7 days into this Texas trip and it seems like I will be heading home on Thursday. I’m smiling. In the meantime, I am sitting here at the Marriott in Dallas until Monday afternoon before going back and forth to Amarillo for a few more days. So far I will say that it has been an interesting assignment. Out of 5 days of work, I have only been able to fly 2 days for a total of roughly 5 hours. Usually I log this much in one day. It is definitely a lot less tiring down here… in theory. For some reason, being stuck in a hotel room and watch TV all day long can get pretty boring after 12 hours. I was hoping to actually stay in Amarillo because the hotel as an indoor pool but due to a technical difficulty with one of our engines, we are parked in DFW for 2 days. Even though in this business you should always expect the unexpected, once again I let my guard down and left my suitcase with most of my clothes at the hotel in Amarillo. I am now convinced that every time I do this I end up stuck where I wasn’t supposed to. But this time, it makes for a good experience. Here is why. Couple days ago my bank blocked my debit card because of unusual activities which were nothing more than expenses over a few different states in a short amount of time. Who knew pilots fly into more than one state ? Anyway, in the mean time, I left my quarters in my suitcase in Amarillo but unfortunately the few clothes I carry with me in my pilot bag for emergency situation like this one, are in need of a good wash and since I don’t plan on walking in my underwear for three days. I just need to walk to the gas station to grab food but I have standards. I am not one of those people who go to Wal-Mart in my pajamas. I was left with only one option. To do my laundry the old fashion way as I had everything I needed here in my hotel room. Some soap, hot water and a sink. An hour later and some serious elbow grease and voila ! Everything is now drying on my shower curtain bar with some help from the blow dryer. I always miss the comfort of my own home but usually the washer-dryer are not on the top of my list. I probably won’t have to do it again as I should be home soon. Yes, I’m almost there.