On the plane, I'll usually strike up a one or two minute conversation with a neighbor, but if they don't seem interested, I fire up the laptop and get some work done. I've met some really interesting people. My favorite was a pilot TRAINER for CO. Fascinating guy. I also enjoyed a flight next to a guy who conducts geological surveys for petroleum companies.

As far as once I get to my destination, I am usually training from 1 to 4 people. I enjoy this interaction. Most of our customers tend to be family-owned. I'll be training mom or sis while dad and brother are dispatching or hauling. Honest, hard-working folk.

After leaving the customer's site though, the radar goes up and I speak with very few people and watch what I say very carefully. Once I get into the hotel room, I lock the door, lock the security latch, and stay in. Most customer sites are not exactly in the greatest area of town.

If I know of a batting cage nearby, I'll bring $20 and have at it. There is still something magical about hitting the ball squarely on the sweet spot...

Funny (and humbling) story. I was at a batting cage, and the male bravado got the best of me - I headed into the 85+ MPH stalls. 20 swings, I fouled off two and hit a weak (very) grounder on the last pitch.

As I'm walking back down to the lower velocity cages, this 13-14 year-old steps into my cage and is hitting the ball like it is on a tee. Ouch!

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"I will not be pushed, filed, stamped, indexed, briefed, debriefed or numbered. My life is my own."


[This message has been edited by Jon Toner (edited 11-11-1999).]