April 15th -16th

Friday – Set Day

Am here for the Alabama Spring Game tomorrow. It’s my first time here for football, so that’s cool. Have been here for other sports. We are on one of my favorite trucks :)

The day quickly went sour. It started with my APs laptop dying a slow painful death.

We had a quick lunch near the stadium; I forget the name of the place. I had a grilled cheese and a shake. Yumm!


Lots of memorabilia on the walls….

Soon after lunch a really powerful storm rolled in and we had to evacuate the truck and take shelter in the bathrooms of the stadium.

Since I was the only girl on the show, I didn’t want to sit in the ladies room alone. So I hung out with the guys. We had to sit for a few hours on the main concourse of the stadium. It was very boring. They did put the weather channel on the concourse tv’s so we could see updates from the Weather Channel.

The rain and hail was unbelievable. The field was flooded and the paint started to come off the field.

A tornado touched down nearby … but we were spared. Eventually we were allowed back in the truck.










Due to the long hiatus away from the truck, we were very behind on graphics!


We worked a few more hours and then had to leave since we had to be back early in the morning.



Saturday – Game Day


So the tornado yesterday touched down near our hotel. Ripped the roof off a few nearby businesses.

I can’t believe that they are predicting a sell out crowd for the game today. Really? It’s not even a game!!!

Sure enough, the stadium started to fill up.

The game was fun and yes, it was a sell out!


It was easily two hours after the game before I headed out on the road back to my Birmingham hotel.


Are you kidding me?!

Bumper to bumper traffic for miles!



I am starting to hate yet another breed of fans.

Charlotte > Birmingham > Tuscaloosa

Slight headache this morning.  Can't imagine why?

Headed to Panera and got Shannon and I breakfast and iced coffees.

We spent the morning watching TV.

Eventually, I got my self around, showered and re-packed.

I went over to Lori & Mark’s to visit Lori and their 4 year old triplets.

I met Lori back in 1994 when I worked at the CBS affiliate in Fort Myers. At that time, Mark was a good friend of hers up in Pittsburgh. He was doing what I do now – freelance graphics.

Years later, they ended up getting married… and then the triplets!

Last fall, Mark took a job at the Charlotte office and Lori and the kids moved down in the winter.

I had lots of fun playing with the kids. But oh my goodness! They never stop moving!!!
I left there completely exhausted!!

Once I got the airport, I couldn’t wait to get on the plane because I was ready to nap!!

We were delayed quite a bit getting out of Charlotte. It wasn’t looking good for me to catch my connection. I was in row 36, which didn’t help matters.

We ended up landing early, but had no gate. Sat there for 42 minutes. Not good. Once I got off the plane, I had approx 14 minutes until my flight closed. I knew they would give away my seat because the flight was oversold, as were the 2 flights to Birmingham after mine. So I HAD to make it!

Landed at A5 and had to get to E5. Long walk to the train… long train ride… long walk to the gate. I kinda jogged, but I was wearing flip flops – so I couldn’t ‘really’ run.

I got to the gate as they were doing final boarding. Meaning 1-2 minute later, they would start giving away seats. Whew!

Of course the overhead bins were full and I was in row 26. I found a place for my rollerboard around row 12. But since the seats were full, I had to throw all my stuff in the isle so I could lift the rollerboard into the overhead bin. See my backpack is too heavy and if I lift the rollerboard over my head while wearing the backpack, I tip over backwards. Other passengers tend to get annoyed when that happens.

So I gather all my crap off the filthy floor and head back to row 26. Where I find the extremely large dude sitting in the middle seat, overflowing into mine. Oh dear god. And it is also about 98 degrees. I am dripping with sweat, hanging into the isle because there is no room left in my seat.

Somehow survived the flight and got on the road to Tuscaloosa.
Made it to the hotel and went to bed. Exhausting day!

Charlotte Vaca

So this week I was planning to spend about 5 days in Charlotte visiting friends and family and 1 day working.... And then my assignment changed. I went from working one day in Charlotte to working 2 days in Birmingham, which involved another 2 days in travel.

I salvaged what I could of my vacation and went with it.

Today I flew to Charlotte and met my friend Anne for lunch. We had a wonderful time catching up with work stuff and most importantly non-work stuff!

Then I went grocery shopping and headed to my friend Shannon’s.

We were making dinner and then heading out to a wine bar to meet some of her friends.

Dinner was fab and the wine bar… well.. it quickly began to look like this…

Columbus

Illinois vs Ohio State Softball

Worked softball today at Ohio State. Was nice to see everyone again.

April 7th – 9th

Thursday – Travel Day
Columbus > Charlottesville, VA

Got to Charlottesville in the mid-afternoon.

As I caught up on emails and such, I realized that I had roommates.

I called the front desk because I could not reach the critters.

They explained that they were harmless stinkbugs and they were invading the hotel. They would do nothing to me, but stink if I squished them.

Even so, they sent up a maintenance worker to remove the bugs.


Friday – Set Day

Oh… what a good sleep!
It’s so very rare that I get to say that!

I did not wake up with beetles looking at me either!

Stumbled down the hall to the concierge lounge for a cup of coffee. Back to my room to wake up and get changed. Then headed to the gym.


Saturday – Game Day
North Carolina vs Virginia Lacrosse

Nice to be back at UVA and not dealing with the story lines we had to cover last season.

Here is a shot of the field from the booth.

This is where the announcers sit and do the game.

After the game I was able to catch a flight home.

So much of my life is spent looking at sights like this.

And sitting in tight spots.

I am not very tall, but these planes have less and less legroom!

East Rutherford, NJ

Konica Minolta Big City Classic:
  Johns Hopkins vs North Carolina
  Syracuse vs Duke

2 games today – yah!

Everything went well. Had a little to explore the stadium.

And some shots from inside the truck

Columbus > Newark > East Rutherford, NJ

Today was one of those mornings that I questioned some life choices I have made. Mainly, my career path.

4 hours of sleep will do that to a person.

Showered, made final packing preps and headed to the airport. Much to my surprise, I had been upgraded on a Continental flight. Which shocked me because I barely have status on United, their partner. But I was not one to question on a morning like this!

I got in my seat, buckled in, phone off, jacket over my face and tried my best to sleep. I never fully fell asleep, but I at least drifted in/out and rested. Better than nothing.

When I got up to get off the plane, I realized there were a total of 7 passengers on the plane. 4 in coach, 3 in first class. NO WONDER I got the upgrade! Even my crappy “status” was something on this flight!

Had my easiest time ever getting out of the airport and to National to get my car. Of course I was sure to NOT take a Chevy Tahoe.. since this is the location I rented a Tahoe in back in 2009 and returned it to the Hartford, CT location, that promptly accused me of stealing the 3rd row of seats from said Tahoe. And eventually turned me over to a collections agency. That didn’t turn out so well for National or the collections agency.

As George Costanza once said, “they picked the wrong man to accuse of fake handi-capping”. I use that phrase many time, in other contexts.

Zoomed my way to the hotel in Secacus. Wow, Jersey isn’t that bad of a place early on a Saturday morning!

Arrived at the hotel just before 9am. Where I was told my room was not ready. Yah… that did NOT go over well. Considering the fact that I called 9.5 hours ago and was told that a roomed had already been blocked for me and no one was in it – so I would have no problem checking in early.

And amazingly enough, a few computer clicks later, “Peter” was able to give me a room. He had some story about how he had to move me to another room, but it was “all good”.

It boggles my mind how hotel clerks will flat out lie to a person and say a room is not ready, just because they can. Just because it is not 3pm. What harm does it do? Do you think that maybe by me checking into my room early, there just might be a chance that I might order room service? Or buy snacks from the front desk? Yah, there is a good chance you are going to make money off from me, IF, you let me check in. But if you don’t, you are going to piss me off and I am going to take my money elsewhere.

I went straight to bed. Where I quickly learned what terrible sound proofing this hotel has. I am 2 rooms from the elevator, however, each time it passes this floor, I can hear it. I can hear every door slam in the entire building and every footstep placed on this floor and the one above me.

So again, I drifted, didn’t actually sleep. Eventually got up, freshened up and headed to work. With a stop at Starbucks to “re-fuel”.

New Meadowlands Stadium. Just as annoying as the old one. As far as figuring out which gate to enter, etc. I was here many years ago when ESPN aired Arena Football. Before I even knew what Arena Football was. I think it was so long ago that I still had a full time job.

Found the truck with little issue.

Our set day went well. It was only 6 hours long, so that is always a bonus.

After work, a few of us walked over to a Houlihan’s nearby to watch VCU vs Butler in the Final Four. Had some drinks, dinner and good times :)

I made a fatal error in ordering. I had the French Dip and at the last second, added French Onion soup when I saw my friend John’s get delivered. Sodium overload! I did not finish anything and spent the rest of the night in agony.

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.