On the Road Again

From an unnamed university in the greater San Francisco Bay Area...

NB: Due to my location's crappy free wifi, I am unable to load a picture at this time. I appreciate your strength, resilience and support and apologize for what I am sure is the biggest disappointment you've endured today.

I am writing to you today from the beautiful Oakland International Airport, fondly known as OAK. I am here waiting to catch a flight to Denver for a weeklong conference/father-daughter roadtrip.

Here's what's up: I was born in Colorado Springs (really? We're fascinated. Tell us more!), but moved to California when I was 2 and have not been back since. When I told my dad that I had a conference in Denver he came up with an amazing scheme to reunite me with my Rocky Mountain Roots. Itinerary goes a little something like this:

6/21: Dad leaves Bay Area by car.
6/23: S leaves Bay Area by plane. Dad arrives in Denver in time to pick S up from airport and bring her to conference hotel so she can check in and set up.
6/24: S goes to conference. Dad does who knows what until 7:30pm when S and Dad reunite for Rockies v. Red Sox.
6/25: More conference for S, more who knows what for Dad.
6/26: Depart Denver for Colorado Springs. Meet up with cousin and his wife for ice cream. Do nostalgia tour of hometown.
6/27: Take train to Pike's Peak. More nostalgia.
6/28: Depart CO Springs for Las Vegas. Yes, friends, I am DRIVING with my DAD from COLORADO SPRINGS to LAS VEGAS. Voluntarily.
6/29: Hang out on strip, visit with another cousin and her family (actual reason for Vegas trip; we are not gambling addicts).
6/30: Drive back to Bay Area.

Growing up, my dad and I took lots of driving trips. Sometimes day trips up to Mendocino or down to Monterey; sometimes longer trips up to Seattle to visit yet another relative (Catholics have mad big families, y'all). My mom never came because she doesn't like the car, being away from home, and sometimes, my dad and me. We haven't taken a long road trip in just about 5 years so I guess we're due for one, though I am little terrified of what we're going to do with all that time in the car together.

I'm pretty sure I'll be able to post tomorrow and Friday, because if last year's version of this conference was any indication, I'll be spending a lot of time trying to look busy in front on my computer, but I don't know what my internet access will be like on the road. Never fear, I will regale you with stories from what I'm calling Father/Daughter Roadtrip Adventure Extravaganza 2010 when I return if not right from the road.

Wish me luck.