There are 243 posts filed in Travels (this is page 18 of 25).
My friend Matt sent me this link to encourage us to vacation in California.
I’ve already spent one day in choking-thick smoke. That was plenty, thank you. I don’t want to spend a week in it.
Time to throw another dart at the map and pick a new vacation destination.
Since our San Juan Islands trip didn’t work out we’ve been recalibrating our vacation plans. I’ve always wanted to visit Northern California and its ancient redwood forests. Its well off the beaten path (a 6 hour drive from either Portland or San Francisco) so I’ve never had the chance to “drop by” on a business trip.
We’re checking into where we might find a cabin near the area’s national parks. Hopefully things will fall into place soon and we can visit these wondrous forests.
At RDU airport two weeks ago I was taking Travis to the men’s room one last time before our flight. I know now that I was just starting a cold at the time, so my sense of smell might not have been at its peak, but I did a double-take when I smelled the hand soap I was putting on: it smelled like marijuana!
There was a guy in a nearby stall who could’ve been lighting up, but that would’ve be extremely unlikely. I checked and rechecked the smell of my just-washed hands and I’m convinced its the soap.
Next time you’re at the airport see for yourself. And avoid petting any K-9 units that might wander by.
Well, it looks like we’re not going to Orcas Island after all. The Southwest tickets I’ve earned are not valid for the days we want to leave. Since we’d be renting a house we wouldn’t be able to coordinate flights with rental times.
Up next is picking another destination known for cooler weather, or bagging the vacation plans altogether. We’re hoping we can make something work but we’re really sad the San Juan Islands won’t be it.
Ok, so although my goal in Chicago and Milwaukee was to not set foot in an automobile I came up short. There was light rain the last morning of our Chicago trip and though we only had 6 blocks to go (and I had an umbrella), my coworker wussed out and talked me into taking a cab.
That short trip cost us $10 and me the goal of a automobile-free trip. Bah.
Getting off the plane from Chicago yesterday was like walking into a wall of heat. I’d been spoiled by the dry, upper 70s weather I enjoyed in Milwaukee and Chicago. Nothing says “welcome to the South” like summertime heat!
The heat takes getting used to. Before I left, the 78 degrees we’ve kept the house felt quite comfortable. Then I stayed north for a week and kept my hotel AC set to 68 degrees. Now I have to get used to 78 again.
The funny thing is, I will get used to 78 again. And it will feel normal. The human body has an amazing ability to adapt. My body, too. 🙂
No sooner did we get off planes than we begin thinking of getting on them again.
We’re getting our tax … uh, “rebate” and thinking of applying it to another trip to the lovely San Juan Islands. Looking for a decent place for a week in August. Haven’t nailed anything down yet but the idea of being in the Pacific Northwest when Raleigh will be baking in 100-degree temperatures is pretty darn appealing.
I got back this afternoon from my Chicago trip. Things went very smoothly, too. Brent and I took the Orange Line train to Midway and got to our gate with plenty of time to spare. Got off the plane and Kelly and the kids greeted me at the curb. It couldn’t have been any smoother.
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My training today went well. Much better than I expected, actually. It was well-delivered and well-received. I think no one suspects it was my first time delivering the material. I got compliments on it afterward, too.
I just back from a dinner at a Rush Street Italian restaurant with the client and my coworker, Brent. It was a good wind down from the preparation I put into the training. I also enjoyed walking around Chicago. (I still haven’t been in a car!)
Tomorrow we go over any follow-up questions that might pop up and then I’m on the early flight back to Raleigh. It will be good to be home again after 6 days away!
I’m in Chicago now until Wednesday conducting training. The train ride was smooth and relaxing and I managed to take the bus to the hotel. Checked in early and relaxed some more.
My goal in the next few days is to not set foot inside an automobile. So far, so good.
