(no subject)

I am here. I may hear good news about my computer this week, possibly giving me at least email and internet access from home again. Alas, gaming is likely still right out. I borrowed David's X-box as the lack of tech in my life was driving me batty, and played the heck out of Jade Empire. I am still not done, but I'm close. I am about to infiltrate the Lotus Assassins and I have to go deal with some more pesky ghosts. Sadly, the flirting between characters in the game was the high romantic point of the weekend for me. I pine for the days when I will have money and be able to go out again reliably.

For Thanksgiving, I am going to San Francisco. I do not know if I will have plane fare available in a timely fashion beforehand, and I know that the closer it gets, the higher the liklihood that driving will become cheaper. Anyone made the roadtrip between Seattle and San Francisco before? Google Maps claims the trip is 14 hours and change, but I've seen San Francisco traffic and thus laugh at its time estimates. Anyone have a more realistic estimate? Is the road good, bad, or indifferent? Is gas and food regularly available? Are there places to stay that won't make me feel like I've just landed in a B-grade horror film? Of course there's Portland, but Portland is only 3 hours away and so will not serve most of my road tripping needs. Is driving better or worse than Amtrak (given that the train only goes to Oakland or San Jose and from there it's a pain)? Tips, tricks, hints and walkthroughs are all welcome. Please keep in mind that my road trip resume includes OKC to Dallas, Oklahoma to Albuquerque along I-40 (and/or associated Texas backroads), Oklahoma to Las Vegas along I-40, Albuquerque to Chicago along I-40 & then up through St. Louis, and Oklahoma to Columbus through St. Louis again. I know from driving through the middle of freakin' nowhere, so I don't imagine this particular stretch of highway will be nearly so deserted as some I've seen.