Friday Five: Business Trip Edition

I spent a good bit of time today registering and making travel arrangements for the American Academy of Religion meeting in Chicago at the beginning of November. (Anyone up for a meetup? Shout out, okay?) I'm not presenting this year, so I'm busy sending out resumes and cover letters, but at least I'm not stressing about getting a paper written.

I'll see friends and teachers from grad school, try to resist temptation in the book hall, attend some presentations if time permits, and, God willing, have some preliminary interviews in the everlasting college-teaching-job-search process--prayers welcome, as always. And, thanks to my dear Mom who agreed to babysit and donated some frequent flyer miles, it will also be a busy-but-happy getaway with my sweetheart.

So for today's Friday Five, you're invited to share your experiences with the exciting, challenging world of business travel....

1. Does your job ever call for travel? Is this a joy or a burden?

I'm traveling now, actually! I'm in NJ for classes, but heading home today. Also, we travel for judicatory meetings. I usually do a 4 day trip for Annual Conference, and often (when I'm not in school), another 4-5 day trip for continuing ed. Other than that, there are a few day trips from time to time.

2. How about that of your spouse or partner?

Ben is also a pastor, so it's about the same, less the school travel.

3. What was the best business trip you ever took?

We went to Myrtle Beach for the UM Congress on Evangelism several years ago. It was a good event, and we spent time with many friends, so I loved it.

4. ...and the worst, of course?

Annual Conference several years ago. The dormitory rooms assigned to us were not handicap-accessible, and the building we were in was not marked, so we had a terrible time finding it. Ben was recovering from surgery and not able to handle much time in the sessions, and so I was torn between going back and forth.

5. What would make your next business trip perfect?

Lots of free time, Ben to go with me, and ease of travel within whatever city we go to. And great content, of course. Going somewhere fun with my DMin group would be ideal.