Yesterday when I wrote, C’MON ALREADY!, I was sitting behind my desk at the DOB eagerly anticipating my trip to Colorado. Like yesterday, I am sitting behind my desk at the DOB once again – but unlike yesterday when I wrote that column – my plane takes off in less then twelve hours.

As I loaded the suitcases into the car this morning, I was trying to grasp the fact that while I woke up in New York this morning – I will be going to sleep on the other side of the country tonight. It’s such a good feeling to know that I am finally going to get away from it all on a true vacation and not have to worry about life for an entire week.

To be honest, the part I am looking forward to the most is the moment when the plane makes that final stop after turning on to the runway and begins to pick up speed as it races toward liftoff. No matter the amount of times I have flown the friendly skies – I never get tired of taking off and watching my life become smaller and smaller as I enter the atmosphere.

The part I did not look forward to, which happened this morning, was having to say goodbye to Christine. Of course she is sad that I am going and she will miss me terribly – as I will miss her – but she is so understanding about me going that it boggles my mind. What a lucky man I am.

The only problem I foresee regarding this trip is tonight when I land in Colorado at 11:40pm Colorado time – which is 1:40am New York time. I will be tired from a day’s work, jetlagged – and then first have to find a hotel because I have reservations for Friday and Saturday – but not Thursday. But if that is my biggest problem – then I expect to have a great trip.

So here I sit, just hours away from the moment my plane and myself leave New York and head across the country for the First Annual South Park Convention – and one of the most anticipated vacations I have ever taken.

Captain – I am ready for takeoff.