To have nothing is to have everything?
 

The other night I arrived in Montgomery Alabama but my luggage did not. I have not checked a bag in over 7 years but that night I did only because I had a bunch of pocket knives I wanted to give to some customers as thank you gifts.

I was informed that my luggage was basically lost - no trace anyplace. I figuered that someone saw all those knives and took a liking to them. OK -I understand the 'want' thing and I even understand the concept of stealing. I don't steal and I don't like anyone stealing from me but in this case theygot the better of me so they won and I lost. That will not happen again.

So there I am in Montgomary AL at 11PM with just my laptop and a pack of gum, my AMEX and a hotel res. Had the cabby take me to WalMart to buy some sundries. I had an early AM meeting and I couldn't really go in my jeans and t-shirt so I decided to buy some socks, skivs, cheap pants and oxford shirt - all at WalMart (the only thing open) for under $35US raise to the AMEX.

Got me thinking, what if I didn't have the AMEX? Well, the T-shirt and jeans would have to do - like it or not but what if I didn't have the job? the AMEX? or anything for that matter. Life would now take on a whole new meaning. My only worry (if I was single with no kiddos) would be food, shelter and warmth - thats it. Could I live comfortably? Maybe.

I have become increasingly frustrated with our country. I have also become slightly cynical towards people in general. I don't loose my temper but I also do not expect anything at all from anyone anymore. In fact, I am beginning to accept the fact that for the most part people are going to be motivated to do (whatever) for a few basic reasons that are all about themselves - for ego fulfillment, for creature comfort, for intoxication or to get laid and thats about it...

I beginning to think that if it came to it I could toss it all in and just look to stay warm, halfway well fed and dry.

Now I am in Amarillo TX, in a Hilton - warm, dry and about to be well fed on beef, spuds, scotch and maybe a dirty movie later on...

Perhaps I will save my hobo aspirations for another day.

Gawd, Mike - I feel sorry for you NOW!

Sounds like you're having an interesting, good time. Thinking can be interesting and frustrating. Sometimes it's best to fall back on the selfish "me" stage.

but yeah, sometimes, I think it would be great if life were much simpler.

Hope its warmer than here. Niagara Falls just stopped spitting ice/rain and will be clear tonight. Forcast is 26 degrees and not much warmer tomorrow.

At least Hilton's have good beds & lots of pillows. Ditto the whole Hilton chain - Hampton, Hilton, Embassy etc etc.

I will be in a Choice hotel in outer Montreal Sun-Wed. I talked the guys into a cigar store trek to Casa del Habano on Sunday which should be fun.

Joe: I can't think of any reason to be in Niagara Falls this time of year. None.

Ian

Integrity is easy on a full belly!

A few Guinness's, a Rib-eye and Baked Tater and good conversation with...http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1269565522.jpg


interestingly enough, she lives in the town next to mine, calls on many of the same accounts (she sells chemicals) so I don't think I will be flirting too much here, but ya gotta love the perfect size 4!

Ian,

Its called WORK and am really glad to be here! :) Home shortly!

Joe

Same problem in Kaula Lampur, or really my sales guys did.

Me? I pack hanging bag, laptop case and carry a copy of the proposal (Application Engineer) and carry it all on the plane. The sales guys took a different airline (United). They told me, sorry, we couldn't get you on our flight. You have to fly 'Singapore Airlines'. (ha ha - on THEM).

Their flight has serious problems (United) and they had to do an unscheduled landing in China (All bathrooms brokedown). Late for connecting flight in Hong Kong and bags lost.

That night had to go to the mall under the Petronas towers to get them clothes. They had traveled in jean, t-shirts and sneakers (nice and professional). One of the guys bought $600 shoes, since he didn't understand the exchange rate. They ended up with dockers, oxford shirts, ties and shoes.

Good job on $35.