Peggy and I like to get away for Mother’s Day. A couple of years ago we went to Mexico for a week of gluttony and debauchery. In other words, a perfect trip.

We have been trying to return for two years now. Last year we changed our plans because Peggy was uncomfortable being out of the country and out of reach from her mother. The intervening year has eased her discomfort since she travels to Dallas every other week and is very happy with the level of care her mother is receiving.

This year we have to be in Baton Rouge for a couple of days this week. We reserved a room in Lake Charles for the entire week and decided we could travel over to Baton Rouge and then come back for the rest of the vacation.

The visit to Baton Rouge went entirely as expected. I was a big hit, and Peggy was the star of the show. They had asked me to prepare a presentation on what I would like to do for the first ninety days. I’m sure they were interested in knowing, but mostly they wanted to see my presentation skills. Let’s just say they were, wittingly or unwittingly, playing to my strengths.

After the presentation, Peggy joined us and we all went to lunch. I sat Peggy next to the CEO for the lunch. Case closed.

The funniest part of the meeting was the previous night. Peggy and I went to dinner with the man I would be replacing and his wife. This guy is the friend of my former boss who initiated the original conversations. We had a great time at dinner with them as he explained some of the mundane duties we would be called upon to perform for the organization. Boring stuff like hosting clients in the club level at LSU football games or in the corporate suite at LSU baseball games. I have a pretty good poker face, so I kind of sighed and explained it was a sacrifice I would be willing to make.

Here’s the thing — nowhere on my resume’ is there any mention of Louisiana or LSU. While I attended LSU as an undergraduate, I left before I graduated to attend Law School. My actual degree is from the University of Texas at Dallas, and my entire career has been in Texas. In the interview process I have never mentioned anything about growing up in Louisiana or attending LSU, so they think they have to sell me on the state.

When we got back into the car after dinner, Peggy said, “Oh, my God! Did he just say we are going to have club seats for the LSU football games?! And a baseball suite?!” I’m just glad she held in the exclamations until we were alone, though I am not sure that Bill and Jackie couldn’t hear it from their car, too.

When we got back to Lake Charles there was already an offer waiting on us. I had told the recruiter what it would take for me to consider the move and the offer was more than that number. They want me there by the end of the month.

After discussion, Peggy and I decided to accept their offer. We spent a couple of days trying to relax before Peggy told me we need to go back to Austin. We have a lot to do in a short amount of time. I can’t believe we are going to be moving again, but I have to admit I am very excited about the prospects.

I am not so excited about telling my CEO that I am leaving, but that is part of the process.

With apologies to Whitesnake, here I go again…