backyard adventures of a three-legged cat

While the outside time was fun for everyone the constant WAILING at the back door to go outside again is getting a little old. Kitties aren't known for their moderation of habits.

... and the entire place would have that New Bag Smell

I wish there were a magical store that had Timbuk2 and Waterfield and Crumpler bags all in one place. And not just one or two of the models. I want to shop for bags the way other people shop for fine jewelry, precious antiques or luxury cars. I want to make an appointment with my baggage consultant. I want to bring all my shit with me to dump out onto a giant granite counter. I want a clean, well-groomed person to help me figure out which camera lenses are the best to take on trips and how I can reduce my accessories without panicking that I'm going to be stranded in an airport with no USB hub. I want to bring in all the expensive bags I have bought over the years and sell them back to this store on consignment, so that maybe some other traveler can take advantage of my great rolling suitcase with built-in laptop sleeve that won't fit most of my (copious) shoes.

I want to experiment with different pouches, straps and sleeves with my actual items wihout having to sit in the floor of a department store and pull wads of paper out into the aisle. I got sucked into all the offerings of Crumpler bags after reading Maggie Mason's great review of her bags, but I just can't bring myself to order more bags without really knowing in my heart of hearts if the 2 Million Dollar Home will be enough or if I would just pine for the 3 or 4 Million Dollar Home.

Perhaps I have just missed my calling and should make a store like this.

Genie has left the building (or at least the bar)

Ugh, I hate feeling like my blood sugar is low but knowing it's just the three glasses of wine I drank. So now I just need to stay up an hour or so more so I can check my blood again and feel okay with the results. If only Kobi were here to take care of me! In lieu of Kobi, a Snickers bar will have to do. I'm in a hotel this evening ... an Inn, actually ... in upstate New York. I've had a lot of good vibes tonight from colleagues and life and I don't think it's just the wine talking. I'm trying to savor this for when the stress of life gets to me and I'm ready to throw a fit.

I don't think they meant "fresh from the jacuzzi" when they talked about Naked Blogging at BlogHer. But I've always been a literal person at heart.

I just had dinner with close to 100 people who all know *about* me but only half a dozen or so have ever met me. It's always odd for me to have my reputation precede me. I hope it's a good reputation, at least. I only hope they are pleased with the mere 45 minutes of presentation I can give them tomorrow. Perhaps we'll just spend the time looking at wedding photos instead. Everybody likes a good photo album.