Last night, I looked up from mountains of work (and the BYGGA construction set from IKEA) and realized I’ll be heading away from life as I know it in just 10 days.

I expected panic to set in. However, panic did not show up.

Without realizing I was getting ready, I’ve been getting ready.

In the past few weeks, I coordinated drafts, filled out appropriate paperwork, hauled out the warm weather clothing, assessed the shoe situation, and ordered a printer. Sadly, I do not need new shoes.

Husband and I successfully shared one printer for more years than I can count. As a writer, you probably know that can be difficult. As much as we’re taught to share when we’re kids, we do not really want to share printers, studio space, or our iPods with anyone else.

Husband and I live like graduate students — except we have a house, drink better wine, and have a perennial garden. Mostly, though, I am happy with a cell phone made in 1890 and an old TV bought in the Des Moines Target 11 years ago. My friends know I earn my living with technology and are surprised by my lack of up-to-date TVs and hand-held devices.

My other secret? I would happily trade my car in for a bike if bike trails were safe and took me where I wanted to go.

All I could do today was buy a printer, so that is what I did. Each day, I’ll be doing a few things to get ready for leaving my regular life for 21 days. I don’t know where the preparation will take me. When one collection has been shown, the fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld likes to say “on to the next.” I am on to the next and will share the process with you here.