The holidays seem to be approaching pretty fast these days and it’s time to figure out what to do.  The last two years of holidays, Leslie and I have not been able to make it back to Seattle to spend it with my family.  So as the planning process is taking place, I think this year we are actually going to make it.

I hope we can fly non-stop, even if it costs more.  The non-stop version cuts a few hours of the total travel time.  Not to mention that when we fly back to Texas we lose 2 hours just in the time change alone.

Speaking of trips.  One of these days I would love to go see the East Coast.  Never been.  Maybe check out the Outer Banks close to the ocean and just hang out and relax..  Although the opposite way (west), Hawaii sounds awesome just like our honeymoon..!!!

I know it’s early but any of you out there making holiday travel plans? or just staying around home?

The other day I was talking to my cousin who lives in Vegas (She moved there for a teacher job) and we talked about how fun it would be to fly out there and visit her.  If we are lucky we only get to see each other maybe 1 time per year.  However the drawback is the cost of the flights.  We thought about just staying with her in her apartment but Leslie never really has experienced Vegas like I have.  So if we go I think we will check out the new las vegas hotels.

The last time I was there was years ago, probably at least 8 I would say, except to connect at the airport (where I won $100, lol).  There have been quite a few new hotels that have popped up since then and I would love to go check them out.  And it is such a huge place we better take some walking shoes too.  I think I will start planning a little trip maybe this winter or spring.

My wife and the entire group got back into town last Friday (couple days ago) after being in Xalapa, Mexico for 1 week.  There are plenty of stories I have heard about how wonderful this trip was and hopefully made an impact for the church they went down to help.  The group (about 40 including Next, and 2 other churches) talked with roughly 250 people in Xalapa and Coatepec, with 188 of those accepting Christ into their lives.  That is just Awesome!!!

I wanted to share a few pictures that my wife took of the area last week:

Xalapa Mexico

Xalapa Mexico

Governor's Palace, Xalapa Mexico

Before I get started, I think this is somewhat funny.  I have Google alerts set up for my name [tazdog] so I get this email that has [tazdog] tagged and I was like, weird, I haven’t posted anything.  So that Google alert led me to BioTeck’s site were he tagged me for this Four Things Meme..   SOOO this meme is about four things in various categories that you need to share and then tag a few others…

So here we go:

Four jobs I’ve had

1. IT Systems Administrator
2. Car Wash Attendant
3. Travel Agent
4. IT Desktop Support

Four movies I can watch over and over

1. The Transformers
2. Office Space
3. Breakfast Club
4. Black Hawk Down

Four places I’ve lived

1. Renton, Washington
2. Tacoma, Washington
3. Grand Prairie, Texas
4. Arlington, Texas

Four TV shows I love

1. So you think you can Dance
2. E.R.
3. Crime 360 and the First 48 (I know it probably counts for 2)
4. 24

Four places I’ve vacationed

1. Disneyland - California
2. Hawaii
3. Leavenworth, Washington
4. Oregon

Four of my favorite dishes

1. Steak
2. Pizza (except I can’t eat it anymore)
3. Spaghetti
4. Smoked Brisket (Beef)

Four sites I visit daily

1. Google
2. EntreCard
3. Various Tech Sites
4. Friend’s Blogs and RSS Feeds

Four places I would rather be right now

1. Mexico (on the mission trip with my wife and church)
2. Hawaii
3. New York
4. Sleeping (in my bed)

I’m going to go ahead and tag a few blogger peeps:

1. Everydayrandomness
2. Mysinglemomlife
3. Peak9
4. BrainFoggles
5. Mamaflosatx

Insurance that is.  This week my wife is on a mission trip to Southern Mexico, so of course she is traveling out of the country.  One thing that was good to hear before her trip is that she would be covered.  And what I mean by that is she would have travel health insurance.  That way if there were any issues or problems she would have insurance with a very small deductible (better than my regular insurance) and get the help needed just in case.

For instance they were flying through Mexico City Airport and had a 4 hour layover and our church worship leader (to make a long story short) was getting a drink from a restaurant turned around, passed out and fell on his face.  They had to have medical personal come over and assist.  Good thing, he is OK and moving on with the mission trip.

After this experience (well my wife’s) I would think twice before leaving on any trip with out this insurance.

Almost every summer Leslie and I head back up to Seattle (My home town) to visit family and friends. And almost every time we travel, regardless where something within the family happens. So this summer we are starting to make our plans for some traveling.

Now this summer and probably every summer from now on prices will being going up and up and up. So right now the decision is being made based on costs versus happy travel time. Based on the prices creeping upward and family health and emergencies, we might look into travel insurance for our trip this year.

That way if something does happen or something comes up, it’s not a total loss if you know what I mean…