Kids, in a couple of weeks, I'll be temporarily leaving the country. This is a big deal. The last time I boarded a plane to leave the confines of the United States was in March of 2003. That was the last time I went to Brazil. I always thought that if I ever went overseas … Continue reading I’m Going to Istanbul (Not Constantinople)
Travel
Question of the Week #113
If you could take a one-month trip anywhere in the world and money were not a consideration, where would you go and what would you do? Australia. Even though I am of the firm belief that just about every living creature on that continent has been bred to destroy humanity, I've always been fascinated by … Continue reading Question of the Week #113
Flying from Florida
And that was that. I'm back at home now. I'm sitting on my bed, which dips in the middle. The hotel bed didn't do that. The hotel bed supported me very nicely. And the sheets were clean. Every night. I can't remember the last time I changed the sheets on my bed. I'm kidding. I … Continue reading Flying from Florida
Flying to Florida
This morning, I began a journey. It began in my home of Blacksburg, Virginia. It ended in Orlando, Florida. A lot has happened today. As I write these words, it's late at night and I have, at this point, been awake for about 20 hours. I've had longer stretches without sleep. But sleep is calling … Continue reading Flying to Florida
In the Still of the Night…
I can't sleep. I don't have nights like this very often these days. Once upon a time, I dealt with insomnia like it was my job. And I blamed it on my job. That's because, once upon a time, I worked as a night-time residential counselor at a group home. Part of the job involved … Continue reading In the Still of the Night…
Moves
We moved a lot when I was a kid. No, I wasn't an army brat. Dad just had this nomadic streak about him. The longest amount of time we ever spent in one place was 18 months. That was because of a recession and we couldn't afford to move. Or so I was told. I … Continue reading Moves
Where Am I Going?
Do you realize that I have not been on an actual vacation since 2008? Don't get me wrong, I've taken time off here and there. But all that time off ends up being spent at home because I'm never able to afford to leave town. The staycation has been played out for this guy. I … Continue reading Where Am I Going?
Question of the Week #63
Assume there were a technological breakthrough that would allow people to travel as easily and cheaply between continents as between nearby cities. Unfortunately, there would also be 100,000 deaths a year from the device. Would you try to prevent its use? No, I wouldn't. There are risks with everything. While, statistically, flying is the safest … Continue reading Question of the Week #63
Go Home Again
The bus pulled into the station at exactly 7:03. The sun was long gone and the tiny town was lit by street lights and blinking traffic lights. Kathryn stepped off the Greyhound and closed up her jacket. She had forgotten how cold this place got on a January evening. She walked over to the side … Continue reading Go Home Again
Cubicle Crush, Part III
Originally written in September of 2010... Alex was surprised at how deserted the interstate seemed to be. He was only surprised because of how close to Christmas they now were. However, it was nearly 10pm. Maybe the majority of the holiday travelers had decided to call it a night. He couldn't help but laugh at … Continue reading Cubicle Crush, Part III
The Confusing Middle 