I did a bit of traveling this week. Sadly, it was via commercial airlines.
A business trip took me to Minneapolis. It is always nice to return and see some of my old stomping grounds – at least when it is not bitterly cold and/or buried under white stuff.
Oddly, I barely touched a keyboard all week. That is a strange work week for me. It was a week of meetings with the folks with which I work. Being an introvert, I like to think that face time is not necessary. However; I must admit that this time is useful, productive, and beneficial – particularly when some of the folks are new to the organization. In spite of sitting in the same chair all week, the week flew by and much was accomplished. The worst part of the trip was the terrible diet and total absence of exercise. Don’t get me wrong, I hate well. The problem is that I ate much, much too well! I’ve got to find some time for some serious rides this week – I need it so bad!!
Flying on the airlines is not fun. I’d like to say that it is a miserable experience but it isn’t quite that bad. I do not hate or get stressed out by the big crowds, waiting in line, sitting in uncomfortable seats, being herded around like cattle, and wasting huge chunks of time though I certainly do not like these things. However; I really do hate listening to people YELL into their mobile phones telling everyone within 100′ about how they feel about the election, their wonderful time at the bar last night, or how they really feel about Aunt Suzzy and Uncle Jim. The whole experience is just a hair shy of miserable. Were I to be one of those folks stuck sitting on a plane on the ramp for eight hours, it would be miserable. This nearly happened to me a few times years ago – two hour waits, nearly enough to drive me out of my skin. I’m always amazed that the public is willing to put up with this nonsense. I suppose people from big cities are used this kind of nonsense and being treated like criminals (animals at best), I am not and I hope I never am.
After arriving back home and waiting a bit for my bag as the baggage handling system got jammed, I stopped at Wal-Mart for some groceries. On the way out, they were asking to check receipts. This flat makes me angry. So, my response was “No, you may not. If I am being accused of theft, charge me.” These people have no right to do this – it is a violation of our civil rights – people better wake up and start protecting these rights as they are being taken away as fast as it can be accomplished. These minimum wage employees are never quite sure how to deal with this response. I just keep walking and they stand their stuttering.
Anyhows! It was good to get away from home for a bit and it is also good to be back home.
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