1. waffle houses.
2. robert downey junior.
3. tom and jerry.
4. aviators.
5. plush monkeys.

1. actually getting up as early as I planned to.
2. friendly baristas and their delicious smelling coffee.
3. getting two lunches out of one meal out.
4. seeing my dad, if only briefly.
5. little kids who dance like charlie chaplin.

1. quiet moments before children wake up.
2. oatmeal with blueberries and honey.
3. 14 minute border waits.
4. making it home in record time.
5. having more money than you thought you had.

1. finding the best hot chocolate ever.
2. great customer service.
3. milk and cookies for the road.
4. all you can eat crab.
5. cute children.

1. lounging in a hotel bed.
2. wandering around with my camera.
3. embracing my tourist side.
4. in-room massages.
5. picnics without utensils or napkins.

1. cool border art.
2. outlet stores.
3. arriving at our destination.
4. fancy hotels and nice dinners.
5. ending the day with terminator 2.

1. yellow jackets.
2. pink scarves.
3. grey hats.
4. blue shoes.
5. purple sweaters.

1. getting a seat on a busy bus.
2. sharing banana muffins.
3. a steady supply of chamomile tea.
4. rooftop barbecues.
5. strangers who say “bless you” after hearing you sneeze as they walk past.

1. other people who deal with dead mice.
2. sharing lunches and smoothies.
3. dirty bus windows that make for good pictures.
4. homemade pizza with lots of feta.
5. a bowl full of banana muffins.

1. cheesy movies with ex-wrestlers.
2. extended visits over tea.
3. feeling better about myself.
4. rowing machines.
5. silk robes.