Introductory Post

Hi,

I am George, known on twitter as @FlyertalkerinA2 and on Flyertalk and Milepoint as gpapadop. I have a severe addiction to all things related to miles/points/traveling. I have tried to cure myself but have determined that there is no cure. It is like the crack epidemic that somehow keeps going and going. There is no 12 step program either. I have earned millions and millions of frequent flyer miles and points and have an extensive knowledge of this space. I have been on Flyertalk for over 12 years. I have done mileage runs, got fantastic hotel upgrades, got in some error fares & other deals. If it was not for my extensive family and job responsibilities, I would probably be just roaming the world constantly. I LOVE exploring a new place I have never been to before!

I am also known on twitter as the guy who rants about other bloggers. I would like to state once again that I have ABSOLUTELY nothing personal against any blogger! I know lots of them personally and I consider all of them my friends. I do like to say what is on my mind and cherish my independence though. My twitter persona is just an avenue to let out my artistic side because I always thought I had one (even though I never learned how to play an instrument and not many, understandably, get my quirky sense of humor).

So, why join the other bloggers? Well, I have been thinking about doing this for many years. Heck, it was before Rick FrugalTravelGuy started (what could have been…oh well)! I have gained a respectable number of followers on twitter who have enjoyed my contributions (and rants!). They encouraged me to take my rants to a blog. My biggest fear is that the blog activities consume a big part of my life and I add another stress factor to my already full life. This remains a huge concern and will be monitored very closely. The following will always come first: Wife & kids, my own career, health (I work out daily!) and my Monday night over 40 old indoor soccer league game (been playing for years, my team’s name is Gasping for Air and the name fits us perfectly).  We just see where this journey goes…Hey, I am a sucker for journeys!

Over the past week on twitter I have done a somewhat unofficial travel blog review series of tweets. Since I spend some time on this hobby every day I started tweeting about whatever comes to my mind as I go through several travel blogs. Again, I do not mince words. I will make some travel bloggers upset. I will bless others with my fantastic seal of approval. I will try to make things fun. I believe laughter is the best medicine in life! I love Saturday Night Live so maybe this blog becomes the SNL version of this space. Sometimes I dream I could be as funny as PointsEnvy. Actually, I have no freaking clue what I am doing:-)

I will start posting my thoughts here. I have no time to find out how to get this blog to its own domain (which I registered by the way at godaddy) or to learn new software. We see how it goes and go from there. I definitely do NOT want this to be a burden in my life, I want to keep it fun!

I do have a family blog on Blogger so I start here. I update that blog once a month and would like to thank my faithful 9 family readers!

Feel free to talk to me at the Frequent Flyer University in Los Angeles about my adventure.

Now please excuse me while I go and update my Award Wallet balances.

George
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