So I think this is the first time I have ever tried to plan a trip in the US where it actually is cheaper to drive than it is to drive and fly. I spent a fair chunk of the weekend agonizing over the cost of going out to Montana. Not only are the plane tickets expensive, but we still have to have a bleeding rental car while there. Rental cars in Montana seemed to start around $50 a day for the most part. Eeeek. Was tempted to purchase this http://montana.craigslist.org/car/331735924.html, mostly the allure of having my own working refrigerator, but I managed to resist it in the end.

So I was thinking about just having to drive out, but kind of bummed that it would kill so much time. Then, in a flash of brilliance, it occurred that we could really save money if Ruth and I drove together (novel concept). Not only that, but now it turns into a fun road trip, because I'm not stressing so much to get there in time. So too make long story short (involving much drama then figuring out rental car, etc), we have decided that Ruth will fly to Buffalo, and I will get to Buffalo, and we will both wear car renting outfits, and see how it goes. I've got a pretty good deal, but am hoping with the addition of car renting outfits that we can make even better deal. Unfortunately, the deal is with Hertz, and they tend to be a bit more respectable than some of the rental counter of companies that maybe I shouldn't mention. On the other hand, it's Buffalo, and there isn't anything in Buffalo that isn't a little bit skanky.

I have also had additional flash of brilliance that I can take smoke machine and strobe lights with me and we can keep ourselves entertained in South Dakota (trust me, very boring state) by throwing dance parties in rest-stop huts that we encounter. I even have an amplifier that runs nicely off of car battery. I have not yet told Ruth about brilliant plan #2.

Sunday, despite me not feeling social in the least, Jo pulled together a nice barbecue that really impressed me. I think mostly I was impressed that he cleaned.

This morning, I started in on brilliant plan #3 to build up some stamina for hiking (assuming we have any time at all to do it in) by getting up at 7:00AM and playing DDR. I've never ever ever ever tried the whole wake up early and exercise thing in my life (usually do it in the evening if I'm doing it at all), but I simply could not think of any way to fit it into my schedule without doing it that way. It's also not a bad thing to start day with an endorphin rush, especially when avoiding the smoking. We'll see how it goes, but it wasn't so bad. I'm also thinking about purchasing a PS2 (US/Canada) version, because I'd like to give the Pump it Up game a go. I've always like the layout of the dance pad a bit better (more natural dance feeling), and they have pretty decent music. Problem is, I am having a hell of a time finding a Japanese version of it for sale. If anyone _has_ a ps2 they want to send my way, that would be great too.

Tomorrow I get to go to the dentist and will be just a little bit closer to finally having that tooth that I've been wanting. Long story, but I'm excited nonetheless.

Oh, and I got wedding invitation number 8. Sammy is getting married. I predicted this, but still. Wow.

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