Thursday – Travel Day
Traveling from State College to Bozeman is not the easiest task by any means!
Had about a 2.5 hour window to sleep in last night – which resulted in about 35 minutes of actual sleep.
I am not on my coveted Delta for this trip. I already achieved Platinum status for 2011 and I am pretty sure there is no way I can make Diamond, so I am going for Premier on United.
Delta = Silver / Gold / Platinum / Diamond
United = Premier / Premier Exec / 1K
So instead of three flights in First Class on Delta, I am suffering on 3 flights in coach on United today.
Took a 6am out of State College – one of my most hated airports in the country. Several years ago a TSA agent picked up my laptop and forcefully slammed it back down onto the conveyer belt – for no reason other than “he can”. Which resulted in a nasty letter to the TSA and most likely a red flag next to my name on the “watch list”.
I flew into Washington Dulles. Spent about 30 minutes in the Red Carpet Club. Which by the way – now sucks! Prior to the United-Continental merger, they had rock solid snacks. Now… not so much. There is now free alcohol – but I usually don’t drink when I am traveling – so not really a good perk.
From Washington, I flew to Denver. I totally lucked out and got a row of 3 seats to myself. I laid down and slept for the majority of the 4 hour flight.
In Denver, I again spent about 30 mins in the Red Carpet Club. Then onto Bozeman. They boarded us onto the cramped RJ and THEN decided to tell us there was a ‘mechanical’ – which means even more time stuffed in like a sardine. Grrrr.
A couple hours later we landed in Bozeman, MT. I was quite excited because this was my first time in Montana!
The airport was much larger and nicer than I expected!
Very ski lodge-esque.
Got my luggage… oh dear god I am so freaking sick of lugging this stuff!
At National, they gave me a car. No big deal.
Until I got out into the parking lot. Dear God! I can barely even walk across the lot; there is so much ice! Oh well, the roads can’t possibly be this bad – I am too cold to walk all the way back inside.
That became a huge regret!
The roads were icy. But I just drove slow and took my time.
Unfortunately visibility is poor. I know there are mountains in the distance, but I can’t really see them. Very low lying fog.
I decided not to venture out on a long drive to see the beauty as planned. Figured it would be a waste with such poor visibility.
Instead I explored Bozeman. Found the campus and stadium. Spent some time in the student union bookstore… got Dave a t-shirt and myself some more toe-socks. (socks I can wear with my flip flops – they are hard to find)
Then I checked into the hotel and got settled. Had tons of emails to read and needed to update my hard drive since the last time I did CFB on Duet was August.
Part of me wanted to drive the mile to the BW3s this evening – but it was snowing and I was likely the only person in Montana that was interested in the Heat vs Cavs game. LeBron’s 1st game back in Cleveland since “The Decision”.
Instead, I watched the 1st half in my room. Always so impressed when the networks show the ‘open’ video that airs on the Jumbotron at The Q. That is the work of my dear friend Jonny and his cast of characters. Makes me beam with pride – that is my friends’ work on national television! Yes, my work airs on national television all the time. But it’s just silly graphics. Jonny’s videos are always top notch! They showcase his endless talent.
Anyway – around half time I went down to the lobby and ate dinner. It was pretty crappy, but to be expected Surprisingly, the game was on in the hotel bar, so I didn’t miss any of it.
As expected, the Cavs lost.
Friday – Set Day
I did really good at sleeping. Slept over 8 hours! Which is never easy for me – especially in a different time zone.
Peeked out the window – holy crap!
Why, why, why did I say yes to the Toyota Camry? HUGE mistake on my behalf.
Crew call wasn’t until 11am local time.
I went down to breakfast a little after 9. Sat with my friend Matt – always nice to see an old friend. He was my AP a long time ago. And he was the director on a few of my very first games. This weekend he was the producer.
After breakfast, I went outside to clear off the car. Even though I would ride to work with Matt the next 2 days in his SUV, I knew I needed to clean off the snow since I have a 5:45a flight on Sunday. Don’t want to save it until then!
Since the plow truck had piled up a good 8 inches behind the car, I moved the pile of snow with my feet and then moved the car to a clean spot.
The snow hurt! I think it was actually frozen rain?
Today was going to be a challenge on many levels. First of all, this is a Duet show and I haven't used the College Football disk for Duet since the last weekend of August. I am also working with a different crew.
And finally, I am working with a person that I can not stand. I can tolerate a lot of crap, but… this person really sets me off!
I did pretty good at keeping my mouth shut and took a lot of deep breaths.
The grounds crew had quite the day prepping the stadium for tomorrow’s game.
In the evening, I walked across the parking lot to Old Chicago. Found a table at the bar. Ordered. Then some of the crew showed up. They are all very nice – I was just looking forward to a quick dinner and back to the room for bed.
I was rude – once I was done eating and Matt’s To-Go order arrived, I left. I just needed some “me time”. I have been on the road for 18 days now. I am sick of people!
Took Matt his dinner – which was hysterical. He was in an ADA room (disabled room) so he had a doorbell. When I pushed the button, it made this insanely loud siren noise. I stood there giggling like a school girl. Meanwhile, he was inside the room trying to figure out where the noise was coming from. Eventually, he answered the door and I was bent over in tears/laughter.
Went to bed a short time later.
Saturday – Game Day
FCS Football Championship – 2nd Round - North Dakota State vs 4 Montana State
This was the first 7am crew call that really wasn’t all that painful! Got up at my usual 5:30a – but it felt like 7:30am.
Met Matt in the lobby at 6:45. He went out to prep the car. 15 mins he came back in to report it would be a while – the windows were also frosted/iced over on the INSIDE! How does that happen?
We finally left around 7:10a.
I must say the stadium was nicer than expected and it has beautiful views.
Today the sky was clear and I finally got to take in the beauty of Montana!
I could not believe there were people setting up tailgate parties in the frigid 8 degree weather!
Our cables had frozen into the snow banks.
I did good and only exploded a few times at my co-worker.
Just had to shake my head… some people have no right to have their jobs. Especially when there are much more qualified people, sitting at home this weekend.
Wonders never cease.
Oh well. I got to see Montana!
In the evening, Matt and I went to BW3s for a ‘healthy dinner’
Was back to the hotel by 7pm.
Ugh! I feel terrible! Why did I eat that crap!?
It took the majority of Sunday to get home. One of the downsides to working on the left coast.
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