I'm a big brave girl. I'm a big brave girl.

I've decided to brave the trip to Nashville despite my aching back. I have borrowed the mantra of a little boy I used to babysit: "I'm a big brave girl (in my case). I'm a big brave girl." He'd say this repeatedly whenever we were about to try something that scared him; riding a pony, meeting new friends for instance.

I'm excited about my trip. I can't wait to meet Art. I am anxious to see my dear college friend as well. However, there is the angst over the back situation and there is always the tugging of my heart that comes when I leave my Cynical. I'm also not to keen on all of the networking required at these types of things.

Wish me luck in my travels. My bags are yet to be packed, but I have printed out directions to nearby yarn shops and am hoping to find a good bookstore nearby the hotel.