Leaving today

I leave today. In fact, I have to drive to the airport in two hours. All of the things I want to pack are still laying all over the floor and I can't decide whether I want to bring a towel with me or not. This is a very complex issue of course, because on the negative side, a towel takes up a lot of space. I may need this towel, however, in my apartment, or for traveling, or in case I go to the beach. As you can see, this is a very difficult decision.

Somehow packing will always disintegrate into an uncivilized process of stuffing everything into the suitcase. And errands and goodbyes will always be smooshed into the last few hours before leaving. Saying these kinds of goodbyes -- where you know you'll be gone for a long time, but it's short enough to call temporary -- is kind of like getting punched in the stomach. It doesn't draw any blood but still brings tears to the eyes and leaves a lingering soreness.

I'm off to do crazy things with or without the towel.