Jason's Job Blog

Hey everyone… here is a cute pic of me getting attacked by my little vampire. Also another of some friends doing an Australian Halloween (where they don’t even celebrate it)

TASMANIA, AUSTRALIA

TAZ

Taz Final Mac

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I had some free time during my trip to Iowa today, so I decided to go to the Field of Dreams. Check out my home-run! It is one of my favorite movies.

J

Field of dreams

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I have been lucky enough to fly international a bunch of times.  It has shown me that our domestic airlines suck. I know it’s harsh, and I am actually not talking about all of them. But seriously guys, you need to take some notes from our friends overseas. I can probably list 100 reasons why international flights are better than domestic, but let me just talk about some of my most recent flights. Am I crazy to say that I would rather fly from Seattle to New Zealand than from Seattle to LA?

I live in Seattle and actually enjoy flying Alaska Airlines. The people that work for there are nice, and they get me where I need to go with no snafus. But, they have a lot to learn from my friends at Virgin Australia, Qantas, or Air New Zealand.

Can you imagine going through security where agents smile and are nice to you? Or a flight attendant that actually says “please”? Yes, it does exist; just not here in the old U. S. of A.

Checking in for flights
I was with 3 friends in Sydney, looking dead ahead at a 2 hour check-in. Only issue was that our flight left in less than 2 hours. I politely went to a Qantas agent and explained the situation. Within 10 minutes they had me through the line. I could hardly believe it. Boo-yah! I wish is was that simple back home!

Security Line
OK who really likes waiting in long lines, taking off your shoes & belt, and TSA agents being rude and inconsiderate? Oh… sorry that was a flash back to my trip to Michigan last week. Let me give you the other side of the coin. How about an agent smiling and asking you how you are doing, and then even saying, “have a nice day”, and getting through security, all in less than 15 minutes? It may sound like a dream but yes my friends, it does exist. We all know safety is numero uno. But for goodness sakes people, can we just be nice like my friends in New Zealand!

Flight Experience
I hate flying domestically! There I said it, and honestly I do not feel any better. The worst part of the experience is the flight. I am not talking about the size of the seats, or even being squished in a middle seat. I am talking about how I am treated. I said before, Alaska Airlines does a good job. But United! Are you kidding me? You need to send your flight attendants to manners school. If you could do one thing it’s teach them to say, “PLEASE”. I had my seat yanked, my fellow passengers ignored, and my feelings hurt. If you want to know what its like to be treated well, try flying Air New Zealand. They have really figured it out. I mean its not rocket science is it? The crew on an Air New is actually nice to you. Sounds crazy doesn’t it.

I know the economy is tough but come on people, if you do not like your job then find something else to do (but I guess that’s an entirely different story). I will get off my soap box for now, but let me just say that when you take your next trip overseas you will finally find out what flying is all about.

Talk to you soon
Jason

This is a picture of one of those must do things in Australia, but the question is, “DO I LOOK LIKE A DORK?” I am asking because my son Tyler says I do.

Bungy

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Call me crazy, but I did it again. It’s my third trip to Queenstown, back where Molly and I took our big leap of faith together (off the bridge that is).  During filming of the Bachelor, I was lucky to tandem jump off this same bridge with my future wife. But being back on my own I knew I had to jump again.

What makes a person jump off a bridge 4 times? Have you done it? Would you do it? Bungy jumping has always been on my “Awesome List “ or “Conquer List” (lets just not call it a bucket list. So when I am in Queenstown New Zealand I go see my friends at AJ Hacket Bungy.

Did you know that New Zealand is known as the birthplace of Bungy. Not only that, this very same Kawarau Bridge is known as the commercial starting point. I was told that over 300,000 people visit this bridge every year and only 30,000 do the jump. According to my calculations that is only 10%. I am no math wiz, but come on people, that is such a small number. I am not saying Bungy jumping is for everyone, but I think when you make it to Queenstown, New Zealand it is something you have to do. Notice I said when you get to Queenstown. I say this because of all of the places I have been, Queenstown is the most beautiful. Pictures do not do it justice.  You should see peoples faces glued to the windows of the airplane as you arrive on one of the most scenic flights in the world.

I challenge you all to do something a bit out of your comfort zone (even if its not jumping from a bridge). So, here’s to Queenstown, New Zealand and doing something a bit crazy.

P.S. – The first part of the video I just held a water proof camcorder and tried to point it at my face, the second one was my friend Ben standing across the way.

J

I personally hate the term bucket list; and why does it have to sound so morbid. It should be “My awesome list” or “To conquer list.” When I envision a bucket list it makes me think of some old dude trying to squeeze in a couple of more adrenalizing experiences before his time is up. But, realistically when is your time up? How do could you know? Yes, money is an issue for most of us, including me! But should money be the only factor? I say “NO”!

Earlier today I sent out a tweet asking for people to let me know what was on their bucket list and I received some interesting responses. Some were extremely thoughtful and straight from the heart, others were a bit more self fulfilling, but who I am to judge. Some of the more thoughtful responses included: saving someone’s life, helping people less fortunate, and seeing my son get married. Other responses were: Swimming with dolphins, bungee jumping, eating my weight in my favorite potato chips, skydive, learn to ride a motorcycle, drive and ice-cream truck, throw out the fist pitch at a MLB game, eat at every pizzeria in Italy, visit Africa, visit Australia, and visit New Zealand.

All I can say is that they all sound incredible. It’s easy for me to say, “Get off your butt and do them”. I mean forget responsibility right? Wrong I say, wrong! As we all know life is not black and white, I mean sure it would be easier if it was, but it would be so much less fun. For the most of us that life in some other color, I say live it today. Isn’t it true? Don’t we need to live life to its fullest? I know it’s easy to fall into a daily routine. Wake-up, go to work, go to the gym, make dinner, watch trashy reality TV (sorry honey), and go to bed. We all have things in our life that keep us in check, keep our feet on the ground, or just make sure we are responsible. But, let’s not forget we have one shot at life and live it your way.

So forget your bucket list and Carpe Diem!

J