“I just can’t wait to get on the road again”
Maisie and I are hitting the road on Wednesday. Â We are driving from Chicago to Kansas City, MO for a blogging conference. Â I’ve never been to Kansas City and I’m looking forward to exploring a new place.

Initially, I was super excited about going to a conference to learn some tips to become a better blogger, I even included it in my year-end wrap up as one of my goals in the New Year. Â Then I got nervous about doing something like this entirely on my own, not knowing anyone there except Maisie (she will be my partner and companion).
I bought my ticket in December, before Annie left us, but since she has been gone I’ve had such a hard time writing and figuring out what the future of the blog should be. Â Even though she was not always featured in a blog post, she inspired me and was always nearby when I was writing. Â I miss her presence in so many ways and have begun to have doubts that I will continue to write.
So….after several discussions with family and friends, I started to look at the experience with two different outcomes: either I will come home energized and motivated with new ideas or it will help me make the decision that it’s time to let it go.
Once I reached the conclusion that I still really wanted to go, no matter how I felt by the end of the conference, I started paying attention to the daily countdown notifications and blog posts about the conference and pet friendly things to do in Kansas City. Â My excitement is building again. Â The support and information that continues to flow, especially focusing on conference newbies like me has boosted my confidence. Â Combine that with my recent mood lift from my vacation and I already feel like I still have things to share about my life with my big, sweet girls!
After deciding on and testing a restraint system for the car with Winn on our road trip to Ohio,  I’ve been focusing on what else I need to do to get ready.  After a lot of procrastination, I designed some business cards and starting making a packing list. I discovered years ago when traveling with the kids, if I started a packing list a week before we left, I would be able to jot things down and start making piles as I thought of them rather than trying to remember everything as I was rushing around the night before, throwing everything into the suitcases.
For Maisie:
- Bowls-collapsable and full size
- Food and supplements (7 meals)
- cooler/ice for fresh food
- water
- treats
- clean up supplies: paper towels, wipes, poop bags
- wheelie cart and bungies
- brush
- bed and toys
- leash and traffic lead
- immunization records
- Â car first aid kit

For me:
- business cards/holder
- notebook, folder and pens
- laptop/ipad
- charging cords
- camera
- picture of Annie for memorial project
- car snacks
- water bottle
- clothes/cosmetics/meds for 3 days
Similar to when I traveled with toddlers, Maisie’s list is longer than mine proving that I’m most comfortable when I am well prepared for the “kids” needs.
I’m using this image for the background of my business cards, my information will be printed in a contrast color on the upper left corner.
Please wish us luck, I plan to share our experience on the blog when I return but if you want to keep track of us while we are there, our instagram will be filled with lots of shots Thursday and Friday!
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