Welcome to Chez Cliff!

Eyes wide open, as the plane touched down at CDG.

"Good morning ladies and gentlemen and Welcome to Paris.  The current time is 8:05 a.m. and the temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit."

Seated in an exit row, the decision was made to not sleep.  Every time I have slept on a plane, the jet-lag was worse when landing.  My thought: keep myself awake, the following night I would sleep like a normal "frenchie".

It nearly worked.

One "companion" on my trip was the airline power adapter.  My Mac helped me fight off Mr. Sandman.  Lots of writing, lots of movies.

Even though my stomach was craving a steak, I had to force myself into the French breakfast.  Croissant and Espresso.

When all that buttery goodness hit my tongue, I had to force myself to stop from inhaling it.  Yes, I hadn’t eat during Christmas.  But now I was eating.  There is a difference.  A second croissant was ordered through crust covered lips.

mmmmmmurph!!

Video to come.

Whenever traveling, every effort is expended to avoid long lay-overs.  But the US and A is filled with airports that get shut down, due to this strange white powder which the gods thrown down on us.  This white powder contains the deadly "Delay Virus".  Once the "Delay Virus" infects a traveler they stop being human and transform into sub-human creatures smelling of dirty gym socks.  Days pass and these zombie-like creatures wander airports aimlessly, wondering if they will ever see home again.  Existing on a steady diet of $10 food vouchers, they are relegated to scratch for food either at Burger King or the Clown.

I would help them if I could.  But when there are cancellations, it is literally every man for themselves.  They are cunning, using guile and every other trick to secure a seat.

Zombie:  Sir, please sir.  May I have your seat?
Clifford:  No.
Zombie:  But sir, I have a human heart in this organ cooler which must be transplanted into my sister.  She will be dead tomorrow if I do not arrive tonight.
Clifford:  No.  Next time, use FedEx.

These creatures would not hesitate in slitting my throat and stealing my Twinkies in order to free up a seat on the next plane out of hell.

Speaking of hell, Chicago is layover-central for me.  Every trip back to Michigan requires a stop in this blues town.  Sure, Dallas or Denver or even Miami could be my layover spot instead.  Since my final destination is Michigan, however, a car or SUV or dog-sled could be rented in the event Chicago O’Hare gets shut down.

Before leaving the hotel in LA-LA Land, the news on television had nothing positive to report on Chicago.  *gasp*.  Chicago seemed not the place to be.  Checking in at LAX, hesitation didn’t occur when the e-Ticket booth asked me if I wanted the one day pass to American Airlines Admirals Club.  Price of admission:  $50.

For those that don’t know, the "Admiral’s Club" is a member only area of the airport where you can lounge about in relative comfort.  Unlike the rest of the airport. the Admiral Club offers all kinds of free goodies, including hot showers if you are so inclined.  Three if not four large screen televisions, showing news, sports or "The Fugitive" if you catch it right.

Delays forced a 5 hour lounge visit in LAX alone.  In Chicago, my flight to Michigan was delayed.  Another 4 hours.  Nine hours in total, lounging around airports.  But not just anywhere . . . in the Admiral’s Club.  Away from the stinky gym sock zombies.

So is the $50 worth it?  Considering the free coffee, fruit, juice and internet (Thanks T-mobile!) I think it’s worth it.  $5/hour for relative comfort is a good trade, in my humble opinion.

The bloody mary’s aren’t bad either.

Similar to last year, I am writing up a “year in review”.  What was done, what was attempted, what was left to do.  The difference between this year and last: red wine is not assisting me.

Slight oversight on my part.

On an overall level, this last year was mentally tough.  It started rough and finished rough.  More than one day, I found myself secretly wishing this year could have started over again.  Or disappearing into Tibet, adorning orange robes and shaving my head.  Recognizing I chose this path, easy as well as difficult times will have to be endured.

The first objective for the year was obtaining a 4-plex in Corpus Christi.  A cash-flowing property.  Three harrowing months after starting the project got scrapped.  Lending requirements changed, the property slipped away.

Shortly following the Corpus Christi adventure, a new project appeared in California.  That has been talked to death.  Let’s move along.

Of course, failure to mention the relief of a 12 year sore spot would be pure negligence on my part.  The relief I speak of is my Student Loan debt disappearing forever.  From a personal standpoint this was definitely a bright star for the year.

Also, an event occurred which is the stuff of television legend.  In writing my memoirs some day, this adventure will definitely be included.  It involves a burning aircraft and my escape from it.  With the investigation complete, I can now talk about it.

A good friend of mine invited me to a “tour” of Orange County from about 3500 feet.  In our small personal aircraft, the view was incredible.  However upon landing, the tower informed us our aircraft was on fire.  We escaped.  Obviously.  Photo Photo Photo

Photo

and the last photo

I guess if we’re looking for those unique stories which people can have, I have one.  Some kind of a “Bar Story” which should warrant me at least a free shot.  Or three.

Psychic I am not.  But for the new year, changes are coming.  And changes bring opportunities.  My objective will be to recognize when these opportunities and take advantage of them.

One objective: cashflow.  A few online projects are to be launch.  One model which has caught my eye is the “drop-shipment” model.  Following closely a few other sites, their success has been an inspiration.  I believe this is something I can achieve with a bit of practice and patience.

The weather-gods have smiled upon me: I had a White Christmas.

I’ll be back tomorrow for my year end wrap-up.

The time is here, when I take a break from writing REI.  Not only is it good to get away physically from this world but also mentally.

With that, I’ll be on vacation until Thursday, two days after Christmas.  At that time I’ll do my year end wrap up; my last official post regarding REI for the year.

As is tradition, I write about anything BUT real estate for these few weeks at the end of the year.  Last year, I thoroughly enjoyed it (here, here and here).  I anticipate this year will be even better.

I will see you next week.

From the bottom of my heart, I wish you all a Merry Christmas.