prep

its been a way long time since i sat down in front of the blogger-font to write anything of substance. been a little shy about writing for a couple of years now. funny how it comes and goes, just like the tide. there are many reasons for my absence, not the least of which is a full-time teaching job and two kids and a house and dogs and cat and husband and going back to school to get my masters (one that actually counts for something this time). . . these are in no particular order, mind you. they are mostly just mashed up and stirred around and keeping me crazy. they are all good reasons why i hadn't written in a while.

the biggest reason, however, was that i just felt like i had nothing else to say. which is a really sad and scary thing to a needy, writer-ly, and desperate-for-connection kinda person like me.

but here i am, back again, because this time, I Actually Have Something To Write About.

specifically, me and my family are driving across the country this summer.

that's right; from los angeles to boston (or thereabouts)--3000 miles of highway and freeway and toll roads and state lines. one prius. two children. two laptops, one ipod touch, one ipod nano, various mix cds, and books on tape. vegan snacks. occasional sights to see, a few people to stay with along the way. new markers and journals for the backseat drivers. an honest-to-goodness atlas made of paper.

it's all really happening.

we're in the planning stages of this event right now, knowing that we are leaving our house on july 10th. we're still making lists and nailing down housesitters and trying to figure out how much money we have. trying to figure out how to do it on how little money we have. trying not to panic at the thought of ten-hour days stuck in the car with each other.

this is where we are right now.

so, this blog is about the journey. (aren't they all?) i'm gonna write about the time before and the time during and the time afterwards, if the itch still needs to be scratched once we hit our destination. hell, let's be honest, we'll be staying with family all summer, so let's just assume i'm going to want to keep on writing.

i'll have to change the blog title, eventually.

anyway, if you're interested in following the trip and all of the inevitable hijinks that will ensue, climb on in. i can promise funny pictures and possible video of screaming/crying children and highway drama and stories galore. i could even promise a guide to vegan eating along interstate 70 (which is something i wish i had right now). anyway, i'd love it if you wanted to read along as we drive.

vroooooom.