Welcome again to the wonderful world of mascots! I’m sorry that there was no article two weeks ago. I had some problems with my laptop but I am now back to tell you about my adventures!

During a trip a few weeks ago, I went to Arkansas and Oklahoma City. That reminded of how interesting it would be to tell you about the traveling aspect of my work. How I travel, where, how much, etc...

First, my job is similar to that of a professional athlete since I have to travel like them every week. I either fly or use my car. In major sports, teams like the LA King or San Jose Sharks on the West Coast are usually the ones that travel the most. In my case, I fly about 20 to 25 times a year – an average of twice a month. I probably fly about 35,000 miles per year. I use my car for the balance of the trips. Over the course of a year, I drive about 30,000 miles. So, overall, I travel about 60 to 65,000 miles per year for my work in different cities!

That’s a lot of mileage but you could still tell me that lots of people travel that much. It’s true but in my case I almost always travel alone. I fly or drive alone so I have to prepare accordingly. For trips by plane, my walkman, CD, laptop or Mini-Nintendo are regularly used in airports or hotels! I have to wait very often and waste lots of hours waiting for planes.

It’s the same thing when I use the car except that in that case, I am the one driving. The average car trip lasts between 6 and 8 hours so I have to be in good shape. The rest areas along highways are always welcome for me! When traveling between two cities, I often have only 3 or 4 hours to sleep so I use those rest areas.

Through my articles, I try to help you discover all the different sides of my profession, and the traveling aspect is a major one because it’s very demanding physically. When I arrive in a city after long waits in airports or after driving 6 to 8 hours, I must perform on the same night. That explains why I try to work only 3 or 4 nights per week. I now try to work only from Thursday to Sunday nights.

I have to be well prepared and organized for my travels and I usually plan my schedule at least a month in advance.

However, all those trips allow me to meet many people, visit new places and see lots of interesting things.

Here’s an interesting anecdote: We all know that Jumping Jack is very popular in Roanoke since I’ve been working there regularly for 4 years. Three years ago, there was a family with two little boys that was always at Roanoke Express games and the kids were always playing with Jumping Jack. One day, the family left Roanoke because they had to relocate for a new job. Last week, I was in Tulsa for the first time to work during a Tulsa Oilers game in the Central Hockey League. To my surprise, the family was at the game in Tulsa and the kids had a Jumping Jack poster and Express jerseys. I was so happy and it made me realize that I play an important role in the life of some little kids. That’s why I love my job and feel lucky to be doing that.

I could talk about my job forever but what is the most important for me, what I will always remember, is the smile and happiness I create around me. With time, I realized that I am lucky in life. As I write this article, I am listen to the news of the death of football player Walter Payton. Yesterday, it was the crash of a plane with over 200 people dead, and the week before, golfer Payne Stewart left for another life. That makes one think and remember that we don’t know when it will be our turn. So, we have to live the present in harmony, peace and joy. As you can tell, I am in love with my profession and I love what I do but my FAMILY and friends will never be replaceable. With my job as a mascot, I understand how important it is to be happy and to live every day as if it was the last.

Changing subject, now, I can officially announce that as of December 1, 1999, you will be able to visit my revamped website (www.promascot.com) which will have new sections. Among others things, you will be able to buy Jumping Jack merchandise and become a member of the fan club.