My grandfather was quite the superstitious type, and he never liked to set foot out of his house on Friday the 13th. I wonder what he would think of me today as I embark on a trip to Haiti. I'll be there for a week with friends working on some hurricane relief and clean water projects. It's an alternative spring break, and we can't wait!

If you need something before I return to the office on Tuesday, March 24, please contact another member of the awesome edit team: Bill, Lena, Emily or Megan Pacella.

Otherwise, please e-mail me, and I'll answer all messages when I return. Thanks and have a great week!

I'm unplugging for a couple of days starting Christmas day for my journey to North Augusta, S.C., to visit my dad's family. I know you'll be interested in our extremely exciting agenda: Wake up late, eat a huge breakfast. Lounge around, laugh about relatives who aren't there, argue about politics and noodle over crossword puzzles. Shower eventually. Eat a little snack. Laugh at YouTube videos. Feast on lunch. Venture to the mall for bargains (because my aunt says so). Chow down at my uncle's fish fry. Get a modicum of exercise by walking around the neighborhood harshly judging Christmas lights. Win a year's worth of bragging rights during some extremely aggressive board games. Top off the day's 3,000 calories with tiny slivers of three kinds of pies. Doze while watching a late-night movie in front of the fire. Sleep and repeat.

I couldn't be such a slug everyday, but for a few days at Christmas, there is nowhere I'd rather be than at Aunt Niece's house, laughing and teasing and eating excessively and just being with my family, crazy as we all may be.

But you're probably on this page because you want to know how you can reach me while I'm away: Please e-mail me at jroberts@hammock.com, or call (615) 690-3406. I'll be back in the office Monday Dec. 29 and Tuesday, Dec. 30, then checking e-mail several times a day for the rest of the week.

Safe travels to all and thank you for a terrific year!

I'll be out of the office until Wednesday, June 4. If you need something right away, please contact another member of the awesome edit team: Bill, Lena, Emily or Megan.

Otherwise, please e-mail me, and I'll answer all messages when I return. Thanks and have a great week!