On the way to the airport

Gus isn't *my* dog anymore.

Dad never cared much for Duff, the pug I had while growing up.  I loved Duff because he was my only friend for several years of my life.  That said, Gus has one awesome personality.  This picture - taken with my iPhone while I was driving - captures Dad and Gus quite well.  

(Before anyone lectures me on the dangers of picture taking while driving it should be noted this was a lonely stretch of road...)

Corner room

On the trip to Vancouver a month ago I had a hotel room that was cool but it felt like I was in a fishbowl.

I'm thinking a 60" TV may be too small

I clearly have no reason to save for retirement.

Worth a minute of your day

Amazing.

The iPad

Just before I left the US a friend said he wanted me to bring back three iPads.  He had specific directions about color, 4g connectivity and memory size. I wasn't able to complete his order but I did bring back 2 iPads.  My friend was happy with his order and he said he'll make about $300 from reselling them.

I guess I should ask for a cut but that's not the way I roll; I'm happy to help a friend and if he can make a profit on the iPads then good for him. 

Flight to Abu Dhabi

For this trip I was going to eat 66,000 airline miles and fly business class. I found I could get seat 51C so I stuck with economy. What's so special about 51C? It's at the back of the plane where three rows of aisle seats become 2. It gives me the aisle (that I must have for claustrophobic reasons) and almost the room of an empty seat next to me. I can stand next to my seat for hours and not bother anyone. On my last trip I was really sick and had this seat. Sitting was not an option. I stood there and apparently looked like death warmed over because they didn't ask me to buckle up when we hit turbulence.

Anyhow, happiness is getting a good seat on an airplane.

Here's the flight if you want to track it:
http://uk.flightaware.com/live/flight/ETD150/history/20120407/0130Z/KORD/OMAA

*****
This was definitely a working vacation. I saw only a few people. On the bright side I had my basement carpet pulled up and new tile is being laid... My garage is the cleanest it has been since I moved in 9 years ago. It was also good to spend time at the farm with dad and Gus. The unexpected trip went quite well.