Chiefs and Tales of a Road Warrior

Josh Kingsley

The whirlwind of whirlwinds ended last Sunday when Misty, the kids and I pulled into the driveway. It ended a long streak of travel across another country, half a dozen states and a bunch of airports. Finally, a night at home. The brief relief ended Monday night with a trip down to Chicago for a quick overnight and a plane out Tuesday morning. I finish this column in Buffalo, NY with an emphatic YES, I am wearing my red Arrowheads out here. Totally packed extras. Buffalo is a cool town, and the wings at Duff’s are as advertised, which is the best on the planet.

I have not traveled like this for many years. The last true road warrior job was 2015 covering a sales territory of the US and Canada. Like, all of it. I was on a plane weekly and in hotels constantly. The travel grind never got old. I like flying, staying in hotels, and driving across states. However, I love meeting new people, getting to know cities (and their food and beer), and having status with all the travel places.

My Love for Adventure and Access

During my heyday I sported Southwest Companion Pass, United Silver, Delta Silver, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Gold, and IHG Gold. The only thing missing then was digital hotel key on the phone. My ideal trip is to leave my driveway, make the trip and return without having to check in or talk to customer service types. I totally respect them and have been them, but I prefer to plow my own road and learn the gems from the locals. Misty and I met working in hotels, and she remains in that world. Her favorite job was GM of a downtown Milwaukee property. Her goal was true ambassador for a city we love. Desk staff trained to know the city and the local eateries. They were the true experts on the best place to eat and based on guest preference.

Unfortunately, too many hotels do not have that personal touch, so dinner recommends end up being Chili’s or a place that provides kickbacks, which are 100% real. You know who does not receive kickbacks and won’t recommend chains? The customer I traveled to visit who grew up in the city. That’s my guide. They also help you crash course the lingo to act like a local. Immersion is the best experience. My current job put me back on the road with enough frequency to reestablish that job, but also to still be home often with the family. It’s sugar back in my blood and I will certainly be bringing more stories. My primary goal for this year was to get the Hilton Diamond back. Box checked, and points racking up. This is helpful as I make time to see family, friends, and sporting events. I’m excited.

Ode to My Family

I try to be humble and modest, but there are certain things where it is simply impossible. My family is the best in the world. I do not want to gratuitously brag, but I have to state facts. Childhood through much of college occurred in a bubble in many ways. I grew up in a loving drama free family environment in Western Kansas. Basically, a Norman Rockwell painting. All 4 grandparents, my siblings, my cousins, and every aunt and uncle are close family members. There is not a single member at odds with the family at all. We have West Coasters, Kansas Lifers, Chicagoans, left wingers, right wingers, moderates, and everything in between. Are there disagreements? Of course, we aren’t robots. Is there bad blood? Not a drop. Here is the wildest part and biggest bubble: I thought all this was normal.

My belief was that everyone grew up in that environment. I have since learned this is not true, which makes me prouder of the fact. The credit belongs to my late grandparents. They instilled this principle in their children, and they get credit for passing it to my generation. The key fundamental is that family is family, assume good intentions and have them yourself. All the nonsense works itself out if everyone buys in. The secondary key is personal interaction, which is why we always do Thanksgiving. Anger and discord are infinitely easier in isolation and over the phone. Face time has a way of toning down aggression. Proximity has a way of coaxing out similarities. We are all just people trying to leave the world a better place for us and ours, which makes us the same. My sincere thanks to the Kingsley and Walters families for instilling this.

We Have Fun

My mom’s side of the family, the Walters side, is the large one. She is one of 9 siblings, and I am one of 21 first cousins. My dad is one of 3, and I am one of 5 cousins. Sometime growing up the Kingsley family absorbed into the Walters Thanksgiving festivities. It’s also an open door. College friends, always welcomed. In laws, same story. Misty’s parents join every couple years. Growing up grandma hosted everyone at her house and handle all the cooking. Now, we rent the school gym and my high school buddy caters. My mom and two of my aunts are the Hays, KS lifers, and they organize. The rest of the 60+ of us show up. Many of the cousins have kids, so the madness of little humans reeking havoc continues. Overall the entire thing is overwhelming for anyone seeing this the first time.

That’s why we have a quiz. Somewhere 10-15 years ago a comment came up about all the people and stories, and how newcomers (AKA cousins’ significant others) can’t keep track. Someone floated the idea of a quiz. My cousin Ben and I made it a reality immediately and administered it to all the fiancés and spouses of 2 years of less. It was over the top, obnoxious, and totally hilarious. Now, it’s a right of passage we all laugh about. The best part about it: no one in our family can pass it, but it’s a great tool to relive some history, see all the names, and most importantly get to know the grandparents a bit.

CHIEFS Game Recap

It’s easy to poke holes in the victory. Skyy Moore muffed another punt. Four red zone trips ended with field goals. Mahomes threw another pick. The D was only facing a backup. A strong case for expecting a blowout. My take: the CHIEFS played the hand dealt, did not overlook the Rams for the Bengals, had total control for 55 minutes, and beat the defending Super Bowl Champs. The key victory was Pacheco finally tasting the end zone, and mostly because it resulted from a commitment to run the football. I believe the CHIEFS when they say they have a sour taste from the AFC Championship game. I also believe they are doing the right things to prevent it from happening again.