May 29 – Tuesday
Travel/Work
Women’s College World Series Set Day
Got
to the hotel in Houston just after 12a this morning. Slept for 3 hours and walked back to the
terminal. I actually feel far better
than I should.
Was
able to snooze on the flight, so that helped immensely.
Landed
in Oklahoma City early, so I actually made it to work on time as opposed to
being late like I thought I would.
The
whirlwind began soon after arriving. So
much to do! We have 2 set days, but that
is never enough.
My
goal was to have our three machines set up, elements installed and ready to go
by lunch. And with the help of John, the
other op on my shift, we did! The goal
was actually laughable compared to previous years, but I was determined to do
this.
In
the afternoon the rest of the graphics team arrived and we got a game plan in
motion.
I
still had lots of loose ends to work on; some of our equipment arrived damaged,
but we at least were able to get started on building graphics.
In
the evening, there was a texting snafu and a bunch of people waited for me in
the lobby to go to dinner. I didn’t know
this. I had already left for dinner with
Maria & Lisa; two of the other operators.
It was while at dinner that I found out I was supposed to be at another
dinner. Technology is grand!
There
was a hailstorm while at dinner. We
waited it out before heading back to the hotel.
I
was in bed around 9:30.
May 30 - Wednesday
Women’s College World Series – Set
Day
I
forgot to mention the BEST news ever! We
changed hotels this year!!!!
If
you recall, my most hated hotel in all of the land is here – The Renaissance –
where my HIDDEN jewelry was stolen in 2010.
We
are now down the street at the Hilton.
Which I am told is haunted; but only on the 10th floor.
I
must say, this hotel is FABULOUS!
Everything about it is a million times better!! Everyone is super excited to be staying here.
One
of the new hotel perks is free breakfast buffet! Yah!!
So
far, my only negative observation about this hotel – no coffee shop. So I had to use the restaurant coffee and use
my handy dandy Swiss Miss packet to make my own faux-mocha.
Headed
into work around 9:45. On the drive in,
I promptly spilled my faux-mocha down the front of my white shirt. Awesome.
For lunch, a bunch of us headed to Bedlam BBQ
We
tend to go there on one of the set days every year. I personally don’t like BBQ, so I usually get
a few side items – but everyone else always raves about the BBQ.
The
day went on and all was well. I had to
stay late to install a new machine. It
was supposed to arrive this morning, but the plane got diverted to Austin due
to weather. So it arrived around 730pm.
I
got back a little after 10p and met up with some peeps in the bar for a
drink. Well I did run upstairs to change
clothes – I was sick of wearing my faux-mocha for the past 12 hours!
The
bar was packed – this hotel is also hosting the San Antonio Spurs and the TV
crew from TNT.
I
only lasted for 1 drink. Too many
people!
Thursday - Wednesday
Women’s College World Series
The
week that followed quickly became a blur.
Things went really well the first few days as we all settled into our
shifts.
We
decided we didn’t like sharing our hotel with another TV crew. Too many people at the bar – was a total
struggle each night to even get a beer.
Lots of groupie/trampy chicks clamoring to get in each night trying to
hook up with the NBA Players and TNT announcers.
And
the gym was packed each morning… by real
athletes (or former).
I
found a laundry place and quickly decided that I wanted to send my laundry out
from here on out – even at home!
Shaq’s
truck was parked outside the truck the entire time they were here. I never saw it move. I think it just gets shipped across the
country for show.
Sunday
night was awesome! We continued
tradition by going to the “Biting Sow” – which is now actually “MoJo’s”.
It’s
the one night that all of the crews’ schedule allows for us to go out and not
have to worry about getting up in the morning.
And we surely spent enough amongst all of us to keep the bar afloat until we return next year. (and the pain relief manufacturers as well)
Monday
and Tuesday went really well. Random pics from the week....
Camera Guy RV Respite
Sketti anyone?
Swim "Noodles" used on the edges of the trucks so we don't cave our skulls in. Plus "spot cooler" act as extra A/C for the gear in the extreme temps.
Then
Wednesday came… Championship Game…. Rain….
Delays… game started…. Delayed… resumed play… Delayed..
resumed play and Alabama won.
Yah!
We
didn’t get off the air until like 2am.
Then we had to strike. Everything
was muddy and disgusting. Around 4am, I
had to take John back to the hotel so he could shower and head to the airport
for his 6a flight.
Rough
end to the event, but it’s still an awesome experience! Wouldn't trade these 10-12 days for anything!
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