Just some thoughts on the trip in general

Hey, since I'm still about 14.5 months away from actual departure time, I've got lots of time to think. Good for me, not so good for folks following along. My thinking tends to lead to blog posts, and since this trip hasn't started yet, that means more blog posts about something OTHER than the actual trip. Great if you've got nothing to do, but just plain annoying if you are here to read about this trip. It hasn't started yet, only the planning has.

I celebrated my 45th birthday with the family yesterday (birthday isn't til next week), and got a few things that were designed to be for 'the trip'. Got a nice orange/black backpack that will be the main storage bag for stuff that I need quick and easy access to: camera, laptop (if applicable) Rockstars, snacks, pad & pencil, electronic device chargers and such. The backpack itself, it pretty roomy and looks pretty durable. And it's orange! What a great color!

I also got an emergency tire repair kit, with mini air compressor. I opened it to check it out. I hope I NEVER have to use it. If I do, it was worth getting. If I don't, it was worth carrying along.

I also heard from my FIL that Coca Cola is going to start attaching the Coke name to Monster energy drinks now instead of Rockstar. That's got me in a dilemma. I like Rockstars and I can only tolerate Monsters. Plus Monster just reminds me of Monster the employment website, which is a competitor and is also the work of the devil. Tis far better to use a website that won't result in getting you eternal damnation (*salvation not guaranteed)

Anyway, I've digressed again (that's a pattern you'll see all too often).

So, if I want to remain loyal to Coca Cola (Jannette's dad works for Coke), then I need to switch to Monster. Of course, Marvin doesn't see it that way. It's just another product for him. He couldn't care less what product it is, his job is to deliver it. Period. He doesn't drink competitive products, and he doesn't frown on those who do. What a great way to be: live a good example, yet don't preach it to others.

Just random thoughts that probably need to stop here for today.