You just know I'm going to forget something.
I dragged out the suitcases, threw some sweatshirts, jeans and the usual unmentionables. I've made more of a mess than anything really. Can't very well pack the laptop and all the accessories just yet. Or the phone. Or my toothbrush, soap & deodorant. Notice I didn't mention a comb or a brush or hairdryer. Ha! I've got that advantage on you people.
The pickup has new tires, the air checked, tank full, all systems go (hope hope). I actually spray washed it prepping for a new layer of bugs.
The banking is done. Not much to worry about there. That's why they invented plastic. Did have a minor setback. My brother Marvin's car broke down. So, this weekend we chipped in together to get it fixed.
No neck-ties!!!!!
I am not even bringing any dress clothes. Don't imagine I'll be invited to any gala events. I do hope to explore as many parts of Sonoma, Napa and the Coast as I can possibly squeeze in. If I have any energy left after my shifts. So, I did pack a bathing suit.
I have packed my World Atlas of Wine. Don't know why. But, I think I will leave all other wine books and magazines here. This is a learning trip. And I want to break the Andy-mold. I suppose many sommeliers and trade members can relate to all the notes, notebooks, magazines and books that I have stuffed into my little room/office. A real fire hazard.
Mainly, I think proper clothing and those Muck boots are the main things not to forget. We can laugh at that statement later maybe.
I wish I had thought about music. There are long stretches of TX, NM, AZ, NV that look like they could use ambience. I know because I just picked up a Rand McNally Road Atlas for $2.48 at Half-Price books. Oh sure, I'm mapquesting it too. (no smart phone here).
Music! Damn! That was a big one.
Almost 1800 miles. Gas about $365 using Mapquest calculator. (i say more)
You just know I'm going to forget something bigger!
ps1-switched the blog to 'newer blogger' so now it doesn't match. ok. so this can be the "now the trip has actually started format."
ps2-if for some ungodly reason you want to save/bookmark/link-to a particular episode: 1st click the date stamp at the end of that particular blog, then copy the link or bookmark it
About Me
- Andy
- My wine career started with the new millennium. In 2000-2001 I was asked to order the wine for the original Bob's Steak & Chop House in Dallas, TX. I knew only that I knew nothing. Bob put his trust in me. I felt obligated to live up to the standard of being the face of the wine program for a nationally acclaimed steakhouse. 2004 was a breakthrough year. Being self-taught, I passed the Intro to the Court of Master Sommeliers, visited CA wine country - twice that year, the Willamette Valley once; attended Oregon Pinot Camp, 2005; became Certified by the Society of Wine Educators, 2008 and will take on the Ramey internship in 2009. Along the way, many people have inspired and impacted my career. Some may not realize how their questions, answers, blog comments, wine conversations or just their time, trust or hospitality have helped. One of my dirty little secrets is that my mother keeps me up to date on the Oregon wine scene, procurring info the old-fashioned way: clipping magazine & newspaper articles from Matt Kramer, Katherine Cole and other great wine writers from the Northwest; bundles them up & sends them to me. Very clandestine stuff.