It is super hard to travel with a guitar. You need a serious case. They will occasionally let you gate-check it, but more often than not, they will not. Loosen all the strings (the biggest potential damage is the neck snapping upon impact because of all the tension from the strings.) Pack the case firmly with balls of newspaper. So firmly that you're not sure the lid will shut. BUT make sure it shuts and locks securely (TSA locks). Label it inside the case and out with your home and destination address. Take pictures for insurance.

Upon arrival, gradually retighten the strings, a little at a time on each, so that you gradually increase the tension on the neck overall. Don't just crank one of them all the way up and then the next. Expect a certain amount of drifting as it gets settled into its new atmospheric conditions.

All I have is a soft gig bag. I'm calling the airline.

I was in a math/science magnet program in middle school, and then wore a uniform in high school, so I pretty much have no idea how to dress. All my prime learn-fashion-from-peer-pressure years were spent among nerds and plaid skirts.

You really, really don't want to fly with a guitar in a gig bag. Remember the United Breaks Guitars guy?

7th grade was all about the brand names. Izod, Jordache, Nike, Swatch... I don't remember if the pastel, button-down oxfords had a preferred brand. I think most at my school had to get by with knock-off brands though. I know my parents weren't willing to spring for the brand names.

Dilemma: Switch seems completely uninterested in the wet food we got for him. Is this just a matter of figuring out what he likes? He's only ever eaten dry food till now, although he did sometimes eat some wet kitten food when he was tiny. (Cortez seems uninterested in the wet food, too. What's wrong with them?!)

When Petri was sick and didn't want to eat much the vet suggested wet food and said to nuke it for 15 seconds or so just to make it easier for him to smell. Even then he was only a little interested. Rosie & Gilda won't eat wet food that has beef in it. I have to stick with the fish or poultry variations.

I'm not going to make any claims about my own ability to dress (I like it, that's sufficient), but millions of kids grow out of school uniform scenarios--is it supposed to be harder to be fashionable without practice during school hours? I felt exposed to fashion ideals and mistakes anyway.

I was in uniforms until I changed to public HS. That was the late 60s so it was jeans and t-shirts. Before the change in dress codes girls had to wear their snow pants under their skirts. Twas crazy.

I am without any particular fashion sense or concern. It may be that my HS generation didn't care so much about fashion.

Timelies all!

Much ~ma to you and your family, Tom.

I'm not into pink. It's not a color that I look good in, and I've seen enough pink-themed items to be annoyed at the assumption that because I'm female I Must! Love! Pink! (At least that's the feeling I get. Ah, society.. where one must love "girly" stuff in order to be a Real Woman, but said stuff is often considered less important than "manly" things. Sigh...)

You really, really don't want to fly with a guitar in a gig bag. Remember the United Breaks Guitars guy?

Now I am stressed out. This shouldn't be hard. It's only about 26" and weighs like, less than five pounds.

I would think that pink would be a good color for you, Sheryl. But definitely not if you don't like it.

I didn't get into the super girly clothes until fairly recently. It is my method of balancing all the macho I am surrounded with on a daily basis. At least that is the best theory I can come up with.