Trips

Day 130 – The Day of the Shake Steak

By Diana

With this trip we are visiting 2 location per day until Thursday.   Pretty strenuous schedule even though the work isn’t hard, it just all the travel.

Today we had Starbucks breakfast, can’t go wrong there and then we had Steak and Shake for lunch.  That was my first time going to steak and shake!!!  Wanna take a guess at what I got, that’s right HOT DOG :) :)

We were in Terra Haute this morning and now we are almost to Evansville, Indiana.  Luckily I am sitting in the back seat which I think is what is allowing me to type and I even read some.  Normally I can not do either in a vehicle.  I am also trying my best to look for things to take pictures of, but so far nothing great.

Denise is driving which is nice not to have to worry about that since I just got back from 8 hours of driving last week.  This rental car is pretty great too.  It is a Ford Explorer but like fully loaded.  Very nice.

Alright, enough for now and I will check back later :)

Well the session this morning went well and the session this afternoon went even better.  The people I am traveling with are basically 3 different groups, including myself.  There are the IT folks, the awesome do all C&S folks, and me.  So when I say like the session was good, really I am talking about mine since we all have different functions and goals :)  Tomorrow I am going to try something a little different to get the people a bit more engaged, basically force them to listen to me :) and that should make it a real success.

We just got back from dinner and I am very tired.  We went to a Logan’s which was pretty good tonight.  I got some kind of burger, with no buns.  Not for any reason except I wasn’t super hungry and I figured it would be very messy :)

I just wanted to wrap this up since I didn’t get to finish yesterdays until today – gotta keep on schedule!!

Bye :)

A field that had some life :)
A field that had some life :)

Day 129 – The Day of Mother

By Diana

Mother’s Day, the day for mom! We treat my mom really well and we got her taco pizza from Papa Murphy’s! It was pretty good. My brother Paul got her some chocolate from Peterbrook so that was nice. Carlos also came out again, so awesome!

I tried to be loving all over the puppies today since I leave this afternoon. Nickel accidentally bit be a little too hard on my finger, kinda hurts a bit.

Carlos took me to the airport so I don’t have to pay so much to park. He is going to pick me up too so YEAH.

Flights were uneventful, except I did talk with someone on the first flight who was all interested in my books and stuff so that was cool, made that flight go a little quicker.

The next flight both my coworkers were on the flight, but we were all over the plane. I got a lot of my book finished. I have been reading it forever!

We got to the hotel at like 23:00 and checking in was a whole production. “Bobby Taylor” and I were walking down the same hallway and he was like, what room are you going to, I said 475 – where is your room – 475! So then he had to go back down to the desk and he missed the lady coming up with the right keys for him – CRAZY!!! Just a perfect end to this day :)

Update – I meant to add some pics of mom since it was mothers day, so here are some with her new children :)

Mom trying to eat ice cream with Nickel around.
Mom trying to eat ice cream with Nickel around.
Mom and Penny sharing the chair!
Mom and Penny sharing the chair!

Day 127 – The Day I People Watched

By Diana

Right now I am sitting in the Chicago Midway Airport waiting on my first flight to Atlanta. I do like people watching at the airport, it is a very diverse group of people traveling all over :)

I have not had anything to eat yet this morning and I think that is a mistake. I may go ahead and put this up and go find something I can take on the plane.

I feel like I have been to this airport so many times, but really I guess it hasn’t been that many. Maybe it is just rememberable – some are just kinda generic. Alright, I know this is riveting content, so I am gonna check back in later 😉

Ok, made it to Atlanta and grabbed me some food since I have a little bit of time until my flight home. I am flying out of an area that I have not been to before and I think I might go back to these sculptures and take a picture because they were very cool. I had my hands full when I went by then the first time.

I am not people watching here, I am facing a window looking at our plane and watching them land and take off. It is pretty nice because it is bright and looks very nice out. Probably hotter than anything, but looks lovely :)

I think my mom has had just about her fill of the puppies :) She is gonna have to be strong for another week and then there will be a break in travel until it picks back up again :) I told her I needed to get Nickel certified as a therapy dog so I could just bring him. I tell you I would LOVE to do that, but I am afraid it just wouldn’t work well. People would love him, but I am not sure how he could get his exercise in.

I just saw on Facebook that they have a thing called BarkBox. Basically it is a box that you get monthly with random dog stuff in it – like treats and toys. I get this same sort of thing myself called LootCrate. I subscribed for the year, I hope it has some fun stuff in it :)

Finally home!!!!! Played with the puppies so much and they loved it. Tomorrow I am going to take two of them for a walk and they should love that too!! I was playing with Dime and I could smell mom’s coffee on her head – someone has been sticking their head in mom’s mug – AND SOMEONE HAS BEEN LETTER HER!!! She is so bad – and I mean mom :)

I got lots to unpack, un-package, and get ready to head out again on Sunday. Alright, everyone have a great night and see you tomorrow :)

The plane, the plane :)
The plane, the plane :)
Lunch :)
Lunch :)

Day 126 – The Day I had to Pay the Troll Toll

By Diana

Today was another day of training, this time in a city called Perrysburg, Ohio. I didn’t do anything but stay at the hotel on this one. I got there last night, ate at their restaurant, AMAZING quesadillas – wow, and went to bed. The meeting was there today and we had lunch there so no exploring at all. After the meeting was over I made my long trip back to Chicago. With the guidance that I should take the toll rode this time. I don’t normally bother with toll roads – it goes against my something, I don’t know I just don’t like them :)

Got to the hotel and checked in, then went to get food and drop off the rental car. Now I just finished up eating and watched my YouTube episodes and I am about to change into my PJs and get in the bed and turn on some Netflix :)

I really miss home and can’t wait to be back tomorrow even though it is for a short time. Missing the puppies like I would be missing a child – ugh :)

I did get a pic this morning of the executive lounge at the hotel – so fancy :)

Something strange that is bothering me from the long drive. I have noticed that I am clenching my teeth more than normal. My teeth actually hurt right now. I don’t know what it is. I might have to wear my retainer just to treat it like a grinding guard in hopes that will help. Luckily I will be going to the dentist next month for a check up and I can let her know. Also, a couple seem to be very sensitive. More than normal. The only reason I am concerned about either of these things is that the dogs have hit me in the mouth a couple times and really hurt me. I hope it hasn’t damaged anything.

Alright, I am going to wrap it up and I hope everyone had a good day and I will talk atcha tomorrow :)

Fancy exec lounge :)
Fancy exec lounge :)

Day 125 – A Cold Day in Ohio

By Diana

It was like 48 degrees here today and rainy – BOOOOOOOO!!!   Had another good session today and traveling to the next hotel wasn’t that far.  I have been relaxing in the room for a couple hours now.  Wondering when I am going to get hungry enough to go across the street for some food :)  Or maybe I should just go down to the pub here and get food.  That sounds much better.

We went to a place called the Beer Bar (I think) and I had some deep dish pizza.  It was great.  I had said I wasn’t going to eat any pizza this trip, but I couldn’t pass it up and I split it with the guy next to me – who was amazing :)

No pictures today, you would think it wouldn’t be that hard to just snap something, but it is!

The new tennis balls I ordered for the puppies arrived at the house today – they should be very excited.   Mom said she had to lock my bedroom door and I thought it was because they had figured out how to open the doors now and she said she was just kidding!  I guess she gets some of her funniness from me :) ha ha ha ha

My friend made one of my recipes and she sent me pics, it looks great!  It was the Yummy Brownie Chocolate Chip Cheese Cake.  I asked her if everyone liked it, but I haven’t heard back – I am sure they did – unless she decides not to share it :)

There is a Panera near by, I think I might have to get up a little early and get some breakfast from there – it was been forever since I had it.  I think the last time was when the boys and I were in Washington DC.

Dad said they moved my old trailer yesterday.  The end of an era :)  That was my first place by myself and I owned it :)  Time flies when you are doing something – I forget, I’m old!!

I have the class tomorrow, then a long drive back to Chicago and then a long day of travel home.  My next trip starts in Sunday, Mother’s Day.  The good news there is that I don’t leave until later in the afternoon so I can spend some time with mom :)

Well, it’s 19:00 now so I guess I will go down and get something to eat, luckily I am having a typical travel appetite where I hardly eat :)  I should travel constantly!!!

I am gonna wrap it up because I don’t think I will have anything amazing to add tonight.  Goodnight and sweet dreams :)

Day 124 – The Day I Traveled in 3 States

By Diana

Today I had a training session in the morning in Calumet City, Illinois and then I drove through Indiana and ended up in Findlay, Ohio! I would say that second to Florida I have driven more in Indiana then any other state!! A couple years back I had done some training for the Indiana Rail Road and on that same trip did training for the Louisville and Indiana Railroad. I ended up driving between them and saw some very nice country. This trip today was about 5 hours and not as interesting, mostly straight interstate type roads.

I did however, see a windmill farm, is that what it is called – I don’t know but I am pretty sure that was the first time I have ever seen that in real life. Did have to pull over to get some pics. Also, all the fields were bare and no real farming happening so that made it a little dull too.

I am super glad I got the rental car I did – it was really nice driving over here. Tomorrow afternoon the drive is not very long, I think like 45 minutes but Thursday night I have to go all the way back to Chicago.

I grabbed me some Subway for dinner, it was very good :) That happens to be what we had for lunch too. That was not as good – the platters never are :)

I miss my folks and I miss those sweet sweet puppies :) I called and asked how they were. My mom said that my brother Carlos came over and played with them until they couldn’t play anymore!! Makes me very happy :) I think I left them with 1 tennis ball and dad said he found about 6 around the woods – ha ha ha!

Alright, I am still a little bit snotty from flying so I am going to try to get some sleep – didn’t sleep too well last night – SHOCKING I know :)

In honor of my friend Chris, since I drove through his town today – SEE YA!!!!

Windmill Farm - taken with the Moment Wide Lens
Windmill Farm – taken with the Moment Wide Lens

Day 123 – The Day I Spent in ATL

By Diana

This morning’s travel was special. I realize when I get through security that I have forgotten my wallet at home… Luckily I have a company credit card and my ID on me. Now I am sitting in the Atlanta airport and they have oversold this flight so I decided to take the incentive and go on a later flight. They gave me $1000 in Delta dollars so I am hoping that will come in handy when I want to go someplace this year. Plus now that I am going later I can get me some Panda Express here at the airport!!!! Awesome :)

I am sitting in a little corner so I can’t really people watch, but there was an interesting character behind me talking on his phone very loudly and about very personal stuff – never a dull moment if you just pay attention :)

I was able to get some Starbucks, it was good, haven’t had it in a bit.

I have to wait here until this flight boards and then I am off to the other concourse. Oh and that is the one with all the shopping too!!!! Wait, don’t have my wallet, that is probably a blessing :)

Well, they ended up not needing anyone to take another flight so I am in my hotel room ready for bed :)

I rented a brand new Dodge Charger, it is really nice. I had the option to get a new Fiat, but I am going to be driving a lot this trip so I am very glad I got the Dodge. It is very comfy.

Also, there was a Panda Express near by so I got that for dinner. Not really able to eat a lot of it, my tooth is killing me all of the sudden. Oh well, it is a good thing for me to not be eating :)

OK – just wanted to wrap this up and goodnight!!!

Sitting at the gate - now we wait ;)
Sitting at the gate – now we wait ;)

Day 69 – The Day of Delta Greatness

By Diana

Right now I am sitting in the Atlanta airport on my layover and I am at, I think, 1 of the two gates that are using a new boarding method at Delta.  They are doing kinda like Southwest where they have boarding lanes, but they are based on your zone.  I LOVE IT!!!!  A huge anxiety maker for me is when the people block the loading way and they are boarding the plane until the last group.  They just crowd the whole area and make it impossible to get to the front.  I HATE IT :)

I was lucky enough to experience this last flight to Baltimore.  It made it so easy to get on the plane.  Way to go Delta.

I was up very early, 04:00 for this flight and luckily I slept most of the first one.  I felt very good getting off the plane and now am eating my breakfast.  While I was getting food in Baltimore there was only a couple places open and Dunkin Donuts was one of them.  There was a lady with two kids, a 3 year old little girl and probably a 7 year old boy.  The little girl was so stinking cute!  She wanted a specific donut, not a specific kind a specific one.  When the mother got her the donut, she got her the kind, but not the one and the little girl had a melt down and dropped to the floor.  It was adorable, sorry for the mom, but I was just laughing.  It reminded me of those memes that you see where the kids are crying and the caption says something like, I wouldn’t let her eat the dogs food.  I really wanted to take a picture and make one but I wasn’t brave enough :)

I am sitting next to this woman who is so funny.  We are talking about transit stuff and how living in the city is amazing when you can travel around so simply without a vehicle.  It is like we are on the same page, nice.

I am sitting at this bar thing right next to the walk way so I am getting to people watch, which is nice.  You see some interesting people, interesting dress, shoes really.  Some of these women are insane with their shoe choice.

Tonight I am supposed to take mom to see Frank Sinatra Jr.  I am unsure if she will be feeling well enough to go, I don’t really wanna go but I hate to waste the tickets.  Hopefully she will be feeling well enough and be rested enough.

It was GREAT!!!!  My mom, and me, had an amazing time.  I really liked it and mom was singing along to the songs.  It had a visual component, showing old pictures and video and newspaper clippings – it was just really nice.

Mom and me at Frank Sinatra Jr.
Mom and me at Frank Sinatra Jr.
The band :)
The band :)

Day 68 – The Turn Table Day

By Diana

Today I was in Cumberland this morning and ended in Baltimore.  I had a meeting to go to so that is why I was there and my flight is very early tomorrow so I drove back this afternoon.  I wasn’t sure if I was going to finish up early enough to drive in daylight so I was very happy when we wrapped at like 14:45.  2.5 hours later I am in my hotel room.  Returned the rental car and got some dinner.  Had a friend meet me for dinner which was very nice.

I saw one of the turn tables in Cumberland and while we were looking at it they were shuffling 2 engines so I got them on video.  It was so great, I wasn’t expecting to see it in action – I was just happy to see it at all.  It was amazingly quiet for how much weight it is move and how quickly it is going.

My mom wasn’t feeling well last night so I got a little distracted and didn’t post this blog so I am doing it first thing this morning while I wait for my flight.  Have a great day!!!

Day 67 – Day of Travel

By Diana

I am finally at my hotel in Cumberland.   It wasn’t that it was long travel, even though it has been a long day, it was the driving in the mountains that got to me.  The vehicle I rented was more in case it snowed and it was just very underpowered for these little hills 😉

I just ordered me some pizza – my go to comfort meal when traveling.  I may have also gotten a cookie pie – maybe…

Interesting thing, when I got here the Harlem Globetrotters were just leaving.  I don’t think they were checking out, I think they have a game tonight, I was hearing on the radio.  I think that was pretty cool.

I got a little lost on the way to the hotel and went all through the town.  It was an interesting thing to say the least.  Not a very high income place and not really many places to eat and stuff.  The roads are a bit crazy!

I am in the lobby writing this and they have Maury on – the show where people just yell at each other that they are the father.  Crazy, I keep getting distracted by it – reminds me of old RailDOCS days :)

Alright, I am gonna call it quits and sit here waiting for my food so I can eat and hit the sack :)