We're Here

We finally made it to SEMO. Oh my dude what a trip. Flying from California to Missouri on 1.5 hrs of sleep is not advisable. Thankfully our trip went through Salt Lake City and not Denver or we would have been stranded at the airport.

4 am - Cab Ride
As my wife will surely attest: I am a big dork. Our cab showed up on time at 4am and asked where we were going. "The Airport" I answered - forgetting that we had called them to take us to the airport. "I know, I mean on your trip."

Why is it that all cabbies, no matter what city you are in, sound like they are from New York? Is that part of the job? That must be what the license is for, "(Frankie/Johnny/Mikey/Habib) is licensed to slur speech and drive in two lanes at the same time."

4:20 am - FAT = Fresno Air Terminal
Praise God that our tickets took us through Salt Lake City. The line for our check-in consisted of us and the guy waiting behind us. Every other line was jammed because they were all flying through Denver, which was socked-in and eventually closed - stranding lots-o-people in the process.

We waited until 5:30 (and Starbucks) to go through the check-in line. I had the distinct feeling that we were in some kind of surreal movie about the future where your freedoms are controlled by the state and even mock-complaining will get you thrown in jail. Oh wait, that's right now. I'm exaggerating - though it was a little scary - especially when I open my camera bag and it looks like nuclear bomb parts. "Sir, we're going to have to ask you to come with us while we put you in jail for the rest of your life."

6:30 am - plane takes off
Ok, it's been a billion years since I flew and after the security screening I was um, let's say, tense about this flight. Going fast down the runway was fun. "How fast are we going?", Sara asks. "I don't know, maybe 200.", is my guess. If anybody does know how fast it takes to get airborn please let me know so I can be smart for my wife next time. Make sure to convert the speed to "knots per hour" so I can sound extra smart.

Plane ride was a real stomache churner. Sara and I both were ready to hit the barf bags. So glad that we landed safely - and finally. Prayer works.

10: 30 am - Salt Lake City, Utah
Cold. 16 degrees. Very cold. Also, don't try to find your own way at Salt Lake. The signs have nothing to do with the actual locations of the gates. Ask, and quickly, because it's a longer walk than you expect.

Dramamine is the best thing ever. Second plane ride was nice and easy, even when it felt like we were on a roller coaster. My right ear never depressurized though. Do what?

2:00 pm - St Louis, Missouri
Yeah! we made it. Catfish and Johnboat picked us up and we drove another 1.5 hrs. Finally made it. So tired. Must sleep...

7:00 pm - Branding Iron (Pig)
Oh my dude! The food was awesome!!

5:30 am, 21st - Lanier House
apparently our house was burning down back home. Thanks to Howard all is well. Sorry big guy. You had to wake up anyway right?

I'm in your SEMO takin my vacationz

Welcome to SEMO. I know that Sara and I have made fun of this place in the past but, much like the nerdy kid you made fun of in school, you just need to get to know it for yourself.

Today Johnboat and I went to "work" for Catfish - which included jamming on the drums and guitars and checking emails and blogs. Oh, I designed a flyer too! Then we went to Cape Girardeau for eating lunches and looking at stuffs. It was pretty cool. I got to see the Mississippi River for the first time ever. It looks like a giant lake, except it's moving all the time. It makes you feel really small...and glad you haven't fallen into it.
Downtown Cape is really cool. They have stores and cars and streets and other holy things. There is a church on almost every corner - kind of like Starbucks in Fresno. We got some sodas and coffees and drove around and ate the sandwiches Brandi made for us. Mine was full of meat and cheese - my favorite!!

It's amazing that there was no graffitti. Big open walls everywhere. Some even still have their faded painted signs from a long ago era. We saw the building that General Grant stayed in for a little while. I hope he comes back someday, it would be nice to visit with him in his quarters.

Then we drove back and I got a picture of the mini Statue of Liberty...well, her backside anyway...Then we went to Radio Shack and back to the office so Catfish could, um, go pee.

Funny Cats

You know how much I like cats. If that's not obvious then you haven't been paying attention Mr. Pants. Cats often do funny things. It's funny because they are not inherently humorous like dogs. Everyone expects a dog to be funny - like Sienfeld. But a cat...it's always a surprise when a cat is funny. Like Grandpa actually telling a joke that no one has heard yet.

And the funny gun that cats shoot the best is physical humor. They are so graceful and uppity - prancing around the house like they own it - but then lose their footing on the back of the couch and fall like Chevy Chase. Now who's fancy now Tuna Breath?

...It's always a surprise when a cat is funny. Like Grandpa actually telling a joke that no one has heard yet.

Well, I've collected a few pics here for your enjoyment. Enjoy them. They are of cats and they are funny. But it's mostly funny because some genius added quotes. Some of the pics are technically "cute." Forgive my weakness.

If they do not make you laugh then you are at the wrong Web site. I will pray for you.