Passing Time with Photo Booth

I'm in McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada, waiting for my 9:25 p.m. flight back home. I was here for a conference for the Labor and Employment Section of the National Bar Association, where I had to give back to back presentations. I was absolutely dreading this conference, in part because I had to give back to back presentations, but also because I'm leaving for Montana on Sunday morning. Nonetheless, it was a great event. The other attendees were, to a person, funny, smart, and friendly, as well as obviously skilled practitioners. I'm glad I didn't miss it.

That said, here I am, waiting, with more than an hour to go until the flight boards, much less takes off. I spent $20 on magazines, hoping to just veg and look at pretty pictures for a couple of hours. But I couldn't resist the siren call of my computer and free internet (!), and I ended up playing around with Photo Booth. I've had this laptop for almost a year, and this is my first time using this fun little tool. I wanted to bring my camera but couldn't figure out a way to fit it in my bag, since I didn't want to check anything. So Photo Booth will help me memorialize this latest trip to Vegas. If these bags weren't so damn heavy, I'd take more. (Yes, I know the second picture is backwards).

Pre-trip Detritus

I am not skilled at packing and traveling by car just makes it worse. I half-heartedly reviewed this site, determined, for once, to pack with purpose. Ultimately, however, I must reject this "one bag" nonsense because I cannot decide whether to bring the orange sweater or the green one (they are exactly the same, except one is orange and one is green), so I must bring both.

I am easily pleased

I bought a fancy "Burr" coffee grinder and enjoyed a cup of Blue Bottle Coffee Co. Bella Donovan this morning. It was wonderful.

Still Much to Learn

10 Things to Learn about Yourself When Traveling Alone. Time for bed. That is all.

I am spending money indiscriminately . . .

and yet I can't seem to stop myself. How many pairs of flip flops does one really need anyway? Five, apparently.

Less Than Two Weeks to Go, and I'm Hoping I Don't Lose My Mind Before Then

Work has been unbelievably stressful. This trip cannot possibly come soon enough. Unfortunately, I've spent so much time preparing there's almost nothing left to do but wait for June 1. I've plotted everything from possible sights to see to which bathrooms to use on the way (see below). My preparation, quite frankly, has been obsessive. It's just too bad there's nothing left to obsess over.
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The Joy of Solitude

I'm not truly an anti-social person. I often joke about it, but I like people, and I like being around people. Still, I also like being alone, and I enjoy traveling alone. The first solo road trip I took was a little intimidating but ultimately, it was rejuvenating. Traveling alone, I can stop where I want, experience what I want, listen to the music I want (very important). Clearly, I am not alone in wanting to be, well, alone.

"A traveler who sets out alone is like a bird pushed out of the nest and obliged to take flight on its own. Travel solo, spread your wings, and soar above and beyond your greatest hopes and dreams." Michaela Lola, Solo Travel: 6 Reasons to Wander Alone

Another Montana Road Trip

A road trip to Montana seems a little boring in comparison to all the exotic places other people are going. Really, what's Stevensville, MT in comparison to some far away place (although I suppose Stevensville is plenty far away for some). Still, for me, a road trip isn't about the destination it's about the experience. It's about spending time by yourself, listening to yourself. It's about the peace and introspection that only being alone in a car for several hours in a day can bring. So, I'm excited, and the next three weeks can't pass quickly enough for me.