You see, I'm going to Greece in October and she's the teensiest bit jealous.

I went to Rome a couple of years ago, and London a couple of years before that. That doesn't exactly make me jet set, but I'm not quite a homebody, either. (And no, I'm not saying Claudia is.)

Those two trips were planned in advance, but not the way this cruise is. I've known about it for months. And so has Claudia.

I don't think I've been gloating about it. Not really.

I've never planned a trip for far ahead of time. Nor have I ever had anyone work so hard to unplan it. Good naturedly, of course. And always with my best interests in mind.

Last week, for example, the air was really bad in Phoenix. (Shocking, I know.) There was a pollution advisory in effect and Claudia was working on a story about people with breathing problems going to urgent-care centers.

She pointed out to me that the air is really bad in Greece and that I might want to reconsider going there. (It's not, I don't think, and I don't.)

Every time there's a story about a virus on a cruise ship or a person who's fallen overboard, Claudia is quick to point it out. (I'll take hand sanitizer and stay away from the railing.)

Then there's the time off. She said she was fighting for me, but she didn't think my boss and my boss's boss were going to go for it. (They've already approved the time.)

Every time I see Claudia, she asks me if I'm still going. My answer is always the same.

"Yup!"

She heaves big sigh and grumbles a little under her breath, a sparkle in her eyes and a mischievous grin on her face.

That's how I know she's just playing with me. We do that around here, give each other a hard time about stuff. That's one of the many things that makes 3TV a fun place to work. (And I should know. I've been here coming up on a dozen years.)

She can keep trying to change my mind about jetting off to Greece, but it's not going to happen. She knows it. And she knows I know she knows it. But she gets a kick out of dogging me, and it's kind of fun to torment her just a little. Is that mean?

Any way, the final payment is due this month. Then there's really no turning back, not that I ever intended to.

I'll have to remember to bring her a nice gift, 'cause I'm going to Greece! (Neener, neener, neener.)

Where does she get these ideas?

By Claudia Rivero

OK. I read Cat's blog and I can't understand why she feels that I am trying to talk her out of going to Greece.

I am, as a friend and colleague, simply trying to make sure she's not in harm's way.

For example, she's going to Greece in October. I read somewhere there was going to be a hurricane making landfall the day she arrives. Umm...I don't remember where I read it, but I just think she should cancel her trip just in case.

Also, if I'm not mistaken, Greece in October is cold and since Cat has always lived here in Arizona, the cold temperatures might make her sick and she'd have to stay inside the hotel.

Now you tell me ... wouldn't you do the same for your friend?

Claudia

P.S. She did say she's going to bring me back a gift. I told her the gft should be 6'2"...190 lbs., black hair and blue eyes! ;-) ahahhaha

What are friends for?

Back to Cat

I appreciate the concern, Claudia. And your request is duly noted. Such a gift might be little hard to pack, but I'll figure out something!
;)