20070512
The very thick fog, two over weight suitcases, or three carry-on bags did not prevent me and this airplane from leaving Fort Smith. Antonela’s phone did not work, but she woke up magically and made me wake up at 4:40am instead of 4:20am. After taking a quick hot shower in my favorite shower room, changed clothes, we took off for the airport at 5:10, and we arrive at the airport at 5:20am.

I think Antonela is right about my cough. Whenever I get very nervous, this stupid cough starts and never ends. Last time was when I was applying for US visa. Yes, I am nervous and should be. It is very natural that I am nervous about this trip. Thinking back to February when my trap is getting organized, the stress seems to be very small or almost none. Today my cough is almost trying to kill me. I have not enjoyed long good night sleep for at least a week or so, or cannot eat well. The travel plan seems to be nearly perfect and that fact should give me more confident, though.

In this 16-day looooong university business trip, we will visit 7 universities and make a few very important stops. It was very surprising that even Governor knew about our trip and one of the secretaries called me wishing us very best lack.

842am
The plane just left DFW and we are somewhere in TX. My neighbors are college students from Tulsa, visiting Japan for 2 weeks for the first time.

I talked with Antonela three times right before boarding into the airplane.