All Woy, all the time.
My first morning in Seattle I went down to a Starbucks not far from the hotel where I was staying.
I walked in and immediately felt curious eyes on me when I walked up to place my order.
I requested a mocha, and the person by the counter says “You’ve never been in here before, have you [...]
Ok, so I too have been very absent recently. PhD’s are very busy is my only excuse, and I am sticking to it.
So today I write to get opinions on the best way to book internal flights in the USA. I haven’t been there for a few years, so I am not really [...]
I just spent a relaxing, enjoyable, and oh so great week on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. In between spending time with my brother and his girlfriend and taking in the sights (including whale watching, where I learned that a whale’s blowhole smells like a paper factory on a hot summer day), I [...]
I’m off to New Orleans to assist with recovery efforts for an organization very similar to who I work for here in Pittsburgh.
I’ll blog about it at Have A Good Sandwich. I know, it’s supposed to be an interview blog but given I’ve not had any time to finish my transcriptions with PG and Seth… it seems like a suitable place to discuss what I encounter in the Big Easy.
I’ll be in touch, and will return Friday.
Technorati Tags: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans
Lots of travelling is in the cards…
First a trip to Green Bay, Wisconsin to see Brett Favre take on the Steelers at legendary Lambeau Field. I can’t tell you how much I’m looking forward to being there for that game…
Then, it’ll be probably a 60 degree change shortly thereafter for a trip to Honolulu, Hawaii! Stretch is coordinating an event out there and has to be present. So, I get to accompany her for a surprise vacation.
Finally just when you think the roller coaster ride was just about to end, I’ll probably be going to New Orleans to assist with some volunteer relief efforts in the next couple of weeks.
Each of these trips offers so much in the way of sights, sounds, and growth… I’m quite excited for the next two months!
Technorati Tags: Green Bay, Hawaii, New Orleans, Steelers
My layover in Dallas Ft. Worth after having missed my flight this morning to Vegas was the first time I had been here since 1999. The amenities and entire facility has improved signficantly from what I remember.
Upon arrival, I quickly went to my gate to wait for my Vegas departure. I was only going to be there about 40 minutes, so I figured I would get there. I took a call from work to discuss some issues that were going on in my absence. As I spoke, I started to realize the sheer number of U.S. Army troops that were making their way through the terminal. Only makes sense, given the proximity of the major U.S. Army base nearby. All the troops were in their camo fatigues, predominantly in the old school Desert Storm sand patterns. I did catch a glimpse of a few in the new “digitized” standard regulation camoflague.
After I hung up with work, I started to realize that this was my first up close and personal experience with troops that are serving in Iraq. Most of them, I assume, were on their way over to do a tour of duty there. Surprise came in how they were all handling themselves, as they travelled almost exclusively in pairs. Some were smiling, carrying on, almost like they were going on a vacation. Others were somewhat more somber, but none seemed disheartened or of low morale. Really, it was like they were going to work; they had a job to do in the most horrible working environment imaginable.
I’m not sure what I expected saying all that, but I’m just terribly proud of these men and women as we all should be. Whether you disagree on how we go there, our country is being represented by people you should be proud of.
Technorati Tags: Armed Services, Dallas / Ft. Worth, Airport, Courage
This morning I actually arrived at the Pittsburgh International Airport well over an hour early for my flight, so that I could comfortably ease my way onto my flight to Vegas on America West.
Boy, am I a naive shmuck.
There was a line easily 150 people long waiting at the ticket counter for America West. Two airline personnel (from American, no less!) were the only ones able to process passengers. No electronic kiosks. No curbside check-in. Only 150 people and 1 hour stood between me and check in. I thought I could make it.
Alas, not so much.
So I got bumped to a flight to Dallas and then on to Vegas, arriving 7 hours later than expected. However, I pushed my return out one more day, so I’ll be able to spend more time with my brother.
So I loiter now near Gate 86 in the terminal, just hanging out…
One last thing: I’m impressed the airport has free wireless!
Technorati Tags: Airport, Pittsburgh, Vegas
Tomorrow I depart for a quick two day whirlwind adventure to Las Vegas to meet up with my brother and his girlfriend. Macker has lived in British Columbia for the past two years, where I visited him last October in what is best described as “God’s country.” I’ve missed him terribly the past couple of months, so it will be great to spend some time with him… albeit briefly.
We’ll hopefully be playing some hold ‘em out there, and I want to give special thanks to Mean Gene for providing some good casino poker rooms to go to. He also pointed me to some must read literature for low limit games, which I’ve browsed and have offered some good insights already.
Finally, I broached this idea with Gene: We should get together a hold ‘em game/tournament with bloggers. I personally think it would be a great way to meet and socialize, as well as have fun just playing some cards. Any interested takers?
Technorati Tags: bloggers, hold ‘em, Mean Gene’s Poker Blog, Pittsburgh, webloggers
