Ya just gotta love this time of year - the feeling of sun on my skin again is just what the doctor ordered.
I'm in Florida (Tampa) this week and it's gorgeous. I was leaving my hotel, driving to my client's location and I could feel summer coming soon. The sun was shining with an intensity that makes you feel alive - don't know about you but one of my fav things is relaxing in the sun. While I'm not trying to "leather" my skin, a few mins in the sun can take my dreary spirit and turn me into Superman (ok - no cape and tights...but reenergized.
You can also tell it's springtime in Florida by the number of bugs that cover my car (I thought one patch of bug splatter kinda looked like a Picasso). I had to stop yesterday to chissel some off my windshield. The glare from the sun was so bright, I though I was looking thru a kaliedoscope..
Had dinner with some friends at a restaurant called Armani's (don't worry, no need to wear Armani to get in). As for the food and wine selection..this place was outstanding (if you like Italian). Cost being relative, the atmosphere was more than worth it (can't wait to return!).
I'm staying thru the weekend and will travel north to visit with my sister. We don't see each other enough and since my whole family is sooo spreadout, you take what you can WHEN you can.
or we gotta a whole lotta growing families in DC! I'm in Washington this week and if you thought the government was in gridlock..try getting around this town during Easter/spring break!
I really enjoy people watching, so I took some time this afternoon and chose to take a "mental health moment" and stopped by the National Mall. If you haven't been here, the National Mall is a huge open aire park that runs parallel to Constitution Avenue between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
With such beautiful weather (~70 degrees..) today, it would have been a shame being so heads-down with work (not like it runs away from me when I'm not looking). I bought a lunch and took it to the Mall - it was fantastic just watching kids and adults experiencing our Nation's Capital. Some were wearing the same color/style of shirts (easy to identify..) or just traveling as a gaggle of teens, I was an experience to behold. I saw a few poor souls trip over curbs, because they were too busy looking everywhere but where they were walking.
I felt like the Park Police for awhile when I saw them litter (or be disrespectful to others) but they took it pretty well.
Took a short walk to the Lincoln Memorial (always a moving experience) and then to the Vietnam Memorial. It's amazing to me to see how many people are affected when they walk thru. I do know some of the names on the wall from my hometown - it was a sad time back in the 60's when someone you know doesn't come back from the war. And it's no different now.
I have to say, I'm not crazy about the war protesters but I respect their right to free speech - I feel blessed to live in America.
I will do my best - the opening sentence from the Boy Scout Oath.
I've been in Dallas this week, returning to SoCal tomorrow and luckily..have not been caught up in the wave on MD80 cancellations at DFW. The weather has been fantastic and I even got out on Tuesday to join some friends for the Dallas Mavericks game against the Clippers. Some pretty fanatic fans down here...and fun folks to be around too. I wish I could somehow score a few tix to the NCAA Tournament in San Antonio (who wouldn't, right??).
The catchy title was also a bit of a personal revelation here...but I'm a Boy Scout Leader for my son's troop. I'm heading home to take the Troop up to the local mountains (~8000 ft with snow). I never thought I'd take on that responsibility, but I believe it's helping me to become a better Dad. I also get to spend time with my son while he still thinks I'm kinda cool (he's 14 and girls are around the corner).
Well it's getting late, I still gotta pack and I'm watching the UCLA game. I'll close this right here.
I tell ya..I must be one strong son of a gun! With a cold that had me down for the count, it was time to "man up", go back to work and hit the road.
I'm in DC this week, hoping my return flight to SoCal doesn't get cancelled on Friday. If flew over the storms yesterday (remember the story of Mr Toad's Wild Ride?) and bounced our way in here last night. Excitement de jour..and don't forget to add the timezone change for comic relief - I finally got to sleep ~2am.
thank you Dunkin Donuts ;))
I've given up on rental car maps and bought a GPS - if you don't have one and travel...I HIGHLY recommend one. It takes sooo much stress out of getting from place to place. Anyway, the weather was wonderful today - spring flowers and cherry blossoms on the way. If you haven't been to DC, find a way to get here before you're too old to enjoy it. I love the museums, the restaurants and the atmosphere. Don't get the wrong idea...I'm no politician (don't trust any of them!!). This area exudes class and character - it isn't your strip mall kinda place.
I have this habit of working late when I'm on the road (like now..it's already after 9pm ET). I need to get some sleep tonight or at least close my eyes and turn off the brain.
Have a wonderful and safe Easter Holiday to all of you..
The dreaded cold that's been kickin' everyone's butt has found mine - I SURRENDER!
I called my friends from last weekend to see if they caught the same bug - thankfully for them...no.
so I lay here on the couch, computer sitting here across my lap and lamenting my ills. I promise to you - if you read this, I guarantee my words are virus free! If there's anything that I can find as a silver lining in all of this...I do get to enjoy some college basketball on TV in between sneezes.
Thank goodness for leftovers!
It's been such a wonderful weather week in SoCal and not having to travel for work has been a sweet respite - and I get myself sick with a cold.
Any chicken soup recipes out there? Oh well..if you saw me now, you'd either feel sorry for me or recommend euthanasia.
There was a song released a few years ago with a lyric that described my ski weekend:
When your body says "you can't do this, boy" but your mind (ego) says "oh yes you can!". Kinda describes my ski experience, moans and aches included.
It was sooo much fun getting away and doing something out of the ordinary. Being in the snow/cold is not as challenging when you're dressed for it - other than a little windburn (yes, I resemble a raccoon) the weather was great.
I didn't inflict great bodily harm onto anyone (I ski under control..), but there were moments where I had enough speed that I bordered being out of control...flashbacks to the 80' (when I felt bulletproof).
It was good friends, good food/wine and laughs along the way - mix in some skiing and all was great.
Did I mention I'm now on the Advil diet for a few daze? The first paragraph says it all!
Catchy title, eh? No 70's flashback here, I'm going skiing this weekend in Colorado. I rec'd a call from some friends who have some xtra space (read - they want someone else to cook for them..) and invited me to join them in Breckenridge. If you haven't skied in Colorado, I highly recommend it.
I make a point of traveling light (no checked baggage) so I can move my flights around. I also "rent" my equipment - I don't ski enough to make purchasing my own gear worthwhile. Plus I gotta store the stuff afterwards!
Breckenridge is your typical ski town, with all of the usual "touristy"places - but the town also has some character and can be fun at night without being boorish (like Aspen, IMO).
I'll take it easy tomorrow while I get used to the altitude, and then watch out downhill. The people you meet on the chairlifts are truly a lesson in sociology..and pretty funny as well.
I've had this business trip planned for the past two months and had to leave for Chicago this morning. It also just happened to be NASCAR weekend @ Fontana - a trip I haven't missed for the four years.
I do look forward to this, as I have sooo much fun at the races with my son (he was quite disappointed). Anyway, here I am - off the the cold, frozen tundra.
Good news here - my son did get a call from his best friend, who invited him to go to the race today.
