Early Birthday present and upcoming trips

When it comes to Justin in giving or receiving presents, patience is not his best virtue. My Birthday is not for another 15 days(but who's counting right?) Anyways last night we were at a study group for Structural Geology and for whatever reason, he mentions that he already has my birthday present. My ears perked up, What! You have my present already?! Then he said yeah and you can have it when ever you want. Oh, the pressure, excitement and wonder filled my head. Do I wait until my birthday (I'll be in Denver at the time, I'll talk about that in a bit) or do I cave in and want it right now? So on the way home from the homework session. He told me if I wanted my present that night he'd have to stop at the store and get the rest of it. Oh there's more! I exclaim in delight, of course I want my present tonight. Justin and his parents had gone intogether and got me a PINK iPod Mini!! I had adored those tiny mp3 players since they had come out and I love their fun commercials, so at this time I was basically doing my happy dance in the car which was probably quite a site to see. So we stopped at Target and picked up the Dock that charges/transfers music then we went home and I got to play with my new toy. So ever since last night I've been downloading CD's into iTunes and putting them onto my new mini. It's so sweet.
This fall and winter I'm going on two fun trips. In about I think it's 12 days now, Justin and I are going to Denver for the annual Society of Vertebrate Paleontology meeting. This is where dino geeks from all over the country get together for three days, we listen to talks all day till 5 on the newest findings on all things paleo. When the clock strikes 5, it's time to hit the bar. I think what happens is that all these researchers and professors spend all year on their research and are totally immersed into their work, but once they get to the meetings they just totally let go and party. Last year on the last night, there is a big reward dinner followed by a party. I guess it got so rowdy after we finally left that the cops were called because there were people were playing Frisbee in the street. So, on the way to Denver we first have to drive down to MO. pick up our friend Alyssa and we're also taking a freshman, new to the department. He really likes dinos so we thought it be a good idea to introduce him to the meetings so he can see what he's getting himself into. =) So I'm sure when I get back I'll have some good stories/pictures to share.
Now finally, this Christmas break I'm taking Amtrak out to Seattle to visit my friend Jeni and her 6 month old Emma. I just bought the tickets today and they are less than half of what a plane ticket would be, but then I'm traveling a lot longer to, but the price was to good to pass up and now that i have my iPod, which has a 30 hour battery life, I will be entertained for the trip. So Rayna, if you're going to be in Renton for Christmas let me know..I'll be there from Dec 30-Jan 6.