"Not all who wander are lost"

That is one of my favorite sayings. In fact, I like it so much that I am even wearing it on my shirt right now.

Well, I am off again on yet another trip. It kinda feels like that is all I have been doing this summer, coming and going. And even though right now I kinda wish I could just stay home and rest from my travels, I know that once I am on my way the excitement will creep back in and fill me to overflowing. And just think, you all missed out on the chance to go with me and play while I work. You could have come!

I won't be able to do much sight seeing on this go round. Instead I will be spending almost my entire time in Philadelphia in classes, trying desperately to cram two years worth of exposure into six days. I already know from past experience that I will have an almost permanent headache from the eye strain and the information overload. But coming from a small town with no Deaf community and no peer support, this conference is invaluable. Certainly not to be missed. And with luck, I will also be able to do some networking and make some good contacts while I am there. Maybe I will even get very lucky, and get a heads up for a job after this year.

I have gone to the last two conferences, but this is the first time I will be staying in the hotel where the conference is being held - that should be nice. Instead of waiting for classes in the lobby I will be able to go back to my room and perhaps recover a bit with a short nap... bliss!

So I am wandering around, half dazed, trying to pack and get everything ready for the week. Hopefully my plants will survive the summer heat while I am gone, and hopefully I haven't forgotten anything vital. (Knock on wood!)

And when I get back, summer will be over. Sadness! Soccer starts that next Monday, and school will follow soon after. Guess I had better enjoy this last day of relative freedom while I can.