Eastbound, soon.

Today I've packed.

Not quite finished, but about 95% there, I've stuffed what I think I'll need, trying to be careful about it. So far, just two bags. I usually take too much; this year I think I've packed just enough. It'll be my first big trip east since Dallas, and singificantly longer than it too. Two weeks away, and my first big long distance Amtrak trip too.

This year will be the opposite of last. Last year, tonight, I was sitting in a bar with a woman I no longer see much of, discussing all sorts of things that were very un-Christmas-like. And the next day I got quietly smashed on cheap Madiera, which my brother noticed but did not say anything about, before my last strained week at home. Then it was off to one of the biggest mistakes I'd ever made.

This year? This year, Christmas at home, a future in progress, and a big trip east for a New Years with two long-time friends I have yet to meet face-to-face, with promises to meet more to come.

It's going to be a good Winter break. Things could go to shit, trains could break down, we could get skunked in NC. I don't care. The important parts are the friends.