15 hour day

I survived. Got into work at 6:30 this morning and just going home now. Thank goodness the company pays for car service home. I have to get dropped off at the ferry terminal cause my car is still there. I'd leave it overnight but I'm not sure how that works. It's surprisingly warm outside but rainy. I'm beat and tomorrow is our system launch day - this is what all the insanity has been leading up to. Hope all goes well.

It's Still Dark Out

Waiting for the first ferry of the day to get me to work. Would've gone earlier but when the first boat is at 6am you don't have much of a choice. The work crunch has all been leading up to today and tomorrow. Today being the end of the company's fiscal year so lots has be finished and tied up with a pretty bow. Tomorrow being the start of a new fiscal year but also the much anticipated launch of a software tool I've been involved in. Lots to do today and I have no idea how I'm going to survive the day. At least I've got my cup of coffee.

Time to Move

I lost my parking spot. I did not misplace it somewhere - it's actually right where I left it this morning about 15 yards from my front door. I expected this to happen but have been cautiously optimistic that maybe, just maybe it'd all work out.

No dice.

As of Tuesday April 1 someone else's car will be parked in the spot I have enjoyed these past few years. The landlord of the building that I park behind has rented out the apartment that once belonged to his brother. Bastard. Now hubby and I have one driveway spot and the other car goes in the street. We'll need to play swap the cars now. What an ending to the week.

The Palmer House

Chicago, IL - a Hilton hotel. This seat was in the elevator - you know in case you need a rest.

This hotel was magnificent and ornate. The service I really can't say anything about because we weren't there long enough to have much staff interaction. The hotel is currently under renovations to preserve its history and make upgrades. The construction doesn't hinder the guests much or take away from the beauty. The guest rooms (at least on the executuve floor) were beautiful. I had 2 full bathrooms! They even provided robes in the closet. I definitely recommend The Palmer House if you're ever staying in downtown Chicago.

Back to the Office

On top of it being a typical Monday I am still exhausted from my trip last week. I've worked up a lot of sleep debt and can't seem to pay it back. Hopefully I'll be able to stay at my desk today and catch up on everything.

Good Bye Portland - I'll Be Back

Here's the view outside company's Portland office conference room. The building in the foreground (as well as others not in the picture) have "green" roofs where vegetation (grass, trees) has been planted to assist in the continuing eco-friendly efforts in the city. It's such an amazing place with it's history of eco-friendliness and no sales tax! Wish I saw more of this place so it's going on my list.

Feels great to be back East and heading home. No more travels for now so back to the usual programming.

Portland OR is a Cool Place

Here's the awesome bed in the Portland hotle - Hotel Monaco. A very hip hotel. Each hotel in this family has a theme and this one is art. Most employees have a favorite artist's name on their nametag and local artists' works are displayed as themes within the hotel's floors. I have to remember to review the hotels we stayed at. Time to justify my job and work.

Hilton Palmer in Chicago

Another spectacular hotel during my business trips. This one actually tops the Millenium Biltmore in Los Angeles in fanciness. I have 2 bathrooms in my room! I couldn't decide which one to put my stuff in. It's late more updates tomorrow. Good night.

Leaving So So Seattle

Getting the heck out of this place. It's been a strange trip. See you in Chicago.

Seattle Space Needle

On the ground, checked in hotel and now stting at a 24 hour diner.

Strange Beginning

My flight was delayed about an hour and a half but they boarded us early so we could sit around and enjoy the tarmac. When we first boarded the back of the plane (where we were seated) wasn't smelling so hot. The excuse was the waste was being disposed of. After abit the smell subsided but then another smell arrived in the form of an unkempt man. The waste smell returned but now there were issues unknown to us causing a delay. Then the stewardess approached the unkempt man and indicated that "his dog was causing trouble below." After we were finally able to taxi away the man had several dogs in kennels in the cargo hold and one of his dogs became so agitated it chewed the plastic cage bars and ended up cutting itself. Can't fly with no crazy bleeding dog so they were ejected from the flight.

The flight got a little better with the in flight feature film being Disney's Enchanted which I also preordered and should be delivered Wednesday. No snack or meal on this 5 hour and 25 minute flight just beverage service. Not only am I tired but cranky cause my belly is running on fumes.

Off to Another City

Just made to JFK by the hairs on my chinny chin chin. There was some crazy traffic getting here from the office but we are here and board time is now, 4:30pm. Sweet. Company car service brought us here in style - Cadillac Escalade. Gorgeous car - I totally want one. Off to the west coast again, this time Seattle, WA.

Home Sweet Home

Company car service picked me up with a sign and everything. Wish I asked for the sign but I didn't think of it. Going to bed until Victoria's birthday pary later. Zzzz...

Finally Flying Home

It's been insane this week and tons of fun. Met a lot of the people that I work with in the company but have only had contact through email and by phone. The Los Angeles office was the most hospitable. Would love to come back to LA but now I long for my bed and pillow. Until next week when Seattle, Chicago and Portland are on my itinerary. Good night.

I Left My Heart In San Francisco

What a great city SF is. Had some good fun here but definitely didn't see enough in the time I had here. One more stop on the trip of insanity - LA baby! Plane is here and we'll board ina little bit for a fairly short 1 hour and 20 minute flight south to warmer weather. San Francisco has been the best city so far between the sights to see and the hotel - Hilton Financial at 750 Kearny Street. Very cool place and the comfy bed didn't hurt. I'm out til I touch down in Hollywood.

Awesome San Francisco Seafood

A snap of my delicious dinner from last night at Fisherman's Grotto. Mussels and dungeness crabs - delicious. Now heading to the airport to go to Los Angeles.

The Golden Gate Bridge

Saw the Bay Bridge but he crowning glory was the Golden Gate Bridge. That thing is MASSIVE. Also got a glimpse of Alcatraz and walked around and dined at Fisherman's Wharf at Fisherman's Grotto. Had filet mignon (not as good as Texas), crabs and mussels. It was delicious. I've been eating at some pretty amazing restaurants during my business trip and definitely going over my meal per diem but it's been worth it.

San Francisco Day

Arrived in lovely San Francisco. Weather is great and it's a huge city.

Chemistry 101

Somewhere along the way I know that I should've known not to be slick and mix shampoo and conditioner in one container. Lo and behold I had watery gook when I attempted to wash my tresses. I had no choice but to use the hotel minis and now smell of Hyatt Portico Spa shampoo and conditioner with white ginger extract. Sounds like some Chinese food seasoning to me. It's actually is a very subtle scent that I can't decide I love or hate.

Houston we have a problem...I'm here!

Landed in Houston not too long ago. Staying at the Hyatt which kick ass and only a block from my company's Houston office. Gott do some work now - more posts later.

Dallas Outside My Hotel Room

Arrived in Dallas safe and sound. Hotel is pretty nice but I know there's better as I continue on this trip. My boss and I had dinner at the YO (pronounced "why-oh") and since Texas is known for steak we hooked ourselves up. I honestly think I had the best filet mignon ever! We then headed over to the Kennedy Memorial which is basically where JFK was assassinated. We saw the grassy knoll, the book depot and the very road where it all went down. Tomorrow we work in Dallas then head off to Houston.

Celebrity Sighting-Newark Airport

My plane just rolled in and disembarking was Chris Robinson, Kate Hudson's ex!

Business Trip of Insanity Begins

I'm at the airport now waiting to board my flight to Dallas-Fort Worth. This is only the beginning as I will also be travelling to Houston, San Francisco and Los Angeles this week and returning home on Saturday morning at 6:30am. I will be on a plane everyday this week and 4 different hotels. I love airplanes and flying - I'll let you know how I feel when I get back. See you soon New Jersey and hello new places I've never been.