Reason 242

Trip planning. The past week I have found myself ankle deep in guidebooks, maps spread out on the table and a browser history jam-packed with tourism sites. This can only mean one thing - I'm about to head out onto the open road, my mama strapped into the passenger seat, for a two-week vacation in lovely central Oregon. I'm not much for boasting, but when it comes to designing the perfect itinerary, I kick some serious arse. I love to research future destinations, discovering quirky shops off the beaten path, not-to-be-missed tours, and restaurants only the locals know about. Before you start thinking I'm Clark Griswald in a drill sergeant's clothing, let me assure you, Jason, that despite planning out various adventures to embark on each day, I am perfectly content to toss the schedule out the window if something unexpected pops up or my travel companions and I desperately need to recharge poolside with a stack of trashy novels and a couple of mixed drinks. My meltdown in NYC after college graduation is prrof of that. Since I'm sure, Jason, the two of us will travel together once or twice over the course of our friendship, feel free to place trip planning responsibilities on my capable shoulders. If we're really lucky, maybe I'll stumble upon a brochure for a hootenanny in the country being thrown by seven siblings who'll serenade us with cowboy campfire songs while we chow down on barbeque ribs and homemade cornbread. Now, that was a memorable vacation moment.