Suddenly, Eight Years Later. . .

I've been told that I'm still in the "honeymoon" phase of the new job. But, I still think it's true... You really don't realize how bad you've had it, until you decide to leave and get another job. I'm ramping up to get myself more useful in the field for my new job, so I'll be back in the saddle again very soon. Until then, I think I'm going to enjoy being temporarily grounded. It's kind of fun being able to talk to people in the office, and go to various meetings. The novelty will wear off, I'm sure. I've still got to move, because this drive from Los Angeles to San Diego is a bit ridiculous. The traffic in San Diego seems a bit worse than Los Angeles or Atlanta. No kidding.

Boycott Continental. No joke.

Later.

Best Of Both Worlds

I just drove back into the Los Angeles area from my first day of work in San Diego. They were right about one thing -- commuting is not an option. It was a really good first day of work. I'm feeling a bit like a fish out of water, but it's kind of a neat feeling. I've got a new laptop, better benefits, and a lot of new people to meet. Apparently, I got a big build-up a couple of weeks ago, as noted in one of the sales presentations that I read today. I might get to work from home, and just go into the office for meetings and stuff. That's pretty neat. It's really the best of both worlds. I called my new travel desk today, and they seemed like nice people. They even got me a closer hotel for the duration. I'm grounded for a little while, and loving it!

Boycott Continental. I really mean it this time!

Later.

End Of The Line

Well, it's over. My career as a full-time road warrior has come to and end. All that's left is the annoying paperwork that goes along with the job. I just flew on Southwest to get back home from Kansas City. I don't know which is more ironic, Kansas City as the last trip, or the fact that I actually flew on Southwest. My last day is tomorrow, and I have a lot of administrative stuff to take care of, so I'll be out of the office most of the day. After that, I focus on the move for a couple of days, and then it's life in San Diego.

Boycott Continental. I'm not kidding!

Later.

Taxing Moments

I've finished week two of three, and I'm getting ready for my final week. Up to this point, I'm wondering why I've spent so much time on the road. I looked into my travels, and three million frequent flyer miles later, I'm still here. No wonder I'm so tired. I think I've worn out every last tread, and that half-time desk job is starting to sound really, really appealing. This has been my final cross-country trip. Actually, I'm reporting from Florida, which is a nice place to be stuck for the night. I heard from my new employer today, and I'm quite gratified that someone out there needs me. Anyhow, the long road home begins in the morning, and I have some errands to run before I travel out on Saturday morning.

Boycott Continental! I mean it. Really. No kidding.

Later.

Miami Blues

I'm still sick, but Miami is a great place for recuperation. I'm off to Key West tomorrow, and I finish up in South Beach on Thursday. Now, that's the way to go out in style. This is my last cross-country trip for this job. I'm finished after next Friday, but I start the new job the following Monday. I'm going to travel a lot less, so, for all intents and purposes, I'm going into semi-retirement after next Friday. Retirement might not be a bad thing. I'm thinking that I should be home right now, cleaning up, and cleaning out my files. After all, it's been eight years, and the company is not really concerned about me leaving anyway. I really could use some time to do some miscellaneous paperwork, but they're keeping me on the road until I leave, which is also a bit disturbing. At least I'll always have Key West. Boycott Continental! Later.

Home Stretch

I'm trying to get over this cold, but it seems that the cold is winning. I'm off to Florida tomorrow, but Florida will not exactly be catching me at my best. I'm starting the home stretch, in more ways than one. I just returned from a buying trip in San Diego. There are only four houses for sale in the entire area. Isn't that pathetic? Anyhow, I did manage to put a bid in on one of them. Anyhow, it's trip time once again. I've got to get my weary butt back on yet another airplane. I'm glad this is over soon. I'm really starting to get too old for this.

Boycott Continental!

Later.

Malfunction

I caught a bad cold last Saturday, and traveled to Durham on Sunday. Of course, my head pretty much exploded into many little pieces on Sunday night after the flight. It's a good thing I can turn on and off my "game face" because I had to do a presentation and a two-day training session while on various cough and flu medications. I think my "auto-pilot" mode was starting to malfunction. You see, I used to have the ability to just speak on specific topics without having to think about it. This also includes the inevitable question and answer sessions as well. For the last couple of days, my "auto-pilot" started to fail intermittently.

I got to see just about everyone in the office one last time, which is really the most important reason for the trip. Despite the fact that my head felt detatched, I did have a nice dinner with some of my friends from the office. Anyhow, I just got back home from Durham, and my head exploded again from the plane ride. I need to take another pill.

Boycott Continental!

Later.

The Journey's End Begins . . .

Well, I finally put my resignation in today. It's been a great run for the last eight years, but my day is finally over -- at least at my present job. I'm off to start a new adventure in three weeks, and while there will be some travel involved, I'm ending this chapter of my life. Based upon what's been happening at work over the last couple of years, I'm long overdue for my departure. I called many of my colleagues in the field today to inform them personally, and I'm off to Durham on Sunday to tell everyone in the office in person. This is going to be an interesting few weeks ahead.

Boycott Continental!

Later.

Another United Moment

I've spent quite a bit of time on the road lately, and this last trip, once again on United, was a bit disturbing. I had a guy that was taking up one and a half seats, leaving me with only a half a seat on a commuter plane. That was one of the most uncomfortable flights I had in quite a while. Bad enough that the flight wasn't upgradeable because it was on a free ticket, but it was a bit delayed. I started wondering if all of this has been worth doing for the last couple of years, and I think it might be time for me to retire. We'll see what happens during the rest of the week. Boycott Continental! Yes, when I hold a grudge, I do it right! Later.