Visitors Welcome

Okay, time for another update even though not much has changed in the last couple weeks. Work has been a bit hectic lately since we have been having trouble with the checkpoint x-ray machine. Key West is a small airport with just one x-ray so when it is inoperable it means a lot more physical labor for us. It's not fun searching all carry-on items by hand as the line backs up and the airlines are all trying to close their flights. Most passengers aren't too thrilled either when we start opening all their bags. I've been working a little overtime as well. I spent 4 extra hours in baggage yesterday in addition to my regular scheduled 8 hour shift. The bags were coming in non-stop and they all seemed to weigh a ton. I plead temporary insanity for volunteering for that, but I did survive and I only have to work tomorrow before taking my days off.

Last Tuesday on January 16th, my brother Jeff had surgery on his back. After the surgery began, his doctor discovered that Jeff's condition was even worse than he originally thought based on what he could see on the MRI. I don't remember all the terminology off the top of my head, but I know Jeff had 2 bulging discs in his lower back between the L4/L5 and L5/S1. The bulging discs were causing quite a bit pain and numbness. The surgery went well and although he is moving slowly, it sounds like Jeff is on the road to recovery. My dad was able to visit him in South Dakota the day of his surgery and he stayed until Saturday before heading back to Minnesota for the Sunday church service. I'm sure Jeff appreciated the company and help getting around for those first few days. I wish I coud have been there, but I'm glad that at least someone could be. How's it going Jeff? I hope you aren't pushing yourself too hard. I've seen a lot of co-workers come back after a back injury and then hurt themselves again by lifting before they were healed. So be careful.

Tom, Jess, Joey, and the rest of the Madsen family were recently in Daytona Beach for a week of vacation (Bob and Lynn are actually staying for three weeks). I was hoping to see them since we were all in Florida, but it turns out that those inches on the map are equal to about 7 to 8 hours of driving one way. That was too much for Tom and Jess to tackle with Joey and too much for me as well since I couldn't get more than my regular days off. I looked into flying but $450 seemed like a lot of money for only a day and half visit. I also thought about visiting Phill while he is in Panama City for an internship, but those tickets were about $700. I guess I'll just have to wait until I get sent back home to see them.

Speaking of visitors, I just got word of my 1st confirmed visitors. Rita and Renee will be here from Feb. 11th to the 15th. I'm excited to have them come. We should be able to find plenty to do, especially since they got a package deal with a rental car and airfare. Apparently, a state park with little deer is #1 on the list of things to do. I'm just surprised that I haven't heard about this place in the month that I've been here. The island is only about 4.5 x 2.5 miles. Renee will probably want to see if the Real World house is still around and I'm sure we will have to spend some time on the beach as well. Rita and Renee, are you interested in water activities like parasailing, snorkeling, scuba, etc. I'll wait for you if you are. Otherwise, some of my co-workers sound interested.

Just a little encouragement to other potential visitors...It is nice and warm down here. Most days have been between 70 and 85 degrees. Sounds pretty nice compared to the single digits that all you Minnesotans have been experiencing, doesn't it? Also, this hotel is pretty nice and it won't cost you a dime. Finally, how could you pass on an opportunity to be on the southernmost point?

This is getting pretty long, but I wanted to share a funny story. As you all know, I bought a bike and I've been riding it to work as well as other places on my days off. At first, I didn't have any lights and you can imagine my limited visibility riding at 4:30 am on my way to work. Don't worry, there is a bike path the whole way so I'm not in danger of getting hit by a car or anything and I didn't think a light was necessary. I changed my mind after peddling along at a pretty high speed when I spotted something on the bike path. It just looked like a shadow, but I moved to the other side thinking it might be a branch or something else that could send me flying over the handle bars. To my surprise, as a passed the lump on the ground, I noticed that it was a homeless man that had laid down for a nap. That got my heart pumping. All I could get out as I whizzed by was a quick "Whoa!" Sounds funny now, but imagine if a ran over the guy. I'm guessing we would both be in pretty bad shape.

Here's a couple more pictures and just as I reminder, I'm posting all my pictures at www.snapfish.com. You will need to sign in to see the pictures and you might need an "invitation" to see my albums. Let me know if you didn't already get one and would like to see more.