Well, I'm heading to Seattle! In a few more hours, that is. I'm going to attempt to get some sleep before I head out, but I just wanted to sit and write for a moment... unwind.

Travelling always leaves me worried, on edge, always fearing I forgot to pack something. Of course, there are the added worries of weird crap like SARS, but hopefully I won't be anywhere near anything like that. I'm only going to one international airport tomorrow, and don't plan to spend much time there.

Speaking of viruses, I seem to have escaped the evil clutches of whatever was battling Joe's white blood cells. His boss actually emailed him last week and said he was "not permitted to come into the office" unless he was no longer contagious and "honestly felt great." We called the doc about the risk of contagion for Joe as well as me and whether or not I could babysit for Victor. We were told Joe would no longer be contagious starting 24 hours from the time his fever went away. Also, if I were sick, I could be contagious for 48 hours before I ever show any symptoms. That is amazing! So she said to steer clear of any little kids for 72 hours after Joe's symptoms went away, to be sure I wasn't showing any symptoms as well. If we both seemed healthy at that point, I could see Vic and my students again. The way the time frame worked out, I seemed to be in the clear just in time for my class on Friday. And so far, so good! Thank god! I have a nice, strong immune system after all! I missed seeing Vic and Beth this week, though!

I have mixed feelings about travelling. On the one hand, I love it. I get to sleep on a plane for a few hours and wake up in a totally different place. A change of scenery can often be a good thing. On the other hand, I'll miss Joe and my kitties very much. And my bed. My stuff. And travelling in itself can also be a bit of a hassle.

The good part is that it'll be fun to see my mom. I haven't seen her since last summer, and I'm looking forward to spending time with her. She'll be attending her night classes Mon - Thurs, but we'll have mornings to hang out, which is great. I'll get to see her dog, Flikka, which will be fun, as I've recently been craving some nice, honest to goodness "doggie time." It's hard to be away from canines for long! At least, it is for me. And I'll even get to spend time with my brother, which is simply awesome. I love that guy!

I was talking with my mom about where to meet at the airport, etc. Finalizing details. And of course, we briefly chatted about some other things, too, as we are wont to do. She expressed her test anxiety, for which I gave Meg's remedy: listen to a favorite song with your eyes closed and spend the duration of the song taking slow deep breaths. That's how I sometimes relax before bedtime. (Probably what I'll do in just a few minutes, in fact...) She said she'd try it.

Then she gave me some bad news... My cousin is being shipped to Iraq. "Woah," I said, then added, "I honestly didn't think anyone I actually knew would be involved in this war." I really didn't. I feel weirded out by the whole thing. I suggested we find out if he'll have a mailing address. Maybe I could send him letters of support, to cheer him up or... something. You know, I don't even know what he looks like now. I haven't seen him since I was about 5 years old. He's essentially a stranger, yet his being sent to war makes it all seem that much more real to me. I feel for him and his family, and I wish them all the best.

Come home safe and sound, Luke.

And I wish everyone else out there safety and happines, as well. Have a good night! And here's hoping for a safe and healthy journey for me, too!

~~Meg