I slipped through the train doors just in time to catch my flight. The train accelerated just like it was programmed to do until…POP! The happy purr of engines went silent, and the train coasted along on the rails. We stopped three feet before our station. The people groaned and I smiled.

I was hoping for a crisis, then I’d smash out the window and jump through to street below. Or someone would panic I’d say, “Damnit, get it together!”; But technicians were there within a few minutes to cure the problem. That’s no fun.

But there was plenty of adventure left. My plane was going to take-off in ten minutes and I had to get way the hell on the other side of the airport. I flagged own one of the airport golfcart/taxis. I liked watching the ocean of people part for our safe passage.

I caught the plane, and buckled down the seat for take off. After a half hour of revving our engines, the pilot decided he was ready to go. We passed by a several perfectly good runways and kept driving until we got to the other side of Houston.

We took off, and now we are in the air. Now where was I? This morning I spoke for 1500 middle school students from the Catholic Diocese of Corpus Cristi. My talk went really well. I think it was one of the best talks I’ve ever given. It was hard not to give my all when you have 1500 impressionable kids looking up at you. I know that God blessed the morning.

The venue was super-cool: a converted warehouse on the water. The tall windows opened up onto the water. Even with the exposed ductwork and old brick walls, the place was still cozy. Even the bathroom stalls were hip.

After my talk was Mass, then hanging out with the kids, Stewart (my host) and I; went to Joe’s Crab Shack on the port. Sailboats were skirting back and forth across the bay. They were close enough to hear the flopping sails and clanging grommets.; It was the perfect background music for a seafood lunch.

But I’m on a plane now, and the only sound is the engines and people squawking through the turbulence. It’s unleashed an army of people ready to pee. The isle is full and the flight attendant is hollering at us to sit down. I think I’m going to sleep.