Trying to make a miserable and long story short

I had to shop today.  I HATE shopping.  I hate it like MADD hates beer.  I hate it like victims hate their criminals.  I hate it from the depths of my soul.  I HATE it.

I don't care about fashion.  I only wear t-shirts and jeans, or sweat shirts and jeans.  It's comfortable and fine with me.  But when I go to conventions, I have to dress like a girl.  ::shudder::

I needed pants, so I went to the mall.  I could cry, thinking about it.  In the stores that I need to go into, people look down their noses at me, talk to me like I'm a moron, and watch me like I'm going to steal something.

By the time I was finished, my self esteem was in the toilet.  Then, to WalMart, where I fit in, and there were 4 different kids screaming with no reaction from the parents.  My eyes were welling up in self pity when I left there.

Now, I'm home and packing for the trip to Phoenix.  I'm mostly done, but there is more to think about.  I have to check 2 bags this time, so I have more than I've ever had.  5 days away, with 3 "dress up" days, 2 pairs of shoes, other than the tennis shoes that I'm wearing, and personal care items.  It boggles the mind.  

I take extra hangers, since the room usually comes with 4.  I take a power strip, since you can find 1-2 outlets in most hotel rooms, and I have a phone to charge, a laptop, an iPod, etc.  Yeah, I can't find a power strip, so I'll make due, and charge the iPod and phone from the laptop.  Yup, I'm a survivor.  ROFL!

I survived shopping, I'm almost done packing, and I'm coming to grips with the fact that I won't see Mom and Dad until next weekend.  I always try to see them before I leave town, but shopping screwed THAT up, too.  Oh well.  I love you, Mom and Dad.  If it weren't for the 4:30am departure time, I'd see ya on the way out.

I'll call you from Phoenix, Mom and Kevin and girls and Linda and Brett.