Oops

I just realized that the '24' season premier was tonight. My apologies, iPhone will be punished.

3 planes, 2 Italians and 1 psychopath

That pretty much sums up my weekend. And if you weren't there for it, I'm sorry you missed it. But if you want to get a feel for what it was like, watch the season premier of '24' next week.

Also, my iPhone has figured out how to take a picture of itself. One step closer to becoming self-aware. iPhone will be contacting you soon with further instructions.

40 Seconds

Life is funny. I flew about 800 miles, over 4 states, sunup to sundown and was late getting home by 40 seconds. 40 seconds meant that I had to fly to another airport and find a ride home (thanks Hot) because my home airport is under construction and the airport turns into a pumpkin at sunset. Well, maybe not a pumpkin but the place shuts down at official sunset. Really, no exceptions. I was just under 2 miles from touchdown when it shut down. Now you may think that I was a little upset about the whole thing, a day like that coming down to 40 seconds. Not even a little bit. It wasn't too long ago that I wasn't even getting paid to fly. In fact, I was paying other people a lot of money so that I could fly. A year ago, I could only dream to have this kind of "40 second problem". So I hope that I never lose sight of the fact that the problems I have today are problems of progress and luxury. Life is real good.

Those helicopters in the photo are Blackhawks. One followed me into Gainesville this afternoon. Pretty cool.

The t is silent

That's what I learned about mortgage when I purchased my first home 9 days ago.

But what a home! It really is amazing and I recommend that everyone go out and buy a home if you don't already own one. Hot and I found a great little condo in the woods and the price was awesome. So thanks to some really great people (Dave the Realtor and Dennis the Magic Mortgage Man), we are home owners. Here is a picture of Hot in our new place.

Nik and Gina

Congratulations to newly married Nik and Gina. Two of the best people I know and I was honored to be a part of their special day. You guys are awesome!

My Absence

Oh, by the way, you may have noticed that I had not published any new posts in over 6 weeks. I apologize for the interruption in posting, but please accept the following list of scenarios that explain my absence. You may choose any scenario from the following list or feel free to send me one that better explains my sabbatical.

1) I have been spending 23.7 hours a day glued to election coverage which includes but is not limited to political blogs, cable news and my left-wing friend Ralph who really believes that America needs change. Hot has supplied me with microwave egg rolls and Red Bull.

2) I was tapped by Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson to manage the multi-billion dollar bailout package approved by congress. However, I was quickly disgraced and sent on my way after telling the Senate to "put it on my credit card."

3) I won the lottery and hired someone to teach me how not to read and write.

4) I have been busy campaigning for Barack Obama at local area Starbucks using buzz phrases like "rock the vote" and "hope for America". I'm not sure I generated much support for Obama but I did receive 6 and a half free lattes and met 3 perky baristas who work part time and still get great benefits.

Fall

As a part of my job, I get to do all sorts of fun things. I usually end up going to southern Florida at least once a week as well as other exotic locales in the Southeast. Places like Lafayette, Georgia (and yes, here in Georgia it's pronounced 'La-fayit), Center, Alabama (which is actually not in the center of Alabama) and Chattanooga, Tennessee (which is a lot of n's, t's and s's to type). This time of year also affords me with an opportunity to see the magic of a season change. I've spent the past 6 autumns in the desert of Arizona (which has exactly 2 trees for every Starbucks) and every day I am amazed at the vibrant colors of fall. I know it's a simple thing but it is absolutely incredible to me. As I get to fly over it daily, I am filled with a sense of wonderment, amazement and gratitude. I love Georgia.