Technology Strikes Back

Hi, darlings. I'm back from the Wild West of Montana. Stepped off a plane at Washington-National Airport an hour ago.

Temporary Luddite: I tried to post to this blog while there, but my hotel had Internet connectivity problems. I couldn't get any Wi-Fi access, either. Heck, I couldn't even get my cell phone to work - there's no coverage in the middle of nowhere.

Lots of face-time: I'm doing profile on a source, and I shadowed and interviewed him from 12:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tuesday, 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. yesterday, and 7:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. today. That includes grilling him on the plane from Minneapolis to Billings, Montana, on Tuesday, and again from Billings to the Twin Cities today. (Minneapolis was our transfer point - he then flew home to Kentucky, and I to Washington).

Keep Your Eyes On the Road: We also shared a 4-5 hour car ride on a lonely interstate highway with big rigs and trucks with gun racks blazing by us. He drove. As we talked, he often looked at me and gesticulated when making a point - and took his hands off the wheel while doing so. Sometimes I had to remind him, as our little green rental car was drifting across the median, that a semi-truck was barreling towards us.

I got lots of good information and quotes, and he's an interesting and funny guy. But, boy, am I tired.

One nice thing: I got bumped up to first class on my flights both ways. Life is indeed different up there. As you step inside the plane, the flight attendants smile at you, and one takes your coat, while another hands you a glass of chilled white wine. I wouldn't have been surprised if they'd offered to give me a neck rub. In coach, they remind you tersely not to block the aisle.

Running Update: Who had time to run?! I will tonight, though. I'll do a 6-mile interval run and call it a day.