@bichon,
13 days is good, not too long but you will miss Ari. I went on an Alaskan cruise for a week and I missed my kitties terribly but Hubby stayed behind (work) so it was me and the kids. And 47 family members (family reunion). Had a great time, will never forget it. 😀 You will have a great time too! I’m excited for you! I will have to pay attention to the weather so I can imagine how your days are going over there when you are gone.
It is not tuition, it’s the vet bill. There are so many expenses right now, makes my head spin some days. Health is really all that matters but yes, a little treat every now and then is good. 😀 I get tired of the same old thing too and mostly wear the same old thing because I’m home with the kitties and they have cute little paws with claws that sometimes snag things. I’m mostly in yoga pants or jeans these days and an old sweater or tee that I don’t worry about. The kittens LOVE to be held and cuddled and that is more important right now. Older cats already know not to put out their claws but little ones still learning. I will be able to dress nicer one of these days when they are older but I am in no hurry for them to get older, so much fun the age they are! Lol! 😀 I am usually covered in fur of all colors too. I dress nice when I leave the house. Yes, lots of love here. 😀

@bichon18, Hope your packing goes well! I always end up over packing, no matter what! I will use my advice next time. Lol! I think Samantha Brown has excellent tips and advice for packing. You will be gone for 3 weeks? Did I read that somewhere? I have packed the extra bag before and it is helpful. I learned that after a trip for my birthday to go shopping in Chicago. I bought 2 very expensive designer shoes (one Eli Tahari, the other Italian) and I didn’t have room to pack them in their shoe boxes! I will never make that mistake again! Designer shoes should have their designer boxes! Lol! That was pretty much all the shopping I did in that week because I ended up in ER and kept for a day after. That was when my heart problems began. I LITERALLY shopped til I dropped! That was in 2007.

Hey, I hear ya, I’m in my 50’s and I don’t wear strapless either! I am sure you will find something in your closet that will work. A nice jewel neck, boat neck or v neck perhaps? Cashmere sweater – perfect! That’s what’s great with Heidi, you can wear it for every day or dressy! 😀

No, not near San Louis Obispo. That is on the coast, I am inland near the mountains. Just get on the road from there and drive inland til you hit the Sierra Nevadas. I’ll be waving! 😀