New England Travel Update

Ok gang, for those that don't already know, I went up to Mystic Connecticut for my cousin's funeral and got stuck in nearby Providence, Rhode Island. It wasn't so much the snow and wind, but the HUGE amount of flight cancellations that created an improvised vacation. Even so, the R&R (even though my "fun" is working on web stuff) has been enjoyable. Met several great new folks that were friend of my cousin, and got to hear some terrific stories about him. Also got know him in some respects all over again by the people who genuinely loved and cared for him. To all you folks, can't wait to come back and visit, and deligthed to meet you!

While I love the Hampton in, it's great hospitality and free belgian waffles and hot coco for breakfast, I'm more than ready to head back to Orlando as well as get back to the job hunt. Been here since Tuesday or Wednesday of last week.

If all goes well, I'll be on a plane to Atlanta and then Huntsville tomorrow evening. The plan is stay overnight with the folks in Hunstville, then fly back to Atlanta and on to Orlando Tuesday evening. Also get to test out this whole Delta Sky Miles thing I joined last night (Dad, good call and thanks!).

As you can guess, internet time on public computers has been scarce and there's really only so much you can do with no wi-fi and weak signal on a Blackberry. Had hoped to upload trip photos to Facebook during down time, but could not, even with 4 bars of signal. How much power do Facebook servers NEED that they keep losing connection with that much signal? That, combined with new updates online and on Blackberry have not gone well and we'll leave it at that.

On the plus side, the time with the folks has been fun. We hit Warwick Mall yesterday to escape cabin fever. It was there I saw some great new pocket watches and became a fan of Movado watches. I'm already a Citizen guy, so Movado is an understandable progression. Nice to see more pocket watches hitting the scene from up and coming designers. Also, Simmons is one to watch for men's bling. While not a blingy guy, I do like Simmons work, particularly the edgy industrial meets elegant style. One of the few times in my life I MIGHT consider a $400 ring, but that's quite a ways off. Some cool artistry and I learned something new. Makes me really miss my Harley Davidson pocket watch, which didn't come on this trip. Also saw Brighton and liked some of their belts and accessories. When I have need, one of their money clips or cell cases might find it's way into the wardrobe.

Spiritually speaking, I attended church for the first time in a few years. Also had a rosary and ring blessed by the Catholic (don't hate) priest. Both items have special significance. The rosary was a gift from my ex-girlfriend in Memphis and the silver ring was the first nice piece of jewelry I ever bought myself. I treasure both of these and carry them happily. Back to the service, the time was therapudic. Glad I went. Dunno how often I'd go back, but glad I went this time.

Curiously this is also "The Year of the Priest" as well "The Year of the Tiger" in Chinese Zodiac. Between WoW character, being ordained in the Universal Life Church as a minister recently, and having Tiger as my sign (depending on which Chinese Zodiac you follow), this gives me hope for a good year. Hopefully it's filled with luck and prosperity, not just for me, but for all. Definitely cool and makes me smile.

Yeah, me as a Reverend...now that's a frightening thought! ;) Hey, I'm still proud of that accomplishmnet just the same.

So there you have it, a buncha randomness from a trip that's been about as wild as a B&M Hyper during Mardi Gras on free beer night. (Don't know where I was going with that either, but it made you laugh, right?).

Kidding aside, this trip has been a wonderful teacher. Life's brevity and delicacy can't be appreciated enough, nor can truly following your dreams and heart's desires while you can. Taking chances and exploring new things, great and small, are where the true thrills of this life are. The results are new people and adventures, or just simply saying "Yeah, I did that" with a smile.