Ever since my run-in at the eyeglass store, I've been super-duper friendly to the people I encounter on a daily basis. I guess I'm just trying to make certain I'm not sending off some sort of antisocial freak vibes or anything. Plus, it's just fun to be friendly. Take for instance these fine folks, who invited me to share their table during my layover at Cleveland Hopkins Airport. We enjoyed a Sam Adams together and traded Florida travel stories, and then they let me take their picture.

My flight out to Cleveland also provided a worthy addition to the Airline Food Project. Mmmm, meatloaf sandwich! On the way back, I got practically arrested at the DC airport for trying to bring back this thermometer shaped like the Washington Monument. I think the 67-year-old security employee yelled out, "She's got a spike!" or something along those lines. I was frisked, de-shoed, and swiped with strange-smelling gauze-like pads. Whoo-ee! Though if any weapon, it's particulary appropriate that I be carrying a spike.

What else. (Besides N Sync, I mean.) I got to see my long-lost friend Matt, who is fabulous in 103 different ways. I met Drake's good friends in Bethesda, was introduced to karaoke Washington-style, learned that we're lucky to have Frank, and spent quality time with the bestest of galpals.

Overall, a highly successful trip. And yes, the Amazing Race video was shot. Or, rather, "footage" for it was shot. Luckily I have a guardian angel coming to my rescue this weekend... Thank god for guardian angels.