Arizona

The company I am working for is flying us to a resort / spa for the weekend. This is the company holiday party. We will be back before I publish this, so don't get any ideas about breaking in and stealing our stuff. Our neighbors have permission to shoot their very big guns at any intruders. We do not have anything worth stealing anyway.

On the bus going to the airport

I have never been to a spa. Quite frankly, being "pampered" does not seem like something I'd enjoy. But as I have to tell my kids over and over (and over), you do not know if you like it until you try it. And if I have to try it I might as well do it on someone else's dime (hundreds of dollars actually). I am scheduled for a 50 minute massage on Saturday at 1. Honestly, laying there for an hour seems to me as excruciatingly boring. I hope I am wrong. Is it ok to bring a book or my MP3 player ... Or is that bad etiquette?

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Ok ... Currently I am on united airlines 329 with non stop service to Phoenix International Airport. Does it bug anyone else that MP3 players are potentially dangerous during takeoff? If the electronic systems on airplanes are in danger of being disrupted be my tiny little music player, I don't think we should be allowed to fly. Just my humble opinion.

In case you are wondering, I am listening to Pretty Persuasion by REM. Don't tell anyone but I started listening before they told us it was ok. Thank God we didn't crash! Now I'm listening to Talking Heads. If it is ok with y'all, I am not going to mention any more songs.

Sleeping on the plane.

Airplane seats are not made for people my height. I am tall, but not unreasonably so. Just a public service announcement for you short people (under 6 feet): average sized people like me have their knees RIGHT UP against the back of your seat. If you lean your seat back, you are going to smash the hell out of the knees of anyone behind you who is not short like you. Please show some kindness. I realize your life sucks way down there, but please don't take it out on the knees of average sized people like me.

Now I am listening to Alligator Pie by Matthews, Dave Band. I know I said that I would not do that anymore. I lied. "Daddy when you gonna put me in a song?"

It is a little weird flying without kids. I didn't have to remind anyone at the airport to go potty. Just to feel comfortable, I asked the COO if he needed to go, but it just was not the same. Here on the flight I do not have to manage DVD entertainment and watch 3 drinks. I don't even have to keep track of flight time to send the kids to the potty right before the pilot turns on the seat belt lights for landing. I might ask the guy next to me if he needs to go at the 1:15 mark of the flight, again, I don't want to feel too weird here.

"I used to rule the world. Seas would rise when I gave the word." Sorry I could not help myself.

I do not know the last time I had a Heineken before tonight. It will be awhile before I have another. It would be nice if airlines had a better beer selection. Considering that interference from a tiny little MP3 player might endanger the flight, I suppose beer selection is a minor concern.

"Hear Jerusalem bells are ringing. Roman cavalry choirs are singing. Be my mirror my soul and shield. Missionaries in a foreign field. For some reason I can't explain, I know St. Peter will call my name. Never an honest word, but that was when I ruled the world."

Sorry, I like that song. I really do.

Crap! The seat belt light is on for final decent. I missed my opportunity to tell that guy to go potty. If he wets himself, I am going to blame myself.

Ok ... I had to shut down my phone (and don't forget the MP3 player). Sorry for the delay. Did you miss me? Ok I don't have anything else to say right now. Later.

Hey Tera ... Do you see how I am not breaking this up into another post?

Waiting in the Phoenix airport

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So today (Saturday) we went on a hike. Tracy and I had to head back early (before we reached the summit) so that we would have time to clean up a bit before our spa experience. 

This is what the back patio of our suite looked like.

I guess I did not hate the massage, but I did not love it either. It was very hard for me to feel comfortable mentally from the time I entered the spa until I left. I felt sort of like these freaks were trying to recruit me to their little cult. It was just very strange. I am very glad I tried it and might even give it another try if I get a free opportunity, but it is not something I would pay money for or recommend to someone. It honestly was not relaxing for me.

Tracy enjoyed it much more than I did. I guess that is to be expected.  She's a girl.

The company took a bus out to Rock Bottom Brewery for dinner. It was great. The "brew master's select" was a black IPA. That was their best beer. They were all really good, though.

After that we hung out at the resort bar for quite awhile. Some (including the CEO) got pretty crazy. Good times.

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And now it is Sunday morning.

We are just hanging out in the Arizona sun until we have to leave for the airport around 2.

A picture of the compound.  That rock in the distance was what we climbed.

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And now it is Sunday afternoon and we are waiting for our flight home. Tracy and I are not sitting together on the flight home. Oh well, we'll be ok. It has been a great weekend. I am very grateful that the company was generous enough to fly us out and put us up in such a nice place. They will almost certainly be too big next year to do the same thing, so it was to take this opportunity now. Gonna be tired tomorrow, I am sure.

Ok, well, I am sick of this post. I'll send it now and "publish" it tomorrow.