We’re moving… for real this time. See you next year, L.A.!

Never mind… false alarm… we backed up and now we’re stopped again… congestion on the tracks, apparently

We’re moving!!

Still waiting for the train to move. I’m in a window seat on the right-hand side. So far, no one has sat down in the seat next to me. I have subtly placed my stuffed manatee (Hugh Manatee) on the seat to discourage anyone who’s thinking about it. :)

Two guys with turbans and long white beards are sitting behind me, and I must say, I’m proud of myself for NOT racially profiling them. My first thought when I saw them wasn’t “Oh no, they’re going to blow up the train!” or anything like that. It was more like, “Cool! Old guys with turbans!” Not exactly p.c., but hey, it’s better than crying terrorist!

On board train in giant, comfy coach seat! Sooo much better than an airplane! I can stretch my legs and everything!

At Union Station waiting for train.

Went with Becky to Runyon Canyon to see city lights and planetary alignment… Got a $35 ticket for parking after sunset… but worth it for the view! Now en route to Union Station!

Getting the traditional meal for kicking off a cross-country trip… a Big Fat Deal from Fatburger. Mmmm.

Train leaves in eight hours! Must finish packing, ship three more boxes home, say goodbye to my friends, recharge all my various batteries, send out a bunch of e-mails, take money out of the ATM, and complete about a million other random tasks! Eeeek!

Put 12 boxes in storage today… and shipped 14 home!!! Three more will go out tomorrow. Train leaves in less than 24 hours!

Click here to watch the TV broadcast. (Unfortunately, because NBC took over from ABC last year, there is no more “and DOWN the stretch they come!” in the call. Sorry.)

Just finished my last final exam. All academic work for my junior year is now complete. I’m officially a senior!!! A senior in college!!! Now that’s scary. 3 days and 90 minutes till I ship off for home…

Track flights live over the Los Angeles area!

John Dean says he knows who Deep Throat is! (The Watergate informant, not the recently deceased porn star.) Is anyone else thinking what I’m thinking? Could it be… John Dean???