It’s been 17 years since my last airplane ride, when I went to Europe. I never thought I had any fear of airplanes. It probably won’t help that I just started to read the John Varner classic, Millenium.

The truth is, one of the reasons I’ve avoided flying is the hassle and expense. I didn’t want to have to hassle with security, and I didn’t want the expense of the flight, parking my car, using the in-flight services, eating airport food . . .

Now, it looks like I’m going to be flying out to Large Northwestern U.S. City, assuming they don’t shudder and balk at my salary requirements. The fact is, it’s a lot cheaper to live and own property in Cincinnati than it is in any desirable part of the country. If that means that the Red Snapper can’t afford me (I gotta keep my lifestyle, baby–daddy needs his bling), I’ll work for Tuna (assuming they offer me a job) for nearly $30,000 less and still be able to buy my toys. Tuna should offer at least $10,000 more than I’m making now, and will get me to near to what I should be earning, were there no recession of 2000-2003.

Have you seen the condo prices in Large Northwestern U.S. City lately? They’re not as bad as D.C., LA, San Diego, or the Bay Area, but they still hurt. Is there any question of why I would need to earn a bunch more money just to make my house payment?