Still missing in action . . .

Well, here I am again. "Here" would be in a hotel room, right where you'd expect me to be.

Once upon a time (not so long ago), when I described my work and travel schedule to people, I would say something along the lines of "I usually travel 2 or 3 days a week, 3 weeks a month. Not too much; just enough to be interesting." Lately, it's been more like "4 or 5 days a week, every week of the flippin month for months and months on end". At what point does "not normal" become "the new normal"?

Fortunately, this really has been a season of unusual travel activity. It will continue to some degree through Thanksgiving, then abate through December. We'll see how "normal" defines itself in the new year.

In the meantime, I finally took some time tonight (while the World Series is on in the background) to catch up one the comings and goings of some of my favorite bloggers. Good heavens! People are getting pregnant, giving birth, moving, taking trips, getting their mailboxes knocked down, mail-ordering worms, celebrating birthdays, and generally getting on with their lives. Oh, and apparently there is an election going on and an economic meltdown going on out there. The election I know about; one thing about lots of travel is that you get to watch LOTS of campaign advertisements on TV. Joy.

That's it for now, my internetish friends. Hopefully I'll get back to more regular blogging soon.

Die Hard (the original!) . . .

So, I'm traveling (again). What with the jet lag and all, I'm up late (by eastern time zone standards) watching TV. Tonight, on TBS, they're showing the orignal "Die Hard". Wow, does Bruce Willis look young. No, really young. If I've aged as much since this movie premiered as he has, I must look REALLLLLLLLY OLD. It didn't seem quite that bad last time I glanced in the mirror, but maybe I'm just not admitting reality. Or paying attention. Or maybe my eyes aged even faster.

Surely that isn't the case!

Here's to Hollywood stars who age faster than we do (despite makeup, stylists, and airbrushing). And, I'm a GUY! Rumor has it, it's even worse for the females amongst us.

C

I'm still here . . .

Greetings, all! Lest you were wondering (as Tim was), I did get home safely from the LAX Crown Room lo those many weeks ago. However, that was just the beginning of a whirlwind round of trips. The next week I went to Chicago and Dallas. Last week, I went to LA (again), New York City, and Chicago (again). In that order. Starting in Atlanta. I'm still tired. Thus, I'm not totally ecstatic about my trip to Phoenix starting tomorrow. At least I'm only going to one city this week! On the upside, the Delta SkyMiles balance is looking impressive.

I didn't mean for this to turn into a travel blog. But, since I haven't even mentioned homeschooling in months (yes, we still do and yes, we still love it), why not. Maybe "A Mountain Homeschool Takes Flight" or some such.

Here's your travel tip for the day. If your trip to NYC means flying into JFK Airport, skip the taxi and call a car service. I did a little test this week - car service from airport to downtown; taxi from downtown to airport. The car service was CHEAPER. OK, not by much, but trust me when I tell you that the back seat of a Lincoln Town Car is far more pleasant than the back seat of a New York taxi.

Not only have I not had time to blog myself for weeks, I've barely been able to keep up with my favorite blogs to read. Oh, I've checked in on The Corner (usually from my blackberry), but that's about it.

I'll try to do better at both these next few weeks. After all, I've missed you guys!!!

G'night,
Chris

Gee, Ma, I wanta go . . .

but they won't let me go . . . home.

So it's Friday afternoon, and I'm sitting in the Crown Room at LAX. That would be in Los Angeles (if you haven't been memorizing your airport nicknames). You'll remember that I live in Georgia. This is a sad thing.

This is the end of week two of a four-week string of UGLY travel.

• last week, Chicago, Philly and Rochester
• this week, Indianapolis, Sacramento and LA
• next week, Chicago and Dallas
• the following week: LA, New York City, and Chicago

That may sound cool and glamorous to those of you who rarely leave the city limits, but trust me when I tell you that it gets old really fast. The good news is that I'm racking up the frequent flier miles and free hotel nights. Blockus is REALLY ready for a family trip.

I just want to go home. And stay there for a while.

note to Tim: I didn't have time to try to get together while I was in Sacramento this week. I was only there for an afternoon and was with my boss most of that time. Hopefully I can get back soon and finally meet you!

Back to normal. . .

Many of you may have had a lot on your minds lately. Hurricane damage; failing banks and insurance conglomorates; a big Presidential election looming.
Fear not. All is well. It must be. This morning, the Today Show was able to dedicate mucho valuable air-time to an "exclusive" interview with Britney Spears' mom.

It's good to know that we're getting back to the important stuff.

Feeling gassy?

No, not that kind! I mean gas as in fuel for your auto.

If you live around here, I hope not. Blockus just called to let me know that the two gas stations closest to us are completely out of gas, and that stations in the nearest town are charging $4.50+ per gallon if they have gas at all.

Yikes!

(boy, I'm glad we filled up on our way home last night for the bargain price of $2.49 per gallon!!)

Hurricane Ike is making himself known even before he makes landfall.

To all of you Texas gulf-coasters out there, be safe. Our prayers are with you. And re-open those refineries as soon as you can!

I promise it's not my fault . . .

but the limericks just keep coming.

We all know that I'm totally in the tank for Sarah Palin. If only the guys on MSNBC would admit that they're just as deep in it for Obama. Oh, that's right, they got "reassigned". Never mind.

Anyway, here is your daily limerick. (don't expect me to keep this up) hat tip to Rich Lowry at The Corner.

There once was a gal from Wasilla
Who knew how to spice plain vanilla
With her pearls and her pumps
She laid down some bumps
Thus turning a 'cakewalk' into a Thrilla.

This has been your "daily" limerick. Don't let anyone fool you into believing that this isn't a cultured blog. Susan Wise Bauer would be so proud!