What?
Some Things I Hate About Travel
Tomorrow (10/15/07) I am leaving for a 4 day trip to Fayetteville, AR. I am attending a Wal-Mart conference on sustainability--basically "How to reduce waste coming into their stores." Wal-Mart is committed to streamlining packaging, reducing environmental clutter and pollution and creating a greener experience for their shoppers.
I am certainly in favor of all those things, however reducing waste in the publishing industry will be a struggle... but that is for another discussion.
The point about this blog is that I hate packing. Packing, to me, is the worst part of travel. My goal is always to be as lean as possible with what I take so I can carry on board what I need. Usually I take one pair of shoes (the ones I travel in)--which means that all of my clothes must coordinate with that color shoe. That becomes more difficult as the number of days traveling increases. This 4 day trip is longer than most of my travels.
On this trip, I arrive in Fayetteville in the afternoon, with no meetings scheduled until the next day, so I can travel pretty casual. It would be helpful in my packing planning if I were also able to be casual on my travel back day. This trip, however, I have a meeting with the Wal-Mart magazine buyer the day I return, so I can't be as casually dressed as I want.
Having said that, there is no need for me to pack a jacket and tie. I have never found that necessary on a trip to the Wal-Mart home office.
I am certainly in favor of all those things, however reducing waste in the publishing industry will be a struggle... but that is for another discussion.
The point about this blog is that I hate packing. Packing, to me, is the worst part of travel. My goal is always to be as lean as possible with what I take so I can carry on board what I need. Usually I take one pair of shoes (the ones I travel in)--which means that all of my clothes must coordinate with that color shoe. That becomes more difficult as the number of days traveling increases. This 4 day trip is longer than most of my travels.
On this trip, I arrive in Fayetteville in the afternoon, with no meetings scheduled until the next day, so I can travel pretty casual. It would be helpful in my packing planning if I were also able to be casual on my travel back day. This trip, however, I have a meeting with the Wal-Mart magazine buyer the day I return, so I can't be as casually dressed as I want.
Having said that, there is no need for me to pack a jacket and tie. I have never found that necessary on a trip to the Wal-Mart home office.
Anyway, I also must determine if this will be a "folding" trip or a "hanging" trip. Can I condense and pack into a small duffel or roller bag, or do I need to hang shirts and pants so they won't wrinkle?
Also, will I have the time (or the inclination) to workout while I am gone, which means I would have to pack those clothes as well as gym shoes.
You can see how complicated this is becoming. Linda loves to see me get ready for a trip and finds humorous all the frustrations I go through to get ready.
You can see how complicated this is becoming. Linda loves to see me get ready for a trip and finds humorous all the frustrations I go through to get ready.
Then, of course, is the TSA decision making. If I carry on everything, do I have the right size clear baggie to put all of my 3 oz or less toiletries in? If I check my bag I need to make sure it is unlocked for their behind the scenes inspection.
Well, writing about all of this has not cleared my head enough to decide how I will approach this trip... my packing plans are still up in the air.
Well, writing about all of this has not cleared my head enough to decide how I will approach this trip... my packing plans are still up in the air.
How Crazy is That?
My drive to the office this morning (10/10/07) took me 1 hour and 40 minutes! Think about where you live and how far you might get from home in 1 hour and 40 minutes. Me? It is about 18 miles to my office from my house.
This was not a normal commute... it was a bit drizzly and I think that slowed down traffic. A normal commute is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Monday, however, the drive was just 25 minutes--Columbus Day. Many people had the day off.
And, to add to my insanity, I live 5 minutes from the Milford, CT train station and it is a half hour ride to the East Norwalk station--from which it is about a 2 minute walk to the office.
Further, we have a branch office in Milford, about 3 miles from my house!
So, why do I do it? Some people might say that I am protesting overboard environmentalism enthusiasts. Not so. I have no problem with public transportation, and the fact that those people who "train" it everyday to the office help create less pollution--I applaud them.
So, why do I do it? Well, sometimes I will abandon I-95 and take the back roads to the office. When I do, I can usually count on a 45 minute drive, and the route I take allows me two great opportunities. First, much of the route takes me by Long Island Sound and over a few bridges (I even stop to take pictures every once in a while.) And second, there are spots along the route that I can see all those poor souls stuck in traffic on I-95 while I am whizzing by at 35 mph.
Well, tomorrow is another commute and it is getting late. I need my rest to prepare for that morning ritual. Good night.
This was not a normal commute... it was a bit drizzly and I think that slowed down traffic. A normal commute is about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Monday, however, the drive was just 25 minutes--Columbus Day. Many people had the day off.
And, to add to my insanity, I live 5 minutes from the Milford, CT train station and it is a half hour ride to the East Norwalk station--from which it is about a 2 minute walk to the office.
Further, we have a branch office in Milford, about 3 miles from my house!
So, why do I do it? Some people might say that I am protesting overboard environmentalism enthusiasts. Not so. I have no problem with public transportation, and the fact that those people who "train" it everyday to the office help create less pollution--I applaud them.
So, why do I do it? Well, sometimes I will abandon I-95 and take the back roads to the office. When I do, I can usually count on a 45 minute drive, and the route I take allows me two great opportunities. First, much of the route takes me by Long Island Sound and over a few bridges (I even stop to take pictures every once in a while.) And second, there are spots along the route that I can see all those poor souls stuck in traffic on I-95 while I am whizzing by at 35 mph.
Well, tomorrow is another commute and it is getting late. I need my rest to prepare for that morning ritual. Good night.
Walk to Charles Island
On Saturday October 6, 2007 I walked to Charles Island to look for seaglass. This is an island in Long Island Sound, off the coast of Milford, CT. You can only walk there during low tide when a sandbar is exposed. I really didn't time myself and I was in no hurry, but it is probably a 15 minute walk without stopping. To see pictures of the walk, and to read the history of Charles Island, visit my website and click on the Charles Island gallery.
There were lots of people going to and from the island, in many shapes, sizes and ages, with different speeds of travel. Most were dressed in bathing suites or shorts and flip-flops or sandals--too many rocks to go barefoot (although I did see young girl with no shoes), but there was a woman dressed for a hike with a back pack, long pants and walking shoes.
Many families with kids of all ages took advantage of the weather to make the walk, most stopped along the way to collect shells or rocks, or to try and skip rocks in the water. There were young couples, older couples, fishing buddies. Two or three kayakers made their way alongside the sandbar and one father paddling in a kayak was towing his son who was tied behind him in a second kayak.
It is a narrow sandbar that you have to traverse to reach Charles Island, but upon arrival there is a bit of a beach and people spread out. The interior of the island is completely fenced off and preserved as a wildlife sanctuary. Some walk around the island along the beach. I didn't do that on this trip.
By the way... I didn't find any exciting or unusual seaglass. But, I got some good pictures and a little exercise.
There were lots of people going to and from the island, in many shapes, sizes and ages, with different speeds of travel. Most were dressed in bathing suites or shorts and flip-flops or sandals--too many rocks to go barefoot (although I did see young girl with no shoes), but there was a woman dressed for a hike with a back pack, long pants and walking shoes.
Many families with kids of all ages took advantage of the weather to make the walk, most stopped along the way to collect shells or rocks, or to try and skip rocks in the water. There were young couples, older couples, fishing buddies. Two or three kayakers made their way alongside the sandbar and one father paddling in a kayak was towing his son who was tied behind him in a second kayak.
It is a narrow sandbar that you have to traverse to reach Charles Island, but upon arrival there is a bit of a beach and people spread out. The interior of the island is completely fenced off and preserved as a wildlife sanctuary. Some walk around the island along the beach. I didn't do that on this trip.
By the way... I didn't find any exciting or unusual seaglass. But, I got some good pictures and a little exercise.
Howie's Out!
We let Howie outside today--5 days ahead of schedule. He is one happy camper (and we are pretty happy too.) His healing is coming along really well and we don't think that his wound will become bothered or infected by going outside.
So, other than the meds twice a day our lives are a bit back to normal!
So, other than the meds twice a day our lives are a bit back to normal!
Howie Update
Well, I figured it was time to give you Howie fans an update on his condition. He is improving greatly. Some stitches and his drain tube have been removed. More stitches come out next Thursday.
He is still getting a few different medications a few times a day, as well as compresses and neosporin on his wound.
He is no longer wearing his plastic collar to keep him from scratching... he is scratching, but not enough to do himself any harm.
We know he is feeling better because he is letting us know he really wants to go outside. He has been cooped us with us (or is it the other way around) for a week now. I think that is the longest he has ever spent inside the house in 11 years.
He also is following us around (much like a puppy) and wants in our lap whenever we sit down.
I think we all will survive one more week until life is back to "normal".
He is still getting a few different medications a few times a day, as well as compresses and neosporin on his wound.
He is no longer wearing his plastic collar to keep him from scratching... he is scratching, but not enough to do himself any harm.
We know he is feeling better because he is letting us know he really wants to go outside. He has been cooped us with us (or is it the other way around) for a week now. I think that is the longest he has ever spent inside the house in 11 years.
He also is following us around (much like a puppy) and wants in our lap whenever we sit down.
I think we all will survive one more week until life is back to "normal".
Baseball season over?
I am sitting here watching the Colorado Rockies and the San Diego Padres play their one game playoff for the right to play the Phillies in the start of the National League playoffs. Bottom of the 6th and the Rockies just took the lead 6 to 5.
I enjoy watching October baseball but my team is not in the playoffs. That team being the Braves. I have not always been a Braves fan... I grew up in Maryland when the Senators were playing ball in DC. But, I have been a Braves fan since 1994 when we moved to Atlanta. It was a good time to adopt the Braves because they were really hot. I even went to one of the 1996 World Series games against the Yankees.
So now we are in the post season. Which team do I root for? Generally I would root for the underdog, but this year I'll go with San Diego because Jackie, Jessica and Mandy are Padre fans.
Hopefully the team will last longer than just tonight -- three innings to go.
I enjoy watching October baseball but my team is not in the playoffs. That team being the Braves. I have not always been a Braves fan... I grew up in Maryland when the Senators were playing ball in DC. But, I have been a Braves fan since 1994 when we moved to Atlanta. It was a good time to adopt the Braves because they were really hot. I even went to one of the 1996 World Series games against the Yankees.
So now we are in the post season. Which team do I root for? Generally I would root for the underdog, but this year I'll go with San Diego because Jackie, Jessica and Mandy are Padre fans.
Hopefully the team will last longer than just tonight -- three innings to go.
Update on Howie
Linda picked Howie up from the doctor today. With the care that he needs, it's a bit like having a baby in the house. He was very restless and I had to keep talking to him and petting him until he fell asleep.
He has stitches in his face, along with a drain to keep his wound from getting infected. We need to give him pills, liquid medication, ointment on the wounds and medicine in his ears. And, he is wearing a cone around his neck so that he won't scratch his face where the wound is.
But, the big problem for Howie is that he can't go outside for two weeks. We have explained this to him over and over and he doesn't seem to get it.
He'll be OK... but we are in for a few sleepless nights. He is meowing now, so I need to go look after him. (He doesn't like to be alone.)
He has stitches in his face, along with a drain to keep his wound from getting infected. We need to give him pills, liquid medication, ointment on the wounds and medicine in his ears. And, he is wearing a cone around his neck so that he won't scratch his face where the wound is.
But, the big problem for Howie is that he can't go outside for two weeks. We have explained this to him over and over and he doesn't seem to get it.
He'll be OK... but we are in for a few sleepless nights. He is meowing now, so I need to go look after him. (He doesn't like to be alone.)
Howie Boy at Doctor
A few days ago Howie was involved in a catfight. And from what our neighbor told us as an eyewitness, Howie was on the losing end. Howie was in a headlock and our neighbor poured water over the other cat to break up the fight.
After that, we noticed Howie had a scrape on his head, but it seemed to be getting better over the last few days. Not so. The injury had abscessed and gotten worse. Tonight he is resting at the vet's office full of antibiotics and he will be going through a small surgery tomorrow to get fixed up.
These kinds of stories often stir the controversy of the "indoor cat" vs. the "outdoor cat." Many people believe it is wrong and inhumane to let your cat go outside. After all, there are wild predators out there lurking around every corner just waiting to pounce on the outdoor cat. And what about the chances of being hit by a car? Or so the argument goes.
Howie is an outdoor/indoor cat. He likes both environments. Howie usually sleeps inside each night. He has a few favorite places; like Linda's chair or the sofa. You can also count on Howie to come and get us up between 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning to let him out. What fun is that! (sleeping through the night is overrated I am sure)
Well, it is certain that tonight Howie is not getting his usual nightly petting and I only hope he is missing it as much as I am.
Good luck tomorrow Howboy.
After that, we noticed Howie had a scrape on his head, but it seemed to be getting better over the last few days. Not so. The injury had abscessed and gotten worse. Tonight he is resting at the vet's office full of antibiotics and he will be going through a small surgery tomorrow to get fixed up.
These kinds of stories often stir the controversy of the "indoor cat" vs. the "outdoor cat." Many people believe it is wrong and inhumane to let your cat go outside. After all, there are wild predators out there lurking around every corner just waiting to pounce on the outdoor cat. And what about the chances of being hit by a car? Or so the argument goes.
Howie is an outdoor/indoor cat. He likes both environments. Howie usually sleeps inside each night. He has a few favorite places; like Linda's chair or the sofa. You can also count on Howie to come and get us up between 3:00 and 4:00 in the morning to let him out. What fun is that! (sleeping through the night is overrated I am sure)
Well, it is certain that tonight Howie is not getting his usual nightly petting and I only hope he is missing it as much as I am.
Good luck tomorrow Howboy.
How not to be boring
Howie (our cat) has been staring at me from his spot on the floor. He is waiting for my lap to become available so that he can jump up and get his nightly petting. I keep telling him I am busy at the computer, but he is determined.
He has now jumped up on the ledge under the window beside the computer table to try and "advise" me that he is more important than what I am doing. He is right, of course, but that won't deter me from trying to ignore him.
Have you ever noticed how cats like to sit on paper? Howie will go out of his way to find the one spot in the room where there might be a newspaper or a magazine on a table or on the floor next to a chair and he will plop down on top.
Cats also like boxes-the smaller the better. Howie loves to curl up in a box and pretend he is invisible, without a care about any of us.
You know, I feel a bit like Andy Rooney, going on about a single topic but not really saying anything.
Howie is also getting very impatient with me, so I am going to give him his nightly due.
See ya.
He has now jumped up on the ledge under the window beside the computer table to try and "advise" me that he is more important than what I am doing. He is right, of course, but that won't deter me from trying to ignore him.
Have you ever noticed how cats like to sit on paper? Howie will go out of his way to find the one spot in the room where there might be a newspaper or a magazine on a table or on the floor next to a chair and he will plop down on top.
Cats also like boxes-the smaller the better. Howie loves to curl up in a box and pretend he is invisible, without a care about any of us.
You know, I feel a bit like Andy Rooney, going on about a single topic but not really saying anything.
Howie is also getting very impatient with me, so I am going to give him his nightly due.
See ya.
First Entry
Hi. I am just starting to understand the fun and excitement of working on my own website. This blog... "What?" is another step in the progression of my understanding of how this technology fits together.
My website at www.brucesherbow.com is primarily about the pictures I take. But as I find out how to add more experiences for both you and me, I am sure the site will become a greater reflection of my overall life.
Enjoy the site, and I will appreciate your feedback.
Bruce
My website at www.brucesherbow.com is primarily about the pictures I take. But as I find out how to add more experiences for both you and me, I am sure the site will become a greater reflection of my overall life.
Enjoy the site, and I will appreciate your feedback.
Bruce
