Doing the Right Thing

I attempted to handle my resignation in the most professional manner, for the ultimate benefit of three parties: the company, my clients, and myself. It did not work out as planned. Everyone who has left the company in my position has been ostracized, criticized, and crucified. I was silly to think it wouldn't happen to me. I arrived at the Buffalo airport on Friday after my final meeting. I was informed my flight had been cancelled and was re-booked on another flight. It was subsequently cancelled and I was informed I would be flying home Sunday. About 5 minutes following, I received a phone call from the VP of our firm accusing me of stealing intellectual property from the company and forwarding it to the new company I would be working for. At this point, as I write about it on Monday, it is laughable. However, on Friday, I was hurt and disappointed that the company I had given my blood, sweat, and tears to for 5 years was choosing to put forward such allegations. Being falsely accused of theft with no proof makes you feel pretty lousy. At this point, all I can say, is this:

If you are going to quit a corporate job where you have "at-will" employment: resign immediately and take a 30 day vacation without your phone, computer, and Blackberry. It's much easier that way....

It's official

I submitted my resignation. One minute, I feel like I just got out of jail. The next minute, my stomach is in knots wondering if I made the right decision. Ultimately, when I look at the pros v. cons, it's a no brainer. So that's that --- and now the adventure begins.

Things I am going to do when I get a new job...

1. Cook at home
2. Workout and become the kind of triathlete I used to be -- Ironman in '08
3. Drive my car more than back and forth to the airport 15 times a month
4. Write more letters and cards
5. Read more books and go to the library
6. Fix the horrible paint errors I made over Christmas when painting the house
7. Take online classes
8. Play lots of golf
9. Actually ski in Utah -- I have lived here over 1 1/2 years and have yet to do this.
10. Join a gym
11. Join a cycling group
12. Go to church on a regular basis (they might actually recognize me)
13. Have regular neighborhood BBQ's and dinners (I'm going to bring back how it was in Sactown in '01)

NASCAR

First rule -- Don't knock it until you try it.

Dallas and I flew to Phoenix for less than 36 hours for our NASCAR inaugural event. Now I've been to a lot of various sporting events, but this is one of the most exciting things you will do.

We had pit passes and got to see things "up close and personal". Jeff Gordon, the only NASCAR driver from Northern CA, ended up taking the victory.

Try it -- if not, don't knock the left turns.

Airport Tourist Stores

I’ve noticed how many stores there are at airports touting wares from the local state – Friday I left Harrisburg PA and noticed a store that was selling all things Penn. There were Penn State sweatshirts, Pittsburgh Penguins apparel, Amish quilts, and the typical tourist fare. I can’t decide if there are more business travelers or people who travel for pleasure. There’s probably some data on this that I could take the time to research, but won’t.

I think the stores at the airport are made for business travelers. It’s a way to pick up a trinket for your loved ones, that you didn’t have time to go to the real source for, and bring a little bit of your arduous journey back. The problem is, I could have bought an Amish quilt (they were ludicrously priced at $1000 in case you were wondering), and pawned it off as a “treasure” of my trip to PA…Like I had actually seen it being made, taken a trip to the countryside, and enjoyed some personal time amongst the rat race. Problem is that I didn’t visit an Amish farm. I didn’t even see a horse and buggy this trip. If they wanted to sell things at the airport that were really representative of the “memories” of your excursion; they should sell two things: little hotel soaps and hotel valet dry-cleaning cellophane. These are what the business traveler sees and very little else. If you people think you are missing out on “exotic travel”, you are sorely mistaken. Go find your wife that forgot to tell you she spent the $100 in the checking account, your husband that refuses to sort his laundry, your boyfriend or girlfriend, your children that spilled red Kool-Aid on the white carpet, your dog that peed in the house, your cat that ruined your new sweater…Grab them, hug them, tell them that you are grateful you are home with them. Enjoy your own shampoo!

Job Interviews and Being Successful

I had a job interview today. I've worked for the same company for nearly 4 years now and the travel, as evidenced by the title of this blog, is wearing on me. In any event, I presented my resume with work experience, education, and interests. I know their are HR laws against most "personal" questions, but I found it odd that no one asked my marital status and whether or not I have children. I got in a "heated discussion" with my mother this weekend about how people in my neighborhood must not think I am successful becuase I am lacking those two things. It bothers me that people at church label me as unsuccessful. I feel them staring and pointing -- Mom insists it is all in my head. Perhaps.

First Class

This is a picture of United's new "first class suite with XM." First of all, I have never seen a first class section on any flight of mine that is as extravagant as this. I don't fly international -- this must be where this type of "luxury" exists.

I used to be envious of people in First Class. I fly in first about 80% of the time now -- solely based on complimentary upgrades for all the miles I fly. I am not envious any more. They should have a sign in First Class: "People here fly too much and have no life" or "People here have too much money and are missing out on what's really important" -- Coach is better. I've decided. First Class is something that is to be enjoyed on special occasions -- like a great pair of shoes. If you wear them all the time, they become just like anything else.