I am not at home tonight, but instead am staying at the Wingate Hotel in Oakdale. I was in the middle of a Fort Knox progressive system install at one of the Lakes-area casinos, when I got called to the office. Since the manager said it was urgent, I left within minutes and stopped at home long enough to pick up a change of clothes and paperwork to be turned in during the inventory process. Some of the Rapid City personnel are in Minnesota to inventory the service vehicles, and they want to head home Friday and as early as possible. Admittedly, a bit more notice that I would be traveling would be helpful, but that is how my job works now and then. It goes with the territory and both Heather and I are used to unpredictable schedules with this job. We deal with it as it comes. I will be in the hotel one night and should be home by tomorrow afternoon.

Heather’s parents will be traveling to Minnesota, leaving before morning. They are coming to meet their grandson for the first time. I am sure that they are as excited as we are about our son and their first grandchild. Work has been a lot busier this week for me, keeping me away into the evenings. While I am absent, Heather keeps busy being a stay-at-home Mom. Gabriel is doing quite well, with the usual things a 16-day old baby does, sleeping, eating and, well, polluting, so to speak. Gabriel is an adorable kid, but of course I am inclined to say that since he is the most perfect baby I have ever seen. =) As he becomes a bit more energetic, his random smiles are enough to make my day brighter than ever.

I don’t mind traveling, mostly because I truly enjoy my job and I like the variety that comes with this work. Nonetheless, a hotel room will never measure up to the warmth of having your family nearby. This hotel stay is a necessary situation, being away from work, and though it is essential, it makes me appreciate the comforts of home. When I travel, coming home to my family makes the inconvenience that much more meaningful.

I had my annual review today. I am not going to go into the details of it, but I am pleased with the outcome of the evaluation. I am committed to the demands of the job and it is nice to be recognized. There are days the job drives me nuts, but in the big picture, this is an extraordinary company to work for and I wouldn’t change jobs for anything. Tomorrow, I am going home to my Heather, and our beautiful son, Gabriel. As ever, I am exceptionally blessed. Life is good, very good indeed.