Sorting and Packing

I've only got 2 weeks left before I depart on my epic journey to find my Home. I've been gathering items for the car and planning for what I want to take along, what I think I'll need and what optional items may go if there's room. Over the years, I've done a fair number of road trips but none this extensive and intentional. Even as I am sorting items to pack, I'm rethinking and reassessing. There are certain things that are a given for me. My coffee grinder and beans from Green Mountain Coffee. (You can see the link on the right side of the page for this terrific company. Organic and free trade coffees are their specialty. Been buying beans from them for years and have never been disappointed.) My martini shaker and a corkscrew are givens. After these items, we get to the practical and boring. Many friends have expressed concern that I'll be traveling over Christmas. This has brought up some interesting discussions around what the holidays mean to us. For many, family gatherings are the center piece of the holidays. Some look forward to this shining moment all year. Some don't find the prospect all that exciting. I'm curious how the rest of you feel about being "home for the holidays". Do you think I'm nuts for traveling during this "special" time of year? Any random thoughts about it for me to consider? All input is welcome! I've been checking the weather averages for my trip. Although the temps in most places on the route aren't that much better than Kansas City, there is considerably more sunshine where I'm headed and that is a very good thing. And now, back to decisions and sorting...