Moffitt's trip to New Zealand in October 2009

Tomorrow's the day. When we attempt to get to New Zealand with our non-rev status. Why are so many people trying to get to Sydney on a Thursday in October? First we hope to get to LA during UEA in Utah. The weather isn't helping with snow coming down and predicted throughout the next two days. If we make it to LA, we have to cross our fingers and hope to get on the 15 hour flight to Sydney. We always hope for things in a certain order. First, to get on. Then to get on by or near each other. A seat up front? That would be great but for 22 years we've learned to be happy with whatever opens up. Then this wish list continues from there. "Please don't let me sit by the crying baby. Or the overweight couple. Or the non-stop talker"

Lauren gave me a great present she won at a golf tournament. My first Ipod. And she even downloaded music for me. She knows my taste so tomorrow I will put those in my ears, settle back, and enjoy.

Larry had a suggestion. Should we not make the flight from LA to Sydney, we have a choice to make. Should we take the overnight to Atlanta, arrive at Delta's main hub in the early AM Friday, and just look at the departures? What looks good? What flights look open? Where else can we wear fleece, hiking boots and silk long underwear for two weeks? It sounds a little romantic but also a little reckless. Larry has planned for months for this trip. The maps and guidebooks and suggestions are all over his Trip Planning Table. He has routes in mind, excursions planned and a fairly good idea of what's in store for us in New Zealand. Like most vacations, I just tag along and enjoy the ride.

I do have an assigned job now though. Since the girls are grown and don't need entertaining and from here on out, probably won't even be with us much on trips, my job as kid entertainer and organizer is over. So my new job is "To ask all the questions". If we need directions, I have to ask. If we need a good restaurant suggestion, it's all on me. Where's the nearest laundromat? What time does the train leave? Where can we find a plunger or fan? Doesn't matter if I speak the language or not, I have been relegated to Official Question Asker.

We hope to find internet cafes throughout the trip to let our loved ones know where we ended up, what we're doing and when we'll return. I am very excited about New Zealand although dreading the 18 hours in the air. We did get a sample of Ambian for there and back but have no idea if it will work or if we'll be those rare few who wander about or eat the entire time while still sleeping. That would be just my luck.

We are both packed. The magazine and crossword puzzles are in the carryons. I have fleece pants to use as a pillow, an eye mask, my Ipod and two big books. Now we just have to got on the plane.