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I love packing for a trip. I don't always love the airport or flying or anything else, but there is a certain zen to packing that makes me feel okay.

As always, my technology marches forward making my travel lighter. Just as an MP3 player (an old Creative Nomad) replaced CDs and CD-related paraphernalia, a e-ink book has replaced the novels that I usually carry. Will it be an upgrade? This reader is about as primitive as my old Nomad was, so I assume in four years that the tech will be amazing. Until then, I'm glad to just have a few less pounds to schlep.

The quest for a new job continues. I've calculated how much this layoff will garner me in severance pay, and I must admit that part of me is tempted to keep the job just long enough to get severance pay. There's nothing quite like pitting the though of six weeks' pay versus a staunch personal code. But I don't have to worry about any of that for a bit.

I'm leaving on a jet plane. Merry Christmas to you and yours. Stay safe out there.