The year 2011 brought many changes that were good and not so good with a huge change at the end I am still processing.
February 2011- First airplane ride since I was 15 years old to Florida for a business trip
April 2011- Kristin had a stroke erasing the last 15 years of our friendship
July 2011- First time inside a FBI building (with some HOT agents!)
July 2011- First time in Chicago for a business trip
October 2011- Kristin was well enough to call me for the first time
November 2011- First time to Atlanta for a business trip (with a wine and dine!)
December 2011- Leah's engagement with a move to Louisiana after her wedding
December 2011- Shane's big move for school
With that being typed (said), I know that God has a big plan for me in 2012 and I need to be patient and trust that he is in control. I was reminded by another friend that I need to not focus on the subtractions that I keep experiencing but instead focus on what additions are coming and the additions that have come as a result of me supporting decisions made by others.
I am happy for the others around me that have "moved to the other chapter" and I trust that God has something similar in the works for me. Change is not easy for me and it is something I have had to work on since I could think for myself. I have to remind myself that everyone is in your life for a season, some longer than others.
Dear 2012, I need GOOD changes please.
Happy New Year!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Last Business Trip?
I figured its been awhile so I would update everyone on what has been going on in my world.
I went on my last (at least for now) business trip to Atlanta right before Thanksgiving. I had never been to Atlanta so it was a whole new experience. I was amazed just how 'generic' it looked compared to everywhere else I had been.
The landing into Atlanta was rough... I was almost thinking that the plane wasn't going to stop. I had to stop myself from voicing my opinion to the pilot when I got off. I was greatful to be on land again and was looking forward to my adventure on my company's dime.
After landing, we took the MARTA (think train) from the airport and rode it all the way to the downtown area where our hotel was. On the way there I saw a few horses which I did not expect to see on that side of the Mississippi.
When our stop happened, we got off and then happened upon the street with not much idea where to go. Luckily, Mr. Iphone told us where to go and a MARTA employee was very helpful to direct us. Two blocks later, we were at our hotel and it was just as good as the internet pictures.
That night, we went to dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe down the street and then back to the hotel for some sleep.
The conference itself was just about the same as the others I had gone to in the past but the Fraud Expo was something I was not expecting. I walked into a ballroom with lines of booths and tons of goodies that were handed out. I had three chances for an iPad but didn't win, oh well. The rest of the week was just about the same. One thing that was nice was that our hotel was connected to two other hotels by a skybridge so I never had to walk outside (except to get my Starbucks every morning).
The hotel where the conference was being held was gorgeous! One night we were "wined and dined" by one of our vendors at a nearby seafood restaurant. I was amazed at all of the fancy decorations and wonderful food that they had (and free alcohol!!!!!!!!!!!). I was a little out of my element when it came to the dinner because I had never been 'wined and dined'. Later, the party moved back to the hotel and a tab was started for everyone who wanted to drink.
One of my coworkers and I decided to go visit the World of Coca-Cola that was housed there in Atlanta. We walked the few city blocks and learned more about Coca-Cola.
I was mesmerized by the bottling process. I had no idea it took so many steps!
At the end, everyone that did the tour got an eight ounce bottle that was bottled there.
There was a room that had every coke product made world wide. I found some that were good and some that were not so good.
Overall, I had a blast and I am greatful that I work for a company that has given me these travel opportunities.
I went on my last (at least for now) business trip to Atlanta right before Thanksgiving. I had never been to Atlanta so it was a whole new experience. I was amazed just how 'generic' it looked compared to everywhere else I had been.
The landing into Atlanta was rough... I was almost thinking that the plane wasn't going to stop. I had to stop myself from voicing my opinion to the pilot when I got off. I was greatful to be on land again and was looking forward to my adventure on my company's dime.
After landing, we took the MARTA (think train) from the airport and rode it all the way to the downtown area where our hotel was. On the way there I saw a few horses which I did not expect to see on that side of the Mississippi.
When our stop happened, we got off and then happened upon the street with not much idea where to go. Luckily, Mr. Iphone told us where to go and a MARTA employee was very helpful to direct us. Two blocks later, we were at our hotel and it was just as good as the internet pictures.
That night, we went to dinner at The Hard Rock Cafe down the street and then back to the hotel for some sleep.
The conference itself was just about the same as the others I had gone to in the past but the Fraud Expo was something I was not expecting. I walked into a ballroom with lines of booths and tons of goodies that were handed out. I had three chances for an iPad but didn't win, oh well. The rest of the week was just about the same. One thing that was nice was that our hotel was connected to two other hotels by a skybridge so I never had to walk outside (except to get my Starbucks every morning).
The hotel where the conference was being held was gorgeous! One night we were "wined and dined" by one of our vendors at a nearby seafood restaurant. I was amazed at all of the fancy decorations and wonderful food that they had (and free alcohol!!!!!!!!!!!). I was a little out of my element when it came to the dinner because I had never been 'wined and dined'. Later, the party moved back to the hotel and a tab was started for everyone who wanted to drink.
One of my coworkers and I decided to go visit the World of Coca-Cola that was housed there in Atlanta. We walked the few city blocks and learned more about Coca-Cola.
I was mesmerized by the bottling process. I had no idea it took so many steps!
At the end, everyone that did the tour got an eight ounce bottle that was bottled there.
There was a room that had every coke product made world wide. I found some that were good and some that were not so good.
Overall, I had a blast and I am greatful that I work for a company that has given me these travel opportunities.
Saturday, October 22, 2011
Update
Since its been awhile, I figured I would give everyone an update on my friend Kristin.
Her birthday was earlier this month and she told her husband she wanted a party. The fact that she acknowledged her own birthday and wanted a party is a huge improvement in its own right. Since the actual day fell during the week, we had the party the following Saturday. I small crowd gathered and we celebrated the pure power of God's healing and her strides in becoming "normal" again. I snapped a few pictures during the celebration for posterity and the thought that I wanted documentation that she was actually back to herself again. While she has a few more things to work on, she is in every sense okay again.
As a long time friend, I of course notice the little things that are missing or new. I work very hard to try to ignore them but with every discovery, I get even more curious. I keep telling myself I should just be grateful that I have her back and that she knows who I am now.
Today, we went to Chili's like we used to for years and it was awesome to be able to enjoy her company and continue to help her repair what was lost or forgotten. We talked about the usual stuff and what exactly she doesn't remember which was an eye opening conversation for me. Any childhood trips or traumas are forgotten with no sight of them returning. So far, any memories of when we were in high school color guard are still buried. I drove by the stadium that we performed in for three years in high school with no recollection of being there.
I secretly hope that one day she will remember but know that it might not ever happen. I have to continue to be patient and be the friend she needs in this moment.
Continue to keep her in your prayers..they are working!
Her birthday was earlier this month and she told her husband she wanted a party. The fact that she acknowledged her own birthday and wanted a party is a huge improvement in its own right. Since the actual day fell during the week, we had the party the following Saturday. I small crowd gathered and we celebrated the pure power of God's healing and her strides in becoming "normal" again. I snapped a few pictures during the celebration for posterity and the thought that I wanted documentation that she was actually back to herself again. While she has a few more things to work on, she is in every sense okay again.
As a long time friend, I of course notice the little things that are missing or new. I work very hard to try to ignore them but with every discovery, I get even more curious. I keep telling myself I should just be grateful that I have her back and that she knows who I am now.
Today, we went to Chili's like we used to for years and it was awesome to be able to enjoy her company and continue to help her repair what was lost or forgotten. We talked about the usual stuff and what exactly she doesn't remember which was an eye opening conversation for me. Any childhood trips or traumas are forgotten with no sight of them returning. So far, any memories of when we were in high school color guard are still buried. I drove by the stadium that we performed in for three years in high school with no recollection of being there.
I secretly hope that one day she will remember but know that it might not ever happen. I have to continue to be patient and be the friend she needs in this moment.
Continue to keep her in your prayers..they are working!
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Packing and great conversation
Yesterday I went to go see a great friend of mine I haven't seen seen since around February.
I drove over to Kristin's house because she asked if I could help her pack for an upcoming move. Due to some circumstances, her husband and her are having to move out of their apartment. I arrived and was greeted at the door with a huge smile and a great hug. I sat down on the sofa and we started some small talk. After a while, I discovered that it was going to be me and her all by ourselves for the whole day. We went upstairs and started packing things in boxes that were either going to their temporary home or storage. Through the packing, I was able to talk to her about a few things she was okay to talk about. I also was distracted by her playful cat Granite (like the counter top). I miss having a cat just not the messy litter box and the vet bills.
Granite reminds me of my Parents' cat Patches (minus the attitude and propensity to be mean for no reason).
We got through most of what she wanted packed and I asked if she had plans for lunch (all I had was a Starbucks Java Chip Frap for breakfast). We decided to go to Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant and we had lots more great conversation. We returned back and packed until we ran out of tape. Since neither of us had anywhere else to go, we decided to play a card game that Kristin loves called Phase 10. She of course beat me but we had a blast.
I had so much fun seeing Kristin and being able to talk to her about the last few months and it be a positive conversation with plenty of insight from her vantage point.
Thank you Lord for answered prayer!!!!!!
I drove over to Kristin's house because she asked if I could help her pack for an upcoming move. Due to some circumstances, her husband and her are having to move out of their apartment. I arrived and was greeted at the door with a huge smile and a great hug. I sat down on the sofa and we started some small talk. After a while, I discovered that it was going to be me and her all by ourselves for the whole day. We went upstairs and started packing things in boxes that were either going to their temporary home or storage. Through the packing, I was able to talk to her about a few things she was okay to talk about. I also was distracted by her playful cat Granite (like the counter top). I miss having a cat just not the messy litter box and the vet bills.
Granite reminds me of my Parents' cat Patches (minus the attitude and propensity to be mean for no reason).
We got through most of what she wanted packed and I asked if she had plans for lunch (all I had was a Starbucks Java Chip Frap for breakfast). We decided to go to Los Cucos Mexican Restaurant and we had lots more great conversation. We returned back and packed until we ran out of tape. Since neither of us had anywhere else to go, we decided to play a card game that Kristin loves called Phase 10. She of course beat me but we had a blast.
I had so much fun seeing Kristin and being able to talk to her about the last few months and it be a positive conversation with plenty of insight from her vantage point.
Thank you Lord for answered prayer!!!!!!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Hello old stranger
I got some great news today I could not wait to share........
I was at work doing my usual thing and got a text message from my friend Kristin that read:
Can u talk please?
I thought that it might be her husband so I texted back and called. I expected her husband's voice but in surprise heard a voice I haven't heard since February, it was Kristin. My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe it. My prayers were answered and she was able to talk to me and carry on a conversation like we used to do for hours. It was like the last 5 months hadn't happened almost like the pause button had been pushed then released. The rest of the day all I could think of was her calling me and us being able to talk again.
I am so excited that God answers prayers!
I was at work doing my usual thing and got a text message from my friend Kristin that read:
Can u talk please?
I thought that it might be her husband so I texted back and called. I expected her husband's voice but in surprise heard a voice I haven't heard since February, it was Kristin. My heart skipped a beat. I couldn't believe it. My prayers were answered and she was able to talk to me and carry on a conversation like we used to do for hours. It was like the last 5 months hadn't happened almost like the pause button had been pushed then released. The rest of the day all I could think of was her calling me and us being able to talk again.
I am so excited that God answers prayers!
Monday, August 1, 2011
Dallas FBI
I recently drove to Dallas, Texas (for the first time) for a Healthcare Fraud working group with work.
I left around 7am Thursday knowing I would have a long drive and traffic to try to avoid. The drive was awesome and I had a lot of time to think about things. I stopped in Madisonville at a Bucee's which a friend of mine suggested I check out. The Bucee's was enormous!!!! I thought the Sufside location was big but this one was the size of a Wal-mart.
The picture does not do it any justice..really! The inside was at least the size of a Wal-mart or more. I bought a t-shirt just so I wouldn't feel guilty for abusing the restrooms. The restrooms were something I had never seen before. All of the "stalls" were lined around the exterior and were completely enclosed. The whole area going towards the bathrooms was very well decorated including a mannequin in a "cage" that would talk to you when you walked by. I got in and out rather quick because they weren't that busy since it was Thursday.
I finally arrived in Dallas around 11am and got a little lost getting to my hotel. I decided to stay at an Embassy Suites because I loved the one in Chicago.
I was too early to check in but I was able to find a plug and log on to my work laptop and do some work. My brother and his partner joined me shortly afterwards and we went to lunch at a Mexican food place called Ojeda's. http://www.ojedastexas.com/index.html
We caught up on almost two years' worth of what had happened since we saw each other last (Christmas 2009). My brother had told me a little about the restaurant (drive-by's and hold ups) that had happened but people still come from all over to eat there. I inquired why someone would hold up a restaurant and then I am told as we are sitting down that there was a rumor that the restaurant was owned by the Mob..yikes!!!!
After lunch I was able to check in and change before meeting my Uncle (Dad's brother) and his wife who I had not seen since my grandfather's funeral in Beaumont two years ago.
The room I rented was a bit smaller but just as nice as my Chicago room.
I rode with my brother to dinner at Chili's were we met my Uncle and Aunt. We had a blast talking and catching up. I also enjoyed seeing the shocked looks on their faces when I described some of my cases (redacted of course) and how they ended.
We all went our separate ways and I was then dropped off at my hotel for me to try to get some sleep. I woke up very early out of excitement and uncertainty about just how hard it would be to get from the hotel to the FBI building.
After getting lost (more times than I care to admit on here) I finally arrived for the meeting. After going through the guard gate and showing my ID, I was able to park and go in. I took some pictures before and after of the outside for prosperity purposes.
Upon entry, I went through a metal detector and my purse went through a x-ray machine. My cell phone had to stay in the car along with my camera due to their rules. I was greeted by a FBI agent who accompanied me to the elevator and then to the room I would be in. The guest speaker had a lot of good things to share and I took plenty of notes.
After the meeting was over I was then accompanied back to the elevator and down to the ground floor. The gift shop was open so I decided to see if they had any good key chains. I found one that looked like a badge and had to get a t-shirt to wear on Fridays to work (just to see what type of looks I get).
After the meeting, I got some gas, changed and got on the road. I stopped at the same Bucee's again but this time it was a ZOO!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't hardly get from the front door to the bathroom without having to bump into at least two people.UGH!
I got some snacks just to justify abusing the restroom, got some McD's on the other side and drove the rest of the way home. I beat any real rain that was to arrive in H-town and then went to bed almost immediately.
I am hoping to be able to back up there for the meeting in October and see my family again.
I also can't wait to talk to the cute FBI agents again :-)
I left around 7am Thursday knowing I would have a long drive and traffic to try to avoid. The drive was awesome and I had a lot of time to think about things. I stopped in Madisonville at a Bucee's which a friend of mine suggested I check out. The Bucee's was enormous!!!! I thought the Sufside location was big but this one was the size of a Wal-mart.
The picture does not do it any justice..really! The inside was at least the size of a Wal-mart or more. I bought a t-shirt just so I wouldn't feel guilty for abusing the restrooms. The restrooms were something I had never seen before. All of the "stalls" were lined around the exterior and were completely enclosed. The whole area going towards the bathrooms was very well decorated including a mannequin in a "cage" that would talk to you when you walked by. I got in and out rather quick because they weren't that busy since it was Thursday.
I finally arrived in Dallas around 11am and got a little lost getting to my hotel. I decided to stay at an Embassy Suites because I loved the one in Chicago.
I was too early to check in but I was able to find a plug and log on to my work laptop and do some work. My brother and his partner joined me shortly afterwards and we went to lunch at a Mexican food place called Ojeda's. http://www.ojedastexas.com/index.html
We caught up on almost two years' worth of what had happened since we saw each other last (Christmas 2009). My brother had told me a little about the restaurant (drive-by's and hold ups) that had happened but people still come from all over to eat there. I inquired why someone would hold up a restaurant and then I am told as we are sitting down that there was a rumor that the restaurant was owned by the Mob..yikes!!!!
After lunch I was able to check in and change before meeting my Uncle (Dad's brother) and his wife who I had not seen since my grandfather's funeral in Beaumont two years ago.
The room I rented was a bit smaller but just as nice as my Chicago room.
I rode with my brother to dinner at Chili's were we met my Uncle and Aunt. We had a blast talking and catching up. I also enjoyed seeing the shocked looks on their faces when I described some of my cases (redacted of course) and how they ended.
We all went our separate ways and I was then dropped off at my hotel for me to try to get some sleep. I woke up very early out of excitement and uncertainty about just how hard it would be to get from the hotel to the FBI building.
After getting lost (more times than I care to admit on here) I finally arrived for the meeting. After going through the guard gate and showing my ID, I was able to park and go in. I took some pictures before and after of the outside for prosperity purposes.
Upon entry, I went through a metal detector and my purse went through a x-ray machine. My cell phone had to stay in the car along with my camera due to their rules. I was greeted by a FBI agent who accompanied me to the elevator and then to the room I would be in. The guest speaker had a lot of good things to share and I took plenty of notes.
After the meeting was over I was then accompanied back to the elevator and down to the ground floor. The gift shop was open so I decided to see if they had any good key chains. I found one that looked like a badge and had to get a t-shirt to wear on Fridays to work (just to see what type of looks I get).
After the meeting, I got some gas, changed and got on the road. I stopped at the same Bucee's again but this time it was a ZOO!!!!!!!!!! I couldn't hardly get from the front door to the bathroom without having to bump into at least two people.UGH!
I got some snacks just to justify abusing the restroom, got some McD's on the other side and drove the rest of the way home. I beat any real rain that was to arrive in H-town and then went to bed almost immediately.
I am hoping to be able to back up there for the meeting in October and see my family again.
I also can't wait to talk to the cute FBI agents again :-)
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Chicago, revolving door phobias, and Albinism
I went to Downtown Chicago for a training seminar for work and it was VERY educational.
First, I flew out of IAH Monday on a flight that was scheduled to leave at 11:45 a.m. but due to rain in Chicago that morning, our flight didn't leave until right after 2 p.m. The ride was smooth and we landed without incident around 4:30 p.m. Once off the plane, we got into a shuttle that would take us to our hotel. The traffic getting to the hotel was unreal and I was very glad I did not choose to rent a car. Towards the end of the trip, the shuttle was turning and a taxi which was on our left honked and then turned around us almost knocking off the front of the shuttle. I was so glad to get out of the van when we finally go to the front door.
When I got my luggage, this is what greeted me:
A side note: I have a childhood phobia of revolving doors. I went with my dad to work one day when I was young and due to the fact that I was too short and too light it stopped and I was trapped. My dad heard me crying and had to come rescue me. Ever since this occured, I have avoided revolving doors at all costs.
Apparently, every store and hotel in downtown Chicago has a revolving door to enter and exit through. Due to this, I finally overcame my phobia.
I got my hotel key and then went to my room. It was gorgeous and just like the photos from the website:
http://www.embassysuiteschicago.com/accommodations/
That night my coworker and I walked across the street to eat at a very convenient Chili's. We were hungry and exhausted.
The next morning, we ate the delicious continental breakfast and then walked the 0.8 miles to the hotel that the conference as being held. The weather was beautiful and it was NOT hot. Using my iPhone, we walked a very scenic route and we were not alone. My first observation was that there was not a button for the crosswalks, instead they were just timed along with the traffic lights. There were more people walking on the sidewalk than there was driving in the street. The sure number of cabs verses cars was mind blowing. Also, I noticed that the use of the car horn is a requirement. If the first car wasn't rolling by the time the light finished turning green, at least two cars behind it was blaring its horn. Buses honk at each other like it is accepted, I was shocked.
After about 10 minutes of walking, my coworker and I came to our destination:
http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumchicago/index.html
The inside was breathtaking:
We then went into the conference room which had quite a bit of history:
After the conference let out, we did some sight seeing including dinner. We went inside a mall called Water Tower Place which had the American Girl doll store inside. We ate at a restaurant called Food life which had 14 different kitchens for everyone to choose from and then a desert kitchen to chose a dessert. The food was excellent and the cost was in our company's budget.
Afterwards, we went to the John Hancock Observatory and went up an elevator at 20 mph to the 94th floor. The view was amazing and unreal.
Exhausted from all the walking, we all went back to our respective hotels to start the day over again. On the way back to our hotel, I saw this sign and couldn't help myself:
Due to a Starbucks withdrawal, the next morning I walked next door to the Starbucks and got myself a Java Chip Frappichino, it was awesome. My coworker and I walked the same way back to the conference for our second day of training and then we went to lunch at a Cheesecake Factory nearby.
After the day was over we walked to a local pizza place for dinner. We all wanted to get a chicago deep dish pizza. The pizza was awesome and completely worth the wait.
One of my coworkers from Solon, Ohio had us meet her sister for dinner. When I first met her sister, the thought of her being different did not pass my mind. My coworker mentioned her being an Albino but I was taken back since I had no idea. Once her sister was with us while we were waiting to be seated, I had burning questions to ask and get answered. She was very gracious and appreciated me asking and not assuming. I had to admit that I couldn't tell and that she was the first one I had ever met.
We all walked our separate ways to our separate hotels to start our third day in the morning.
My coworker and I walked the last time to the other hotel and sleepily sat through the training. Due to some Houston issues, my coworker had to walk back to the hotel we were staying in to get on his work laptop and try to work on an urgent agent case that had just come up. After the conference was over with, I walked alone back to the hotel to eat my leftover pizza for dinner. On the way back, I was able to take in more sights and take more pictures of what I had seen.
This is what I saw on the sidewalk and thought it was amazing. This is a live person who is in costume and make-up:
I was able to upgrade my ticket to first class which was a completely new adventure for me since I had never sat in first class. Due to my first class boarding pass, I was able to go to a special line for security and essentially went through in half the time it would have taken for general boarding. First class was able to board first and so I took my seat next to an older gentleman who was very kind to help me with my luggage. The man next to me drank FOUR Vodka/Tonics from the time we boarded to the time we landed. I just drank Sprite and ate some peanuts due to my lack of hunger and nerves about the flight. The seats were leather and I was able to watch the Direct TV programming that was displayed on the seat back in front of me the whole flight as opposed to the going flight that cut off after only an hour or so of play. I was shocked just how much was free in first class and the fight attendant was surprised I didn't want much. It was nice to have more leg room and to be with business people with no kids. Due to the weather, the flight was bumpier than usual resulting in the seat belt sign staying on. The pilot stated on the overhead that we had to go around Dallas to avoid some storms which tacked on about 30 minutes to our flight. The landing was very rough but I was prepared with my hands firmly on the seat in front of me.
We landed and I hightailed it to the pick up for Park N Fly to get to my car so I could drive home. I drove home and relaxed with some wine. I had fun but I was exhausted.
First, I flew out of IAH Monday on a flight that was scheduled to leave at 11:45 a.m. but due to rain in Chicago that morning, our flight didn't leave until right after 2 p.m. The ride was smooth and we landed without incident around 4:30 p.m. Once off the plane, we got into a shuttle that would take us to our hotel. The traffic getting to the hotel was unreal and I was very glad I did not choose to rent a car. Towards the end of the trip, the shuttle was turning and a taxi which was on our left honked and then turned around us almost knocking off the front of the shuttle. I was so glad to get out of the van when we finally go to the front door.
When I got my luggage, this is what greeted me:
A side note: I have a childhood phobia of revolving doors. I went with my dad to work one day when I was young and due to the fact that I was too short and too light it stopped and I was trapped. My dad heard me crying and had to come rescue me. Ever since this occured, I have avoided revolving doors at all costs.
Apparently, every store and hotel in downtown Chicago has a revolving door to enter and exit through. Due to this, I finally overcame my phobia.
I got my hotel key and then went to my room. It was gorgeous and just like the photos from the website:
http://www.embassysuiteschicago.com/accommodations/
That night my coworker and I walked across the street to eat at a very convenient Chili's. We were hungry and exhausted.
The next morning, we ate the delicious continental breakfast and then walked the 0.8 miles to the hotel that the conference as being held. The weather was beautiful and it was NOT hot. Using my iPhone, we walked a very scenic route and we were not alone. My first observation was that there was not a button for the crosswalks, instead they were just timed along with the traffic lights. There were more people walking on the sidewalk than there was driving in the street. The sure number of cabs verses cars was mind blowing. Also, I noticed that the use of the car horn is a requirement. If the first car wasn't rolling by the time the light finished turning green, at least two cars behind it was blaring its horn. Buses honk at each other like it is accepted, I was shocked.
After about 10 minutes of walking, my coworker and I came to our destination:
http://www.millenniumhotels.com/millenniumchicago/index.html
The inside was breathtaking:
We then went into the conference room which had quite a bit of history:
Afterwards, we went to the John Hancock Observatory and went up an elevator at 20 mph to the 94th floor. The view was amazing and unreal.
Exhausted from all the walking, we all went back to our respective hotels to start the day over again. On the way back to our hotel, I saw this sign and couldn't help myself:
Due to a Starbucks withdrawal, the next morning I walked next door to the Starbucks and got myself a Java Chip Frappichino, it was awesome. My coworker and I walked the same way back to the conference for our second day of training and then we went to lunch at a Cheesecake Factory nearby.
After the day was over we walked to a local pizza place for dinner. We all wanted to get a chicago deep dish pizza. The pizza was awesome and completely worth the wait.
One of my coworkers from Solon, Ohio had us meet her sister for dinner. When I first met her sister, the thought of her being different did not pass my mind. My coworker mentioned her being an Albino but I was taken back since I had no idea. Once her sister was with us while we were waiting to be seated, I had burning questions to ask and get answered. She was very gracious and appreciated me asking and not assuming. I had to admit that I couldn't tell and that she was the first one I had ever met.
We all walked our separate ways to our separate hotels to start our third day in the morning.
My coworker and I walked the last time to the other hotel and sleepily sat through the training. Due to some Houston issues, my coworker had to walk back to the hotel we were staying in to get on his work laptop and try to work on an urgent agent case that had just come up. After the conference was over with, I walked alone back to the hotel to eat my leftover pizza for dinner. On the way back, I was able to take in more sights and take more pictures of what I had seen.
This is what I saw on the sidewalk and thought it was amazing. This is a live person who is in costume and make-up:
I was able to upgrade my ticket to first class which was a completely new adventure for me since I had never sat in first class. Due to my first class boarding pass, I was able to go to a special line for security and essentially went through in half the time it would have taken for general boarding. First class was able to board first and so I took my seat next to an older gentleman who was very kind to help me with my luggage. The man next to me drank FOUR Vodka/Tonics from the time we boarded to the time we landed. I just drank Sprite and ate some peanuts due to my lack of hunger and nerves about the flight. The seats were leather and I was able to watch the Direct TV programming that was displayed on the seat back in front of me the whole flight as opposed to the going flight that cut off after only an hour or so of play. I was shocked just how much was free in first class and the fight attendant was surprised I didn't want much. It was nice to have more leg room and to be with business people with no kids. Due to the weather, the flight was bumpier than usual resulting in the seat belt sign staying on. The pilot stated on the overhead that we had to go around Dallas to avoid some storms which tacked on about 30 minutes to our flight. The landing was very rough but I was prepared with my hands firmly on the seat in front of me.
We landed and I hightailed it to the pick up for Park N Fly to get to my car so I could drive home. I drove home and relaxed with some wine. I had fun but I was exhausted.
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