I feel that I am packing and unpacking and packing and unpacking again these past weeks.

We are trying to decide when to start our long drive. I did not realize that many people are not working tomorrow. Sharon is off with her mother and brother getting ready for the feast. Emily is taking the train to New York in the morning. Maya has a big Thanksgiving feast at her school, which she has been preparing all week, and I did not want her to miss it. Eric and I are invited along with all the other parents. I like the feel of the school (although academically it is sorely inadequate, but that is another story) and want Maya to feel part of it and involved, so taking off early was not an option. I think we will have the Benichous over for a mini Thanksgiving dinner and then go to the new Harry Potter movie before we start the very long and arduous drive. I work all day, other than the lunch event at Maya's school. Several college students are here just for the day, so this is an opportunity to see them.

I dread the time in the car. The twelve hour drive is not at all fun, and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever. Maya will sleep and watch movies and not complain at all. I will be uncomfortable and suffer, Eric will actually enjoy himself. He likes to drive long distances, I am not sure why. I will simply be relieved to get to Montreal in one piece.