Driving back from the late night at the office. Let me start over. Driving to the hotel late at night after finding dinner at one of the lit buildings that dot strip malls in cities around the nation I heard a familiar voice. John Mayer. I use to like him. I use to love him. Then call me a music snob, but once he became popular I was off to find another musician who I believed loved music more than the lifestyle it has the potential to provide. Yet here I am in a rental car listening to XM live (Yes satellite radio very well maybe worth the extra in my next car). Listening to John provide an intro to each and every song.

3x5.

The name of a song. The familiar size of photos. He talks about the significance of this song and how he came about writing it. Listening to him I completely understood where he was coming from. Traveling to a project allows me to see part of this country that under normal circumstances I might not make it to. Then again it's never the destination and always the journey. Monday mornings consist of a quick shave, a bite to eat, and off to the airport in the early hours of the morning. Yes 4:30 is early. I am seeing the city at that exact moment with my own thoughts. A light left on in the office building could mean many things to many people. I don't see it as a waste of energy, but I picture the guy in there. An older man who probably doesn't like his job, but has deadlines to meet. This job allows him to provide for his family. His passion. Thoughts like those and others cross my mind.

Gate C3. The early flight to Chicago and I magically become middle aged. It's a land of older men (usually white) where their belongings for the week fit into a carry on bag and the ever so popular black with Velcro and zipper lap top carrier. I fit their mold. My wallet would no doubt look much like theirs. A duo fold black leather contraption filled not with Subway sandwich cards. Our cards read American Airlines, Avis Car Rental, and the requisite business card: American Express Gold Corporate. I look at these men and again start to draw pictures in my head. There are the ones that never married and live a life of solitude. There are the ones in their suit and tie that took VP track and have the matching bad sense of humor and capability to step on toes. There are those like Mr. Office. A family man trying to provide a comfortable lifestyle. Who before boarding the plane is counting down the days till he lands back here. Then there is me. A soon to be 25 year old stuck in a 12 year old’s mind. This isn’t a business trip. This is playing the game called business.

While Mayer takes the more romantic approach and talks about sunsets and mountains. We have the same viewpoints. If I was to take a Polaroid of C3, to many it would look like any other gate. There are experiences large and small that could be captured, but there meaning would only be lost.

"No more 3x5's
I Guess you had to be there
I Guess you had to be with me
Today I finally overcame
Tryin' to fit the world inside a picture frame
Maybe I will tell you all about it when I'm in the mood to lose my way"