Is the plural of Cactus..Cacti or Cactus or Cactuses?

My friends, (In the overused words of John McCain--this is in absolutely NO way an endorsement of Mr. McCain, but instead quite the contrary. I am merely starting my blog with a politics appropriate introduction as we find ourselves in the trenches of a heated election). Where were we? My friends, if ever before you doubted the greatness that was travel, then undoubtubly you picked up the New York Times a few days ago and immediately bought a purchased a ticket somewhere. And just incase you DIDN'T read the article that truely resonated with me.. then here it is:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/29/business/29flier.html?scp=1&sq=matchmaker&st=nyt

And no. Don't expect a synopsis from me. Who do you expect I am? My 20th century intellectual history of modern imperialism teacher? Certainly not. I have luggage to pack and email to check, so read the article as the intellectual you are and trust me, it will truely enlighten you to what I have always insisted were the "secondary benefits of travel." And I mean to say beyond the cost of expensive eye creams and tumi lugguge to support your travel lifestyle and dark circles under your eyes from catching early flight..

..Now my readers, speaking of early flights.. I will be jet-setting (on a 6am flight--brutal) away from unseasonably cold weather and into Sky Harbor (for my non-seasoned travelers or perhaps east coast adoring public.. thats the air hub in Phoenix, Arizona).. to relish in superbowl-mayhem. Alas, not to attend the Super Bowl, but what else but take advantage of.. the parties! Lavish.

Being around hustle and bustle is exciting, and my travel tip of the day/week/month to you is this... (prepare yourself for overwhelming dose of optomism):

We travel with not only a destination but a purpose. Whats yours?

To see the world?
Family members?
Attend a meeting?
Spend a day on the beach? With your toes in the sand? (stereotipical, I apologize but bear with me)
To feel your stomach turn with excitement at takeoff?
Maybe its to unwrap that new package of gum before your ears pop.. (mMm york mints (although not gum) are a delectable treat and only 10 calories)
Spark a conversation with the stranger in 4A next to you and find love? (If you didnt read the NYTimes article, you would understand) Or perhaps wonder if he or she in 4A has not yet discovered the potential of the modern marvel deodorant.

OR Perhaps it's just to...

Party?

Whatever it is. Travel with purpose. Be prepared. Traveling is an EVENT, not an afterthought. You may book your ticket last minute or it may hang on your fridge from a rhinestone clip on your fridge (oh, me!).. BUT ALWAYS HAVE YOUR BAG PACKED. Or as Delta use to say.. "have your wings ready." Dont lose sight of the excitement, never forget why it feels good to fly.

Here is an infamous quote:

"If man were meant to fly, he would have been born with wings."

My response to this is.. if man were not meant to fly, we would not have Delta, Frontier, the (annoying) travelocity knome.. or stand-by on AirTran :)

I apologize for the preachy-ness of the blog.. but I can assure you after my next lost piece of luggage or rough landing I will return to my usually cynical self! (Assuredly this will be as early as this Monday)

PS. (I have been know to fall in love with the man ahead of me in ariport security with--monogramed tumi luggage--or perhaps that was just lust three week ago that lasted for the15 minutes it took me to get through security).

Goodnight readers.. wish me luck for an even spray tan and fun in the Valley of the Sun! Look forward to juicy travel details and my obsessing over Zinc Bistro in Scottsdale, Arizona.. a rich brasserie with fantastic french onion soup and scrumptious steak frites, my favorite dinner spot (outside of Paris of course!).