Life On The Road: My Likes and Dislikes, Sometimes Go Hand In Hand

The season is in full swing. We are more than a month into the season which means there are five months left. I always tell people that one of the things I like the most about my job is all the exciting places I get to travel to. However, I immediately follow that up with saying, it is also one of my least favorite parts as well. I feel that I am very fortunate to be able to travel to and have the ability to explore all 30 major cities that host Major League Baseball teams. Actually, it is 28 since both New York and Chicago host two teams. If I want to, I am able to take advantage of the many nice hotels,restaurants, golf courses, historical sites and many other things these cities  have to offer. Heck, I even get to live out many people's dream of actually being on a Major League Baseball field. I have to admit that does sound pretty great! It is, however, many people don't realize that along with those perks comes a down side. It is funny because some of those same things that I enjoy, also become the things I dislike. For example, staying in a hotel, unpacking and packing every three days (which I have become pretty good at) gets tiresome. Eating out at restaurants everyday, breakfast, lunch and dinner, day in and day out gets old. I guess I would have to say when I do come home, I sure look forward to a home cooked meal. And I must  declare that my wife, Marie, is an excellent cook!! Now I know many people might be saying, "I can get used to that. My wife's cooking isn't that great anyway." Well, I'm sure anyone can get used to that. I sure don't want to sound like I am complaining, even though I am a little. Another thing about my travel that I dislike is going to the airport every three days. Dealing with the uncertainty of airport security lines, flight delays and weather problems takes away the enjoyment of flying. Just the other day I had a day game in Baltimore. The game went fine, the traffic to the airport was minimal. I got checked in without a hassle and then the problems arose. What was supposed to be a nice two hour flight from Baltimore to Miami turned into a four hour delay in Baltimore. Instead of getting  to Miami at 10:00 pm I arrived there at 2:00 am. Then it was to the rental car terminal to pick up a car and then to the hotel. Before you know it is 3:30 in the morning and your just getting to your room. Believe it or not, this scenario happens a lot. Now those things are just a part of the trials and tribulations of the job. I get used to them and deal with them  as best as possible. However, there is one part about this job that never gets any better and I will never get used to. Can you guess what that might be? I will help you out. It is the time that I lose with my family. That is the worst part about my job. I have to give my wife a lot of credit. She is definitely the stable one. The one that is there every day taking care of the kids, the house, the day-to-day things, and if there is any time left, maybe herself. I unfortunately miss a lot of things that I wish I didn't. I know it is part of the job, but I still don't have to like it.  I sure am glad for technological advances. Being able to use the computer to skype and have cell phones that can take pictures and record video keeps me up to date as much as possible. So there you have it. I guess traveling for my job has a lot of advantages and disadvantages. It is something that is just part of the job and I will be doing it for many years to come.