Warm summer day. Ice coffee. People watching. City life. Perfectly lazy Saturday afternoon.

- another post from my phone.

I'm on a business trip and I left my phone on my desk at home in Philly! It wasn't really my fault: the phone was charging, and I had to leave at the crack of dawn to go to the airport. In other words, I was essentially sleepwalking, and can therefore not be held responsible.

Anyway, what's interesting is how utterly naked and handicapped I feel. I have become so dependent on that device. Being without a phone is bad enough. And even if you, against all odds, actually find a working pay phone .. I can't remember anyone's phone number anyway. That iPhone is my direct link to all my contacts, my schedule, Twitter, Skype, everything!

Sure, I have my laptop with me, but it's just not the same thing. You have to find a wi-fi spot, boot up and log on .. that's just way too many things .. and try that while driving.

- not a note from my phone

What a week! I spent my last week at the "old" job at the main office in Austin, TX, working past midnight pretty much every day trying to put some finishing touches on a project.

When suddenly Friday came around it was time to hand in the company phone, laptop, access card, security token, and credit card. Sign some paperwork, say a few quick goodbyes, and then race off to the airport to catch the flight home to Philly. On Monday I'd start a new project at a new job.

Of course, that's when the weather gods conspired to keep me in Austin for one more day. My flight was canceled due to heavy storms and I was now stranded at an airport hotel with essentially nothing to do. It really didn't feel like the "weekend" — it felt like "work" without being able to get anything done.

There will be very little travel in the new job, and most of it will be day-trips between the East Coast cities — a welcome change! I really won't miss the road warrior life at all.

- another post from my phone.

Every major city has them: huge, often underground, surreal spaces seemingly created by accident and circumstance rather than thoughtful city planning. I came accross this space on a Saturday afternoon in Philadelphia as I was trying to get to the subway from one of the 15th Street entrances.

It was absolutely surreal — the low ceiling, the dense forest of countless white pillars, the uncomfortable glow of fluorescent light. No sign of life anywhere. Not a single person, no graffiti, no advertising, nothing. Empty. Strange. Accidental left-over space.

- another post from my phone

Sitting at the airport waiting for yet another flight. This trip is different, though. I'm transitioning into a new phase of my life, and it's the last week at my "old" job.

I guess this "life upgrade" is really more of a "point-release" — the new "Martin 2.1" will travel less, and will work on some very exciting technology projects in an interesting and new (to me) field. This is another step towards an almost complete reinvention of myself.

- another note from my phone

At the airport again. Have been traveling quite a bit lately. Early mornings. Late nights. So much time away from home. So much unproductive time spent in transit. So much time on weekends spent trying to catch up. So much time wasted.

Is it really worth it? What's the upside? No! It is time to realign my priorities. I know what matters .. what really matters! So now it's time to do something about it. And yes, I have a plan ;)

- another note from my phone

Sitting at the airport in Greensboro waiting for my flight back to Philadelphia. It's been a pretty good weekend with my girls: great weather, fun and easy-going, and no disasters.

I love picking them up. My older one is now a "reserved" teenager, but the younger one is always so excited — she comes running with boundless energy and excitement, a beaming smile, and ready for hugs and kisses. It feels so good to see them again.

Dropping them off on Sunday evening feels horrible. Last hugs and kisses. A quiet ride back to the airport alone. I feel empty. I miss them already.

- another note from my phone

Working late at night again. It's too easy to just stay awake. Minutes and hours pass by quietly. Music in my headset.

Everything flows smoothly. I should go to bed. But I can't. I'm not tired. I can sit here for hours. I'm in the zone.

- another note from my phone