...traveling to and from work. This picture represents a large chunk of my life. Directly on front of me in this photo is my friend and neighbor Scott Davis. I know some wonder why do I take the bus? The answer is simple: to pick up hot chicks.
Friday, July 31, 2009
I spend close to 8 hours a week on the bus...
...traveling to and from work. This picture represents a large chunk of my life. Directly on front of me in this photo is my friend and neighbor Scott Davis. I know some wonder why do I take the bus? The answer is simple: to pick up hot chicks.
Snapshot from iPhone heading into Downtown Denver
Thursday, July 30, 2009
My your planters are beautiful. Why, thank you!
Dale's planters on the front porch are just amazing this year. He did a great job with them and I think the rain every single day this summer has really paid off. You are barely see the planters anymore with the potato vines growing down.
My co-worker Mike sent me this interesting article on schedules & meetings...
...and I thought I would share since I found it very interesting:
Maker's Schedule, Manager's Schedule
One reason programmers dislike meetings so much is that they're on a different type of schedule from other people. Meetings cost them more.
There are two types of schedule, which I'll call the manager's schedule and the maker's schedule. The manager's schedule is for bosses. It's embodied in the traditional appointment book, with each day cut into one hour intervals. You can block off several hours for a single task if you need to, but by default you change what you're doing every hour.
When you use time that way, it's merely a practical problem to meet with someone. Find an open slot in your schedule, book them, and you're done.
Most powerful people are on the manager's schedule. It's the schedule of command. But there's another way of using time that's common among people who make things, like programmers and writers. They generally prefer to use time in units of half a day at least. You can't write or program well in units of an hour. That's barely enough time to get started.
When you're operating on the maker's schedule, meetings are a disaster. A single meeting can blow a whole afternoon, by breaking it into two pieces each too small to do anything hard in. Plus you have to remember to go to the meeting. That's no problem for someone on the manager's schedule. There's always something coming on the next hour; the only question is what. But when someone on the maker's schedule has a meeting, they have to think about it.
One reason programmers dislike meetings so much is that they're on a different type of schedule from other people. Meetings cost them more.
There are two types of schedule, which I'll call the manager's schedule and the maker's schedule. The manager's schedule is for bosses. It's embodied in the traditional appointment book, with each day cut into one hour intervals. You can block off several hours for a single task if you need to, but by default you change what you're doing every hour.
When you use time that way, it's merely a practical problem to meet with someone. Find an open slot in your schedule, book them, and you're done.
Most powerful people are on the manager's schedule. It's the schedule of command. But there's another way of using time that's common among people who make things, like programmers and writers. They generally prefer to use time in units of half a day at least. You can't write or program well in units of an hour. That's barely enough time to get started.
When you're operating on the maker's schedule, meetings are a disaster. A single meeting can blow a whole afternoon, by breaking it into two pieces each too small to do anything hard in. Plus you have to remember to go to the meeting. That's no problem for someone on the manager's schedule. There's always something coming on the next hour; the only question is what. But when someone on the maker's schedule has a meeting, they have to think about it.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The best sign - ever! Check it out.
Thanks to Dean Burney for sharing this gem. Actually, it may be his backpack. I am not sure. Anyhow, thanks.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
This video makes me very happy. Very happy indeed.
Thanks Mike Flynn for introducing me to these two.
My friend Toby sent me this video and it is how I feel...
...about my new iPhone. I love, love, love the phone...but hate, hate, hate the service. I have about two weeks left before I can no longer return it. Not sure what to do.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Tonight, we hung out with Sam & Anjanette on their patio...
...eating watermelon, grapes, cherries and fudge. It was a nice evening.
Court docs: Octomom inks reality TV deal for her 14 kids - USATODAY.com
Dale will not be happy. He hates the Octomom.
Court docs: Octomom inks reality TV deal for her 14 kids
http://usat.me/?35745112
Court docs: Octomom inks reality TV deal for her 14 kids
http://usat.me/?35745112
Saturday, July 25, 2009
See cigarettes are cool.
Well at least candy cigarettes are cool. Matt and Michelle are up to 2 packs a day.
Last night I was attacked!
I know shocking, huh? A big guy like me, attacked. Let me fill you in on the details. Dale and I are up in Dumont, CO (near Idaho Springs) staying with our friends Matt & Michelle at their wonderful cabin. The cabin is beautiful and sits along a wonderful mountain stream. It is so peaceful here and as a bonus, on a weekend when Denver is in the 90s, it is only in the 70s up here. Simply put, it is heaven in the woods.
So back to my attack, sorry. You are probably curious.
So around 10:30 PM last night - Dale, Michelle, Matt and I were settled in around the TV watching Gran Torino, which by the way was the best movie of 2008 and got robbed at the Oscars. Anyhow, we were deep into Clint Eastwood's racial slurs and enjoying a little red velvet cake for desert, when BAM, out of nowhere a giant bat comes swooping across the room. It continues to dive bomb us and try to bite us with its' rabies infested fangs for what seemed like an eternity. I suspect, but have no proof, that this was a vampire bat.
Being the quick thinker that I am, I quickly jump out, balancing red velvet cake in hand and ran right out the front door. Matt soon followed with a blanket over his head. I could not blame his as that bat was defintely out for blood and looking to make us a part of it's vampire cult. I wanted to rush back inside ad battle the bat, but I am a morning person, so I knew I needed to stay outside to protect myself from an eternity of roaming the Earth at night. I love breakfast too much to take the chance of becoming a vampire. Plus I had not finished my cake.
As Matt and I continued to guard the front porch, Michelle and Dale transformed into some sort of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fighting duo. As the bat swooped and attacked, Michelle and Dale fought back with ninja-like stealth. Suddenly pillows were weapons and room doors were closed as they continued to isolate the beast. All of a sudden, the bat must of sensed he was out numbered and took refuge in the back bedroom. With cat like agility, Dale and Michelle leaped into the room an locked themselves in with the monster.
Meanwhile, on the front porch, I continued to snack on my delicious red velvet cake. With the blanket still on, Matt continued to do his best to protect his hair, which may seem selfish, but I must state he does have a nice head of hair. Every once in a while we screamed, just so we could feel like we were a part of the action. Looking back, I personally feel our quick thinking of guarding the porch may have prevented the bat's army of friends, hiding in the nearby trees, from joining the fight.
Back inside the cabin, in the back bedroom, Michelle and Dale continued their battle with the night demon. Michelle ran across the room risking injury to herself and opened the back door. Like a lioness defending a cub, Dale charged the bat and chased it out into the night. The bat flew at a frenzied pace knowing it had been defeated.
We got the safety nod from He-Man and She-Ra (aka Dale and Michelle) and headed back inside. Neither Michelle nor Dale understood the importance of Matt and my role in guarding the porch and spent the rest of the night seeing me as little else than a coward with cake and Matt as an impersonator of Michael Jackson's youngest son 'Blanket'. But we are the true heroes. Dale ad Michelle defeated one bat, while Matt and I scared off an army of bats. You be the judge.
So back to my attack, sorry. You are probably curious.
So around 10:30 PM last night - Dale, Michelle, Matt and I were settled in around the TV watching Gran Torino, which by the way was the best movie of 2008 and got robbed at the Oscars. Anyhow, we were deep into Clint Eastwood's racial slurs and enjoying a little red velvet cake for desert, when BAM, out of nowhere a giant bat comes swooping across the room. It continues to dive bomb us and try to bite us with its' rabies infested fangs for what seemed like an eternity. I suspect, but have no proof, that this was a vampire bat.
Being the quick thinker that I am, I quickly jump out, balancing red velvet cake in hand and ran right out the front door. Matt soon followed with a blanket over his head. I could not blame his as that bat was defintely out for blood and looking to make us a part of it's vampire cult. I wanted to rush back inside ad battle the bat, but I am a morning person, so I knew I needed to stay outside to protect myself from an eternity of roaming the Earth at night. I love breakfast too much to take the chance of becoming a vampire. Plus I had not finished my cake.
As Matt and I continued to guard the front porch, Michelle and Dale transformed into some sort of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fighting duo. As the bat swooped and attacked, Michelle and Dale fought back with ninja-like stealth. Suddenly pillows were weapons and room doors were closed as they continued to isolate the beast. All of a sudden, the bat must of sensed he was out numbered and took refuge in the back bedroom. With cat like agility, Dale and Michelle leaped into the room an locked themselves in with the monster.
Meanwhile, on the front porch, I continued to snack on my delicious red velvet cake. With the blanket still on, Matt continued to do his best to protect his hair, which may seem selfish, but I must state he does have a nice head of hair. Every once in a while we screamed, just so we could feel like we were a part of the action. Looking back, I personally feel our quick thinking of guarding the porch may have prevented the bat's army of friends, hiding in the nearby trees, from joining the fight.Back inside the cabin, in the back bedroom, Michelle and Dale continued their battle with the night demon. Michelle ran across the room risking injury to herself and opened the back door. Like a lioness defending a cub, Dale charged the bat and chased it out into the night. The bat flew at a frenzied pace knowing it had been defeated.
We got the safety nod from He-Man and She-Ra (aka Dale and Michelle) and headed back inside. Neither Michelle nor Dale understood the importance of Matt and my role in guarding the porch and spent the rest of the night seeing me as little else than a coward with cake and Matt as an impersonator of Michael Jackson's youngest son 'Blanket'. But we are the true heroes. Dale ad Michelle defeated one bat, while Matt and I scared off an army of bats. You be the judge.
For all my male readers, here is a picture of your dream bicycle
For all you ladies, I am very, very sorry.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Now I just need to learn to wittle something...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
FDA considers ways to short-circuit electronic cigarettes - USATODAY.com
I read this today and found it interesting. I love how the company claims that the $100 kit is too expensive so obviously they are not marketing toward kids, yet they have bubble gum flavor. Check out the link for the article below.
FDA considers ways to short-circuit electronic cigarettes
http://usat.me/?35719752
FDA considers ways to short-circuit electronic cigarettes
http://usat.me/?35719752
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
The greats really do go in sets of three. So sad.
Three icons that will be truly missed!
Farrah Fawcett1947 - 2009
Michael Jackson1958-2009
Gidget1994 - 2009
I never got of of my ghost pajamas all day, but...
I can relate to this video about United Airlines
My friend Doris, sent me this and I can totally relate. I blog. He writes songs. Either way it is important to vent.
Thanks for sending me the link Doris!!!
Thanks for sending me the link Doris!!!
Conspiracy Theory: Dale may be trying to kill me
The Background:
Last Saturday, while I was in Boston, Dale went to dinner at a new Italian place that just opened on 88th Avenue & Simms Street in Arvada. He went with our friends, Sam and Anjanette. When I spoke to Dale, he raved about the great food.The Plot:
Last night, Dale and I joined our friends Kath, Sam, Anjanette and Ben for dinner at this same restaurant to join in celebrating their grand opening. Well, it seems Dale forgot to mention that along with the great food, this restaurant had another thing that made him want to go back for more - one of the owners was very cute. Even I have to admit, he is cute. He has a great boyish smile and Italian accent. It also seems that Dale has a little crush. Last night, around midnight, I awoke with a horrible stomach ache. It was a grinding pain and continued all night. I got very little sleep and called in sick to work this morning since I still feel so poorly.Conspiracy Theory #1:
This is no ordinary stomach ache. Dale and his new little Italian friend are trying to kill me. Here is how I see it all happened: Last Saturday there was a spark between Dale ad the owner, not to mention some innocent flirting. On Sunday, since I was still out of town, Dale went back to try the owner's canoli and the spark turned to passion. Table settings were thrown and they gave into their lust on the next day's rising dough. Dale explained to his Italian stud about me and how I would never give Dale up. They talked for hours and finally decided the only way for them to be together was to kill me. But how? They needed a way to get me into the restaurant without suspicion. Dale had already raved to me about the food Sunday morning. They had a grand opening this week. All Dale needed was some witnesses, who could claim they felt fine after dinner. Sam and Anjanette were easy as we dine together all the time. Kath and Ben just fell in Dale's lap as extra witnesses. It was all so easy. A few drops of rat poison in my Spaghetti alla Carbonara and here I lie in pain. It all makes sense and is now so obvious.Conspiracy Theory #2:
I should have stopped after the appetizers and main course and NOT had the dessert. Being a glutton is why my belly hurts today.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Meet Jack. The new love of my life.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Today I made a decision that was difficult, but necessary. Today I broke up with...
...someone I thought I would grow old with.
Only my closest and most observant friends probably would have seen this coming. Even then, I do not know if they would have even suspected. Most people in my life assume that my relationship is happy. I tend to only discuss and blog about the good times.
Over the last few months, things have turned bad as I have found myself attracted elsewhere. I know that sounds bad, but I feel I must be honest. The attraction is very strong. Honestly, it is all think about most days. I never planned for this to happen. Nobody ever plans for this kind of thing to happen. Sure, we had our moments and those times that I thought it would work. But recently things have grown more and more distant. It is partly my fault, as it is hard to fight a strong, new attraction.
The thought of breaking up has been skulking around in the back of mind for months. Each day, I've been coming closer and closer to this decision without fully realizing it. But then I decided I would move forward with breaking up after my birthday and vacation to Europe. I know that sounds selfish, but it really made sense. I decided we needed one last trip together. Part of me even thought maybe I we would recapture the magic and I would forgot about my other lustful feelings. It did not happen. It was as clear as day, and I couldn't believe it had taken me this long to come to my senses. Today my relationship with...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...BlueBerry officially ended.
Who is BlueBerry? Well, Bis my blue-colored BlackBerry cell phone. It has been a constant and loyal companion, but I could not longer fight my desire for an iPhone. Today I moved forward and it is official - I now own an iPhone. I will miss BlueBerry, but I think it is just as common to fall out of love as it is to fall out of love. I am a different person from who I was three years ago. I need a phone that can grow with me. That makes me stronger. That completes me. That is the iPhone.
So here I sit in love with my new iPhone, but still remembering the good times with BlueBerry.
BlueBerry over the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy - June 2008.
Blueberry & I in London, England - June 2009
BlueBerry and I take on Stonehenge in England - June 2009
The glory days! BlueBerry & the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France - June 2008.
Only my closest and most observant friends probably would have seen this coming. Even then, I do not know if they would have even suspected. Most people in my life assume that my relationship is happy. I tend to only discuss and blog about the good times.
Over the last few months, things have turned bad as I have found myself attracted elsewhere. I know that sounds bad, but I feel I must be honest. The attraction is very strong. Honestly, it is all think about most days. I never planned for this to happen. Nobody ever plans for this kind of thing to happen. Sure, we had our moments and those times that I thought it would work. But recently things have grown more and more distant. It is partly my fault, as it is hard to fight a strong, new attraction.
The thought of breaking up has been skulking around in the back of mind for months. Each day, I've been coming closer and closer to this decision without fully realizing it. But then I decided I would move forward with breaking up after my birthday and vacation to Europe. I know that sounds selfish, but it really made sense. I decided we needed one last trip together. Part of me even thought maybe I we would recapture the magic and I would forgot about my other lustful feelings. It did not happen. It was as clear as day, and I couldn't believe it had taken me this long to come to my senses. Today my relationship with...
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
...BlueBerry officially ended.
Who is BlueBerry? Well, Bis my blue-colored BlackBerry cell phone. It has been a constant and loyal companion, but I could not longer fight my desire for an iPhone. Today I moved forward and it is official - I now own an iPhone. I will miss BlueBerry, but I think it is just as common to fall out of love as it is to fall out of love. I am a different person from who I was three years ago. I need a phone that can grow with me. That makes me stronger. That completes me. That is the iPhone.
So here I sit in love with my new iPhone, but still remembering the good times with BlueBerry.
BlueBerry over the Grand Canal in Venice, Italy - June 2008.
Blueberry & I in London, England - June 2009
BlueBerry and I take on Stonehenge in England - June 2009
The glory days! BlueBerry & the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France - June 2008.
Goodbye Blueberry. Thank you for your love, friendship and gentle vibrations in my pocket when I needed them most. I will miss you!
It feels nice to NOT be at an airport today and I am sure...
...since I am NOT flying today, United Airlines is probably 100% on-time today. I think I figured out how their on-time schedule works:
- Days Tom Whittaker flies - 20% on time.
- Days Tom Whittaker does not fly - 100% on time.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Finally landed in Denver after a 90-minute detour to Colorado Springs for fuel.
Hi, my name is Tom and I am an unlucky flier. Even I wouldn't want to fly with me.
My flight from Boston to Denver has been diverted to Colorado Springs
Due to weather at the Denver Airport. They were afraid if we kept circling we would run out of fuel.
We are going to refuel and take off to head back to Denver.
We are going to refuel and take off to head back to Denver.
I am heading home to Colorado - here are my thoughts from seat 6F on United Flight 465 from Denver to Boston.
As I type this, I am once again in the sky over the beautiful United States, which has been a common occurrence the past few days. However, this time I am heading toward the sun as we both move West toward the Rocky Mountains. I will post this Blog entry once I land.
Reflecting - 4:47 PM Mountain Time
Today's flight left on time, which has not been a common occurrence the past few days. I am excited to be going home. As much as I loved my trip to Cleveland/Boston and was invigorated by seeing my amazing work collegues and old, dear friends, it will be nice to get home to Dale. I miss him. And the puppies too! It is hard to spend this much time apart, as I adore being with the guy. However, even with my excitement to get home to Dale, part of me still feels a bit melancholy. I am an Northeast boy by birth and I miss New York and New England a lot at times. Trips like this weekend, where the weather is beautiful and the people are a total blast, makes me miss it a lot. Don't get me wrong. I love Colorado and my life in Arvada, but I love the personalities, attitudes and energy of cities like New York City and Boston. I love the pace, the history, the architecture, the moisture in the air, the green, green grass and lush trees. But I also have to remember the winters can suck, the cloudy days drag on and the traffic can be a nightmare. No place is ever perfect, but in many ways the Northeast feels like an old t-shirt to me - safe, familiar and warm. At times you just want to put on that old t-shirt and chill. I guess that was what this weekend was for me.
I'm A Rock Star - 5:04 PM Mountain Time
Even with all the flight issues, it was a kick ass trip this week. And how much of a total rock star am I? This is my fourth consecutive night of 5 hours of sleep or less. I know this week my body will punish me and expect extra sleep, but it was worth it to see co-workers and friends.
WTF!?! Sit Still - 5:25 PM Mountain Time
I am a bit bored at the moment. Sadly, all my flight delays meant I read all the books I brought on the trip. I checked out the limited selection of books at the Boston airport newsstand, but could not find anything. I have seen the first in-flight movie, so it is just my iPod on this flight. I slept for about an hour after take-off, but the women next me to cannot sit still and her constant moving woke me up, which sucked. Bitch!
The Glamorous Life - 5:43 PM Mountain Time
Sheila E.'s Glamorous Life is playing on my iPod. What ever happened to her?
Why does United Airlines Hate Me? - 6:01 PM Mountain Time
The second in-flight movie has started and it is 17 Again, which stars Zac Efron. I have not seen the movie and it is something I would like to see. However, the audio plays on channel 1 and my seat does not get channel 1, only 2 through 15. WYF!?! I can listen to the movie in a Spanish dub on channel 10 but my Spanish sucks. Damn you United Airlines and your subtle torture! Haven't I taken enough from you by now?
Bobby Ruined Whitney - 6:11 PM Mountain Time
Listening to I'm Every Women by Whitney Houston on my iPod. (Shut up. I already know I am gay.) Anyhow, it reminded me that they showed the cover of her new CD in the recent Out magazine (see told you I was gay) and she looked so damn skinny. She is like a skeleton with big hair. Sad.
I Hope A Polar Bear Eats You! - 6:53 PM Mountain Time
This flight is taking for ever - kill me! Sometimes when I fly I think what it would be like to be stranded with my fellow passengers like the TV show Lost. The women next to me cannot sit still, which is annoying. The guy to her has on noise cancellation headphones like me, but she keeps talking to him from time to time, so he has to take off his headphones and to hear her. Again this is annoying. I would hope if we do end up on an island, a polar bear eats her. Is that too mean?
I Need Food - 7:20 PM Mountain Time
I am bored, bored and more bored. I am hungry too. My buddy Mike and I grabbed brunch before I left today at this cool Irish restaurant near my hotel. I had the tenderloin egg benedicts. It was yummy. I am getting hungrier thinking about it. Need to grab some food on the way home.
Hurrah! - 7:28 PM Mountain Time
They just announced 30 minutes or less until we land. We are going to make it!!!
Ring Around the Rosey - 7:50 PM Mountain Time
We are circling around Eastern Colorado waiting for a storm over airport to pass. Getting dizzy!
Colorado Springs, Really? - 8:10 PM Mountain Time
The pilot can approval to make a run at the airport, but the storm was bad. We were bounced all over, so he had to pull back. The weather got even worse and we are now being diverted to Colorado Springs Airport as our fuel could get too low if we try to ride out the storm any long. We went from being scheduled to land 30 minutes early to now having to go to another airport. I really cannot get a break on flying this week. I bet Dale was already at the airport 45 minute parking by the time they updated anything, so he has no clue where I am.
Reflecting - 4:47 PM Mountain Time
Today's flight left on time, which has not been a common occurrence the past few days. I am excited to be going home. As much as I loved my trip to Cleveland/Boston and was invigorated by seeing my amazing work collegues and old, dear friends, it will be nice to get home to Dale. I miss him. And the puppies too! It is hard to spend this much time apart, as I adore being with the guy. However, even with my excitement to get home to Dale, part of me still feels a bit melancholy. I am an Northeast boy by birth and I miss New York and New England a lot at times. Trips like this weekend, where the weather is beautiful and the people are a total blast, makes me miss it a lot. Don't get me wrong. I love Colorado and my life in Arvada, but I love the personalities, attitudes and energy of cities like New York City and Boston. I love the pace, the history, the architecture, the moisture in the air, the green, green grass and lush trees. But I also have to remember the winters can suck, the cloudy days drag on and the traffic can be a nightmare. No place is ever perfect, but in many ways the Northeast feels like an old t-shirt to me - safe, familiar and warm. At times you just want to put on that old t-shirt and chill. I guess that was what this weekend was for me.
I'm A Rock Star - 5:04 PM Mountain Time
Even with all the flight issues, it was a kick ass trip this week. And how much of a total rock star am I? This is my fourth consecutive night of 5 hours of sleep or less. I know this week my body will punish me and expect extra sleep, but it was worth it to see co-workers and friends.
WTF!?! Sit Still - 5:25 PM Mountain Time
I am a bit bored at the moment. Sadly, all my flight delays meant I read all the books I brought on the trip. I checked out the limited selection of books at the Boston airport newsstand, but could not find anything. I have seen the first in-flight movie, so it is just my iPod on this flight. I slept for about an hour after take-off, but the women next me to cannot sit still and her constant moving woke me up, which sucked. Bitch!
The Glamorous Life - 5:43 PM Mountain Time
Sheila E.'s Glamorous Life is playing on my iPod. What ever happened to her?
Why does United Airlines Hate Me? - 6:01 PM Mountain Time
The second in-flight movie has started and it is 17 Again, which stars Zac Efron. I have not seen the movie and it is something I would like to see. However, the audio plays on channel 1 and my seat does not get channel 1, only 2 through 15. WYF!?! I can listen to the movie in a Spanish dub on channel 10 but my Spanish sucks. Damn you United Airlines and your subtle torture! Haven't I taken enough from you by now?
Bobby Ruined Whitney - 6:11 PM Mountain Time
Listening to I'm Every Women by Whitney Houston on my iPod. (Shut up. I already know I am gay.) Anyhow, it reminded me that they showed the cover of her new CD in the recent Out magazine (see told you I was gay) and she looked so damn skinny. She is like a skeleton with big hair. Sad.
I Hope A Polar Bear Eats You! - 6:53 PM Mountain Time
This flight is taking for ever - kill me! Sometimes when I fly I think what it would be like to be stranded with my fellow passengers like the TV show Lost. The women next to me cannot sit still, which is annoying. The guy to her has on noise cancellation headphones like me, but she keeps talking to him from time to time, so he has to take off his headphones and to hear her. Again this is annoying. I would hope if we do end up on an island, a polar bear eats her. Is that too mean?
I Need Food - 7:20 PM Mountain Time
I am bored, bored and more bored. I am hungry too. My buddy Mike and I grabbed brunch before I left today at this cool Irish restaurant near my hotel. I had the tenderloin egg benedicts. It was yummy. I am getting hungrier thinking about it. Need to grab some food on the way home.
Hurrah! - 7:28 PM Mountain Time
They just announced 30 minutes or less until we land. We are going to make it!!!
Ring Around the Rosey - 7:50 PM Mountain Time
We are circling around Eastern Colorado waiting for a storm over airport to pass. Getting dizzy!
Colorado Springs, Really? - 8:10 PM Mountain Time
The pilot can approval to make a run at the airport, but the storm was bad. We were bounced all over, so he had to pull back. The weather got even worse and we are now being diverted to Colorado Springs Airport as our fuel could get too low if we try to ride out the storm any long. We went from being scheduled to land 30 minutes early to now having to go to another airport. I really cannot get a break on flying this week. I bet Dale was already at the airport 45 minute parking by the time they updated anything, so he has no clue where I am.
Dear United Airlines please be good to me today.
Here I sit at another airport waiting for another flight, but so far things seem on schedule. Let's keep hoping.
Boston rocked last night!
My trip to Baton rocked last night. My friend Mike Flynn surprised me with tickets to see RENT, which we all know I absolutely love, love, love. The theater was beautiful, the audience rowdy as hell and the cast was stellar. An excellent show. Thanks Mikey!!!
Some bars in Harvard Square, a late night trip to IHOP, a surprise rearrangement of Champagne Thursday to Saturday night (well actually Sunday morning) at the Matt and Marie's house and this boy rolled into his hotel at 4 AM.
The night was great and it is hard to believe I am on night 4 with only 4 hours of sleep. So damn funny, but so worth it!!!
Some bars in Harvard Square, a late night trip to IHOP, a surprise rearrangement of Champagne Thursday to Saturday night (well actually Sunday morning) at the Matt and Marie's house and this boy rolled into his hotel at 4 AM.
The night was great and it is hard to believe I am on night 4 with only 4 hours of sleep. So damn funny, but so worth it!!!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
There are definite things I miss about the East Coast.
Friday, July 17, 2009
Within sixty minutes of landing at the airport I am already tucked into my hotel bed.
That includes un-boarding, getting a cab to the hotel, checking in, unpacking, ironing my shirt for tomorrow, brushing my teeth and getting undressed.
Fairly impressive, huh?
Okay, now for 5 hours of sleep. Good night.
Fairly impressive, huh?
Okay, now for 5 hours of sleep. Good night.
I have finally landed in Boston. It is 12:30 PM.
I really need to get to the hotel and get some sleep. I need to be up by 6:45 AM tomorrow for a meeting at 8:00 AM.
New update on my flight: Gone from a 45 minute to and 90 minute delay.
It is almost comical. If I wasn't so high on sugar, I would be pissed.
I am watching CNN at the airport. It feels like they are actually excited Walter Cronkite died...
...as it was a slow news day and they were running out of things to say about Michael Jackson.
I think I just saw Larry King due a cartwheel in the background. They say these things happen in threes, so I bet Larry King has his interns working on Patrick Swayze and Nancy Regan footage, just in case.
I think I just saw Larry King due a cartwheel in the background. They say these things happen in threes, so I bet Larry King has his interns working on Patrick Swayze and Nancy Regan footage, just in case.
I landed in Washington, D.C.' But guess what? My flight to Boston is delayed 45 minutes.
I am not too upset as I found a Starbucks and a Dunkin Donuts.
Hello Chai Tea Latte. You are my dear loyal friend. Please meet our new sugary, calorie-loaded friend Glazed Donut. Get to know each other as you will be spending some time in my stomach in about 12 seconds.
Hello Chai Tea Latte. You are my dear loyal friend. Please meet our new sugary, calorie-loaded friend Glazed Donut. Get to know each other as you will be spending some time in my stomach in about 12 seconds.
Want to know my two favorite words? Check them out here:
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Wow, I truly have the worse luck today. I arrive at my hotel in Cleveland at 2 AM and guess what?
You guessed it - sold out of all rooms. Even though I have a reservation and called TWICE to tell them I would not be in checking in until between midnight and 2 AM. Each time they said no problem.
So at 2 AM I got to go a few blocks over to the Hyatt and fortunately got their LAST room.
Good Lord. I am going to try to go to sleep now so I can try to get 4 or so hours of sleep.
Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.
So at 2 AM I got to go a few blocks over to the Hyatt and fortunately got their LAST room.
Good Lord. I am going to try to go to sleep now so I can try to get 4 or so hours of sleep.
Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
I am writing this post high in the skies somewhere between Chicago and Cleveland.
They finally found a replacement plane. We finally took off around 11:30 PM CT, which means I will land about 1:30 AM ET. I was scheduled originally to land in Cleveland at 7:00 PM ET, so only 6 1/2 hours late.
I should get to my hotel hopefully by 2 AM (ish) and my meetings start tomorrow at 8:00 AM, which means about 5 hours of sleep, if I am lucky. So Tom will not be a happy camper tomorrow.
I left my house at 10 AM MT this morning. Who knew it would take 13 hours to get to Cleveland.
It was not all bad though. While waiting for the flight to leave in Chicago I did end up hanging out with three other guys waiting and one woman. We laughed, joked and told our stories of bad travel experiences. I am not usually one to bond with random strangers, but I actually found myself enjoying the company.
So here I sit looking out the window, staring at the soft glow of the cities below and listening to my iPod. I am playing slow songs in the hopes of keeping myself mellow, so I fall asleep quickly at the hotel, which is unlikely. I always struggle sleeping without Dale next to me. I know that sounds a bit co-dependent, but it is reality. I sleep better having him by my side.
I should get to my hotel hopefully by 2 AM (ish) and my meetings start tomorrow at 8:00 AM, which means about 5 hours of sleep, if I am lucky. So Tom will not be a happy camper tomorrow.
I left my house at 10 AM MT this morning. Who knew it would take 13 hours to get to Cleveland.
It was not all bad though. While waiting for the flight to leave in Chicago I did end up hanging out with three other guys waiting and one woman. We laughed, joked and told our stories of bad travel experiences. I am not usually one to bond with random strangers, but I actually found myself enjoying the company.
So here I sit looking out the window, staring at the soft glow of the cities below and listening to my iPod. I am playing slow songs in the hopes of keeping myself mellow, so I fall asleep quickly at the hotel, which is unlikely. I always struggle sleeping without Dale next to me. I know that sounds a bit co-dependent, but it is reality. I sleep better having him by my side.
Wonder how I am looking right now?
I am tired and cranky. Today should have been an easy flight from Denver to Chicago and Chicago to Cleveland, but it has been hell.
I may be stuck in Chicago overnight now. First flight does not get in until 9:30 AM and my meetings start tomorrow at 8:30 AM. This sucks.
How can two flights in a row have mechanical issues.
I miss Dale!
Well guess what? My 9:19 PM flight to Cleveland is now delayed too due to 'major mechanical problems'.
They are now looking for another plane and will make a decision by 10 PM what to do.
I cannot believe this crap. One flight delay has now cost me a whole day at the airport. This sucks.
I cannot believe this crap. One flight delay has now cost me a whole day at the airport. This sucks.
Yes, my flight to Cleveland was canceled due to mechanical issues.
They do not have the part to fix the plane. Ugh.
Will either be moved to 9:19 PM flight or tomorrow at 6:00 AM. Double ugh.
Will either be moved to 9:19 PM flight or tomorrow at 6:00 AM. Double ugh.
It is possible my flight may be canceled due to mechanical issues...
...and we will all be moved to the 9 PM flight or the 6 AM flight tomorrow. They should have a decision in next 30 minutes. They may not have the replacement part they need.
Is it really this difficult to get to Cleveland, OH?
Is it really this difficult to get to Cleveland, OH?
Can you believe it? Mt flight is now being delayed due to mechanical issues.
I have no airport luck today.
Today my gate at the Chicago Airport will be having random secondary pre-flight security checks...
...which is a nice way of saying, "Hi, Tom. Please pull out everything you neatly packed in your luggage onto this card table, so we can laugh at you as you try to stuff it all back in while everyone is watching and judging the underwear you brought. Dance fat boy, dance!"
Let's hope they are in fact racially profiling today and skip the middle-aged white guy.
Let's hope they are in fact racially profiling today and skip the middle-aged white guy.
Even I cannot believe I am posting this but here goes.
You wave your hand in front of a sensor and new plastic spins around onto the seat. At least you assume it is new. There may only be two pieces in the roll that are used over and over.
I suppose it is more hygenic, but it feels like you have plastic wrap on your ass. Add in the fact that the bathrooms here are west facing with a giant frosted window, making the stalls are about 100 degrees. Combined you have your hot, sweaty ass on possibly new, possibly reused plastic wrap.
Not as fun as you think. Feel free to try this at home if you do not believe me.
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