March 27th – 31st

Sunday – Travel Day
St. Louis > Chicago

Took a mid-morning flight to Chicago and caught a car service to the hotel downtown. This is one city I don’t drive in.

We are staying at the Intercontinental which is right on the Magnificent Mile (on Michigan Ave). It’s rather nice for a Holiday Inn brand!

I got up to my room and checked out the view.

Sent some clothes out to the laundry service and then tried to take a nap. Was very unsuccessful since the housekeeping ladies were crazy loud in the hallway.

I gave up and met up with my friend Mike. We wanted to check out a pizza joint that had been recommended to him - Lou Malanti’s.

Wow! The salad alone was amazing! You must check it out if ever in Chicago.

http://www.loumalnatis.com/

The pizza is super duper deep dish, so prepare yourself.



Afterwards we headed back to the hotel. We stopped by our friend Steve’s room to share our leftovers and watch some hoops.

That evening, a bunch of us met up and went to The Weber Grill for dinner. It was quite tasty!



Monday – PowerADE JamFest

Finding the venue proved to be a challenge for Alex and I. We eventually found it and got right to work. This is quite possibly the most difficult event we do all year.

The day goes by much too fast and before we know it, we are on the air.

I am proud to say that Alex and I had yet another flawless show.
Yah!! We make an excellent team!

After back at the hotel, my friend Jill and I met up for drinks and a late dinner. We wandered until we found a place that was still serving both. It was nice to catch up since we hadn’t really spent much time together since football season.


Tuesday – McDonald’s All-American Games – Set Day

We just work a half day today.

This is my first trip to the United Center.

Our set day was ok. We never have enough time on this event to prepare.

In the afternoon, the guys always play a basketball game vs the event organizers.

I chose to not stay and watch this time. I just had a lot I needed to catch up on email wise. And just needed some “me time”


Wednesday – McDonald’s All-American Games

Whirlwind day, but awesome!

Before I knew it, it was over.

Even thought it's a difficult event for me, I love it!  I look forward to it each year and can't wait to face the challenge all over again!

Thursday – Travel Day


I ordered a car service thru the hotel yesterday before going to work.

When I got back last nite I had stopped at the front desk because I had realized I had the car coming an hour too early.

Me + math + different time zone = bad

The girl at the front desk said to just call down in the morning, it would be ok.

Of course, when I called down this morning, it was not ok. The concierge was mad at me and said it was too bad, the car was already en route. I explained that I had tried to fix it last night and was assured it would not be an issue.

LONG story short, the driver sat outside for 45 minutes while I showered and packed. The hotel screwed up. The girl I spoke to last night was incorrect and it was not my fault.

Even so, I tipped the driver an extra $20 because I felt bad. And I can’t expense that since the car service charge, including tip, was already put on my bill as a room charge.

I am headed home.  Yah!

March 23rd – 26th

Wednesday – Travel Day
Raleigh > St. Louis

Took a mid morning flight to St. Louis. It went without incident.

Needed to stop at a Target for yet another Rx refill. Found one sort of en route to the hotel.

The hotel was pretty nice. It was in an old historic building and my room was gigantic!

It is right next door to Cardinal Stadium.

I really needed to get my nails done and the area near Target was less than desirable. So upon checking in at the hotel, I inquired. They referred me to a few day spas nearby.

I called them all and they only do natural nails. Well my nails are natural, they just have an acrylic overlay on them to make the stronger. Even so, none of the day spas could help me.

So I ended up at some questionable place. They did them really fast and it they didn’t completely dry for a day or two!

On my walk I had an excellent view of the Arch.

That evening I met up with my friend Rich and we walked to dinner. I don’t remember the name of the place but it was good. It was nice to spend time on the road with him – we typically just work together in Ohio.


Thursday – NCAA Hockey Regional Set Day

Set day went well. Nothing really to report.

It was sometime last night that I looked at the artwork over the Jacuzzi tub in my bathroom. Oh dear Lord it has a snake in it!

Why? Why would they do that to me?!







Friday – Game Day
1 Boston College vs 4 Colorado College
3 Nebraska Omaha vs 2 Michigan

Colorado College defeated top seeded Boston College 8-4 in game 1

In game 2, Michigan defeated Nebraska Omaha 3-2 in overtime.


Saturday – Game Day
4 Colorado College vs 2 Michigan

Before work, a few of us went to lunch at a spot Rich and some of the truck guys used to hit during baseball season. It took us a bit to find, but it was worth it!

It has a very long history of making the best burger in the region. And I must say, it was pretty darn good!

It is very busy and when your party doesn’t fill up the table, they send another party to sit with you.
Which was interesting.

If you are ever in town and have some time and are craving a burger, check it out!
http://www.saucecafe.com/oconnells/

On to work…..
Michigan defeated Colorado College 2-1 to advance to the 2011 Frozen Four.

After the game, everyone went out for drinks. I was a good girl and went ‘home’ to pack and prepare for the next leg of my trip.

Columbus > Raleigh > Chapel Hill

Men’s Lacrosse – Dartmouth vs UNC

Up bright and early and on a flight to Raleigh. Still haven’t kicked the sinus infection, so I have another prescription waiting for me in town. Gonna grab that en route to the truck.

Had a nice nap on the flight.

Put the pharmacy into the GPS and set out.

Crap. It’s in downtown Chapel Hill. Not good. There is pretty much no parking. It took me a bit to remember where the public lot was. Found it. Ran to the pharmacy, got the Rx and some bottled water and then off to the stadium.

We have to park in a new parking deck this year and I had a hard time finding it. By the time I got to the truck I was a little late from all the wandering around looking for the new place to park.

It’s surprising that UNC has not built a better facility for lacrosse. They are a good team and have to generate some revenue.

Each time this site is televised, the cameras and announcers go up on platforms like these.

The game went well.

That night a bunch of us met at the bar at the hotel. I had some sort of steak bite appetizer. All of a sudden, I couldn’t breathe. I had a chunk of steak stuck in my throat. Everyone around me just thought I was coughing since I had been sick. I motioned to Stephanie to follow me outside. Where I proceeded to throw up. It was scary and embarrassing!

We went back inside and I went up to my room to change because I had puke all over my shirt. When I was in my room, the chuck of steak finally came flying out when I coughed.

Headed back downstairs and everyone gave me crap for not giving the ‘universal sign for choking’ – I didn’t realize there was one! I had never choked before!

I hung out for a while and then went back upstairs.

The choking incident had me really freaked out.

Choking aside, it’s nice to be back on lacrosse again. I really enjoy the sport and my crew.

March 16th-21st

Columbus

Smokey and Claude came for a visit, as well as my dad.

It’s winter time, so Smokey likes to find the heating pad.

Claude found her favorite spot on the back of the big chair in my room. Right in the morning sun.

Dad was visiting for my birthday which is this weekend. I am working, but at least I am working in town.

He was also up to help make final decisions on my kitchen remodel that is going to take place in July.

Dad also enjoyed teasing the cats.
Here he is playing with Claude

Checking in on Smokey

Claude checking the plans and measurements

Claude enjoying some quiet time looking outside

We had a nice couple of days. Spent a lot of time at Home Depot and Lowe’s making decisions.

I worked at Ohio State on Friday, Saturday and Monday. They were hosting a 1st & 2nd Round of the NCAA Women’s Tournament.

March 14th -16th

Monday – Travel Day
Columbus > Atlanta > Birmingham > Tuscaloosa
Got in to see the doctor today before heading to the airport. Confirmed I have a sinus infection. Got the Z-Pack and the good cough syrup.

While I was waiting at the pharmacy, Delta called to tell me that my flight had been cancelled. So they put me on a later flight. Which was ok because that gave me more time. But it was bad because it meant I was getting in later and still had an hour drive after landing.

Once in Atlanta, I felt like death. Had a very long trek to the gate for the flight to Birmingham. Only to find it was delayed. It was now after 10pm and I had little strength left.

I waited about 10 minutes and then went up to the gate agent to get the low down. It wasn’t looking good. She said based on what her experience, it was going to be hours. So I asked her to rebook me on the first flight to Birmingham tomorrow morning because I needed to get to bed.

As I made the long walk back down the terminal, I called Marriott and booked a room there at the airport. Found the tram and it was about 11:30p before I got to the hotel. As luck would have it, it was pouring rain and the sidewalk from the tram stop to the hotel was not covered. So I got soaked.

Got a Miller Lite and Easy Mac in the hotel store. Had a very late dinner and headed to bed.


Tuesday – Game Day
NIT: College of Charleston vs Alabama

Morning came quick! Only 4 hours of sleep.

The sinus infection is in full force so I was not moving very fast this morning.

Rode the tram back to the airport and walked what seemed like 8 miles to the gate.

The flight, of course, did not take off on time.

Landed in Birmingham and set out for Tuscaloosa.
This is my first time doing basketball here.

The day was a blur since I felt like crap.

After the game I drove back to Birmingham since I had an early flight.


Wednesday – Travel Day

Slept for 4 hours, got up and headed to the airport. I have today and tomorrow off - so I just want to get home! Plus, my dad is flying up tonite, so I need to get to the grocery store and clean the guest room.

Am feeling ok. Not great, there is still a lot of congestion and a very sore nose.

Got my upgrade, which was perfect because I am beyond tired. And shockingly enough, the Birmingham to Atlanta flight departed on time and with out issue. First flight, out of 5 in the past 4 days. Yah!!

I slept hard – only wish it had been a longer flight.

Essentially crawled to the SkyClub were I got a bagel and took another nap. Thank God I remembered to set my phone alarm because I was OUT!

Didn’t get my upgrade on the Atlanta to Columbus flight. Booo!!

I could tell something wasn’t right… the boarding process had completed 15 minutes early and they still hadn’t closed the boarding door. Not a good sign.

Sure enough – broken nose gear. We had to deplane so it could be fixed. Minimum of a 1 hour delay. (Which is Latin for a lot longer)

Delta is now 1-6 over the past 4 days. I suck at math, but I know that is a terrible average!

Went back to the SkyClub to get some water and sit in peace for a few minutes. Then headed back to the gate just in case. They are usually bad at keeping the monitors updated in situations like this. Not gonna risk it!

Eventually made it back to Columbus. Hoping dad has better luck with his flights tonight!

March 8th – 13th

Hartford, CT > Atlanta

From one tournament to another!

I now find myself in downtown Atlanta for the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament.

My first visit to the Georgia Dome.

Since there is a Morton’s Steakhouse 1 block from the hotel, I found myself there on Tuesday evening. Not nearly as an endearing experience as it is in Hartford.

I have numerous friends working this show. Plus several of my SEC Football crew is working as well. So lots of people to catch up with and to have drinks with this week.

Our set day went well and I had a chance to go with friends to dinner. We hit Gladys Knight’s place for Chicken & Waffles.

I did not have chicken and waffles because I don’t like meat on a bone and that’s the only way it comes. Even so, I have some very good home cookin!

Another long week with long hours but it’s worth it.

I have done 13 games in 9 days… keeping in mind 2 of those days had no games (travel day and set day)

Within a blink of the eye, the season is going to be over and I will be counting down to hoops season again!

A week spent working with friends… not much more you can ask for in life.

March 3rd – 7th

Columbus > Hartford, CT

Had a few days at home to regroup for the month of March; which is always a whirlwind!

Am in Hartford the Big East Women’s Basketball Championship (tournament). I have done this one for several years now.

We stay at the Hilton which is right downtown and connected to the XL Center which is where the event takes place.

On Thursday night I always go over to Morton’s Steakhouse for a fab dinner at the bar. And like clockwork, the same waitress serves me and doesn’t even have to ask what I want to eat or drink. She just remembers. I boggles my mind each time I visit. Typically, I dine here 3 times a year. Yet she and the bartender know my order by heart.

On Friday we have a set day and it never fails, we are behind before we even start.

Saturday and Sunday we are on the air for 4 games. I do two of those. So I am on the air for about 5.5 hours straight since we have to do the halftime show and the in between games show. It’s a long time to be sitting there and not being able to pee!

Plus we arrive about 4-5 hours before the first game to finish prepping and then stay a few hours after to prep for the next day.

By Sunday afternoon, I am spent. This is all I can see with my eyes open or closed.

Monday was a breeze – we had studio support for halftime and for in between games.

It’s long hours, but I still enjoy the challenge year in and year out.

Gainesville, FL

Georgia vs Florida Men's Basketball

Since I was on Duet, and had a set day, I didn’t really have a whole lot to do to prepare for the game. So I walked around and took some photos.

The 3D cameras are larger and heavier than normal 2D cameras.

There is a left eye and a right eye.

I would like to tell you how it all works, but I don’t really know.

I believe one of the two eyes alone is what is “sent” home to the 2D viewers. The two eyes combined are what makes up 3D and is “sent” home to the 3D viewers.

In the truck, everything looks blurry unless you are wearing the 3D glasses.

I never really “got” what was so great about televising sports in 3D until today. Watching basketball in 3D was an unbelievable experience. So thankful for the opportunity!!

Columbus > Gainesville, FL

Today started at the un-God-ly hour of 4:15am.

I went to bed around midnight last night.

I had a 5:55a flight to Atlanta. Those first few hours were a complete blur.

Thank God for First Class. I slept like a baby on my flight to ATL. I am pretty sure I snored.

I had a really tight connection in ATL, but we landed early, so there was time to hit the SkyClub in Concourse C for half a bagel.

It was only a mere matter of moments after sitting down on my second flight that I passed out again. Small RJ, but I had 2 seats to myself.

Landed in Gainesville, headed to the hotel.

Room wasn’t ready, so I had to change out of my sweats into grown up clothes in the lobby bathroom.

Grabbed a breakfast sandwich en route to site and let the fun begin!

Today is a first for me…. I am working on a 2D/3D simulcast. It’s a first for a lot of people considering that this is only the 2nd time the network I work for has tried this. (the 1st time was this past Friday on a boxing event)

For about 1.5 years now, the network I work for has been televising 3D broadcasts. However, the technology forced them to have 2 of everything…. Meaning 2 completely different productions, side by side. Which is Latin for very expensive.

They have figured out how to streamline the equipment (for the most part) so it can provide both a show in both 2D and 3D; from one production truck. Of course there are still a few exceptions – but technology has progressed a lot in the past year.

Is it easy? No.

Is it cheaper than 2 separate broadcasts? Yes.

Is it perfect? No.

I am doing Duet for this game. The Duet will not be seen by 3D viewers; only 2D viewers. Whew! Less stress for me!

The Viz is being seen by both 2D and 3D viewers. But there is a designer on site to help the Viz op as he discovers issues.

Basically, since the Viz is being seen by both viewers, it’s not truly 3D. If it were, it would be all blurry to the 2D viewers. So it’s kind of ‘fake 3D’. But I gotta say, it looks pretty damn cool when you have the glasses on! I can’t imagine what it looks like when it’s “true” 3D!

My day was uneventful. Since this is all new, there is a lot to be explored and planned.

I built a few graphics and spent a lot of time just learning more about 3D. I am a tech junkie. But most of what I ‘learn’ anymore, goes right over my head!

Once checked in and settled at the hotel, I ordered room service.
So much for the hummus plate...  most of the celery was rotten.

February 18th – 20th

Columbus > Charleston, SC

Friday
So earlier in the week I had dinner at my friend Patty’s house. Got caught up on all that was going on with the kids, dog, etc. I also had dinner at Jessica and Dave’s house – where I got to play with the baby!

Then I did a NHL game and we aren’t going to talk about that. I was not at all happy with the crew I worked with. I also did a OSU Women’s game.

Mom flew up late last night and we spent this morning together.

Now I find myself back out on the road.

Got down to Charleston in the late evening. Ordered room service and headed to bed.


Saturday
Vermont vs College of Charleston Men's CBB

Kinda cool view from my balcony this morning

Wait, what are they setting up in that park? Is that a doggie pool?

Sure enough, it was one of those jumping contests. Pretty cool! Wish I could go.





Off to work!

Took a while to figure out where the crew parking lot was. There is some sort of street festival going on this weekend and there is a maze of people.

Eventually found my way and got to the truck a little late.

Was working with a new AP so I knew I had my work cut out for me.
But she was very sweet and eager to learn – which makes all the difference in the world.

We went to lunch at a very packed Q-doba. While we were in line I did a triple take at one of the tables… OMG that IS what I think it is!! I whispered to her – “there is a huge snake at that table”. She turned and had a look of panic in her eyes. Meanwhile the restaurant dude was asking what we wanted but we were in such a state of panic that neither of us could focus.

Eventually I gained my composure and said, “I am sorry sir, I can’t think straight – that person over there has a snake at the table”. He looked, excused himself and went and kicked the people out.

Neither of us could really eat… we were so rattled (no pun intended). So we chatted and headed back to the truck.

Game went pretty well.

Afterwards, I went back to the hotel to meet up with my “family” who lives in the area. Auntie Gayle, Uncle Mike and Mike. Also in town were Rich & Linda. We headed to some place on the water that Auntie Gayle liked.

It took about an hour to even get a table. The food was ok. But it was awesome to see everyone and catch up. I wish I could do so more often.



Sunday

Early flight home.

Mom picked me up and we spent the day doing this and that. She flies home tomorrow.

February 12-13th

Saturday
Durham, NC > Lansing, MI
Took a midday flight from Durham to Lansing with a stop in Detroit on the way.

I gotta say it’s VERY weird to not be working on a basketball Saturday!!

Got in to the hotel, got settled, had some dinner and headed to bed.

Got to get up at 4a tomorrow.


Sunday
Michigan vs Michigan St Women’s Basketball

It’s not just cold, it’s CRAZY cold!

Just another basketball game. Nothing really to report.

Was able to catch a late flight home.

Durham, NC

12 Oak Hill (VA) vs Christ School (NC) High School Basketball

Worked with one of my favorite APs today… Alex. Always a treat!

The game was played at Cameron Indoor Stadium at Duke because two of the players are Duke recruits – Quinn Cook & Marshall Plumlee.

Oak Hill defeated Christ School 78-64.

Columbus > Durham, NC

Ten days since I have stepped foot on a plane – WOW!

Ten nights since I slept in a hotel!

Had a stretch of games in Columbus, now it’s back to reality!

Got to the airport about 50 minutes before my flight. Drove around for another 10 looking for a parking spot. Had to park on the 5th floor which is going to totally throw me off when I return. I always park on the 4th floor on the north or south end; depending on the airline I am returning on. That’s the secret to me finding my car.

Today, I had to park on the 5th floor, on the west side… there’s no chance I will remember where it is come Monday.

Managed to get thru the regular x-ray and not the naked x-ray. Yah! But they nabbed me for having a bottle of water in my backpack. Oops! I truly didn’t know it was there. That’s what happens when you don’t deal with the TSA for 10 days.

So that delay had me getting to the gate 25 minute prior to departure. Wasn’t boarding yet, so I got a bottle of Dasani from the Coke machine. Agh… my secret to getting real water at my airport – from vending machines! If you go to the stores, they sell crappy tap water in a bottle.

As I was walking away from the Coke machine, I realized it was one of my favorite Lyon engineers sitting there at the gate. Yah! As we talked, we discovered we were on the same flight, going to the same event. And not only were we working together on Friday, but also Sunday. Sweet!

The new Raleigh/Durham airport is very nice! So much better than the old one! (I bet the cab drivers at the new one also know where Duke is located)

Don’t know what I referring to? Check out the March 14, 2009 blog entry.
GREAT story!

Anyway got to the hotel, worked on email for a bit and then had dinner at the hotel bar… called Blue. Hah! The logo was half light blue/half dark blue… get it? Carolina blue and Duke blue. Where I proceeded to have the best steak quesadilla ever!

Columbus

San Jose vs Columbus – NHL – CBJ Vision

I guess when I work at home, I don’t have much to say about the games. I guess there is less “adventure” to my days.

Columbus

The Buckeyes didn’t have the best of games. But you can’t win them all!

After the game, I was able to meet up with my friend Jeremy and his family. They were in town to watch Brittany play.

Little Marley is just too cute!

It’s always nice to see old friends.

Columbus

Edmonton vs Columbus – NHL – CBJ Vision

Another night of hockey in Columbus!

I guess it’s getting better. My bitterness is subsiding.

Columbus

Michigan State vs Ohio State Hockey

Nothing like spending a weekend at home AND working.

Nice change of pace.