The plane from Syracuse to Chicago has just pulled out of the gate. The safety instructions have just been given and we’re taxing toward the runway.

It was quite a relief to get here and get moving. I’m feeling unreasonably happy and excited to have my trip to Europe underway. The last couple of months have not been the most exciting for me—with the “studying” for the bar—and I’m glad vacation time has finally arrived. Platypus (my backpack) and I are off to Europe.