Any chance that I can get to travel solo, I will sing to the heavens and skip with a song in my head. It is a rare occurrence in many moms’ lives, and I’m no different. Traveling with kids is fun and unpredictable but let’s be honest, when they’re young – it ain’t no picnic, necessarily. Traveling without kids is a time for peace, self-indulgence, and an opportunity to observe other traveling families and take note.

My upcoming trip is to Blissdom ’11, a conference that will be part business and part fun. I have to say that I’m taking its name to heart and searching for a little bit of bliss, in the form of me-time, over the course of 3 days. Preparing for a trip away from the family, however, requires just as much preparation if not more, as a trip together. Granted, my Travel To Do List will be condensed but my At-Home To Do List has already taken on a life of its own.

Am I the only one that leaves a list of instructions for their spouse when they travel without the kids or is that just my minor form of OCD? My sister calls it controlling; I call it peace of mind and helping a brother out (even when he doesn’t think it’s “helping”). My best friend is 100% in my corner on the issue and shares the sentiment that when we are away from the house, husbands need to be told what to do – in writing! Hey, if I were a man, I’d appreciate it. I wouldn’t interpret it as any sort of castration or challenge to my fatherhood. It is what it is: a list of instructions for anyone that isn’t the primary caretaker. Wondering what my instruction list has on it? Here are just a few of the items:

• Breakfast Item ideas and hot cereal/waffle cooking instructions
• Morning Routine for my 7 year old
• Morning Routine for my 3 year old
• Directions to my youngest’s school and names of his teachers
• Pick up time for my youngest less 10 minutes (just to make sure my husband isn’t late)
• After school/Before nap routine for him
• Lunch ideas
• Reminder to play with my youngest periodically through the day
• Homework reminder for my oldest
• Dinner suggestions
• Hygiene reminders

My husband always gives me this “Really?” look when I leave the 2-pager for him. Yet, when I return from a trip, I see the worn condition of the paper, no longer located in the original location that I left it. Yup, he uses it and I know he appreciates it. Leaving it gives me peace of mind and this time around won’t be any different. I’m flying out for my piece of bliss and I’m doing it worry-free