To Randy and the rest of the FlyerTalk community,
First I would like to let everyone know that I very much appreciate all of the positive chexfan comments that have been made either in this thread or via electronic mail. Some from friends, some from others who I don't know.
All from people who I didn't bribe!!! 
In what has seem to be a whirlwind past 24 hours, I have tried to pull all my thoughts and ideas together. When I ran the idea past my friends, I received a resounding "Go for it!". When I ran the idea past my family, I received an emphatic "Go for it!" (even my mother said this was a better idea than going to Singapore for 8 hours!). With the support of the FT Community as well as my family and friends, I feel that my participation would be successful on so many varying levels.
I began to browse the
"Packing List" and I knew that I would be able to handle what was required. I created my own packing list with the help of my roommate who thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and I was getting more and more excited.
Even though
I wasn't smart enough for Who Wants to be a Millionaire, I took the
Travel Quiz and got 11 out of 12 questions correct. It had to of been an omen!
Things were looking good!
...............
I think the
initial major qualifications that the candidate must possess are:
a) the willingness
b) personal financial backing
c) the time
The figurative hammer dropped on me this morning, when my manager denied my request (after an initial verbal approval
) for 18 days away from my job through a combination of personal days, sick days and vacation that I have accumulated.
There's no fighting it. My bribery attempts failed... miserably. I have been shot down and denied by "The Man"
So unfortunately if I am playing by my own standards above, I can only guarantee my personal financial backing and willingness, but
I cannot give the time and cannot therefore play the game.
sincerely,
Mike
(aka- chexfan, chex, chexy, fan 'o chex, Bill)
[This message has been edited by chexfan (edited 09-05-2002).]