A perfect example of why I love traveling: You never know who will sit down beside you.

I had an enjoyable travel day – nothing to get the blood pumping or the heart panicking – in fact it was just the opposite.

Before I forget: U.S. Airways impressed me today.  I’m over six-foot tall and I had plenty of leg room, even on the small puddle jumper from Santa Barbara to Phoenix. I’m not saying anything, I’m just saying… It was nice.

Today, I met a man who represents athletes and celebrities and helps make sure they don’t blow all their money in the first three years, and a woman who has quite a few stories to tell as a current flight attendant.

Whether you’re 30,000 feet above the ground or out at the local dive bar, that’s not a bad crew to have a drink with and share stories.

Now I am back at my family’s house – the house I grew up in – sitting at the kitchen table where I’ve eaten thousands of meals.

Oh, and FYI, it’s in the mid-90s and sticky as hell – a far way from Santa Barbara.

That’s all right – I’m looking forward to the change.

The man on the plane said the East Coast builds character (shoveling driveways, dealing with inclement weather, etc.), so perhaps there is a silver lining after all.

I’m going to Philadelphia tomorrow to check out Old City, and who knows what else.

For now, a home-cooked meal.