BrainShare always starts with the Keynote; in Amsterdam it was no exception. The problem was that the keynote room and the tech lab are really part of the same larger room; so trying to finish getting the lab ready for the lab start of 1100 during the keynote was difficult. But I persevered and got everything working, even a local demo of an Apple iPod Touch syncing with the virtual system on my laptop.
IDM 4 had their big launch that evening. What they did was park a party boat that was like a floating disco next to the Passenger Terminal and everyone got on board and partied for an hour. Really; a bunch of geeks all together in a disco? There was Dutch appetizers, drinks, music, and even a dance floor (ratio of 100 to 1 is my guess). After an hour of getting people lubed up the boat cruised around the harbor for an hour before docking again by the show. By then some brave souls were dancing; not that they should have been dancing but I guess they felt they had to!
Each evening I tried to stay up until about midnight so that I would be good and tired and sleep mostly through the night and it worked! Standing around all day also helped; tiring. Only lab this day; sessions the other 2 days.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Amsterdam 2010 - May 18, 2010: BrainShare Setup
I stayed up late enough the night before so that I would sleep through; it worked! After a Dutch/Swiss breakfast (the Mövenpick is a Swiss hotel) it was to the lab to get everything setup. Once the computers were in place on the tables we had to install the demo system, the clients on each machine to access the demo system. Throw in some TSS training about the Data Synchronizer and a built-from-scratch virtual sync box and you have a long day. Almost got it completed by the time we were going out for dinner: Italian and quite good. Someone else paid so there was no problem with the tip and we walked back, skirting the red-light district.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Amsterdam 2010 - May 16-17, 2010: The Journey Begins
What should have been a 19 hour trip including a layover in Portland turned into a trip lasting more than 24 hours. While north of Iceland a new destination showed up on the moving map display; instead of Amsterdam the target circle was around Frankfurt, Germany. About 20 minutes later the captain came on the intercom and informed us that due to ash from the Icelandic volcano we would have to land in Frankfurt as the airport in Amsterdam was closed.
In Frankfurt there was a left package, a huge crowd of people trying to get re-routed to Amsterdam, a huge crowd at the Delta desk, and the four of us (Alex, Travis, Lex, and myself) just wanting to get in that evening. Train or car? Train was 130 Euros each 2nd class, car was 250 Euros total. Made sense.
The car was barely large enough for 4 people and their luggage, not to mention that at only 1.5 liters we would not be able to use the Autobahn as it is intended. No matter. With Alex and Travis switching off we made it in 5 hours, counting a quick lunch break in Köln.
Finally to the hotel at 1630; checked in and went looking for dinner. Indonesian, very good, but I forgot about tipping rules in Europe and gave the guy quite a large tip; he was very happy, though!
In Frankfurt there was a left package, a huge crowd of people trying to get re-routed to Amsterdam, a huge crowd at the Delta desk, and the four of us (Alex, Travis, Lex, and myself) just wanting to get in that evening. Train or car? Train was 130 Euros each 2nd class, car was 250 Euros total. Made sense.
The car was barely large enough for 4 people and their luggage, not to mention that at only 1.5 liters we would not be able to use the Autobahn as it is intended. No matter. With Alex and Travis switching off we made it in 5 hours, counting a quick lunch break in Köln.
Finally to the hotel at 1630; checked in and went looking for dinner. Indonesian, very good, but I forgot about tipping rules in Europe and gave the guy quite a large tip; he was very happy, though!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Upcoming Trips
From May 23rd to May 30th I'll be in Amsterdam attending BrainShare EMEA 2010
From June 11 to June 22 I'll be working the US Open @ Pebble Beach.
From June 11 to June 22 I'll be working the US Open @ Pebble Beach.
US Open 2008: Travel Back home and the Real Last Day (June 16)
Luckily we found a radio station from LA while we were out on the road near Barstow and were able to listen to the playoff commentary hole-by-hole. Part of my thinking about not staying was that instead of crowds being scattered around the course watching everyone and slowly congregating back at #18 I figured that everyone would either follow Tiger and Rocco around (the all-powerful amoeba devouring everything in its path) or everyone would camp at #18 like the previous day. The big difference is that there was only one group. So I decided against the crowds. I sure didn't expect the outcome of that 18 hole playoff to be a tie!
The tee for #7 is right next to the green at #18, and the tee for #8 is next to the green for #7. Once off of #8 the tee for #18 is right there, so that is why those 3 holes were chosen for the sudden-death holes. But as you know Tiger won it on the first hole; I felt sorry for Rocco. So close, so far. Might not get another chance. Tiger definetely will. We listened to that final hole on the road from Las Vegas to Mesquite.
The rest of the trip was keeping the kids from killing each other and us from falling asleep. I do think that I want to do this again; maybe in 2 years at Pebble Beach both Leslie and I can volunteer together!
The tee for #7 is right next to the green at #18, and the tee for #8 is next to the green for #7. Once off of #8 the tee for #18 is right there, so that is why those 3 holes were chosen for the sudden-death holes. But as you know Tiger won it on the first hole; I felt sorry for Rocco. So close, so far. Might not get another chance. Tiger definetely will. We listened to that final hole on the road from Las Vegas to Mesquite.
The rest of the trip was keeping the kids from killing each other and us from falling asleep. I do think that I want to do this again; maybe in 2 years at Pebble Beach both Leslie and I can volunteer together!
US Open 2008: Last Day (So I Thought) (June 15)
Final day and I didn't have to work! Perfect. The plan for today was simple: get there early and get a good seat in the stands at #18. Execution: almost perfect. I was on one of the 1st buses leaving Qualcomm and arrived at the main gate at 0600. Quick stepped it across the course to # 18 and found only two rows in the grandstand already filled: the top row that lets you watch them tee off on #1, and the front row above the exit gate where the players go out and the fans can get balls thrown to them. I was orignally hoping for one of those top row seats, but quickly chose another one directly west of the old hole position that had a good view of the slope down into the water and a reasonable view down the fairway to where they would be hitting.
Of course they moved the hole to the far side of the green, but still completely abeam the chosen seat location. I was in my seat at 0630, near 2 guys at the stairs out, front row. Shortly thereafter a guy came and reserved 3 seats for him, his girlfriend, and his brother on one side of me, and another guy, also a volunteer, came and sat between me and the 2 guys who had beat me to the seats. So there were 7 of us on that front row, and there we stayed and protected our investment for the rest of the day. Of course it took almost 4 hours for the 1st group to come in, as the 1st tee time for the day was 0700.
Once the groups started through it was great. We got to watch them either lay up or go for it; and there were plenty of both. Because of the hole position there were only a couple of splashes today; most either made it on or put it in the bunkers over on the East side of the green. One player put it in the stands down a bit from us, though. He politely requested his ball and when the fan passed it down via the marshals he signed a ball and had them pass it up. Very nice.
Once the final groups started coming in the attempts by the general public to get into the stands became more frenzied. People were getting upset that they couldn't get in, and those of us who had seats and were just leaving for a quick run to the john or to get some food were met with suspicion and sometimes open hostitlity back at the entrance to the stands. There was a system: when you left the marshal told you a password which would get you back in. For a lot of people even that was no guarantee that you'd get your seat back as people were squeezing into where-ever they could. Since we had our seats blocked out with portable bleacher cushions it was easier to turn people down when they wanted to sit in our row; even so they still gave us dirty looks.
There were several people who were pushing and fighting to get seats and the cops came and escorted them out. And many times the fire marshal came through and cleared off the stairs and walkways. I'd say that all of the seats were locked up about 1330. The last couple of groups didn't roll in until after 1630, so there was lots of tension.
The entire stand would groan, cheer, or sigh whenever the score changed on the big scoreboard. Finally Rocco came in with a stroke lead and wasn't able to hit his bird, so both Tiger and Lee Westwood had a great opportunity for a playoff. The rest is history. Tiger drove into the sand on the left, hit out into the rough on the left, which meant he had to hit it perfectly onto the green to even attempt a birdie, but this is Tiger we're talking about and he did just that. Once on the green I knew he'd make it, so I was ticked off in that I either had to check back into the hotel and make arrangements to delay a day or I would have to somehow tune into the match on the way home to Utah the next day. When Westwood missed his birdie I decided that I needed to get back, and after Tiger made his and tied up the score I had already made the decision. Not that I didn't rethink it several times on the way back to Qualcomm and my car. But no; I drove back up to LA and helped get Leslie and the kids packed.
Of course they moved the hole to the far side of the green, but still completely abeam the chosen seat location. I was in my seat at 0630, near 2 guys at the stairs out, front row. Shortly thereafter a guy came and reserved 3 seats for him, his girlfriend, and his brother on one side of me, and another guy, also a volunteer, came and sat between me and the 2 guys who had beat me to the seats. So there were 7 of us on that front row, and there we stayed and protected our investment for the rest of the day. Of course it took almost 4 hours for the 1st group to come in, as the 1st tee time for the day was 0700.
Once the groups started through it was great. We got to watch them either lay up or go for it; and there were plenty of both. Because of the hole position there were only a couple of splashes today; most either made it on or put it in the bunkers over on the East side of the green. One player put it in the stands down a bit from us, though. He politely requested his ball and when the fan passed it down via the marshals he signed a ball and had them pass it up. Very nice.
Once the final groups started coming in the attempts by the general public to get into the stands became more frenzied. People were getting upset that they couldn't get in, and those of us who had seats and were just leaving for a quick run to the john or to get some food were met with suspicion and sometimes open hostitlity back at the entrance to the stands. There was a system: when you left the marshal told you a password which would get you back in. For a lot of people even that was no guarantee that you'd get your seat back as people were squeezing into where-ever they could. Since we had our seats blocked out with portable bleacher cushions it was easier to turn people down when they wanted to sit in our row; even so they still gave us dirty looks.
There were several people who were pushing and fighting to get seats and the cops came and escorted them out. And many times the fire marshal came through and cleared off the stairs and walkways. I'd say that all of the seats were locked up about 1330. The last couple of groups didn't roll in until after 1630, so there was lots of tension.
The entire stand would groan, cheer, or sigh whenever the score changed on the big scoreboard. Finally Rocco came in with a stroke lead and wasn't able to hit his bird, so both Tiger and Lee Westwood had a great opportunity for a playoff. The rest is history. Tiger drove into the sand on the left, hit out into the rough on the left, which meant he had to hit it perfectly onto the green to even attempt a birdie, but this is Tiger we're talking about and he did just that. Once on the green I knew he'd make it, so I was ticked off in that I either had to check back into the hotel and make arrangements to delay a day or I would have to somehow tune into the match on the way home to Utah the next day. When Westwood missed his birdie I decided that I needed to get back, and after Tiger made his and tied up the score I had already made the decision. Not that I didn't rethink it several times on the way back to Qualcomm and my car. But no; I drove back up to LA and helped get Leslie and the kids packed.
US Open 2008: Last Day of Work and Tiger's Big Run (June 14)
My last day of work; hurray! Tomorrow is the last day of the Championship (hopefully) and I don't have to work.
Today was slower than the last; which was nice. Still, we had our spurts and when my shift was done my back was killing me! Anyway, the 1st tee-time was at 0830, which meant that I only had a couple of hours before I needed to go get ready and checked in. So I couldn't got too far away, so I decided to sit in the 1st green bleachers. Then after my shift I took one look at the crowds waiting to get into the 18th grandstand then decided to go elsewhere. I only made it halfway down the 18th and decided to watch the action there.
Yesterday on the 3rd I ended up sitting with some guys from Utah valley, believe it or not, and today I was standing with some guys from SLC. Small world, eh?
Heard the roar when Tiger birdied @ 17, then couldn't believe it when he eagled at 18; his 2nd eagle of the day. Hopefully there will be lots of action there and that it won't end in a playoff; as I'd have to quickly juggle plans so that I could be there for the final play. Otherwise tomorrow after the final group I'll be driving up to LA and then back up to Utah on Monday.
Today was slower than the last; which was nice. Still, we had our spurts and when my shift was done my back was killing me! Anyway, the 1st tee-time was at 0830, which meant that I only had a couple of hours before I needed to go get ready and checked in. So I couldn't got too far away, so I decided to sit in the 1st green bleachers. Then after my shift I took one look at the crowds waiting to get into the 18th grandstand then decided to go elsewhere. I only made it halfway down the 18th and decided to watch the action there.
Yesterday on the 3rd I ended up sitting with some guys from Utah valley, believe it or not, and today I was standing with some guys from SLC. Small world, eh?
Heard the roar when Tiger birdied @ 17, then couldn't believe it when he eagled at 18; his 2nd eagle of the day. Hopefully there will be lots of action there and that it won't end in a playoff; as I'd have to quickly juggle plans so that I could be there for the final play. Otherwise tomorrow after the final group I'll be driving up to LA and then back up to Utah on Monday.
US Open 2008: Day 2 of the Championship and Work (June 13)
Day 2 - Before the Cut: A work day, so I had to wear my uniform, but I got to ride the volunteer shuttle. Immediately on arriving I went down to the 3rd green and got a great seat up in the bleachers. One of the first groups through had Streelman in it, who was leading the event after the 1st day at three under par. He came away from #3 with a triple bogey. Those greens are brutal; there were players mis-reading putts all day long.
Right after Sergio and his crowd rolled through I had to head for the merchandise tent and my 5 hour shift. And it was busy! Barely had time to catch my breath.
Right before our replacements came Tiger and Phil hit off the 1st tee; right outside the tent, causing massive crowds. Luckily they had gone down to the green when I came out, so i was able to cross the 1st easily and head for the 8th, which is also a par 3 with a nice grandstand. I barely made it in; shortly thereafter it was declared full and that no-one was allowed to go for beer runs anymore, which nearly caused a rebellion, but the marshals weren't going to take any crap. After a hour or so Tiger and Phil and Adam Scott came through; Scott had the hot of the hole, though, as his tee shot hit the stick and ended up about 3 inches from the hole. We thought we were going to see a hole in one there for a second!
And then the crowds quickly left, running up to the 9th to see them finish their round. Tomorrow it is about half of the players and doesn't start until 0730 or so. I think I will be watching at the 13th; it looks like some good viewing there. Of course I will have to work, but it will be my last shift!
Right after Sergio and his crowd rolled through I had to head for the merchandise tent and my 5 hour shift. And it was busy! Barely had time to catch my breath.
Right before our replacements came Tiger and Phil hit off the 1st tee; right outside the tent, causing massive crowds. Luckily they had gone down to the green when I came out, so i was able to cross the 1st easily and head for the 8th, which is also a par 3 with a nice grandstand. I barely made it in; shortly thereafter it was declared full and that no-one was allowed to go for beer runs anymore, which nearly caused a rebellion, but the marshals weren't going to take any crap. After a hour or so Tiger and Phil and Adam Scott came through; Scott had the hot of the hole, though, as his tee shot hit the stick and ended up about 3 inches from the hole. We thought we were going to see a hole in one there for a second!
And then the crowds quickly left, running up to the 9th to see them finish their round. Tomorrow it is about half of the players and doesn't start until 0730 or so. I think I will be watching at the 13th; it looks like some good viewing there. Of course I will have to work, but it will be my last shift!
US Open 2008: Day 1 of the Championship (June 12)
Sorry; no photos today. But a full day of golf!
After waking up at 0430 I hopped in the jeep @ 0500 and made it to the stadium parking lot 20 minutes later. I was worried that I might be getting there too early; wrong! There was already a line. But right at 0530 the buses started to move and I made it thru the main gate right at 0600. The 1st tee time was at 7, so i headed for the 1st tee, thinking about getting a stool so I could sit out on the side of a fairway. The store was closed, but I noticed that there was good standing spots right at the 1st tee across from the bleachers. Prime viewing space! So I stood there for almost 2 hours as the 1st 6 groups went off, and then it was the big group: Mickelson, Scott, and Woods at 0806. By then the people standing behind me were 4 or 5 deep. But once they tee-ed off (Tiger went way left and ended up getting a double bogey) and headed away from the tee the entire crowd went with them and then there was plenty of space.
After getting my stool I headed for the 17th, to the spot I had scoped out earlier. By then the 1/4 of the field that had started on #10 was approaching, so I only had to wait 20 minutes for the 1st group showed up. I basically stayed put for the entire AM group, including Tiger and Phil's group. I was right at the corner to the players passage from the 17th green to the 18th tee, and got a close look at all the players as they passed. It was pretty funny watching everyone jockeying for position, especially once Tiger and Phil's group neared. There were about 3 of us that pretty much anchored that corner, with me in the pivot point.
After a short break as the AM group finished and the PM group started, I was back in my spot, until Mike Weir and Sergio's groups had passed. As it was about 1800 and I was sunburned and tired I decided to head out. Saw a lot of groups on my way back as I had to basically walk backwards from the 17th to get to the 11th where the main gate is.
Tomorrow I'm working again so I'll be taking the volunteer bus and wearing my uniform again. But there will be time both before and after my shift to see lots of great golf!
After waking up at 0430 I hopped in the jeep @ 0500 and made it to the stadium parking lot 20 minutes later. I was worried that I might be getting there too early; wrong! There was already a line. But right at 0530 the buses started to move and I made it thru the main gate right at 0600. The 1st tee time was at 7, so i headed for the 1st tee, thinking about getting a stool so I could sit out on the side of a fairway. The store was closed, but I noticed that there was good standing spots right at the 1st tee across from the bleachers. Prime viewing space! So I stood there for almost 2 hours as the 1st 6 groups went off, and then it was the big group: Mickelson, Scott, and Woods at 0806. By then the people standing behind me were 4 or 5 deep. But once they tee-ed off (Tiger went way left and ended up getting a double bogey) and headed away from the tee the entire crowd went with them and then there was plenty of space.
After getting my stool I headed for the 17th, to the spot I had scoped out earlier. By then the 1/4 of the field that had started on #10 was approaching, so I only had to wait 20 minutes for the 1st group showed up. I basically stayed put for the entire AM group, including Tiger and Phil's group. I was right at the corner to the players passage from the 17th green to the 18th tee, and got a close look at all the players as they passed. It was pretty funny watching everyone jockeying for position, especially once Tiger and Phil's group neared. There were about 3 of us that pretty much anchored that corner, with me in the pivot point.
After a short break as the AM group finished and the PM group started, I was back in my spot, until Mike Weir and Sergio's groups had passed. As it was about 1800 and I was sunburned and tired I decided to head out. Saw a lot of groups on my way back as I had to basically walk backwards from the 17th to get to the 11th where the main gate is.
Tomorrow I'm working again so I'll be taking the volunteer bus and wearing my uniform again. But there will be time both before and after my shift to see lots of great golf!
US Open 2008: June 11, 2008 - 1st Day Off
Didn't have to work today! Could just do whatever I wanted to do, so I went to Torrey Pines and walked around again. This time I had to park at Qualcomm Stadium and then take a shuttle bus back to the course. So it took an extra hour to get to the course. Tomorrow and Sunday (my other 2 days off) I'll be getting up really early to get over there before the event starts.
I'm uploading more pictures to the Photo Album; this will be the last day for pictures from the course, though, as cameras are not allowed the 4 days of the Championship.
As I was wandering though the practice area towards the putting greens I noticed that it was jammed tight around the fence. Tiger must be in there, I thought, and so he was. There are huge crowds following him and Lefty and Sergio around the course; it will be crazy tomorrow and Friday with Tiger, Lefty, and Adam Scott all in the same group. I'm still debating my strategy for watching this the next 4 days (of course for 2 of those I'll be stuck in the tent from 1130 to 1600). Should I:
1. Wander
2. Stay put and watch lots of groups
3. Follow a specific group or two around
That is still TBD...
I'm uploading more pictures to the Photo Album; this will be the last day for pictures from the course, though, as cameras are not allowed the 4 days of the Championship.
As I was wandering though the practice area towards the putting greens I noticed that it was jammed tight around the fence. Tiger must be in there, I thought, and so he was. There are huge crowds following him and Lefty and Sergio around the course; it will be crazy tomorrow and Friday with Tiger, Lefty, and Adam Scott all in the same group. I'm still debating my strategy for watching this the next 4 days (of course for 2 of those I'll be stuck in the tent from 1130 to 1600). Should I:
1. Wander
2. Stay put and watch lots of groups
3. Follow a specific group or two around
That is still TBD...
US Open 2008: More practice and more work (June 10, 2008)
My 2nd work day and 2nd chance to look around. This time once in the gate I camped out at the convergence between the 15th green to the 18th tee and I waited. Good thing I did 'cause Tiger arrived almost immediately, followed by Parnevik, Montgomerie, Allenby, Villegas, Clark, Immelman, Verplank, Leonard, Tway, and finally Mickelson. I just anchored my self near the 17th green, right next to the players passage to the 18th tee, so got a good look at them all.
After a hot dog and a coke ($8) it was time to get to work. Slower today; but still quite a bit of sales. One of the retail guys there said they did over $700K in business the 1st day. And they were a bit disappointed. I thought I had sold at least a million myself!
After work I saw Sergio's crowd following him around, then sat in the bleachers at the 18th and watched the players put on a putting & chipping show. Ernie Els was the last player I watched, and as I was worn out I headed back along the 18th towards the volunteer tent and shuttle pickup.
Tomorrow I am in full spectator mode as I don't have to work. That means I can't use the volunteer shuttle; instead I have to park at Qualcomm Stadium and take the main shuttle and it will be crowded! More about thta tomorrow.
Tomorrow's pictures will be the last from the course as starting Thursday cameras will be verboten...
After a hot dog and a coke ($8) it was time to get to work. Slower today; but still quite a bit of sales. One of the retail guys there said they did over $700K in business the 1st day. And they were a bit disappointed. I thought I had sold at least a million myself!
After work I saw Sergio's crowd following him around, then sat in the bleachers at the 18th and watched the players put on a putting & chipping show. Ernie Els was the last player I watched, and as I was worn out I headed back along the 18th towards the volunteer tent and shuttle pickup.
Tomorrow I am in full spectator mode as I don't have to work. That means I can't use the volunteer shuttle; instead I have to park at Qualcomm Stadium and take the main shuttle and it will be crowded! More about thta tomorrow.
Tomorrow's pictures will be the last from the course as starting Thursday cameras will be verboten...
US Open 2008: 1st Day - June 9, 2008: Practice round and working sales
1st Day of the week's events: Practice rounds and my 1st day working in the Merchandise tent.
Volunteer parking is off of Via de la Valle at the Polo Grounds; from there shuttle buses to the course. Since it was the 1st day there were some mixups, like when the driver turned north up the coast away from Torrey Pines. After going thru Del Mar we turned around and made it in safely.
The volunteer shuttle drops us off at the 9th tee where there is also a volunteer hospitality tent with free sodas, coffee, and bagels and a place to relax and watch the tv screens. But too much to see, so after a quick gulp of Diet Coke I was off for the grand tour.
Walked the entire course and took lots of pictures. Saw a lot of players, including Mike Weir, VJ Singh, and others. Tiger started early and snuck off before it got too crowded, so I didn't see him, but I'll catch him either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Decided to sit in the grandstands for the 18th to eat my lunch before my shift, as getting a seat there later in the week will probably be tough.
From 1130 - 1600 we were busy ringing up sales. There were a few single items sales, but most amounts were close to $100. A wife of one of the players came through and ran up over $1000 before we directed her to customer service so she could get her spousal discount. I still can't believe all the cash flowing thru the US Open!
Uploaded a few pictures today as I bought a SD card to USB adapter after getting back here to the hotel. More tomorrow!!!
Volunteer parking is off of Via de la Valle at the Polo Grounds; from there shuttle buses to the course. Since it was the 1st day there were some mixups, like when the driver turned north up the coast away from Torrey Pines. After going thru Del Mar we turned around and made it in safely.
The volunteer shuttle drops us off at the 9th tee where there is also a volunteer hospitality tent with free sodas, coffee, and bagels and a place to relax and watch the tv screens. But too much to see, so after a quick gulp of Diet Coke I was off for the grand tour.
Walked the entire course and took lots of pictures. Saw a lot of players, including Mike Weir, VJ Singh, and others. Tiger started early and snuck off before it got too crowded, so I didn't see him, but I'll catch him either tomorrow or Wednesday.
Decided to sit in the grandstands for the 18th to eat my lunch before my shift, as getting a seat there later in the week will probably be tough.
From 1130 - 1600 we were busy ringing up sales. There were a few single items sales, but most amounts were close to $100. A wife of one of the players came through and ran up over $1000 before we directed her to customer service so she could get her spousal discount. I still can't believe all the cash flowing thru the US Open!
Uploaded a few pictures today as I bought a SD card to USB adapter after getting back here to the hotel. More tomorrow!!!
Heading to the Open: Travel Days June 7 and 8, 2008
Checked into the California Suites hotel this afternoon. An older hotel in a residential/lower income area, but the room is clean, there is a fridge and a pool, and everyone is very friendly. They even have internet access (obviously since I'm posting here).
Yesterday was the big haul; 12 hours on the road, but we made it to Leslie's parents house in San Gabriel by about 1630. No accidents that had us stopped on the interstate unlike the last couple of times down. Since I was going to spend only 1 night with the family this entire trip we all agreed to go to our favorite Mexican food place, Ernie Jr.s; we go there at least once every time in LA. Best Mexican food I've found.
As is normally the case after packing late and driving early I crashed about 2100 PDT and didn't stir until the kids were chasing each other around the house this morning about 0730. After getting them situated and visiting for a bit I abandoned Leslie and the boys there at the house and headed South, down the I-5.
After unloading my stuff I drove over to the course to check things out. Today was free entrance for anyone; especially to the merchandise tent which is huge and full of everything you can think about putting the USGA name and logo on. I looked around, bought some things for the family, and wandered back to the hotel through La Jolla and University City, with a quick detour to the San Diego Temple.
I realized I forgot my camera cable, so tomorrow after my shift I'll see about finding one so I can upload some photos!
Yesterday was the big haul; 12 hours on the road, but we made it to Leslie's parents house in San Gabriel by about 1630. No accidents that had us stopped on the interstate unlike the last couple of times down. Since I was going to spend only 1 night with the family this entire trip we all agreed to go to our favorite Mexican food place, Ernie Jr.s; we go there at least once every time in LA. Best Mexican food I've found.
As is normally the case after packing late and driving early I crashed about 2100 PDT and didn't stir until the kids were chasing each other around the house this morning about 0730. After getting them situated and visiting for a bit I abandoned Leslie and the boys there at the house and headed South, down the I-5.
After unloading my stuff I drove over to the course to check things out. Today was free entrance for anyone; especially to the merchandise tent which is huge and full of everything you can think about putting the USGA name and logo on. I looked around, bought some things for the family, and wandered back to the hotel through La Jolla and University City, with a quick detour to the San Diego Temple.
I realized I forgot my camera cable, so tomorrow after my shift I'll see about finding one so I can upload some photos!
US Open 2008
In June of 2008 I worked the US Open at Torrey Pines, San Diego, as a Merchandise Tent volunteer. I am adding my blog from Novell Teaming describing the trip.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Where do I begin?
Do others really care where you've been or what you've seen? Sometimes people ask that we keep them informed how the trip is going or to post pictures of what we've seen, but are they just being polite? For those of you who are really interested I will be posting thoughts and pictures from the various ramblings that I am fortunate enough to to on (some might even be physical displacements).
I'll also be adding some information about past trips, for my own sake. Bear with me...
I'll also be adding some information about past trips, for my own sake. Bear with me...
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