It’s not day one, it is pre-day one. The night before,
where I frantically, yet methodically rummage through my house, seeking out the
necessary accoutrements that served
me well during my last deployment. Luckily I had the good sense to wash, pack
and organize my ‘ready/go kit’ before I shoved it into some small space deep
down in the basement.
The check off list always seems to get longer when I have
the luxury to take my own car to the deployment. It seems my car doubles as a
Sanford & Sons (OK, now I am dating myself) junk-lugger when the
deployments are within driving distance. Why not bring all of my favorite
things along to make my extremely long, dog & cat poop filled, fur flying,
junk food eating days and little-to-no (cot) sleeping nights more like home?
Deployments never mimic the diva lifestyle I am accustomed to (friends who know
me, can insert laughter now) but it’s the little things, like my pink fuzzy
slippers, neck warmer, squishy pillow and cooler filled with comfort food that
help soothe my soul while my emotions run high and my joints snap, crackle and
pop.
Sleeping bag, personal hygiene items, PPE (personal
protection equipment), warm clothes, boots, flashlights, batteries, IPod,
vitamins, journal book (my SAFE place to vent: thoughts, frustrations,
memories), perfume (to make ME feel pretty while slopping up urine with a paper
towel) are all packed into the trunk, back seat and passenger side or my SAAB
(Serving Animals And Beyond).
Directions posted on the dash, a bar of dark chocolate
lurking by the shifter, (understanding its place as a sacrifice when I need a
little pick-me-up) and Carol King & James Taylor “You’ve Got a Friend” jamming
in the CD player http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIMJBDj_JkE
all are rituals I perform for the journey ahead.
Now, to get a good night sleep in my own, oh-so-comfy-
bed, with the anticipation that the next day’s travel will take me to a place
where I can help make a difference in the animals lives.
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