“Domino Beach”

1:32pm, pacific standard time, Oakland International Airport, Oakland, California, USA, Thursday afternoon, October 20, 2022. I got another five minute short story from the vending machine at the airport. This one is called “Domino Beach” by Marie Ivantechenko. I like the fact the first time I got a story from the vending machine it was from a highly regarded author, O. Henry. This time I got one from a student. The story was runner up in Short Edition’s Long Story Short Award, 2020. I grabbed a cup of coffee and a danish before sitting down. It was a very pleasurable experience and a good read. This is my second to last time traveling through Oakland. After next week I will be in Palm Desert, California. I don’t know if I will miss air travel and crowded airports, but I will miss the routine I created.

Some answers will never be known

11:37am, pacific standard time, Santa Ana/Orange County/John Wayne Airport, Santa Ana, California, USA, Monday morning, October 17, 2022. Waiting for my flight to Oakland. It was a good weekend in Orange County. Since learning of my new assignment in Palm Desert I have felt at peace. The future, present and past are in balance, which feels nice. Today is the 16 year anniversary of my dad’s death. Lots of memories of him and where I was sixteen years ago. I was working as a hospice chaplain in Ogden, Utah. When we heard the news we gathered in Wyoming the rest of the week and had the memorial service on the 20th. I miss him and wonder who I would be if he hadn’t died at the age of 65. I guess some answers will never be known.

O. Henry and the Oakland Airport

11:58am, pacific standard time, Oakland International Airport, Oakland, California, USA, Friday morning, October 14, 2022. They installed a short story kiosk at the Oakland Airport. You put your hand over a sensor indicating the story length you desire then, instantly, a strip of paper is dispensed, free of charge. The story lengths are 1 minute, 3 minutes or 5 minutes. I chose 5 minutes and got O. Henry’s, The Cactus. It is a good read and, I must say, a fun and novel way to encounter excellent writing.

Short story dispensed at Oakland, California airport

Dublin, California, October 3

5:07pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Dublin, California, USA, Monday evening, October, 3, 2022. Woke up feeling well enough to go for a walk and do a light workout this morning. In fact, I got up so early I still had time to read the news and pack before morning meetings. I left the apartment at 9:30am and drove to the airport. After catching an afternoon flight to Oakland I got to the hotel at 3:30pm. I just finished responding to emails and phone calls. Dinner is on its way, then time for an early turn in.

I am feeling better

4:55pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Sunday afternoon, October 2, 2022. It was one more day of rest and football today. Thankfully, I am feeling better and have a direct flight to Oakland. I will sleep in tomorrow, do my morning meetings, then travel to California for a busy week.

Back in Dublin, California

5:54pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Dublin, California, USA, Monday evening, September 19, 2022. Had a good day yesterday. Took it easy, ran a couple of errands, finished the book I was reading and watched football. This morning I flew to Oakland then drove to Dublin. The flight was delayed and baggage took forever. I did not get into town until after three. I am at the hotel, checking email and getting ready for work tomorrow.

Back in Arizona

7:26pm, pacific standard time, apartment in Chandler, Arizona, USA, Friday night, September 9, 2022. Left the hotel in Dublin, California eleven hours ago. Drove to Oakland, flew to Orange County then drove to Arizona. Traffic was bad through Riverside and it rained outside of Phoenix but I survived. It is good to be back in Arizona.

September 1

4:29pm, pacific standard time, Oakland, California, USA, airport, Thursday afternoon, September 1, 2022. More meetings and staff reviews today. The office was non-stop from 8am to 3pm. I left for the airport at 3:30, dropped off the rental car and looked for something to eat. There are not many dining options at the airport. I ended up having a protein bar and some water. I will grab dinner when I get to Orange County.

Dublin, California

5:13pm, pacific standard time, hotel in Dublin, California, USA, Monday evening, August 29, 2022. Took my daughter to school this morning then caught a plane to Oakland, California. After driving to Dublin I checked in to the hotel, mapped a route to the office and got groceries for dinner. Tonight I will do some ironing then go to bed early.