May 10, 2002

I should be sound asleep right now. I should be sound asleep getting my beauty rest for the big drive. But instead I'm formatting the hard drive of my laptop that's been busted for the last six months so I can write about all the terrific places I'm gonna see.

Today I washed the dogs, took them for their annual appointments and got their health certificates, learned how to give Kiki her antigen injections, made a stationary template for my dad, went to 2 different libraries for books on CD and more stuff to read, to AAA for my triptiks, HEB for wholesome snacks, and Sears for a new compressor, mowed the front and back yards, cleaned out my trunk, replaced my ratty ass spare cover with a piece of plywood I had trimmed to fit myself, properly inflated my spare, washed and replaced the trunk carpet, got some gas additive from Auto Zone and a little folding camp pot from Academy, called and asked questions about the first campground, cleaned out my refrigerator and threw away all the spoiled stuff, deposited my check & got cash, did the dishes, caught up with Suzanne, gassed up the car, made house- and plant-sitting arrangements, picked up the living room, ingeniously packed totes of general car/emergency items, backup snacks and drinks, camping gear, dog stuff, and front seat goodies like maps, snacks, paper, binoculars, itineraries, and roadside attractions, baby wipes, music & book CDs, and brilliantly arranged them all tetris-style in the car.

What I haven't done is balance my checkbook.

Or finish getting together the computer stuff I need.

I didn't put in a claim for the broken glassware.

I didn't make clever laminated checklists of everything I was bringing. Which is probably for the best.

I didn't call Jason back to make arrangements.

I didn't pack up this week's orders, but I did put everything I need in a box so I can ship it from Kansas City.

And I didn't pack. But I will. After I take a little nap.

Oh, crud. I just double-checked and I had the times wrong on the first big stop of SuperTour2002™, the Frankoma Plant Tour (the first small stop is the historic Depression-era rest stop just before the Oklahoma border; the 2nd small stop is the Giant Peanut Statue just after the Oklahoma border). I thought the tours went until 5, but those are the shop hours. The tours only go til 11.30. Which means that even if I went back in time and left hours ago, I still wouldn't make it. Doggone it. I will not start SuperTour2002™ out by missing the opportunity to view my Texas-shaped ashtray in the making or buy a slightly irregular donkey mug.

I guess it's for the best. That'll give me a chance to wrap up all my didn't-dos, plus Kelly Sue and Matt can finish their car shopping uninterrupted. And no anxiety about missing the Hair Museum because it's a weekend. And I won't have to fend for myself for so long before Jason's back in Chicago (Malin already left for California, so my plans to play with her were foiled), although I was kind of looking forward to lots of pioneering. But as he does actually work a good deal, I should have piles of solo time. And I'll also have time to pick up a cheapie digital camera to inundate you with SuperTour2002™ Fun on the Road pictures. And the moon will have waned, so more camping starlight. All for the best. Plus, you know, more sleep for me.

So. Monday morning. Monday morning before dawn.

03.29.02