One thing about me: when something big happens, I go through a pretty predictable set of responses. First is shock, the "why is this happening?" And the wail of "Things will never be the same! Things will never be RIGHT again!" and "That's SO unfair! Why should he have to go through this!" Then there's frustration, "But there were PLANS! Now we are going to have to rewrite the whole schedule!*"

Then I think of another plan - an alternate stable state for those mathematical-ecology fans. And I pursue that plan. And then I realize things probably weren't as bad as I feared.

(*Seriously? I am almost Raymond Babbitt level when it comes to having and having to follow plans)

This is evidence that I am pretty well back to normal**: this afternoon, I pulled out what will be my (small, since I'm riding coach and I'm anticipating it being packed) carry-on bag for personal comfort and sanity items. (On second thought: I probably need a bigger bag. I don't know whether to make a flying trip to H*ll-mart after youth group tonight or to just suck it up and try to pack more efficiently)

I have found my black sleep eyeshade and a package of foam earplugs.

I have made sure my various toiletries (You know, I hate that word. Is there a less icky word for the various cosmetics and toothpaste and hairbrushes and all that impedimentia?) are together and that I have both Excedrin Migraine and Claritin on hand.

I have three books already packed - two softcover volumes of Golden Age British detective stories (One is a Dover book, the other is called something like "Detective Stories from The Strand"). The third is a history of the development of penicillin, called "The Mold in Dr. Florey's Coat." I bought it largely because I liked the title, and I also saw the author interviewed on Book TV.

For me, old detective stories - especially EDWARDIAN BRITISH detective stories are the #1 comfort reading. And if I have a really obnoxious seatmate, I can pull out Dr. Florey and make vague noises about needing to read it for work.

And I am contemplating the knits. Probably the second Regia Crazy glove will get taken and made; it's small and will fit in. And the pair of Regia Brazil socks in obnoxiously bright colors I started Sunday evening. And perhaps a scarf, perhaps the Lion Suede scarf I've been desultorily picking at, or perhaps yarn for a second pair of socks.

And I'm printing myself another set of the excellent Heels by Number resource, so I once again have a traveling copy and a home copy.

Clothes-planning will happen later. Nothing too elaborate will be required - some jeans, some warm tops, perhaps a dress if the church thing is going to happen Sunday (I don't see why it should not). Must make sure I take a coat and hat and gloves and perhaps scarf as it's likely to be colder up there than it is here. But that's secondary to having things to actually DO while en route and while waiting in waiting rooms and at the hospital and such.

("Where your treasure is, so your heart is also"?)


**Also, after reading this over, from my tone I think it can be sensed that I am close to back to normal.