Back on an Even Keel

OAFS Photo

Nothing like a couple of lazy days at Chez Sarge, avec The Missus Herself, to restore one's morale and wash the bitter taste of the recent unpleasantness from one's mouth.

Out to dinner with friends this evening (last night as you read this) at the place from which the view above can be seen. It's very nice.

I'm not sure about the future, I may even carry out my "threat" to retire at the end of this year. I've already exceeded the "three bad days" (in a row) aspect of what it would take to make me retire, but those days out west don't really count.

The Home Office remains a comfortable place to work, with interesting things to do and excellent comrades to do those things with. I am with a bunch of smart people, which is a refreshing thing in this world we live in today.

Had my first experience of flying first class on the way home Wednesday, well, for part of the trip, Sandy Eggo to Dulles. It was courtesy of The Nuke and her ample supply of points from all the traveling she does for the gubmint.

My first indication that this would be different is when I got a text a few days before the flight asking me what I would like for breakfast on the aircraft, with a few choices listed.

I opted for the Belgian waffle, which was very nice. Breakfast was excellent. My seatmate was something of an asshole though.

First thing he does on board is rearrange the contents of the overhead bins, though he did ask the owners if that was okay. The he proceeded to delay boarding while he did so, that is until the flight attendant told him to sit down until everyone else was on the plane.

During the flight he had his crap spread all over the middle armrest, which was an annoyance, no more. Then when he and another "businessman" decided to hold an impromptu meeting in the aisle it got more than annoying. Jeebers buddy, save it for the effing office, 'kay?

Fortunately we found some bumpy air which broke up the meeting, again the flight attendant had to tell dumbass 1 and dumbass 2 to sit the eff down, "Can't you see the seatbelt sign is alight?"

No, they couldn't. Business people, entitled lot they are.

Other than that, the seat was large and comfy, good window view, lots of leg room, gotta love that.

Had a lonnnnnggggg delay at Dulles, flight got in early and I had a three hour layover anyway, intentional as I hate rushing in airports.

In the gate area there were two French ladies, one of whom did not, apparently, have an indoor voice. Her incessant nattering was starting to drive me batshit crazy (being tired and all, I had been up since 0330 Sandy Eggo time) but eventually she ran out of things to talk about. Other people were moving away from her and her companion as well, maybe her friend told her to put a sock in it. I don't grok how some people can just talk and talk and talk and ...

I know folks like that at work, I try very hard to avoid them, but occasionally I get cornered and think of what that person would do if I pulled out a grenade and screamed "BANZAI" before immolating the two of us. Not a pleasant thought but jeebers buddy, STFU.

I'll be taking a few days off over the next cuppla, I built up a lot of "mod time" while out west. I don't take the money, I take the time. Money I can make more of, time? No, can't make that.

I plan on relaxing and doing very little, though there is a towel rack which needs hanging, that won't take long, and doesn't really count as "work," per se.

Anyhoo, be seeing you.

What should I write about next? I have the urge to tell stories based on history, dontcha know?

Suggestions will be entertained in the comments. (No, there are no drinks and free food, but there might be a band.)

Ciao!