Back to Cali

Have you ever said goodbye to your family knowing that it is going to be a long time before you see them again? Yesterday when Jess, Libby and Payton dropped me off at the airport it was almost surreal as I watched them drive away. They say "Absence makes the heart fond" but let me tell you I had instantaneous fondness in my heart. At times I take for granted the blessing my family is to me but when I know it is going to be a while before I see them again my awareness of the blessings grows very rapidly.

About the TSA and airport security: On the way up to the airport I argued w/ Jess and Libby about the screening process at the airport. I believe they should profile the individuals who are flying and only screen completely those individuals who fit a profile likely to commit an act of crime. How many times has a person from the mid-west blown up an airliner? I am not willing to quietly give up personal freedoms simply for a perception of increased security. We have created a brand new federal agency, the TSA, that by it's nature is inefficient, will exist long after it is needed and is doing a job that the local airport authority could perform.

To those who would give up some liberties, consider Ben Franklin's pre-Revolutionary War quote: "They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

OK so enough meddling, I flew in from STL last night arriving in California at 2 a.m. Before the flight Jess gave me one of the coolest presents I have ever received. A journal full of notes from you , my friends and family. I have a letter for each day of the ride. I have already opened one from my cycling friend Ken Norton in Springfield, MO. It was very light hearted and made me laugh w/ some inside jokes. Mary my friend at the Veterans Hospital (VA) sent a letter that I opened today and it had a Rocky quote in it! Mary can't stand Rocky quotes and only allowed me one a day when I worked w/ her at the VA. It is so good I want to share it w/ you.
"It's ain't how hard you hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep on moving forward."

I will get to experience the truth of that quote when I start on the cross country ride on Monday but for now I am going to sign off and head to the Coronado beach w/ Michael and Holly Schoenecke.

From the land of the free,
Rob