September 14, 2006
Dear Everyone:
Traveling.
Back in 2001, I was assigned to a couple of
projects that had me traveling quite a bit.
I think I made as many as ten business trips (not including
personal trips, like visiting Mother in
So it was a good thing that I bought some really good luggage. This consisted of two relatively small pieces: A roller-bag that could be carried onto the plane if it was really necessary; and a matching “overnight bag” to hold cosmetics and such. The roller-bag died last Christmas when a baggage handler finally managed to smack something into it with enough force to crimp the casing that contained the telescoping handle. This is the single most common reason for a bag to become inoperative.
I still have the smaller bag, but started using a fairly cheap roller-bag with it. This bag died after my last trip to “Hobby”. When I tried to unzip it, the zipper tag came off in my hand. So I need some new luggage.
And I’m debating the relative value of expensive versus cheap luggage. You can buy an expensive suitcase for around $400 and it will probably last you about four years. On the other hand, you can buy a relatively cheap suitcase for $100 and it may last as much as one year.
If you only travel once or twice a year, the cheap suitcase is probably the way to go. Just buy a new one when the (relatively) old one dies. On the other hand, if you travel quite a lot, a more expensive case may prove to be the better value. I actually used that original suitcase for around 20 trips in all.
And I have a feeling that I may be making more business trips in the future. I have three trips to “Hobby” planned in the next four weeks and another to “Grapevine” at the end of October. I also just got assigned to another project whose leader is located in “Hobby”, so that could mean even more trips.
Add to that the new travel restrictions that require you to put more in your check-through bag and we’re looking at a larger suitcase altogether. So donate the little “overnight” bag and buy a bigger one-piece that will always be checked, with wheels, of course.
What this means is that my personal shopping
assistant, “Jeannie”, and I will be visiting the expensive luggage store
in
It was very elegant. You are assigned a therapist (this was one that “Jeannie” had visited before, but she moved to the new spa and “Jeannie” followed her) as well as a robe and slippers. Once you’ve put your clothes, etc., into a locker and donned the robe, you meet your therapist in a room with a lot of bottles and equipment, including a special bed.
She puts on soothing music and washes your face many times with many different products. Between products, you get a warm, moist towel on your face. They keep the moist towels rolled up in a special oven.
The whole thing took about an hour and a half and cost around $200. I think I’ll pass for now. I can wash my face for a lot less than $200. Besides, I’m going to need that money to pay for the new suitcase.
By the way, I’m not sure if there will be a Letter next week. I’ll fly to “Hobby” on Tuesday, do training on Wednesday, and fly back on Thursday. I may be too tired to be coherent by Thursday evening. We’ll just have to wait and see how things work out.
Love, as always,
Pete
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