Travel!

The Plan had been that I'd go to the ALA conference in Washington this summer and use that as an opportunity for job-hunting; since I'll be staying in Raleigh until next winter (at least) this requires a change of plans.

So. I am forced to wonder what to do about my vacation days. Of course, I don't need to go to a conference to find a job, particularly now that I have at least a teensy bit of experience...

ALA this summer:
+ Not far to travel. Professional development. I can still go to the job thingies and say that I will be available eventually.
- Hard to justify the expense if I'm not actively job-hunting. Plus I've seen as much of Washington DC as I really want to see.

ALA next winter, in Philadelphia:
+ Professional development. Job recruiting. Get to hear the Newbery awards announced. Laurie Halse Anderson said that she would buy me a cheesesteak if I was ever in Philadelphia, which is most likely just being polite, but still, Laurie Halse Anderson and cheesesteak are both awesome.
- I have seen all the Philadelphia that I ever wish to see. Or smell.

Wiscon:

+ Every year I read the Wiscon postings on Livejournal and wish I was there. Plus, I've wanted to visit the upper Midwest for a while (no, really! I almost went to University of Michigan!). And there will be cool people there.
- Con angst.

New York:
+ New York! Hey, maybe I can take the JLPT or a kanji kentei exam, finally.
- I feel like my sister has perhaps been dragged through Kinokuniya once too many.

Japan:
+ Japan! Also, who knows how long it's going to take me to renew my passport in '08, so I'd best see the world while I'm still allowed.
- Jet lag, time, money. This is contingent on the paternal unit figuring out the scheduling and everything.