OMAHA, Neb. - I was a bit bummed to learn my flight was delayed yesterday. Had the flight been cancelled, I might have cried.

I was headed to Omaha, Neb. to attend the At-Home Dads Convention. I’m very excited about this trip. I attended the annual convention in 2006. I had a blast then, and I expect the same thing this time around.

I received a call on my cell phone from Southwest Airlines while waiting at the security checkpoint. On the other end of the line was a recording, informing me about the delay. I felt very important answering my cell phone in the airport. Like I was some sort of business traveler ironing out the details of a big deal just before visiting a client.

I’m traveling without the family this time (The Wife and our oldest son attended the previous convention). I feel a bit guilty for dumping my two sons on The Wife for the weekend. My intent is not to avoid the family. Rather, I feel like the convention is a way to charge my batteries before heading into a long winter.

I returned from the 2006 convention in Kansas City with a notebook full of story ideas. I also felt rejuvenated in my line of work. There’s something about surrounding yourself with others that can sympathize with your struggles and rejoice in your success that’s powerful. I’m expecting a similar experience this year.

The flight was delayed a mere 30 minutes. I arrived at my hotel slightly behind schedule. Still had enough time to make it to the meet-and-greet session. We watched a short film about the stay-at-home dad’s group in the Baltimore area and then headed to a steakhouse. I can now officially say I’ve had an Omaha Steak in Omaha, Neb.

Oh yeah, and it’s snowing here.

More to come…