The lead singer, Cara, likes to photograph her audience. I've learned to avoid the feedback loop by picking a nice side spot at the bar. Here, I'm just another shadowy face, a friend who hangs out with Colter between sets once a year, contributing surprisingly good gig photos for the band's website.

On the final ten minutes of the drive, I explained to the mp3 player that its 'random' choice highly amused me. Sure, of the hundred-plus songs it had at its disposal, its only option was to play 'Time Stand Still' as I crossed into terra familiara.

Packing list? This got far beyond a packing list at least a year ago.

Year one of dragon*con: toss your toothbrush, toothpaste, and a spare pair of underwear into your backpack, while keeping your camera in your hand. Six days later, acknowledge the clothes that you're wearing are disgusting, and cannot be saved. Burn them. Vow to do better next year.

Pesto Orzo with Pine Nuts

1 package Orzo (1 lb usually)

2 packages Knorr Pesto Sauce mix (green package, they finally have it at Target, YES!)

1 package pine nuts (approx. size on this, Misty?)

2-3 broiled chicken breasts, cut up (optional)

Much freshly ground black pepper

A white cheese (Romano, mozzarella, etc.) of your choice to taste

Misty's getting a little annoyed with us; her recipes that take much time and effort to prepare never manage to win her quite the rapturous accolades that her (as she puts it) utterly brainless recipes get her.

This cake is possibly the best example. I do not like the idea of standing between Jeff and this cake. I suspect the results would be quite detrimental to both me and the cake. Stake your cake claims early, or my spouse will stake his in your stead.

Total spams received in absence: 163.

Two hours into the drive home. Silence. After so few hours in the car, have we managed to say everything there is to say?

Three dragon*con staff meetings down, none to go. Last night, everyone marveled that dragon*con was already upon us, a sentiment made even more absurd by the frequent follow-up: "It's been so long since I've seen you!"