Three Days and Counting

Washing and packing clothes yesterday was actually fun, even though my suitcases are going to be overstuffed and heavy. But if I can get everything in I'll be happy. Of course I'm over-packing:  my travel easel and two larger sketchbooks are coming so that I can show Shruti what I've been working on lately; and my electronics have to come along so that means my laptop, my Nook, my phone and my Nano. I also packed a gift for her - appropriate for an 8-year-old which means we'll have a great time playing with it, and clothes. Yesterday night I downloaded my usual road trip music to my Nano and got it synched so I'm ready to rock and roll (or boogie down to Stravinsky, whichever comes first - LOL).

I think I'd enjoy playing with the girl in the middle. She's got a fun grin. The
girl on the left, though, seems far too serious.

The best thing about the clothes is what I could pack. Suddenly I'm fitting into clothing I haven't been able to wear for years, so a large assortment of silky shirts, my new jeans and an older pair that have lace on the denim and that haven't fit since two zeroes were part of the calendar year's date, went into the suitcase along with a couple of belts. I'll have a fun mix of old clothes and new ones and if I've over-packed, I'm OK with that.

Maybe I'll talk all over my coffee cup like these people did. Then I'll get dual
use from the cup and it'll be even more of a bargain....or not.

It looks like Milwaukee will be experiencing the same cool temperatures that we have been having here in Minnesota, so I'm layering. The Convention Center tends to be cooler, so overshirts or sweaters are always advised. I'll think about a jacket too - usually I just bring my cape, but it might be too cool for light wool. Is it horrible of me that I'm already looking forward to the Starbucks coffee shop in the hotel? Even though I don't particularly like Starbucks coffee, at least it is better than the standard drek served by most restaurants and cafes.

I know...it's silly to pack a scale for a vacation. But truthfully? It was
the first item I grabbed for my suitcase. Even before I had chosen my clothing.

I packed my scale. I know...this is totally over the top! But I've worked really, really hard getting the weight off and it is far too easy to let things get out of control in a week's trip. I don't expect to escape without any gain, but I sure want to try my best to keep it minimal.

I was clued in to Sandeman's port by a bartending friend of mine long years
ago. In my uni, this is truly miruvor. I adore it and highly recommend it.

I also packed a bottle of my favorite port. I'll still have a few drinks with my friends the bartenders in the Hyatt bar, but in prior years a lot of my money went that direction. I'm hoping to keep my funds a bit more under control by having something that I actually enjoy drinking in my hotel for those late nights when Shruti and I will be sitting down with our respective art supplies, talking, and drawing while we catch up.

It will be wonderful catching up with old friends...

Today's task is packing my tools - whatever I'm going to need for my classes. I suppose I should check the supply lists that the teachers have emailed me...hmmmm. What a concept - LOL.