Pittsburgh, PA

October 23rd – 24th

South Florida vs Pittsburgh CFB

On Friday morning, I had a couple minutes to spare, so I stopped by hotel gift shop to get a few post cards. I try to send a post card from each city I visit, to my little friend, Marley. She is the daughter of my friend Jeremy.

Well as I was paying for the post cards, there was something at the counter that caught my eye….

Disposable Panties!

Okay, we all know that I have forgotten to pack them a time or two… but I gotta tell ya, I would go without before I wore disposable ones!

Friday was a strange set day. Our TD’s redeye from LA had been cancelled, so he was going to miss our set day. Our director’s father had become very ill overnight and he had to leave site to be by his father’s side.

We were also at a NFL stadium, so there are strange rules. Like our operations producer has to smuggle our drinks & snacks past security because Heinz Field has a policy that you have to buy their $4/bottle drinks and order basic snacks thru their catering department. Which obviously gets extremely expensive for the network.

While the disk was copying to the Duet, Jason and I went on a field trip down to the field. Just like we do most Friday mornings. We take photos and he posts them on Facebook.








Of course, some jackass stadium operations person came chasing after us wanting to know who we were and why we were on the field and that we had to leave immediately. I guess the gigantic red badges we were forced to wear that said “Field Access” on them were not specific enough.

Whatever. We were done anyway.

For lunch we went to Jerome Bettis Grille 36 – which is exactly like Eddie Geroge Grille 27 in Columbus… except for the colors and memorabilia.

That was a website photo; didn’t look that nice the day we were there (rainy & cold)

Later that night, J and I went to Squirrel Hill – a suburb of Pittsburgh for dinner. I forget the name of the place, but it was a fabulous little Italian place that Coach Agnus suggested to Jason. (Pitt Women’s Hoops Coach) It’s her favorite place – we went as her guests; which resulted in excellent service and meeting the Chef.

I guess we wont tell coach that I once typed her name "Angus" - thankfully, someone caught it before it aired.

Saturday…. Game day.
Nothing to report.

That evening, I drove home!

I know I am gonna be in trouble for not stopping by to see my friend Lori and her triplets this weekend. I was just too tired!

Lexington, KY > Pittsburgh, PA

South Florida vs Pittsburgh CFB (Travel Day)

Well you all know the dread I woke up with today…. I was headed to the worst city in the world – Pittsburgh! (Sorry, Mark & Lori)

Flights were relatively uneventful.

Made my drive past the Ikea that you can see from the road, but good luck actually getting to it!

Then, faced the gates to hell:


Shocking as it may seem, I missed my exit once crossing the bridge. Because you have to drive 3 miles to make a turn, I ended up way off course. But thanks to “Linda”, I soon was headed back in the correct direction. Only had to circle the block once to get to the correct lane to enter the hotel. Beats the last time I stayed here!

Spent the afternoon downloading paperwork, updating my graphics hard drive… printing… fun & exciting stuff!

Migraine setting in. Good, this should be a great night!

I went downstairs for a late lunch – or snack of sorts. The hotel restaurant is a seafood place, but there has to be some non-seafood options at the bar.

Nope! It’s *&+(^#%$ Pittsburgh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I ordered a side order of mashed potatoes and a side order of edamame. And a BOTTLE of IC Light – the only good thing in the god-forsaken city. Iron City Light beer…. Which of course is no longer sold in aluminum bottles – only glass. I’m telling ya – those old aluminum bottles made it a beer worth bringing back to Ohio!

ANYWAY… of course, the idiot server, brought me a draft beer. I was too tired to fight. The edamame was still frozen. Forget it.

Went back up to my room to rest. Hoping the mashed potatoes would cure the impending migraine. Sometimes I think I get them on travel days because I don’t eat all day. I dunno?

Later that evening, I met a few of the guys for dinner. We were headed to “The Church”.
It is actually kinda cool. It’s a church from the 1800s that has been restored and turned into a brewery and restaurant. It’s rather sacrilegious in some ways – with the altar being the brewery and all. None of my photos turned out – but if you google it, you can see it for yourself.

Dinner was pretty good, service was terrible.

Columbus > Lexington, KY

October 20th – 21st

Tennessee vs Kentucky Women’s Volleyball - ESPNU

Took an early flight on Tuesday morning. Am headed to Lexington early to spend the day with my friend Shannon who is also working this event.

On my way to the hotel, she called… she was still in Charlotte. She was sick and not coming. I was so bummed :(

But, now I had a day to myself! What to do??
It was a beautiful day… considered many options. But ended up just sitting in my hotel room and catching up on emails and stuff. I was way, way behind!

Sounds lame, I know, but was relaxing. No schedule.

I had an early dinner and headed back to the hotel. Watched TV and read the paper. Wow! Vacation day!!!

Later that night, I met a few of the guys downstairs at the bar for a few drinks.

On Wednesday morning, while in the shower, just as I was stepping under the water to rinse the shampoo – there was a loud bang and something hit me in the leg, then rammed into the top of my foot. At the same time, the water stopped flowing over my head and was now like a fire hose, shooting at my knees!

What the hell?

The faucet was the flying projectile. Now what?
I tried putting it back on.
No luck.

So I did the only thing I knew to do… sat down in the tub, in the stream shooting from the wall to finish rinsing and then conditioned and rinsed again!


Had a pretty bad cut on the top of my foot from the flying faucet.

Continued on with getting ready. Began to apply my lotion… wait, that’s not what my lotion smells like!!??

Oh dear God! I was rubbing conditioner all over my body and my hair was full of lotion!

See, I use these fabulous leak-proof containers for my toiletries from The Container Store. They all look alike and I put a letter on the lid. But I must of not been paying attention when I unpacked my bathroom stuff this time…


I have severe allergies and can only use specific products or I am an allergic mess! That’s why I don’t just use the hotel provided items.

Needless to say, my day was not off to a good start! Considering the shower situation, there was no way I was going to attempt to re-wash my hair.

I headed over to the arena. It was another Campus Connection event. So we met our students and began our day!

Another excellent group of future journalists/broadcasters! Thoroughly enjoy working with them all!

After the game, I had drinks and a snack at the hotel bar with my friend Billy. Remember him? He and I worked in China together.

Upon arriving back in my room, I found a notice that my shower had been repaired.

Hartford, CT

October 16th – 17th

Louisville vs Connecticut CFB

Didn’t meet up with my crew for dinner on Thursday night. Was not in the mood for company.

Friday was fine. I had told my director on Thursday night of Madison’s passing; my reason for not going to dinner. So word spread quickly on Friday.

Such a great group that I work with.
Many pulled me aside during the weekend to express their condolences and share a story of their pet losses.

As well as friends and family across the country left voice mails and emails.

I don’t remember many of the details of the game. I just wanted the weekend to be over.

It was homecoming weekend. A pretty, yet chilly day!


Just as I got thru security at the airport, National called.
"Mrs. _____, this is Matt from National Car Rental. I was wondering if you knew where the 3rd row of seats from the Tahoe you just returned were located?"
"Uhmmm.. there wasn't a 3rd row. I specifically remember there being hay & mud in the back when I rented it on Thursday in Newark. So obviously, the previous renter hauled something and must of taken them out."
"Ok mam, no problem. We will just bill the Newark location for the missing seats."

Got home around midnight Saturday night.

My wonderful friend Patty and her kids had snuck into my house earlier in the day and had left me a potted plant and the book "Dog Heaven".

A few cards had also already arrived in the mail.

I set up a little shrine in the living room. Some of my favorite Madison photos, cards, the book and plant. I will be able to bring him "home" in November after I see my parents in Orlando.

Madison

Friends & Family -

I am sad to tell you all that Madison passed away this afternoon.

Over the past 48 hours, he went from being "Madison" to being a very sick puppy.

It was 6 weeks ago today that he was diagnosed with Lymphoma. And about 5 weeks ago that it was determined it was Stage 5.... predicted to live a week or so.

But because he was MADISON, he was stubborn and proved the vet & oncologist wrong!

I got the news while on yet another travel day from hell. Was attempting to fly from Newark to Hartford, but ending up having to drive it instead - in the pouring rain and SNOW!

Please keep his Grammy & Grandpa in your thoughts in prayers. And his best friend, Rizon. They are the ones who have to now face life without Madison on a daily basis. He did his best every day to make sure everyone around him was VERY aware of his presence. Life will never be the same without him!

Grammy will miss his help getting the mail, running errands, vacuuming the house and emptying the dishwasher.

Grandpa will miss his help with going to the shop and cleaning the boat. But most of all, asking the boys, "who's the tough guy?" - their daily wrestling ritual.

Rizon will miss his companionship and guidance. Who will now show him the way?
(Rizon is deaf & blind)

I am in Hartford this weekend... trying to find comfort in knowing he no longer has separation anxiety. He can see his entire "herd" all the time now - Mommy, Grammy, Grandpa & Rizon. He can look down on us and keep track of us all!

And he is probably chasing Pokey, his long lost (kitty) sister, who tormented him in puppy-hood.

"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms."
George Eliot - "Mr. Gilfil's Love Story" - 1857

______'s Re-Pete AKA Madison
(his AKC registry name)
1/3/98 - 10/15/09

*Put the ____ in there as I realized I had revealed my last name.

Princeton, NJ > Newark, NJ > Hartford, CT

October 15th - Part 1

On Thursday morning, I had planned to explore the quaint downtown of Princeton. Of course a storm had rolled in and it was very nasty! Lots of rain and no umbrella.
Even so, my flight wasn’t until the mid-afternoon, so I still ventured out.

There was a major construction project going on, so parking was a pain. I eventually found a parking garage… then quickly remembered one of the joys of a Jeep. Very easy to break into! Since I couldn’t risk getting my backpack stolen, I had to take it with me. Making my trek in the rain even more fun!

I stopped at a few shops and gave up. This was no weather to be walking around in.

So I headed back to Newark to catch my flight. Thinking possibly I could even catch an earlier one.

I swear, I have never been to New Jersey when the weather was good. It’s always nasty!
This is my view of the Garden State



Got to the airport a couple hours early.
As soon as I got to the ticket counter, the agent said, “I wouldn’t bother.”

She went on to explain that there were endless delays. My inbound aircraft was hours behind schedule. I would miss my connection in DC. Since it was only a 3 hour drive, she suggested I just drive.

3 hour drive?
I really need to invest in a map!

So I called Emergency Travel to have them re-rent me a car and to confirm it was indeed just a 3 hour drive.

Yup! It’s really a 2 hour drive – but usually takes 3-4 hours.

Alright then, road trip!

I go back outside to National. This time there were more options. I chose a Tahoe since the rain was allegedly turning to sleet and snow.

Upon putting my bag in the back, I noticed it was rather dirty. There was hay/straw in the back and mud everywhere. The last renter must of visited a farm or something. Plus there was mud all over the interior of the floor… but I didn’t feel like changing.

I didn’t have a map (obviously) so my life was in “Linda’s” hands. Eek!

Before I knew it, I was going thru New York City!

I was totally kicking myself. If I had only known how close Princeton was to Hartford, I would on planned on driving and spent the day in the city. Oh well.

Headed across the George Washington Bridge – holy crap! How do people commute across it daily?! $8 toll!


The rain eventually turned to freezing rain, then snow, then back to rain again. Ugh! I guess this means winter is officially here!

In the late afternoon, I called home. That’s when I got “the news”.

Columbus > Newark > Princeton, NJ

October 13th – 14th

St. John’s vs Princeton Soccer - ESPNU

Tuesday evening I flew into Newark. Chilly willy!
There was not much to choose from at National – so I went for something fun!


When I lived in Florida, I had a Jeep Wrangler. Actually, I had it for the first several years that I lived in Ohio as well. But then had to “grow up” because the winters were just too nasty to have a soft top.

I often times miss my Jeep. I hope to someday have one again, but as a 2nd vehicle.

This one had 4 doors – wow! And a hard top, so I thought all the reasons I had to give up the Jeep were no longer going to be a factor in this model.

I was wrong.
Still loud as can be when on the Interstate.

The drive to Princeton was about an hour or so. On the way you pass Rutgers.
I had been to Princeton before, for football. But that one was a super quick trip.

I got to my hotel around midnight, got settled in into bed promptly.

On Wednesday, I headed over to the stadium.
It was REALLY nice for a soccer stadium!



We were using my football truck, so I felt right at home. As usual, the AC was on so high that it was like sitting in a wind tunnel.

(My paperwork on the wall blowing in the "wind")

The game went well and I headed back to the hotel late.

Baton Rouge, LA

October 11th – 12th

Florida vs LSU – Women’s Volleyball – ESPNU – 7 et



Short night.

But this was my first visit to LSU, so I was eager to get over to campus.

Upon arrival, I was appalled!
The trash leftover from the night before was unbelievable!
(Florida vs LSU Football Game)
I have never seen such laziness! There were plenty of trash cans – I guess the fans are too good to bother using them.




Since I was a few minutes early, I walked around for a bit.




My friend Shannon was working the game. Since we didn’t get done until late, we ordered pizza and had wine in her room. It was nice to have a few hours to catch up!
Made this long trip worthwhile.

On Monday morning it was CRAZY foggy… I knew this would be trouble.
Sure enough, my flight out of Baton Rouge was delayed. Which meant I would likely miss my connection in Houston. Grrr! I really wanted to get home!!

While waiting on the ground, I called Emergency Travel to find out my options. Not good!

The next available seat to Columbus wasn’t until almost 11pm. NO!!!!!!

Eventually took off from Baton Rouge – I was nervous cuz I knew pretty much the only way I would make the connection is if my Columbus flight was delayed.

Houston is a rather large airport and I don’t go thru there all that often. And on this day, I got my “OJ” on and ran like there was no tomorrow!

It had indeed been delayed a few minutes so I was able to make it. Barely – but I did it!

Syracuse, NY > Baton Rouge, LA

October 9th – 10th

West Virginia vs Syracuse - CFB

On Friday morning, as I was going down the elevator, in an attempt to be ‘folksy’, I said, “Wow, a short wait this morning!” to the elderly woman standing next to me.
She said, “Do you know why?”
I said, “Because it’s a slow elevator”
She said, “NO! Because less people are using it.”
I said, “Possibly, but it still is a very slow elevator and there should be more for a building this size”
She said, “NO, it’s because less people are using it!”

OMG! I hate people again and it’s only 8am!

I managed to keep the dome inflated during my trips inside.

Jason and I went to Jimmy John’s on Marshall St. for lunch.

The game on Saturday went well.


That night I had to fly to New Orleans and then drive to Baton Rouge.
And of course I couldn’t possibly get there in logical way – had to go from Syracuse to Chicago; Chicago to New Orleans. For a total of 1,672 flying miles, followed by 75 miles in the car.

Ugh!

I had 2 seats to myself from Chicago to New Orleans and couldn’t sleep – just my luck!

I got to Baton Rouge around 11:45pm central time. The drive was horrible. Dark, rainy and I had issues figuring out how to get the defrost to work.

As I was driving, I thought, hmm, I wonder if there are deer in the swamp?
Sure enough, then I saw a few dart out from the darkness into the road.

So I slowed down and tried my best to stay awake.

Got to the hotel around 1:30a CT or so… Just as all the LSU Football fans were getting back from the Florida vs LSU game. Oh dear God, I did NOT have the patience for this!

And as luck would have it, my room had been cancelled. Are you kidding me?!

I kept my cool and the nice front desk clerk found me a room, even though they were sold out. Whew! That could of gotten REALLY ugly!

Got to bed around 2:30a, which meant it was really 3:30am. Nothing like a 22.5 hour day!

Columbia, SC > Washington, DC > Syracuse, NY

Travel Day

Left hotel at 8:30a – had a 10am flight that was scheduled to arrive in Syracuse around 2pm. So I had intended on going to the mall in Syracuse to find a new winter coat and then work out before meeting up with everyone for dinner.

United had other plans in mind.

There was a mechanical issue with the plane. The original re-booking of my flights was going to result in me landing in Syracuse at 11:15pm! OMG!

Nicole was very cranky!!

But there was literally nothing I could do. I tried re-routing thru other connection cities. Tried flying into other places in NY – nothing worked! Everything was oversold.

They eventually were able to fix the broken plane and I got to DC around 2pm. I was booked on a 9:30pm flight. But there was one around 5 that I was going to get on the standby list for. It was pretty much hopeless since it was oversold… but I was desperate!

I hung out in the Red Carpet Club for a bit and then headed to the gate. It was my lucky day!! I was able to get on the flight!!!!

It started out as a simple 6 hour travel day, that could of resulted in a 14 hour day – I was more than happy to settle with 11 hours!

Upon arriving at the hotel in Syracuse, I was angered by the parking situation. All the spots on the first several levels were blocked off. Why? I have no idea?! Grr!!

I lug all my shit down the elevator and into the lobby.
During check in, I asked about a business center because I had stuff to print. The desk clerk went into this long tirade about how difficult it was to print in the business center.. so the best thing to do would be for me to email him the documents and he would print for me.

Okay fine.

The next thing to anger me… the elevator!
OMG!!!! It took an eternity!

I got settled in my room and sent the dude at the desk 14 emails – I had 14 things to print.

I wait 7 minutes for the elevator.

I go down for dinner. Stop by the desk for my stuff. Of course I have to wait in line to ask for the documents and when it’s my turn – “sorry the emails haven’t come thru yet.”

AGGHHH!

I eat dinner.

Go back to wait in line again.
“Sorry we don’t have the emails yet”

7 more minutes waiting for elevator.

Once back in my room I decide to check out the shower. This hotel has become infamous among freelancers as “the porn shower” hotel.


Okay, I get it. There is only glass on half of the shower. Leaving room for the camera.
(there is no door; just a open space)

A little while later I wait another 6 minutes for the elevator. While standing there, it occurs to me why there is a TV outside each elevator.

Because the elevators take so freaking long! They are trying to distract you while waiting.

Wait in line AGAIN for my paperwork. This time I get some other dude.
He proceeds to tell me the business center printers work just fine. He said he has no idea why the other guy had me send him all those emails.

AGHHHHHH!!!!

So I went over to the business center and printed with ease.

Later that night, I managed to break the toilet. It overflowed everywhere.
I left it. I was at the point of hating the world and all the people in it – especially those who worked at this dreadful place!

They can deal with it tomorrow while I am working.

Columbia, SC

Florida vs South Carolina – Women’s Volleyball – ESPNU 7et

Wednesday morning when I went down to my car to go to work, I discovered that my winter coat was missing. May have had something to do with the fact that I forgot to lock the backseat doors since I manually had to lock each door… a habit I have not been in since I was around 6.

I was angry as it was my favorite winter coat for traveling. And really, did someone need a winter coat when it was 82 degrees and sunny?

I headed over to campus and of course “Linda” was wrong. Thankfully I have been to Columbia several times; so I was able to figure it out.

This was a big show – a full blown Campus Connection. Which means we had 14 students working along side of us. So we came in extra early so we could explain to the students what we were doing as we were setting up.

It was a lot of fun!
We had a GREAT group of students (from Univ. of South Carolina). They were very in to learning the biz.

After the game, I went to “Wild Hare” with a few friends for dinner & a beer. It was nice to see them all again.

Moncks Corner, SC

October 5th - 6th

Had a 9am flight on Monday morning. I do fine with 5am flights – but for some reason, 9am becomes a disaster no matter how much I plan ahead.

When I left the house, I had “that feeling” that I had left something behind.
As I was getting off the airport exit, it hit me. Cell phone. I knew I hadn’t forgotten it, I remember putting it in my purse. But it sometimes slides back out.

Sure enough, not in my purse.

I was already pushing it close – I was 59 minutes from departure. Now I had to go home and back in rush hour traffic. Briefly thought about having my neighbor Fed Ex it to me, but I wasn’t sure where it was.

So I went for it! And did so in record time!

Got back to the airport and to the ticket counter with 29 minutes to departure.
A little nervous cuz I was checking a bag and I was pretty sure the cut off for bags is 30 minutes. But they took it anyway.

Phew!

On Wednesday, I have a volleyball game at Univ. of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. However, Auntie Gayle & Uncle Mike recently bought a new house in Moncks Corner, SC – about 90 minutes from Columbia. So I decided to fly down a day early to spend some time with them.

Made it to Columbia without further issue.

When I got to the National counter, they gave me a PT Cruiser. Quite possibly my most hated rental car. I said, “If that’s all you have to offer, then downgrade me!” Yah, that worked out well for me.

Next thing I know, I am in a Chevy Cobalt. Power NOTHING.
It was like going back in time. I didn’t even know they still made cars without power windows anymore! (besides a Jeep).

Okay, maybe I should of taken the PT Cruiser. I would have been safer driving on the interstate in the pouring rain.

Oh well.

Before getting on the interstate, I was able to pass my favorite South Carolina restaurant – Lizard’s Thicket. Its my fav because of the crazy name! It just sounds disgusting! I have indeed eaten there – while working in Columbia. If I remember correctly a lizzard’s thicket is where they live.



At some point during the morning, I felt the makings of a migraine starting. Great!

Got down to AG & UM’s with no trouble. Moncks Corner is kinda in the middle of no where. But they have a lovely house in a very nice & quiet neighborhood.

I look equally bad in both of these photos.




I got the grand tour of the new estate; settled my bags and then we headed out to the local watering hole, Gilligans, for some adult beverages and appetizers.

By now, my migraine was raging strong.

I was so angry – they seem to come at the most inopportune times. Basically, when I am trying to travel or do something fun!

Gilligans was nice. It was on the river. The weather was strange, so there was mist just above the water – very interesting looking. They served every fried Southern food you could imagine!

That evening, Mike and Peaches (his dog) came over for dinner. Mike is their son, he is a year younger than me. He lives nearby in South Charleston.

It was a very nice evening; even though I was all hopped up on pain pills and rather loopy!

On Tuesday morning, we went to breakfast. We tried Howards and it had some very interesting menu items! A few highlights were Brains & Eggs and Liver Pudding. I stuck with the standard eggs, toast and bacon.

It has been owned by the same family for the past 54 years - and it's the same cook!

After breakfast we strolled the shops – some really neat places.

Later in the morning we drove around Moncks Corner. We also went to Summerville and then see Mike’s house in South Charleston. I got quite the tour of the area!

That evening, I packed up and headed back to Charleston.
I did a little shopping and then went to bed.

Madison

Hello -

Again thanks to everyone who keeps asking about Madi.

He is still with us.

My parents are still looking for the symptoms the vet told them to expect, but so far, they are not there.

He is sleeping more and has less separation anxiety, but other than that, he is ok.

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Even though we have had this bonus time we were not expecting with him, it is still very difficult knowing the end is right around the corner. We are still going to lose him.

Syracuse, NY

October 1st – 3rd

West Virginia vs Syracuse - CFB

On Thursday, I flew to Syracuse. It’s not on the top of my list as far as travel destinations go. I have never had a good experience visiting there. Perhaps it’s the freezing cold weather?

Or maybe it stems from my first ever visit… the Carrier Dome incident. ???

I have been to many domes in my time. I did not realize that the Carrier Dome was inflated, sorta like a balloon. Went I went inside on that first trip, several years ago, I saw that there was a sign stating to close the door behind you before opening the next one. To me, that meant they were cheap and didn’t want to let the heat out. I was in a hurry, so I ignored the sign.

Needless to say, I got yelled at.

If you have both doors open, it lets air out of the Dome.

Now how stupid is that?
With all the technology today and there is a building that can deflate by opening 2 doors?!

Since many of my friends and co-workers know about my first visit, they tease me each time I go there. They say there are wanted posters at the security office to watch out for me, etc.

This time, I tied to join along in the fun and mock myself as well.
This is where the magic happened the first time:

My mood quickly changed when one of the security guards asked me what I did in the TV Truck, being a girl and all?

Are you kidding me?

On Friday, Jason and I went to lunch at Cosmo’s. It was the hangout of our director, Jeff, when he attended Syracuse.

Granted a few years have passed since then, so perhaps it’s not the best place in town anymore. It looked as if nothing had changed over the years! My pizza was fine – but health nut Jason insisted on getting a salad. Not the best choice at a college pizza joint. He of course was sick later in the day.

We walked around Marshall St. a bit – it’s kinda the main drag and then headed back to the compound.

On Saturday, our game went well.

(Yes, there were a few more fans there for the game)

I flew back to Columbus late Saturday night.

Madison Update

Madison is still holding on. Still eating and appears to be in no pain.

Mom says she thinks his breathing is getting heavier and his color is gray. But he seems okay in general.

So... at this point, we are still in a holding pattern.

Columbus

Nashville Predators vs Columbus Blue Jackets – CBJ Vision

Tonight was the last preseason home game for the Jackets.
The home opener is on Saturday – bummed I will not be there for it.

I think this is a record – I haven’t done 4 CBJ games in a span of 7 days in years.

Cincinnati, OH

September 25th – 26th

Fresno State vs Cincinnati – CFB – Big East Network

Today I met my new football crew! Well, I knew a couple people already, but I would say about half of them were new to me.

Jason, my AP from last year is joining me again this season. We have been anxious for the season to begin!

So my package is Big East Syndicated. Which means it is not seen nationally. It is seen in the markets of Big East teams and then is sold to any market that wants it. In addition, I believe it’s part of ESPN’s Game Plan.

It is ESPN, but instead of ESPN logos, there are “Big East Network” logos on all the graphics and elements. Why? Since we are syndicated, any TV station or network purchase and air the games. So if you are a NBC station, you don’t want ESPN logos all over the screen for 3.5 hours.

Our set day on Friday went well.


There was extreme fog on Saturday morning. I took photos, but they didn’t come out.
Thankfully it lifted for the most part before the game started.

After the game, I drove home.

Columbus > Cincinnati

Pittsburgh vs Columbus – Preseason NHL – CBJ Vision

3rd preseason NHL game in 4 days. Exciting stuff!

After the game, I drove down to Cincinnati. Got there around midnight.

Tomorrow I start my football package for the season – Big East. Looking very forward to it finally starting!

Madison Update

When I talked to mom today, she said Madison was still doing good.
Still eating and acting somewhat normal.

No news really… just waiting ….

Columbus

Minnesota vs Columbus – Preseason NHL – CBJ Vision

Can’t believe it’s already hockey season again!

Fairmont, WV > Cleveland, OH

September 18th – 20th

Ohio State vs Toledo

On Friday I had to drive from Fairmont to Cleveland. Which, unfortunately, meant I had to cross the border into Pennsylvania. Oh the horror!!


Since I was still in search for underwear, I had my eyes open for a mall or ??

Somewhere in PA, I saw a Wal Mart up on a hill, so I got off at that exit. And guess what? I couldn’t find the road to it!! You can see the place you want to go; just can’t get to it! Reason #742 to hate the state!

After about 12 minutes, I was able to find my way and got a lovely package of scratchy underwear.

Eventually made my way into downtown Cleveland, where “Linda” promptly flipped out and got me lost. She does it every time when we are there.

Finally found the hotel, but couldn’t find the valet stand. Circled the block again.
I gave up and parked at the taxi stand.

Stayed at the Renaissance, which is a nice old historic hotel.

My friend Jonny picked me up for an early dinner – like around 4pm. (I had to go early so I could get back to go to bed by 8p.)

Anyway, we went to Shooters in the Flats. It was nice to catch up with him.

He had me back to the hotel with plenty of time to spare. Was able to sleep just fine.

Alarm went off at 3:30. Ugh!
To make it worse, as I was getting into the shower, I could hear people in the hallway stumbling back from the bars. Nothing more annoying than starting your day as people are just finishing up their night.

Game went fine.

That evening, I headed over to Boo/Banks house to hang out with them and Matty. We ended up going to Streetsboro, where Boo is from. We met some of her family & friends at the BW3s. A fun time had by all.

By the time I got to bed, I had been up for over 22 hours.
]Living the dream baby!

Columbus > Fairmont, WV

September 16th – 17th

Glenville State vs Fairmont State

I headed out on Wednesday afternoon to Fairmont, WV. I assumed “Linda” would send me on I-70 East; but she instead sent me South on 33 and on all back roads. Grr. Oh well, I didn’t have a map, so I had to trust her!



So I arrive at the lovely Holiday Inn Fairmont…
Upon check in the desk clerk assigns me a 1st floor room, so I ask for a room on any floor but the first because I will feel safer.

He goes on to tell me that the hotel is built into a hill and that right now, in the lobby, we are technically underground. So the 1st floor is really the 2nd floor, so I will indeed be safe because I am not at ground level.

Ok.

So I go out to get my stuff and head up to the entrance.
Hmm… that’s strange… this sure looks like a ground floor to me…


Whatever, I let it go. I don’t feel like arguing with the guy.

I got settled and turned on the TV. Channels don’t work. I can turn the TV on/off, just can’t change channels with arrows or numbers.
Oh boy. This is not going to work out for me.

So I took the remote and went back to the front desk to ask for new batteries. He told me that batteries were not the problem, I was using it incorrectly. I explained that the infared light was not coming on the remote and he told me that light wasn’t used on these remotes.

Ok, I guess they have special remote controls in Fairmont that use magic.

He eventually gave me batteries and explained you couldn’t just turn the TV on, you had to press the “Menu” button and arrow down to “watch live TV” – which is indeed a way to watch TV with the hotel remotes, but you can also just turn it on and start changing channels. I kinda have a little experience with hotel remotes! But I could tell arguing would get me nowhere.. this guy felt it was necessary to 'learn me a lesson'.

I got back to my “2nd floor” room to test the new batteries. Nothing.
So just to make sure he wasn’t right, I attempted his theory of using the “menu” button – nope! I think it was the arrow buttons that were dead. There was no way I was going to watch TV without manually changing the channels on the actual TV. Moving on! I don’t have enough patience to deal with the village idiot again.

Later in the evening I went down to the hotel bar for a beverage.
Ugh.. they apparently still smoke indoors in West Virginia. I drank about half my beer and had to leave – I couldn’t breathe!

I pretty much gave up, went back to my room, watched TV via my sling box and went to sleep.

Thursday morning, I ventured out a little early to take in the sights

I was hoping to find at least a Wal Mart… I had discovered that I didn’t pack enough underwear.

Unfortunately, I never found a store for underwear, but walked around the general store which was cute & quaint.

Then I headed over to campus..




Game went fine.
Headed back to the lovely Holiday Inn afterwards.

Madison Update

Just wanted to update you all on Madi...

I got home around 5:30p on Saturday - he was very happy to see me!

We spent the night watching football with my dad.

He is doing ok. He has lost about 5lbs - which is over 10% of his body weight - so it's pretty significant. He just feels a little bony to me when I pet him - but he doesn't "look" sick.

His appetite has gotten better, but is likely due to the steroids he is on.
Of course he is being spoiled with Stove Top at least once a day - it's one of his favorite people food items that doesn't make him sick.
(He has always gotten sick from people food, treats, bones, etc - not a side effect of the cancer)

Tonight he had some mashed potatoes too!

We don't feel he is responding to the chemo as the oncologist said if it worked, he would be bouncing off the walls again by this weekend. Well, that is not the case. He has some of his "Madison-isms", but not at all like he was a month ago. For starters, he could care less when we leave. He has always had separation anxiety and now it doesn't seem to phase him. His pacing is also almost non-existent.

Sadly, for the first time in his life, he almost seems like a normal dog!

Tomorrow I will go to the vet to get details on making the final arrangements as well as getting the info from the funeral home on cremation. I am not familiar with the procedures here, but assume they are similar to what I did in Columbus when Pokey died. I would just like to take care as many things as possible to eliviate some of the burden from my parents. They have the hardest part still ahead of them.

Right now it's hard to say how much time we have. All research points to less than a week... but you wouldn't think that if you saw him.

Our number one goal is to not let him suffer.

Thank you everyone who encouraged me to come to Florida. I am cherishing my time with him.
I also got to go on the boat today with my parents and time spent on the boat is very therapeutic for me.

I appreciate all of your kind words and well wishes... your emails and texts have meant a lot to me. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers - we definitely need them!

Thanx :)