Five things I hate about travel V1

Everyone else has lists, so why not me?

1. No upgrades. Nuff said.
2. Snow birds who fly 4 times a year but have loud opinions and complain about those of who pack carry-on because we take up all the space in the overhead bins. I’m sure that they’ll talk about it on every round of golf and shuffleboard for the next 3 months.
3. People in the security line who wait until they are at the scanner to undo shoes, empty pockets and rummage through their bag for their liquids and laptops. It was a long line, you had time.
4. People who complain about the express line in security. Those of us in the line spend a lot of time in airports. You’ll still get to Disneyland on time, don’t worry. I’ll probably be in the exact same line again tomorrow.
5. When something goes wrong at home and you just can’t cut your trip short. It’s one of those things that’s bad enough that you want to come home, but not bad enough to really justify it. And some times, schedules just won’t allow it anyway.

Some trips just suck.

Ever had one of those trips where everything went wrong at the same time at the office? And you’re trying to put the fires out from 4 time zones and 4000 miles away? It sucks. And throw some things at home that cause stress for your partner, and by proxy you, and it amounts to the trip from hell. (There’s also the issue of crying babies on the plane and no upgrades, but that’s minor in comparison).

Some times it’s just not worth being away. Whatever chance I had of getting a little enjoyment from this trip Karma has beaten out of me like I said something nasty about its mother.

I had great meetings planned with great customers in warm destinations. And because of the way the flights work I’d even managed a morning off to relax by the pool at the hotel. Oh well. I’ll get home and sort things out eventually, but it still sucks. At least I have a great wife who can handle it. It still sucks.

On the road again

Well, after 60,000+ miles and 62 flights last year, this year is shaping up to be the same or worse. I was pretty successful at delaying the start of my travel, but as of Monday, I’ve started again. I figure I’m in for 60,000-70,000 miles this year and possibly more than 100 flights. But we’ll see. I really hope I’m wrong.

A lot of people tell me how they envy those of us who travel for business. Well, I can honestly say, they shouldn’t. I rarely get more than 1-2 days in a spot and most of my time is spent in airport lounges and meetings.

It is nice to get to try different restaurants, and see different cities (from the taxi window) but for the most part there’s more pain than it’s worth. Hopefully this year things will be fairly stable and eventful on the road.

There are some perks like air miles and elite status with hotels and airlines which are nice. And I do get the odd chance to have supper with friends who live away which is a plus for sure. But all that being said, there’s a price that those if us on the road pay, whether it’s missed birthdays, family events or just missing a spouse. Either way, it adds up. Sometimes you get to share some of your “perks” like upgrades and lounge access with your partner when you actually go somewhere on vacation, maybe even give the in-laws the free Airport Lounge passes so they relax when they travel. If you’re really lucky at the end of the year you have a zero-balance with your spouse and nice, relaxing Christmas together. Here’s hoping to break even.

Yes, I wear a Rolex

Ok, I realize most people find this odd, but...

I spent a pile of money on a Rolex. A stainless steel GMT II to be specific. No I didn't pay retail, but it was a lot. Why? Because I liked it and I've always wanted one. I'm also a "Watch Guy" and would like to start a collection. It will be VERY slow to build, but...  So, I saved a little at a time for over a year, and then I had a good bonus year -- I was doing sales at the time -- and I decided to get myself a Rolex (yes, my wife approved-- I ain't that stupid).

So why am I boring you with this???

It's not to show off--- I could care less if anyone ever knows I wear a Rolex -- It's for me, not them. But a few days ago, someone at the office noticed I was wearing it. Which is odd, because I've been wearing it every day I've been there, but anyway...

I got the, "is that a real Rolex?" question. I confirmed it was. Then I got the "must be nice." And I never really know how to answer that... I guess it is... But the part I find odd, is that the same people will talk about their cottage and motor bike and never blink an eye... Both of which cost a LOT more. Am I a snob for wearing it? And if people think that, do I care??

Don't get me wrong, people have noticed and commented before -- even at the office-- but usually they are also "watch guys" and it starts a great conversation. But somehow, this one stuck with me a bit.

I look at it like this... I don't have a summer home, I don't drive an expensive car, we don't have kids, or a boat or a bike. So this is for me. It's the only jewelry I wear.

Don't judge the template

Ok, I know the template is lame. Don't judge me. I'll fix it when I know what I want the blog to look like.

The first time.

Well, they say the first time is the most special. And this is the first post of I hope many. Not sure anyone will ever read them, and I'm not really sure I care. A big piece of this blog will be me actually putting things out there for all to see and therefore me also.

There's something cathartic about just putting something on paper (even virtual paper) because I find the things that seem to bother you most are never really that bad when you take the time to put it out there. Kinda like how a good rant seems to make you feel better -- It's not that anything changed, but you now that you've said it, got it out there, it feels better.

This blog won't be a series of rants, but if you get me to this point, you'll love this blog. And maybe even see something of your own stuff here too.