Six o'clock start to the day, half an hour before my alarm went off. My roommate's driving me to the airport. It's early, but I'm awake. Winthrop wanted a coffee, then started sleeping in the back seat; it'll be cold by the time we arrive. He didn't really want coffee. I've promised him a hot cup of tea when we arrive.

Seven days without @ElectricKeet is an eternity. It's not even a baraka; it's just a very long time. Em wanted to listen to Starcadian to start the trip. HE^RT. #tfnyuu

I don't feel ready. I never do before flights. This one even more than normal. And yet, I know I'm as prepared as I can be, given everything leading up to it. @mawr and Raow were over last night, and I've left plenty of leftovers. This all weighs on what I want to write while I'm there. I did a novel in three days.

Mountain's out this morning, seeing me off. I'll be home soon, with much to show for my time.

https://awoo.space/media/PPH7tjk3gI2CueGMoUU

The music cut out at "entoptic symphony." Hell of a send-off, Emrys. Security was easy, insofar as indignity to personhood can be easy. Can the microwave scanners spot what's left of American decency?

Found a tigrox at the airport. Breakfast at Beecher's. Full flight to Sacramento.
https://awoo.space/media/0jp7SkJLd7dNXYdsP0U

Giant 3-D rabbit. @Momentrabbit, your team, I presume?
https://awoo.space/media/AxrQpzS3DWYAq62sjMg https://awoo.space/media/bRzTJi0cGbgmpL0GqoY

21% battery remaining.

For found by a tigrox this time. Waiting for the third in the carpool to land, but Nighteyes' flight is late. Got Lovetop stuck in my head now. Winthrop was well-behaved on the flight, which was just long enough to get halfway into an Isaac run.

... scratch that; third plane in the ground. We're moving again.

Nighteyes and Ocean are in the front seat, talking about past submissions. I'm so unused to short story stuff; after three novels, I'm more accustomed longer-form work, with all the pitfalls that come with it. I'm out of my element. I have to believe I'm not out of my league.

Now passing "Fugu Lounge: Sushi and Sports Bar."

Welcome to California.

A brief stop at In-n-Out, and we're back on the road. Ninety-six miles to South Lake Tahoe. This is happening. I'm excited, if nervous. Still feeling like I'm a little outclassed. Still going to do this.