Got my first experience humping everything I need to live across town on my back. Books are carried at a premium. My concept is to have two bags: my new giant messenger bag packed with the usual NYC livelyhood stuff (laptop, connectors, journal, power cords, paperwork) plus toiletries, a pair of pants, a couple fresh shirts, socks, underoos. Then I'll have my big-ass duffel sitting somewhere with the rest of my clothing in reserve. In practice this is pretty much how I live, with "the floor" substituted for "messenger bag" and my tiny chest of drawers instead of a duffel.

I'll make some tweaks in the next few days for sure. At the moment my messenger bag is a little overloaded -- more stuff than I need -- and I need to buy a few odds and ends to have a good kit. It will still be a challenge to live this way for six months, but it's something I've got to do.

Also, website redesign and other stuff is coming right along. Expect groovy results soon. The days of the turtle are upon us.