I still want a carryon duffle.

sarameg, it's not a duffle, but this is the backpack I got for my trip to Europe two summers ago: [link]

It holds a lot, but even fully stuffed, it fits in the overhead bin. It has a decent hip belt that tucks away, and the back padding makes for decent laptop protection.

It was my primary bag for two weeks in Europe, one week in Colorado, and three weeks in Miami.

For my "at-hand" bag in the cabin ("personal item"), I used something like this: [link]

Thanks everyone. Burrell has had a pretty good day so far, although she's tired. I think the vet wore her out.

Kids convinced us to go to Target to use of some of their Xmas GCs. Oy! But now they are home enjoying their loot. Isaac got MarioKart, Franny got a bunch of Zoobles. What is it with little girls and little colorful toys?

I've done that for UCLA and Santa Monica College, and no dice, unfortunately. I'd love to find something like that art center you link to that's *not* on the other side of town.

What about Otis Art School over in Westchester? Oh and Cody suggests trying the art studio on Westwood near SM Blvd.

ita !, I'm still looking for a good source for that version of the song, too. So far, nothing.

All your carrots are belong to me

House news: Spring has hit my backyard [link] [link] [link]

Cat news: One more thing learned today: Bubba the cat can in fact open doors if they have lever handles instead of knobs, as all of mine do, and after doing so will jump on the bed and stretch out with a pointed "yeah, I'm here. What are you going to do about it" look to both Dita and me.

Also, Dita is not ready to be friends yet, and I am beginning to suspect I am going to have to let Bubba learn that the hard way.

the art studio on Westwood near SM Blvd.

There's a what with the who? I found a school in Brentwood that I was going to give a month's go starting Monday, but that's way closer.

Oh so lovely, Lee! Yay for your yard!

My daffodils are all coming up, but I'm trying to suppress them under layers of pine needles. They are pretty persistent little buggers, though. But sleep, daffodils! We still have three more months with potential for snow! If they do survive, they're going to be lovely, though, because they're *everywhere* so all that work in the fall will be worth it.

I have an actual camping backpack that works well for travel overseas, with detachable whosits. I got this today: [link] It covers the distance between my monster xmas-more-than-1 week bag and my old duffle thing. I'll use it for Spain, but I'd like something less unwieldy for things like overnights, like the wedding, and to supplement Spain. My duffle fit almost as much (full disclosure, I can shockingly get by for a week with the duffle. Ask Kat.) But I'll have more shoes for Spain. And less smashable tshirts. I have a ridiculous amount of luggage for the travel I do (and some I need to return!) but the stuff I find the most use for has been reaching its natural end.

The behemoth or the camp bag will go to Australia. Oh, did I mention here that my SIL and nephews are going too? 15+ hours on a plane with an almost-10 year old and a 5 year old! HEHEHEWHAT. I propose PJ and I just drink into a stupor and let the grandparents deal.

I had to shower. The aveda was just too much for Loki and now Pumpkin. Both went to town on my hair. And it was beginning to do me in too. I like the way it smells, but then it just smells too much. Plus, cat attack.

I am feeling beyond ragey. I want to punch someone in the face. Hard.

These are the times when I like to take my blood pressure to see if my meds are really working. I'd say, NSM tonight.

Oh dear. I'm sorry you've encountered the ragemaking creatures.

Sorry for the rage, Kat? Help to share here, or would that just continue the anger more?