412 days….it doesn’t even seem possible. I can hardly believe it. 9,888 hours. That’s over one full year. One year since I’ve given you anything. Well, your wait is over and I know it’s loooong overdue….welcome, one and all, to the excellence in blogging known simply as Shades of Gray.
So ummmm…uhhhh…what’s up?
You’d think that after a damn year I’d have tons to write about, and I do. Too much really. I guess that’s a good thing, means I can actually post several blogs for the first time a while. I’m thinking about top 10 lists and maybe even an “Ask JGray” sort of thing so I’m definitely gonna need feedback. But enough bullshitting, you people came here for an epic vacation!
I had decided that it’s been way too long since my last real vacation after listening to my roommates Mara and Chelsea planning their trip to Florida to see Lee and Drewballs. After many minutes, I came to the conclusion that New York was the spot and that my old pal Joe Johnson would be the lucky bastard that got to bask in my presence. A quick email confirmed what I already knew, Joe was overcome with joy that I chose New York and of course he would take some vacation time as well. There is also a VERY strong chance that Joe wet himself he was so happy, but that’s just purely speculation.
I was partially dreading the trip on the morning I was to leave, partly because I’m not a fan of flying, but mostly because I wasn’t looking forward to what was sure to be the worst security experience of my life since this was the 10 year anniversary weekend of 9/11. I got to the airport and quickly realized that the good folks who run Sky Harbor International hate everyone and want us all to die. You see, apparently they don’t feel the need to provide air conditioning for a giant cement box that sits in the middle of the fucking desert! I made my way to security, hoping for the TSA agent with the most slender hands and wrists, put my bag and contents of my pockets on the conveyor belt then stepped through the metal detector. “Have a nice flight” was all that the agent said to me…that’s it. For 10 years I’ve been “randomly” pulled for extra searching in every airport I’ve been to. From Phoenix to Orange County to Denver to Las Vegas to Chicago to Mexico and back. And just when I expect it to be the absolute worst, it’s easier than ever. After that, I knew it was going to be a good trip.
I’m going to have to break this into multiple parts because I’m running out of time, be sure to check back soon for Epic Vacation Part 2: Vacation Harder!
also can’t forget my pic of the day…