Bridgeport, CT

March 25th – 29th

2009 NCAA Hockey East Regional – March 27-28th – ESPNU
Air Force vs Michigan & Yale vs Vermont



The drive from West Point was a little longer than I expected. All back roads and lots of curves thru the mountains.

Once in Bridgeport, I stopped off at a mall to walk around for a while. Nothing special; just was nice to do something ‘normal’.

Eventually made it to the hotel and got settled in. Once unpacked, I went downstairs and did a couple loads of laundry. Exciting stuff!

My room was on the 3rd floor overlooking the lobby. In the evening, they served snacks/appetizers & drinks down in the lobby. Wednesday’s snack was tuna casserole. Each time I opened my door, I was greeted with horrific scents of Catholic school lunch on a Friday during lent.

Went to bed pretty early – the trip was already exhausting me.

On Thursday, we had a set day. The Arena at Harbor Yard in Bridgeport is in a bad neighborhood. (Actually, I am not sure there is a good neighborhood in Bridgeport). So we had to make sure we carpooled and walked together in groups to/from our cars. We went to lunch at “Two Boots” – very good if you ever find yourself in lovely downtown Bridgeport.

I had intended to go out with the boys on Thursday night, however, I chose to stay in to deal with things going on at home, catch up on email, etc.

Friday, we parked even further from the arena. Here are some of the nice views of Bridgeport:

After our double header on Friday, I was more that ready to have a little fun!

We hung out in Dennis’ room; hi-jinx ensued :)

Dennis


Nic & Andy


I think this is when Saks tried to set the timer for a group photo?

Saturday we only had 1 game, but it lasted forever! Went into double overtime. And playoff games have full periods with full 15 minute intermissions between. There were 2 plays in the 2nd OT that were reviewed for several minutes. We were on that air for over 4 hours.

Got back to the hotel pretty late; had to pack and be ready to meet Andy & Mike in the lobby at 7:30a so we could set out for the Hartford airport.

West Point, NY

March 23rd – 25th

Hofstra vs Army – Men’s Lacrosse – ESPNU – 7p et

Getting to West Point is never an easy feat. I always fly into Stewart, NY and then drive about 20 minutes up to West Point. It’s a very hilly & curvy drive. The roads are not well marked and at night, it’s unbelievably dark. So I have learned to always come during the day so I don’t end up at the bottom of a ravine.

The hotel we stay in is on base. It’s a really big and really old hotel. It does have a beautiful setting on the Hudson River, but I am never there when it’s warm & pretty.
It’s at the top of this really steep hill. It never fails, when I have to say there, I am on a long road trip and have tons of luggage with me.

The cavity search to enter base always sets the mood, then me lugging all my crap up the hill only to get to the front door that isn’t automatic. Worst hotel feature ever – your hands are full and you get to the door and you don’t have a free hand to enter.

Get to my room and it’s like a freaking freezer! For 2 days, the heater never shut off and I never thawed out.

Got settled, worked out and then went for a walk to take in some of the scenery and get some dinner. (It’s not worth driving to dinner since it involves 2 security check points)



Went to “Tony’s” – it’s an Italian place that I always go to. Good, quick and local.

The game on Tuesday was fun except for the 2 overtimes.


What does this mean anyway? What is ‘PKG’?


On Wednesday morning I set out on my drive to Bridgeport, CT. There was this really cool bridge right outside West Point – I think it was Bear Mountain Bridge. There was no where for me to stop off, so I couldn’t take a photo. It just was interesting looking.

Shortly after crossing that bridge, there was a scenic overlook of the Hudson River.

College Park, MD

March 19th – 21st

North Carolina vs Maryland – Men’s Lacrosse – ESPNU – 2p et

Got home from Blacksburg, VA on Thursday morning and left for Maryland later that evening.

Flew on Southwest because they have a non-stop flight to Baltimore. I didn’t remember to check in online until Thursday afternoon, which meant I got the “B” seating group.

I don’t really mind Southwest except for the fact that the flights are always packed full and typically are full of family travelers on vacation. Which can get annoying for a business traveler.

BWI is by far one of my least favorite airports to fly into. The rental car facility is so far off site that it’s a minimum of 30 minutes by the time you get to the shuttle bus stop. I always get cranky traveling here.

On Friday we had a set day. This weekend we did a “Campus Connection” so it takes a little longer to prepare for the game. “Campus Connection” is when 10 college students join our crew. There is a student working in each ‘department’. It’s actually pretty cool. I only wish something like this existed when I was in college!

It’s interesting to see the difference in the sports program budgets… Maryland basketball has a very nice facility. The Lacrosse team doesn’t even have actual locker rooms – they have an office trailer on the sideline.


I was able to get home on Saturday night – even though I was delayed a little.

Blacksburg, VA

March 17th – 19th

Duquesne vs Virginia Tech – March 18th - NIT – ESPNU – 7pm et

So my prediction came true – I was indeed assigned to the VA Tech game.

My trip in on Tuesday was good. I ran into a co-worker at Dulles during my connection. He was going to VA Tech as well and was my AP.

It was nice catching up with him and having someone to chat with on the flight from Dulles to Roanoke.

Here’s the deal with rental cars… ESPN rents cards from National. Since I rent almost weekly, I am “Executive Elite” – which means at most airports, I have a wide variety of cars to choose from. There is a section of cars from all ‘classes’ that I walk up to and take what ever I want.

However, at the smaller airports, that perk is not available. I am actually assigned a car, just like everyone else, by the National agent. (agh! the horror!!)

Usually, your car depends on your level of niceness to the agent. It is very common at these smaller National locations, that they compliment me on my friendliness compared to my co-workers. It’s no secret, we are high maintenance. When you travel for a living, you have high expectations when it comes to the little things. Being able to choose from a Ford Escort and a Chevy Trailblazer is a big thing! So when that option is taken away, we tend to get cranky!

ANYWAY… I thought I had the agent hooked when I killed her with kindness. But when I got out to the lot – and couldn’t find parking space #1, because it started with space #3… space #1 was at the end after #27 (cuz that makes sense)…. I discovered that I had not won her over. I was the proud driver of a 2009 Vibe. As I approached it, I said to myself, “my bike has larger tires.”

No offense to anyone who drives a small car. I own a SUV, so any car is tiny to me.

The drive to Blacksburg was good - gave me a chance to catch up phone calls from the day.

I took a wrong turn at the exit and had a little trip down memory lane….
I passed the Holiday Inn….. wow! I was on the phone with Dave and yelled “that’s the Holiday Inn, oh my God!”

Many years ago, I stayed there while doing a football game.
I will never forget this part….
I got in around 10pm and wanted a beer as I got settled into the room. So I went down to the hotel bar. I ordered a Miller Lite in a bottle.. when the bartender handed it to me, I said, “oh, can I please sign for it now – I want to take it to my room.”
She said, “Oh, well, I am going to have to walk with you back to your room. We have a new policy that doesn’t allow you to leave the bar with a beverage.” I said, “Ok, whatever.”

On the walk to my room, the bartender apologized and said, “I am so sorry, we just have this new policy because have had some trouble with people drinking too much and causing trouble – I will be honest – it happens on football weekends – it’s the people from ESPN.”

I laughed and said, “Really? I am one of those people.”

She was extremely embarrassed and thankfully we were at my door by then, so she was able to hand me my beer and walk away.

Another one of my all-time favorite travel stories!


Back to now…..
Arrived at the hotel and got out of the clown car…. UGH! Now that is the smell I remember of VA Tech– simmering cow shit!


The hotel was dreadful. It was kinda like an all-suite place – but oh my, so dirty!

St. Patrick’s Day is my favorite holiday – I love green, shamrocks and it’s the eve of the best day of the year – so what’s not to like? I was in a college town, so there was probably a lot of fun to be had. But I chose to order take out and drink a bottle of wine in my room.

On Wednesday morning, I woke up, fittingly, at 8:52 am. The very moment I was born 35 years ago.

I had a great game with a lot of people I work with frequently. However, none of them knew what today ‘was’. It was kinda fun as I was carrying a little secret all day. I didn’t tell anyone.

Columbus, OH

March 15th

Detroit Red Wings vs Columbus Blue Jackets – CBJ Vision

The Jackets lost.

But I had a night in Columbus – which is rare in March. I got to see my 2 favorite kitties das boot!


Watched the NIT Selection show.... I predict I will be going to Penn State and/or VA Tech this week.

Chapel Hill, North Carolina

March 13th – 14th

Duke vs North Carolina – Lacrosse – ESPNU – 2p et

Duke/UNC in March – now that it is a big game!
Oh wait, I am doing lacrosse, not men’s basketball!

Got into Durham in the late afternoon and drove to Chapel Hill. Settled myself into the hotel and had another uneventful Friday evening.

Each time I fly into the Durham airport I remember one of my favorite travel stories of all time. It was a couple years ago and I flew in the morning of a Duke basketball game. I landed at 8:30 and needed to be onsite by 9a. Since it takes a little extra time to get a rental car (shuttle bus) at that airport, I decided to get a cab instead.

The driver asks where I am going, I say, “Cameron Indoor Stadium”. He says, “where?” I said, “ya know – Duke basketball.” He still had no clue. I felt like I was on some hidden camera or something. Seriously – it’s one of the most famous basketball teams and arenas in the country; you are a cab driver in that very city and you don’t know what I am talking about?

I kept trying to explain where it was I needed to go. The closest concept he had was Duke University Hospital. He had to call a friend to ask where it was. Wow!

Anyway, back to this trip….
It was rainy and chilly in Chapel Hill. I got lost going to Kenan Stadium on Saturday morning. There is construction on campus and I had it my head of where I was going; however, the parking lot I was thinking of was where we park for baseball games. I eventually found my way to the correct lot and to the truck.



The game went well. It was depressing though – almost no fans. But I couldn’t blame them. It was a downpour, in the 40s and a basketball Saturday in ACC country!

I leisurely made my way to the airport as I had about 3 hours until my flight home. A pleasant surprise – there was a flight boarding for Charlotte when I got there. I went ahead and asked if there were any seats left, expecting to be told it would cost me. (I am not a fan of US Airways) Not only was there a seat, there was also a seat on an earlier connecting flight to Columbus AND they didn’t expect me to pay! Wow!

I got home about 2 hours early which was a nice bonus. I have a long month ahead of me.

Columbus, OH

March 12th

Pittsburgh Penguins vs Columbus Blue Jackets – CBJ Vision

Crazy busy day!

Started with a trip to the dentist for a cleaning. However, there was a case of mistaken identity and I almost ended up getting a crown. I was pleading with the hygienist that I was only there for a cleaning. She thought I was nuts. I finally convinced her that I was not Kristina.

Eventually made it to work after unpacking, doing tons of laundry and started on re-packing.

Largest crowd ever in Nationwide Arena!

The Jackets won in a shootout – a huge win! They just might make it to the playoffs after all!

Hartford, Connecticut

March 5th – 11th

Big East Women’s Tournament – ESPN Family of Networks


Travel in on Thursday was agonizing. I was on about 2 hours of sleep. By the time I arrived at the hotel I had a horrible headache and was about to pass out from exhaustion. Instead of getting settled into the room, like I always do, I chose to take a nap.

The nap was a bad call. I felt worse when I got up 45 minutes later. But there were things to do!

Ventured out on a walk so I could get some bottled water for the week. (I go thru several bottles a day and shockingly enough, I am very particular about the brand). I had already broken 2 of my rules today – had drank hotel tap water from a hotel room glass because I was so dehydrated.

Side note – try not to use the glassware/coffee cups in hotel rooms. They aren’t really washed. The housekeeping staff wipes them off with furniture polish (makes them shiny) and puts them back on your shelf or counter. I read this horrifying fact in a business traveler publication a few years ago. Try giving the glass a sniff next time – I bet you it smells like Pledge!

Anyway – I set out on my walk for bottled water. I knew there was a CVS about 8 blocks away. (we didn’t have rental cars due to budget cuts) So my plan was to get a 12 pack and then go back in a day or two for more.

It was bitterly cold and my headache was entering into the migraine phase – I got to CVS and all they had were cases of water. Well there was no way I was going to look for another store – so I walked the 8 blocks back lugging a case of water.

Got unpacked and checked email, etc. The migraine worsened as I found out several of my former co-workers at Ch. 6 had just gotten laid off. Including the person I trained to replace me. I felt so horrible for all of them.

The rest of the night I spent in absolute misery. One of the worst migraines ever! I thought I was going to die at many points in the night.

Woke up on Friday feeling much better!
Made my way over to the XL Center and started setting up for the tournament.

In this arena, the trucks park inside which is nice as we don’t have to deal with the cold weather.


The next few days were a whirlwind!

Saturday & Sunday we didn’t have studio support for our halftimes or between games. So we were on the air for 5 hours straight. Basically, I have to dehydrate myself to make it thru without a potty break.

I enjoy the challenge of tournaments (and double-headers), but yowza the days are long! Sitting for 10-12 hours for several days in a row also takes a toll on your body.

There are stacks of media guides, stat packs, box scores, etc. everywhere you look in the truck; it gets quite messy within the first day!




All-in-all the tournament went very good. It was probably the smoothest tournament I have ever done. I was paired up with Jason, my AP from football, and of all the events we have worked on together over the years – this was by far was our best event to date.

No rest for the weary – had a 6am flight out on Wednesday morning. Once again was miserable and questioning my career choice. Had a full day awaiting me back in Columbus – was doing a Duet training session for a client and then dinner plans with friends. (Yes, I did something fun and normal for once!)

West Lafayette, IN

March 3rd – 4th

Northwestern vs Purdue – Big Ten Network – 6:30p et


Oh goodie! Another drive on I-70 West! Just as boring it was on Friday & Saturday!

I was supposed to work a Blue Jackets game on Tuesday and then drive to West Lafayette after the game. However, I woke up on Monday with a really bad cold. Thankfully, my wonderful client (Dave) replaced me on the crew so I was able to start my drive at a more reasonable hour.

That is one of the crappy parts of my job - no sick days or vacation days. If you are sick, you just go to work anyway. Of course from time to time, there are situations where you can be replaced at the last minute - but those are few and far between.

Got to West Lafayette in the early evening, took lots of cold meds and slept!

On Wednesday morning I felt a lot better and was SO glad I had not worked the Jackets game the night before as it would of gotten me into West Lafayette around 2am.

I was halfway thru my shower when something out of the corner of my eye caught my attention…. What is THAT?


The photo doesn’t even show half of it.
I can forgive a hotel for a random hair here or there – but there was half a monkey on the wall of my shower! How does that get overlooked?

Had a good game and got to work with an old friend I hadn’t seen in a few years. So that was nice.

After the game, I made the 4 hour trek back home. That part sucked.

Indianapolis, IN

February 27th – 28th

Cleveland State vs Butler – CBB – ESPN2 Noon et


After making the trip to Cincy on I-71 South several times over the past 2 months, I was reminded by billboards that “Hell is Real” and what the “Ten Commandments” were.

I had forgotten how boring the drive on I-70 West was. It only took about an hour before I realized I could also be reminded of my sins while traveling westbound out of Ohio….
“If You Were To Die Today, Where Would You Spend Eternity?”
and “Avoid Hell. Repent. Trust Jesus Today.”

No, not funny. Just something to pass the time. There really isn’t much else to see while on either drive.

I got to Indianapolis mid-afternoon on Friday. Uneventful evening as I was in bed by 7. 3:15am wake-up calls are never easy.

On Saturday, I worked at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse for the first time. Yes, it’s very old (opened in 1928), but it’s “cool” old. You can just tell that so much history has taken place there.

What did I miss this weekend?
A trip to Cleveland to watch Matty, aka: The Rev., perform a wedding during an intermission of a Cleveland Monsters game. Followed by drinks & fun with the NTACs.

Portland, OR

February 20th – 22nd

ESPNU Bracketbusters – Boise State vs Portland State – CBB – ESPNU 7:30p et

The trip out was good. I had good flights and was able to sleep most of the way.

I got into Portland around noon on Friday and had a list of things to do; provided by a friend who recently lived in Portland.

As I was leaving the airport, “Linda”, my GPS couldn’t find Mt. Hood, so I decided to just go to the hotel first.

The hotel was in downtown Portland and was recently renovated; 9 months ago it was a Days Inn. It is now a boutique hotel and really I have no complaints – other than for the dead animal on my bed.

Ok, I know it’s not real, but it still freaked me out.

There were a few extra touches from management – a hand written card, candies & wine.

By the way, I put the black bar across the last name. To "protect the innocent", you may have noticed I never use last names.

I got settled and inquired at the front desk about my list of sights to see.
I really wanted to go see Mt. Hood, however, it was a minimum 3 hour drive round trip. I just didn’t have that in me. I was already dragging from the 6a cross country flight and my body ached from sitting for so long.

Instead, I decided on the things that took a lot less driving and a little more walking.
My first stop was the Portland Japanese Garden, built in 1963


It’s 5.5 acres with five separate gardens, water falls, meandering streams and winding walkways.

As you walk thru the garden it was easy to be taken away with the peace and tranquility of your surroundings.


If it had been a summer day, I would of definitely stayed for much longer.


One of the things that I really enjoyed is all the species of moss growing there. Of course, this photo doesn’t do it justice.

But everywhere you looked, there was a different kind growing on a rock or yard ornament or tree or plant or even on the ground in place of grass.

It was in the mid 50s and in the sun, it felt wonderful! Once you got in a shady area, it was quite chilly. However, I really enjoyed being outside and seeing green! Outside the gates of the Japanese Gardens were trees and trees. They were so gigantic that I couldn’t even get a good picture showing how tall they actually were.

Wow - that must of been a HUGE bird!

Before leaving the garden, I went to the overlook to get a shot of Mt. Hood.


Near the Japanese Garden is the International Rose Test Garden. Obviously, it’s not rose season – but I am sure it is absolutely amazing in the summer!

Acres and acres of all endless rose varieties. I didn’t spend too much time here as rose oil is one of the many things I am highly allergic to. Granted, I have to be poked by a thorn or touch a fresh cut stem, but I don’t take chances anymore.

Next I went to Pittock Mansion which was a top a curvy 1 lane road. I didn’t visit the actual mansion, but walked the grounds and took some more photos of Mt. Hood and the city of Portland.



Upton returning to my car, I stopped for one last shot of the trees and vines. I just love seeing all this green! It’s also such a different type of vegetation that I didn’t grow up with (ie: palm trees)


Once back downtown, I stopped at a few shops in the 23rd St. shopping district.
Very quaint area!

Got back to the hotel around 3pm PT and was completely exhausted! I wanted to nap, but also knew the importance of adjusting to the time zone, so I decided to sit outside in the hotel courtyard and take in some rays of sunshine.


I sat and read my book and it was quite relaxing, until the sun went down – then too chilly!


The game on Saturday was fun. I got to work with a few friends from the Charlotte office.


The Peter W. Stott Center is more like a gym than an arena. Portland State has 27,000 students, however, their basketball venue only holds 1,500 fans.


On Saturday evening, I joined a few friends at Jake’s Famous Crawfish for dinner. Apparently one of the top 5 seafood places in the country. I am highly allergic to seafood, but I could tell the seafood was local, fresh and was amazing! I had a steak and it was fabulous!

Another 6am flight on Sunday morning…. Grrrr!

If you haven’t been to Oregon, it is a very “Green” state. Everywhere you look there are signs of the community trying to save the Earth. Huge Recycling efforts as well.

Well, maybe it was the fact that it was 4:45am or the fact that I have the maturity of a 12 year old or a combination of both. I found the flushers funny in the airport bathrooms.
If you go #1 – pull up on handle (less water)
If you go #2 – push down on handle (more water)


The sign saying “#1 & #2” just made me giggle.
And yes, I am 35 (almost)

Columbus, OH

February 16th – 18th

Dallas Stars vs Columbus Blue Jackets (16th)
St. Louis Blues vs Columbus Blue Jackets (18th)

I worked in Columbus twice this week!

The weather is starting to get more spring-like. I got to walk outside a couple times this week. Of course still in layers, but it’s much better than the treadmill.

Beaumont, TX

February 13th - 15th

Texas State vs Lamar CBB – ESPNU – 9pm ET


I rarely ever fly Continental. Figures that within 12 hours of them losing a plane in New York, I am scheduled to fly on Continental.

Oh well, what can I do?
I try hard to never let that kind of stuff bother me. If it did, I couldn’t do my job.
Plus I know air travel is much safer than travel by automobile.

I will say though, the plane they lost was one of the reasons I try not to fly that airline – the Dash 8 is a prop plane and those really freak me out. Since most of my flights are ‘commuter flights’ that is the aircraft I would typically end up on.

When ever I am on a prop plane though, I stare at the propeller the entire time just waiting for it to stop rotating.

Anyway, back to this weekend.
Another trip to a warm region. On Thursday it was in the mid 70s and not a cloud in the sky. On Friday, as I arrived, so did a cold front. 50s-60s and rain! The humidity level was still pretty high – it felt great to soak in the humid air :)

I flew into Houston (on a regional jet) and then drove 1.5 hours to Beaumont.
The flight was fine except for as soon as I boarded, the smell of the bathroom was wafting up the isle. Whatever the potion is that is used in airplane bathrooms is so nauseating to me.

I got a little freaked as they bumped passengers and then started moving people around on the plane due to weight & balance issues. I never like weight & balance issues. I have actually gotten off a plane before because of that.

It usually means there is too much cargo and that the cargo is more important than the passengers, which is never a good thing.

The drive to Beaumont was rather bleak. By the looks of the ravaged vegetation, blue tarps on roofs and piles of debris, this area was still recovering from Hurricane Ike.

My hotel was kinda icky and was right on the edge of I-10. Thankfully there was a dehumidifier in the room that I ran at night to drown out the sounds of semi’s barreling down the interstate.

On the way to the arena on Saturday, I had extra time so I attempted to find some sights around Beaumont – this is all I found.

The Port of Beaumont

The game was a showcase of some really bad basketball.


Fun Fact: It was the first time a regular season Southland Conference game was played on the ESPN family of networks.

Lamar was a very gracious host – handed out various shirts and hats to the crew, which always goes over very well!


My day was rather hectic, so I never had a chance to go inside the arena and check it out.

It started pouring rain after the game. So bad that just getting from car to the front door of the hotel got me soaked to the bone. Even my hair was dripping.

Sunday morning, I had a leisurely drive back to Houston.

On a side note, not everyone gets to go to China three times in one year!

Okay, so I drove thru China, Texas going to/from Beaumont.


What did I miss this weekend?
“The Menu’s” played at the Frog Bear on Friday night after the Jackets game. Boo!

Cincinnati, Ohio

February 11th – 12th

St. John’s vs Cincinnati CBB – ESPNU360.com – 7:30pm


No snow fell on Tuesday night – yah!
However, on Wednesday, we had wind gusts of 60 mph for most of the day and night.

As we prepared for the game, the tornado sirens went off numerous times.
The truck was shaking back and forth from the wind which is something I had never experienced before. Kinda scary! Thankfully, the driver had left the cab attached to the truck as that stabilized us more.

At one point in the afternoon there was a double rainbow and it was quite pretty over the dark & ominous sky.

Soon after the game started, the campus lost power. Our truck took some sort of hit too as we lost the switcher for a couple of minutes.

The announcers explained to the viewers that the past 3 weeks had been rough on the crew – from the snow/ice/snow storm to the snow storm to now this week the wind storm. One of them said, “Our poor crew is out in the parking lot in the equivalent of mobile home.” Which is true – I never though of it like that.

I spent another night at the Marriott Kingsgate.


On Thursday morning I again woke up sneezing and went thru a box of tissues on the way home. Hmmm… I have stayed in this hotel for years – and now 2 weeks in a row I have had issues. I wonder if they have changed laundry detergent or something?

The drive home was miserable due to my dripping nose.