I used to travel a lot for work. Working for a military contractor meant going around the world to show off the merchandise. I changed jobs in 1991, and I figured, it was over. For the most part I was right.
I ended up having to travel to Virginia, and across Canada, that was about it. So my 1988 passport never got renewed. And following one of many aquisitions, I ended up being demoted, so less travelling, less «grip and grin» sessions. That was fine by me since I was a single parent then, and a 60 hours a week job doesn't cut it with 2 kids (you can do so much email at night while doing laundry).
For the past weeks, my current boss has been playing with time zones carting his butt from India to South-Africa. Good for him. He's the senior dude, he gets the big pay check so he deserves all the air-miles 
Wrong Blonov, wrooooong. «We've finalized our short list for «project xyz» he says, «and we need to validate the operational capabilities of the vendors that made it top 3 on our short list».
His last words were: «I have to go to India, you get to go on these trips, we all contribute». «And get that passport renewed ASAP».
So for the first three weeks of May, I'll be in: San José California, 3 days, Richardson Texas, 3 days, Aachen Germany, 3 days. Not bad, I have to see how far I'll be from the Carpathian mountains
Good thing the Chinese supplier came in 5th.
OK, my first form is filled out; request for a birth certificate. Since mine is 20 years old, and my passport is expired, I need to start from scratch. Once I get this, in 3-6 days, I'll complete the passport renewal form, hand carry it, wait 6 hours, and I should get what I need to catch some jet lag. I hope they move their butt too and get the paperwork processed. I'm leaving on the 8th of May and I don't feel like singing «Do you know the way to San-José while I drive to California 
Now I have to read the new and improved air travel rules and regulations.
Ah, found it. Perfect: «Note - Alcoholic beverages containing 24 per cent alcohol or less are not subject to any restrictions.»
I'm all set then.
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04-26-2007 06:40 PM 
