There is not a lot for me to do to prepare for this trip or any for that matter. I spent many, many years in the Army ready for and going on deployment. I basically live in a state of “go”, even now. I could literally move out of my apartment in 4 hours. Even less if I pushed more. I will pack the morning of travel. My bags are ready, toss in shoes, clothes, and hygiene items….gone. If I was going overseas I would do some research but staying local I’m good. The only thing that is different now versus my “normal” is that I have a cat. So, I had to have my sister and niece over to show them everything that needs to be done while she comes over and looks after the cat. Bam! Problem solved onto the next. I don’t have to buy anything for the trip or the train. Like I said, I live in a constant state of be ready for deployment. I really haven’t done any prep for the class other than take care of things as they arise. I have traveled so much over so many years that a simple trip to another state really does not even make a blip on the radar.

            I don’t honestly know what this trip will be like. My travels usually involved being heavily armed and going to cause destruction and death among other mission requirements. This will be with other college students. I have said I can be a nerd when traveling because I want to see the history etc. I never think about the nightlife or drinking or partying, that means nothing to me. I could lose myself in an old cemetery in NOLA, looking at the dates and imagining their lives. I have not had a vacation in over 5 years so this will feel weird to me. I normally go, go, go. I do want to learn as much as I can about the past of NOLA along with the vast cultural differences that make this city up. I cannot forget the art! I want to see as much as I can, whether it be museums or street art. The one thing I am really fiending for is the food, especially the seafood. I have a bad feeling that my normally strict diet is going to suffer. I can let it go this one time, right?