Flashes of Panic

Can I ask if you are available for another assignment. I know it is on the other side of the US but will you by any chance go to the Portland IAAF GPII on 5 June?

The realistic, I want to de-stress and have a normal life for a few weeks answer should be, “No, I’m not flying to Oregon.” That’s probably what I’ll answer.

Still, that’s a heavy-duty siren song for me. Why?

It’s like Mission Impossible, I guess. Leave workaday job, get on jet, cross continent for a special mission. Watch impressive athletic performances. Talk to genetic freaks with astounding physical gifts about their upcoming, highly exclusive convention in Greece. Byline in internationally-read publication, albeit on the web and not in print. And visit the other Portland, which is a city I rather like, as cities go (and believe me, I don’t like cities.)

Not enough answer. Maybe I’m just worried that if I say, “No,” too often, they’ll stop asking, and I’m not sure if I want that. I’m such a sucker.

Still, I think the cost/benefit ratio on this one is far too large.