We leave for Colorado in nine days.

I’ve got everything pretty well planned.  We’ve booked our accommodations in both Estes Park and Breckenridge, our car, our lift tickets and lessons.  We’ve got our gear (most of it, anyway).  Technically, we’re ready.

For the trip, anyway.

I learned this week that my tenant of 5 years wants to move out the day after we get back from Colorado.  This also happens to be the day of two of my best friends’ wedding.  I’m pretty sure I lost the key to the unit too.  I haven’t been there in two years.

I’m trying frantically to hire a new designer at Big Sea so we can keep up with the workload.  Which is fun, but crazy busy right now.

We only own two suitcases.  We have chickens and pets to be concerned with during our absence.  I haven’t even notified my clients of my absence (yet).

I’m throwing a bridal shower the last weekend in April so am trying to get the invitations out before I leave.  I’m also organizing a bachelorette party for two weeks before that – a 10-hour road trip to Asheville with 14 girls – so there’s that.

So, what’s stressing me out?

• Winter gear is fully in check except for ski pants and winter boots for Adam.  eBay is my best friend these days but now we’re getting down to the line with shipping times.
• I need to borrow a couple suitcases. And figure out how people travel with these humongous jackets, boots and pants.  It’s a lot of stuff, and it’s heavy.
• I’ve got 10 new games for the iPad bookmarked to load up for the trip for Piper, but can’t do that until we’re ready to walk out the door.  They need to be fresh and new to occupy her for the 4 hour plane ride then 2 hours in the car.
• I ordered two dresses from ModCloth that I really hope arrive (and fit!) before we leave so I can be ready for the wedding.  I will return whichever one I don’t use.
• I’ve got ads up all over the interent for my condo for rent, and am showing it to two people this weekend.  I have no idea how I’d possibly deal with getting the place cleaned and prepped for a new tenant while I’m supposed to be at a wedding, but that only becomes a worry if someone actually wants to move in on the 1st.
• I’ve got 4 decent applicants for the position at Big Sea and am really hoping to get interviews done and a hire made next week.

I’m trying to just forget about the shower and bachelorette parties for now so I can focus on the next two weeks.  Because … just … sigh.

And with all of this stress, I can’t even run.  I’ve hit the gym twice this week to bike but it’s so much more difficult to try to find the time to drive to and from the gym.  I really miss rolling out of bed and out my front door – and being done with my run before any one else wakes up.  Before I start my day.

I’m stressed and trying to hold it all together and not forget things like paying bills and cooking dinner and OMG LAUNDRY. Why do the to-do’s always seem to pile up at the same time?

What do you do when there are a million things to get done and a finite time in which to do them?  How do you handle the busy-crazy-nuts times in your life?  I need time to breathe.