Back to work and back to Iowa again. I got to Des Moines this time around, it's about 10 minutes away from here and saw Legally Blonde: The Musical at the Civic Center. The Civic Center was a nice performance space, but it is so different seeing a Broadway touring cast here as opposed to Chicago. I think the theater sat about 2000, but it was not ornate at all, no rows in the center of the aisles (you could only enter from the sides, and if you were in the middle, like I was, you had to climb over 40 people to get there). The ambiance of the theater aside, it was a very cute show. Don't expect any substance, but you'll be entertained. But, only $5 to park!
Staying at the Fairfield Inn. Nice size rooms, they refill my shampoo, conditioner, and lotion every day, free internet, relatively comfy bed, loud noisy heater, free breakfast, microwave and mini-fridge, good selection of tv channels, business center, pool, hot tub, and my favorite part so far, free cookies at the front desk. For those hotels that want to make me happy, give me shampoo and conditioner every day and give me cookies. Nothing else necessary.
Nothing much really to do in Ankeny itself, it's pretty much a suburb of Des Moines. I did go to the Prairie Meadows Casino in Altoona. Nice casino, only bad part is everyone is smoking inside. I've found out that casinos are a good place to go if you are by yourself and just want to waste an hour or two. You can play penny slots, win or lose a little bit of money, talk to those around you, and no one thinks you're weird for being there alone. Plus you can drink if you so please.
Oh, also if you're in this area, go to Tasty Tacos and get a flour taco. Damn good.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
San Diego, CA
This was not a work trip for once! I went to San Diego to visit Ryan for a few days. Of course I pick the couple days that it decides to be colder and rainy, but it was still warmer than Illinois. There are a lot of different little neighborhoods, similar to Chicago, that make up the city. We went to the bars in Northpark which was the trendier area, Hillcrest, the boystown area, then hit up a few of the beach areas such as Ocean Beach. The cliffs over the beach by the university were my favorite even though the rain made it really slippery and my purse and shoes got clay all over them. No touristy activities, but definitely saw a lot of the area. Palm trees, beaches, and mountains...awesome. It was nice to fly somewhere and not work at the other end.
As a sidenote, the Southwest flight on Valentine's Day was great...good job Southwest. They had the plane decorated, gave everyone a free pink drink, sang songs, played match.com, and tried to make the flight entertaining.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Flying and Airports
I decided today that I fly too much, mainly because four different times I had to tell people in the San Diego airport things they were doing wrong. Now, I know people don't fly or travel near as much as I do. I was not mad at these people, I just want them to not delay everyone else who is not scared, excited, nervous, happy, etc about flying. Below is my list of things that are common airport mistakes/helpful tips. Don't be that guy that business travelers hate.
1. Don't arrive 20 minutes before your flight and expect everyone to feel bad for you and let you cut. Now, I know things happen that make you late. Everyone is at the airport on a time schedule. Just get there an hour and a half beforehand and you and your bags will make it to your next destination.
2. Don't argue with the ticketing people at the counter, that lady who asks you if you have an e-ticket, or the flight attendants. They have to do things a certain way. You yelling won't help matters. Be polite, ask nicely, and all will be happy.
3. Wear slip on shoes through security. Take any jackets, sweatshirts, and belts off. Avoid the hassle.
4. Put your laptop in a bin by itself.
5. Keep your ID and boarding pass in an accessible area.
6. If at all possible, don't check baggage. I always do, and so far I've been lucky with not losing any, but it's so much easier if you don't.
7. When you pick up your luggage in your destination city, don't crowd around the conveyor belt and not let anyone else through. You are not the only one who wants your bag, and if I have to chase it down the belt because I couldn't get past you, I'm not going to be happy.
8. Dress in layers. First the plane is hot, then you're freezing, then you wish you had your sweatshirt to roll up as a pillow. Layer it up.
9. If you can't carry it, don't bring it. Unless you're moving to a new city, do you really need those four oversized bags that you are forced to kick and tie all together to the kiosk? No.
10. Continuing to ask the the employees at the gate if there are any updates on the progress of the plane does not make it come faster.
11. Listen when they make those announcements. It very often pertains to you. There is no reason not to know that your gate changed.
12. Make sure to have plenty of reading materials/Ipod/laptop/etc to keep you busy on the plane. Watching the back of the seat is no fun.
13. Always take the peanuts or snacks.
14. Be sure to know what time zone you are flying in and out of.
15. Weigh your bag before you go. Having to take 2 pounds out and shuffle it around after they weigh it is a pain. And, no one in line wants to see what you packed.
16. Don't chit chat with the person next to you unless you are sure they want to chitchat. If they have headphones on, are reading a book, avoiding eye contact, or give you one word answers, they don't care where you are going, why you are going there, or your life story. Deal with it.
17. Don't turn on your electronic devices until they tell you to. The flight attendants can see you. They are people with eyes. Your earbuds are not invisible. Also, don't completely ignore them when they do their safety demonstration. At least pretend like you care.
18. Go with the flow.
19. This one is my dad's addition: Don't use the back of the person's seat in front of you as a wall to hoist yourself up with. There is probably a person whose head is wobbling all around and they are too polite to say anything to you. Use those leg muscles. Oh, and if you are in the aisle seat, stand up and let those in the middle get through. Don't just scoot your legs in. It's uncomfortable for all involved.
Hope that helps you. Any other suggestions? I'll add more if I encounter them. Happy flying.
1. Don't arrive 20 minutes before your flight and expect everyone to feel bad for you and let you cut. Now, I know things happen that make you late. Everyone is at the airport on a time schedule. Just get there an hour and a half beforehand and you and your bags will make it to your next destination.
2. Don't argue with the ticketing people at the counter, that lady who asks you if you have an e-ticket, or the flight attendants. They have to do things a certain way. You yelling won't help matters. Be polite, ask nicely, and all will be happy.
3. Wear slip on shoes through security. Take any jackets, sweatshirts, and belts off. Avoid the hassle.
4. Put your laptop in a bin by itself.
5. Keep your ID and boarding pass in an accessible area.
6. If at all possible, don't check baggage. I always do, and so far I've been lucky with not losing any, but it's so much easier if you don't.
7. When you pick up your luggage in your destination city, don't crowd around the conveyor belt and not let anyone else through. You are not the only one who wants your bag, and if I have to chase it down the belt because I couldn't get past you, I'm not going to be happy.
8. Dress in layers. First the plane is hot, then you're freezing, then you wish you had your sweatshirt to roll up as a pillow. Layer it up.
9. If you can't carry it, don't bring it. Unless you're moving to a new city, do you really need those four oversized bags that you are forced to kick and tie all together to the kiosk? No.
10. Continuing to ask the the employees at the gate if there are any updates on the progress of the plane does not make it come faster.
11. Listen when they make those announcements. It very often pertains to you. There is no reason not to know that your gate changed.
12. Make sure to have plenty of reading materials/Ipod/laptop/etc to keep you busy on the plane. Watching the back of the seat is no fun.
13. Always take the peanuts or snacks.
14. Be sure to know what time zone you are flying in and out of.
15. Weigh your bag before you go. Having to take 2 pounds out and shuffle it around after they weigh it is a pain. And, no one in line wants to see what you packed.
16. Don't chit chat with the person next to you unless you are sure they want to chitchat. If they have headphones on, are reading a book, avoiding eye contact, or give you one word answers, they don't care where you are going, why you are going there, or your life story. Deal with it.
17. Don't turn on your electronic devices until they tell you to. The flight attendants can see you. They are people with eyes. Your earbuds are not invisible. Also, don't completely ignore them when they do their safety demonstration. At least pretend like you care.
18. Go with the flow.
19. This one is my dad's addition: Don't use the back of the person's seat in front of you as a wall to hoist yourself up with. There is probably a person whose head is wobbling all around and they are too polite to say anything to you. Use those leg muscles. Oh, and if you are in the aisle seat, stand up and let those in the middle get through. Don't just scoot your legs in. It's uncomfortable for all involved.
Hope that helps you. Any other suggestions? I'll add more if I encounter them. Happy flying.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Clinton, Iowa
Continuing with my Music Man Iowa theme, I am staying this week in...get ready...River City! Now technically I guess Music Man is based in Mason City, and I am technically in Clinton, but almost all the signs around say River City this or that and it's another small town with an older feel. Only one more week in Iowa before I stop referencing Music Man, but this one was too good to pass up.
Sooo...Clinton, Iowa. There's apparently a casino here, but I've yet to see it. Clinton is right on the Mississippi so you can drive over a bridge into Fulton a few times a day. Not much other excitement. Staying at the Best Western Frontier Inn. Nice part is a hot breakfast buffet that's free, there's an indoor pool, hot tub, free internet, mini fridge and microwave, decent sized rooms, not very comfy bed, pretty crappy fitness area (but it has one). And I think another way I'm going to begin judging hotels...they refill the shampoo, lotion, conditioner, and soap every day. It sounds silly, but so many don't and it makes me mad every time.
On a non-Iowa note, I'm going to San Diego to visit Ryan on Saturday! Then I have next week off to be in So-Cal and Champaign. I'm excited!
Sooo...Clinton, Iowa. There's apparently a casino here, but I've yet to see it. Clinton is right on the Mississippi so you can drive over a bridge into Fulton a few times a day. Not much other excitement. Staying at the Best Western Frontier Inn. Nice part is a hot breakfast buffet that's free, there's an indoor pool, hot tub, free internet, mini fridge and microwave, decent sized rooms, not very comfy bed, pretty crappy fitness area (but it has one). And I think another way I'm going to begin judging hotels...they refill the shampoo, lotion, conditioner, and soap every day. It sounds silly, but so many don't and it makes me mad every time.
On a non-Iowa note, I'm going to San Diego to visit Ryan on Saturday! Then I have next week off to be in So-Cal and Champaign. I'm excited!
Monday, February 2, 2009
States Visited
Here is my current list of states visited since I started work. It was just work specific before, but I keep traveling even when I don't have to.
Michigan (Ann Arbor)
Ontario (side trip during our time in Michigan)
Illinois (all over the place)
Florida (West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens)
Colorado (Boulder, Fort Collins)
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)
Ohio (Canton, North Olmsted)
Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Appleton)
Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
Georgia (Atlanta)
Iowa (Clinton, Des Moines, Council Bluffs)
North Dakota (Grand Forks)
California (side trip to San Diego to visit Ryan)
Indiana (Indianapolis)
Nevada (vacation in Vegas!)
Missouri (Kansas City, Joplin, Belton, St. Louis)
Kansas (Overland Park)
Texas (Dallas)
Minnesota (St. Paul)
Tennessee (Memphis)
Arkansas (drove through to Memphis)
Nebraska (flew into Omaha to Council Bluffs)
North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham)
For those counting, that's 22 states, one Canadian province. Since late August 2008!
Michigan (Ann Arbor)
Ontario (side trip during our time in Michigan)
Illinois (all over the place)
Florida (West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens)
Colorado (Boulder, Fort Collins)
Pennsylvania (Philadelphia)
Ohio (Canton, North Olmsted)
Wisconsin (Milwaukee, Appleton)
Alabama (Tuscaloosa)
Georgia (Atlanta)
Iowa (Clinton, Des Moines, Council Bluffs)
North Dakota (Grand Forks)
California (side trip to San Diego to visit Ryan)
Indiana (Indianapolis)
Nevada (vacation in Vegas!)
Missouri (Kansas City, Joplin, Belton, St. Louis)
Kansas (Overland Park)
Texas (Dallas)
Minnesota (St. Paul)
Tennessee (Memphis)
Arkansas (drove through to Memphis)
Nebraska (flew into Omaha to Council Bluffs)
North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham)
For those counting, that's 22 states, one Canadian province. Since late August 2008!
Indianola, Iowa
Dubuque, Des Moines, Davenport, Marshalltown, Mason City, Keokuk, Ames, Clear Lake...
Ought to give Iowa a try! Or....not. Sorry for the Music Man reference, that's the only Iowa song I know and it keeps getting stuck in my head.
I am working in Indianola, Iowa and staying in Des Moines. After driving and driving through corn fields and finally reaching the Iowa border, and then driving and driving some more, I was very excited to see an actual city (Des Moines). But then, we went to work this morning, and welcome to small town Iowa. Corn fields, farm, tractors, and a senile old man telling Tom at lunch to stay away from me because I might hit him upside the head because females are ornery like that (we should say ornery more, it's an awesome word).
Staying at a Comfort Inn by the airport this week. It's nice, decent for a 2 star, free internet, pool, hot tub, nice free breakfast, good size rooms, comfy beds. Only complaint so far is no free conditioner, just shampoo and lotion. But, I should just keep a stash of small bottles of shampoo and conditioner I've collected along the way with me so I don't run into not having something.
Today I'll leave you with the prayer for "The Stranger Within Our Gates" that is laminated in the hotel room and sat on the dresser. It's a very nice thought for those of us who live the traveling lifestyle.
"May this room and this hotel be your 'second' home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house. May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe. We are all travelers. From birth till death, we travel between eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best."
Ought to give Iowa a try! Or....not. Sorry for the Music Man reference, that's the only Iowa song I know and it keeps getting stuck in my head.
I am working in Indianola, Iowa and staying in Des Moines. After driving and driving through corn fields and finally reaching the Iowa border, and then driving and driving some more, I was very excited to see an actual city (Des Moines). But then, we went to work this morning, and welcome to small town Iowa. Corn fields, farm, tractors, and a senile old man telling Tom at lunch to stay away from me because I might hit him upside the head because females are ornery like that (we should say ornery more, it's an awesome word).
Staying at a Comfort Inn by the airport this week. It's nice, decent for a 2 star, free internet, pool, hot tub, nice free breakfast, good size rooms, comfy beds. Only complaint so far is no free conditioner, just shampoo and lotion. But, I should just keep a stash of small bottles of shampoo and conditioner I've collected along the way with me so I don't run into not having something.
Today I'll leave you with the prayer for "The Stranger Within Our Gates" that is laminated in the hotel room and sat on the dresser. It's a very nice thought for those of us who live the traveling lifestyle.
"May this room and this hotel be your 'second' home. May those you love be near you in thoughts and dreams. Even though we may not get to know you, we hope that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in your own house. May the business that brought you our way prosper. May every call you make and every message you receive add to your joy. When you leave, may your journey be safe. We are all travelers. From birth till death, we travel between eternities. May these days be pleasant for you, profitable for society, helpful for those you meet, and a joy to those who know and love you best."
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