Vy = Best rate of climb

So much going on lately. First off all, like Justus, I still feel like I'm recovering from a busy week last week. That schedule beat the crap out of me. That isn't me complaining as I would much rather be very busy, instead of very slow....yet....it still takes it's toll physically.

During a little down time in between flights last week, I took a trip down to Crofton, MD. It was a relaxing ride down memory lane. So much of that area looked so good to me. It was always a nice place to live. Driving around the area, though it's much more developed, old Crofton and some of it's decade old neighborhoods look wonderful. Both charming and mature is how I can best describe the area that I used to call home. Growing up in that area, there was a lot of new construction and though it was nice, many areas lacked a certain visual maturity. Now, it has a mature and down home elegant look to the place. I'm sure that there are some people who have never left the area and would still knock it as they did back in high school, but as far as I'm concerned, the place looks great.

While down there, I visited with my old boss, Raymond Chen, who runs Hunan Express. Back in the day, I used to deliver Moo Goo Gai Pan and Pork Fried rice to the residents of Bowie, Crofton, Gambrills and Davidsonville. It was great to see Ray again. He's now got some gray hairs and the restaurant is no longer a "sit down" meal kind of place. Also, while in town, I stopped in to see if Carmichael Simon's parents still occupied a house in the Chapman Farm neighborhood. His mom came to the door and one of the first things she said after, "Oh my God, what are you doing here (in a good way)" was, Ron died 3 years ago. Sad, Carmichael's dad was a really great guy. Both of his parents cared for me as if I was a son, for a few years anyway. My heart goes out to Carmichael and his Mom for their loss. It was really nice to sit down and talk about old times, travel, my old best friend and how he and his new family are doing and even business. His mom has always had her head into game for making money. I always love a good chat about business, growth and making more greenbacks.

I started handling the ATA/Air Greenland flights last week. No major issues there. I would say it's hard to find a major issue when the Boeing 757-300 that is operation the flight for Air Greenland is booked to all of 22 people. Bob worked the Greenland to BWI flight the other night....4 passengers on the whole flight. Nice!

I'm looking ways to change the way I do business. Being a sole proprietor is ok, but there are other ways of doing business that might be more intelligent and efficient.

Andy and Bob C. are doing fine as they progress as students of the Thomas Brainsky University for Airline Operations Education. I hope I'll be able to have these guys up and running as capable Operational Representatives in the next two weeks.

Did I mention that my pants don't fit? No??? Sheri and I are eating healthier and therefore, I've dropped some weight. I'll be working out as soon as the new home gym is delivered and installed on the 21st. I can't wait to be sore and feel stronger. More Protein, less carbs, smaller meals, more often. That concept works for me so well.

This weekend, provided the weather is good, I'll be taking Sheri and our next door neighbors up for an airplane ride. I thought about a cross country somewhere, but I'm cheap right now. So, I'll take them all up, show them their house from the air and head back to the airports. Should be short....but still enjoyable.

Speaking of small meals....it's about that time. I think I'm going to drink a beer too. mmmmm....Beer.

....No, Thank You

I've really been enjoying my new earned license to fly. So far, I've taken Sheri up, which meant the world to me as she's has been and still is very supportive of my desire to be a pilot. She had only been flying with me two times when I was in training and we were of course, joined my my flight instructor. The feeling of being able to take my wife up and enjoy the ride, sky, view and general experience of the whole thing while it was just the two of us is incredible. I can't wait to take her back up and do it again.

Being as though, this is such an exciting thing for me, I like being able to share it. Next, I took up my father in law and though he is a quiet man in general, it looked like he really enjoyed the ride and was appreciative of it.

Number three in the right seat was Jeff Conlin. He and I used to play Flight Simulator 3 for hours and climb on his imaginary plane (or bus, or car, or truck or what ever the hell we felt like calling it that day) back in the 4th grade. He had a big wooden climb all over it "thing" that his parents put together and that sucker was a kid with an imaginations best friend. So, it was nice to be able to fly with my old Co-Pilot as an adult. He too thanked me for the ride. It is very clear to me, people appreciate my sharing this passion for flying with them, I deeply appreciate having them allow me to share it with them so much more.

Since the old Honda has been getting up there in years and even more so in miles, Sheri and I decided to pick up a newer vehicle to replace it. After a ton of searching, we settled on a Maroon 2000 Nissan Maxima SE with 57000 miles. The price could not be beat and the frugal Jew in me is all about that. It's a very nice car and I look forward to driving it. Because we picked it up so cheap, we would be able to sell it and at least be able to break even if we had to....such as...if the v6 in that car drinks more gas than we believe it will. The Bastard Dealerships in the area would only offer me $1000 for my Honda, so trading it in was just kind of stupid. Now, we're a three car family. I'll probably continue to drive that Honda often and into the twilight of it's useful life. Now, it's any body's guess as to which vehicle you'll spot me in. Regardless of which car, I've got reliable transportation and that makes me happy.

Last night, I worked very late, or early morning, depending on how you want to look at it. I'm tired and will be going back to bed for another nap. Later tonight, Sheri and I will be chilling out with Drew and Emily....Always a pleasant and enjoyable time. Goodnight(day)