Road Warrior

As I travel for my job there are certain things about being on the road that a big hassle.
Its not the odd bed or pillows: most people that know me know I can sleep on a rock with a train passing by.

It is sometimes the food: does this Subway take American Express or am I going to have to use cash?... Can I eat this steak and tell Jamie what I had for dinner without apologizing?... I REALLY shouldn't have this milkshake but they are just sooooo good?... Note to self, just because a new exotic food is good going in, it may not stay that way...

Often times it is the hotel service: Shampoo & no conditioner? Shampoo/Conditioner... how can I condition my hair if I am simultainiously washing it out? In-room wireless conection? What if I don't have a wireless card? What do you mean you only have smoking rooms? What was the point of "confirming" my non-smoking room reservation then???

I really hate the long hours: "well since you can't go home, just stay at the plant until 6 or 7 to help us out", since I am out of the office, I have to work in my hotel room in the evening to finish the work I would be doing if I was in the office that everyone still assumes you will complete, and I fly on my time...I'm RARELY on a flight home before 4pm and drag into the house after 11pm on most trips.

Worst of all is what I am missing: Time with my kids and wife can never be reclaimed. Talking to my kids on the phone is not the same as kissing them and tucking them into bed. The helpless feeling when something goes wrong at home and Jamie is fending for herself is gutt wrenching! And don't get me started on the missed "cuddling".

But is it worth it? I don't know. At times yes (when I get my next paycheck or get to visit exotic locations or when I redeem Frequent traveller points for trips to the beach with my family) and at times no (when someone is sick at home and I can't be there to help or when Jamie is having a bad day and I can't be there to hold her). But with all the physical hurdles of travelling, it is the emotional battles that make me you a "warrior". I hope my wife and children do not resent my absence but recognize it for what it represents, my attempt to provide for them in the face of personal sacrifice of not being in their presence. I love you Jamie!

Can you tell I am writing this from the road?

I knew she would crack!

Not that this blog had anything to do with it (as I never did anything but the first post) but I knew my sweet wife would eventually divulge the location of her blog. The funniest thing is that I never even told her about my (1 post) blog to put the heat on her as I had stated was my plan in my... 1 post. I believe she gave in more on account of my twin brother's wife having a blog. Whatever the reason, I have really enjoyed reading my wife's blog (stop the insanity) and don't see what she was so concerned about me reading it for. Perhaps she won't be as free to post her inner most thoughts for fear of what I might think but hopefully she knows she can tell me anything. Anyway, maybe someday (soon) I will get around to telling her where to find my blog... maybe.