The email containing the links to my e-ticket and labels arrived today. I've already received some labels, they arrived with the excursions brochure a few weeks back. So I'm just about ready to roll. All my visas have been received, all my clothes shopping is done and most of my other stuff is bought. Just a few small things like shaving cream and I'll be there.

It's just 38 days to go. I booked so long ago and I've had 3 holidays and 2 cruises since then, but in the back of my mind was always the biggie. And now it's almost here. The excitement on the P&O forum is almost palpable. I checked just before I went to the gym and again when I came back. There were 3 new pages of comments! I can't begin to imagine what it's going to be like in the week before we go.

I try not to talk about it too much, but it's proving difficult. I still have to get Christmas out of the way first. All my cards are written, stamped and ready for mailing. Apart from Pete's the presents are all bought and wrapped. So I'm just about ready for that too. As soon as the decorations come down, I'll know I'm about to leave for Southampton. Can't wait!