The Countdown Begins

Last June, I went on a cruise to Alaska and I had heard a lot about the White Pass Railway in Skagway, an old train car that takes visitors through the mountains and out through the Yukon before circling back into Skagway. I looked it up online and some of the photos of the landscape along the train's route were absolutely breathtaking! I was geared up to ride it, only to discover that a passport is required to do so. Needless to say I was pissed and I vowed to one day return and wreak my horrible vengeance. Instead of doing that, I decided to just go ahead and get a passport.

Knowing that the time is fast approaching when you won't even be able to walk down the street without a passport, I figured it would be best to beat the rush and get one now. So I found the application online, printed it out, and took it to the post office this morning. I had two photos made and frankly if I had those photos I would scan them and post them here for your amusement, because they made me look like a drug addict who just fell out of bed. Yeah, that's a great thing to put on the one document that's going to convince other countries that it's safe to let me in. Thanks a lot, pricks!

Anyhoo, that disturbing business out of the way, I handed the lady all my documents and info, paid a hefty fee, and was on my way with the assurance that the passport would be in my hands in four weeks. Yeah. Four months, maybe. When it comes in, my folks will send it to me and I'll be riding that train like a fool. Yeuh!!

Now with Friday coming to a close, I realize that I only have one week to go and a plethora of emotions wafts over me....mostly dread at having to deal with the airports, airport security, all my luggage, and changing planes every few seconds. If only I could just click my heels together three times and be there. Sigh.

Let the countdown begin....