The countdown begins at 10..

This is a picture outside my condo ten days before I leave for Germany. It's a gloomy day in Chicago late in November, but I'm excited as I prepare this blog for my German trip. I was at the airport earlier this morning with my parents as they were returning home to Oregon, and my dad helped me confirm my business class upgrade for the flight to Germany. The way home will still be in coach , but as I will no doubt be pysching myself up for my next trip, I don't think even a chair reclined into my crotch could dampen my spirits.