Today is the day – my journey to the Write-to-Publish conference starts. I’ll be leaving TC (sometime) and heading to my folks’ house downstate. Then they’ll take me to the train station. I’ll take the train to Chicago, then take another train to Wheaton. From there I’ll enjoy the conference (especially if I can find a TV to watch the Wings in the finals – what a distraction). After the conference it’s back on the train to go visit relatives. From there my mom will drive me back to her house (to my car) so I can drive home. And once I’m home I’ll have time enough to unpack before jury duty (ugh).

So there it is. That’s my week. Don’t be surprised if you don’t hear from me. I’ll be basking in the intellect of those who know more. Hopefully I’ll absorb some of it.

But here’s MY problem…packing. Double ugh. I’m an over-packer. I know it. But I have a good excuse – I’m a clutz. If I pack just enough clothes to get me through the 9th then I assure you I will spill something and get stuck wearing the same shirt three days in a row (at least it’ll be easy for people to find me). My other excuse is warmth. It’s never as warm/cold as people say it will be. And if it is, then the building usually has a hyperactive a/c unit, so I need a parka inside and flip-flops outside.

So now it’s time for me to pack. I have to find stain-free clothes (not easy, but I can’t afford to replace things as I dribble on them…I’d go broke!), bring my own hangers, and pray that someone else has an iron I can borrow. In addition to my luggage, I need to bring something to do on the train. That involves a neck pillow (I’m a sleeper) and an assortment of books (I need a Kindle). Then there’s the laptop that people suggest (need a Netbook).

I can see me now: I’ll be the tall gal with the cute shoes pulling a body-bag on wheels while wearing a back pack, slightly off-colored bermudas, a neck pillow, juggling my purse and my tickets. Oy. It wouldn’t be any better if my hubby was coming…he makes me carry my own stuff (while he carries grocery bags full of his clothes…I kid you not).

Well, that’s enough about that. I need to make sure I have all of my info and clothes ready to go. I’ll try to click something off tomorrow.

Happy June!