Friday Five: Business Trip

It's the perfect Friday Five for me, because I've been on a business trip since last Sunday afternoon, heading home tomorrow - a week of continuing education at Alma Mater Seminary. As my laptop is hopelessly out of date and depressingly slow, I haven't been on the computer much (just as well, given the news websites I would otherwise be visiting).

Back to the Five. Mother Laura writes,

So for today's Friday Five, you're invited to share your experiences with the exciting, challenging world of business travel....

1. Does your job ever call for travel? Is this a joy or a burden?

I really hate flying, but I've gotten better about it over the years (now I only scream in my head when we take off, as opposed to out loud). And once we're in the air, I actually enjoy some of the freedom. If it's for a conference or church-based reason, I wouldn't call the travel itself a joy, but the destination usually is. And I count myself very blessed to have served in two congregations which unquestioningly support regular continuing education. I would have withered on the vine long ago without it.

2. How about that of your spouse or partner?

Not much business travel for him. Them teachers tend to stay put.

3. What was the best business trip you ever took?

A few great conferences over the years come to mind. "Best" is hard to choose, but for the sake of brevity, I'll go with a trip to Canada, several years ago. Spectacular scenery, good program, wonderful friends. What more can you ask?

4. ...and the worst, of course?

Nothing horrible. But, being a West-Coaster, I do hate traveling to the East Coast and having to get up day one for an early meeting. I'm not a morning person anyway, and that three-hour time difference is a killer.

5. What would make your next business trip perfect?

Anyplace I can go with the seminary friends is perfect for me.