March 6-12th

Tuesday – Travel Day

Columbus > New Orleans

Woke up with a slight sore throat.  Ugh.

Flew thru Atlanta.  Was nice to be on big planes again with first class.  All my recent trips have been on 

small RJs and prop planes and on other airlines.

Although my seat was broken (wouldn’t stay in upright position) on the Atlanta to New Orleans flight and I made the mistake of telling the flight attendant.  Delayed the flight until it was fixed.  Awesome!

Traffic was rough, even at 4pm.  Took me longer that it should of to get to the hotel - between traffic and Linda (my GPS) giving me bad directions.  But made it around 5p.

Got checked in and settled.

Walked to a CVS to stock up on cold meds - the sore throat didn’t go away and neither did the sniffles.

Checked in with my friend Mike about dinner – but he was still working.  (Some of the crew had a tech set day today)

So I walked over to Shula’s and sat at the bar.  Wasn’t feeling that great, so I didn’t have the whole kit-n-kaboodle steak dinner.  Just had a French dip.

Went back to room, worked on email and such for a while and in bed by 9:30.  Big night in the Big Easy!

Wednesday – Set Day

SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament

(view from my room)

Just like every other year on any given tournament, we are behind before we even arrive at the truck.  But that’s part of the challenge that I love about tournaments.

I had spent the past couple weeks planning and preparing with the engineers and operations manager on how to make the Duet end of things go more efficiently.  We have 3 Duets, 1 Viz, 3 Duet operators, 1 Viz operator and 4 APs.  

I was very pleased with how it all came together, but there were still kinks to work out upon arrival.

Several of us went to lunch at Liuzza’s – it was interesting - Cajun-Italian cuisine with a wide range of menu items.

www.liuzzas.com 

In the evening, a few of us went to dinner in the French Quarter.  I don’t remember the name of the place, sorry.  But it was good.

We also ended up at Bally’s – or some casino – but I played $20 worth and called it a night.

Thursday – Game Day

SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament

I did two of the four games today.  Things went pretty well.  Still behind and kinks to work out, but all in all, a good first day.

Worked all day and then stayed for a while to prep for tomorrow.

Ate room service for dinner.

Friday – Game Day

SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament

I did two of the four games today.  Games went good.

I started to prep for the games tomorrow – when we switch networks and the graphics have to be revised for this network.  As mentioned before, I am not allowed to mention the network I work for…. But we were switching from a cable channel to a channel that everyone has… and is owned by the same company.

This did not go well.  It soon became one of the most stressful nights of my life.  The disk I was provided with was not complete and what it did contain, was mostly incorrect.  

I could not believe this was possible and therefore re-downloaded it easily 8 times.  Each time, it was the same.  But I kept doubting myself, there was no way it could be THIS bad!

I may have had a panic attack (or two) – only my amazing AP friend, Thomas knows for sure.  He was so supportive of me and thankfully, knows how things work in the ‘graphics world’ and confirmed, the disk really was THAT bad.

We sent out emails, pleading for help because we were coming back at 6am and desperately needed help in order to get on the air.

Saturday – Game Day

SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament

There are a couple of rock stars – Mark & Lindsay that made today possible.  They tag teamed the mess back in the office and sent update after update until I had enough templates to put together a show.

One of the most stressful 24 hours of my career - But thanks to some awesome people, I made it thru.

Before I knew it, the day was over.  Such a sense of relief!

I wanted nothing to do with anyone.  I went to my safe haven – Morton’s – for dinner.  Sat at the bar and had some of my soul cleansing comfort foods.  Mini Lettuce Wedges, amazing bread & butter and a burger.  If you have never had the burger at Morton’s, trust me, it is well worth the $18 price tag.  I may have topped it off with a couple of their signature Cosmos.

I also had a “brush with greatness” – Kentucky’s own Anthony Davis was also dining there with his ‘wranglers’.  

Sunday – Game Day

SEC Men’s Basketball Championship

So a few days ago, we all gave up on ever getting our cars out of valet and started taking cabs to work. We would literally wait 30 mins and still not have a car.  Or you would get back at night and have to sit on the street for 30 mins to get into the valet line.

Championship game went well and as expected.

Another season comes to a conclusion.  New challenges were presented, but I feel that I conquered most of them.  And ones that I didn’t, are noted for next year.  

At this Champ Week event, I had the best support I could ever ask for.  From the engineering staff.. to Operations.. to my dear AP, Thomas (whom took the brunt of my frustrations)… to the folks back in the office – we rocked it!  Thank you for a challenging, yet successful end to yet another college basketball season!

March 4-5th

Sunday – Game Day

NC State vs Virginia Tech

No one murdered me in the night.  Got set out on the road a little after 8a.  It’s about a 40 minute drive to Blacksburg.

It’s chilly willy!

Went to Cabo Fish Taco for lunch with Susie and some friends of hers who happened to be in town.

Had a good day – final game for our crew…. Nothing like the last weekend of football.  Nothing compares to that!

Good season, glad I got to be a part of a basketball package after all these years. Nice to have consistency week after week.

After the game, I headed back to my icky Hampton Inn in Roanoke.  Another short night awaited me.

Monday – Travel Day

Roanoke > Columbus

Got up and going for the God awful 5:30a flight.  But it gets me home around 10a – can’t beat that.  Have almost 24 hours to regroup and set out again.

March 2nd-3rd

Friday – Travel Day – Columbus > Dayton

Rough weather moving in to the area so I decided to head to Dayton sooner than planned.

Ran into some rain, but nothing too bad.

Got to room around 4 and working on expense reports and travel requests.

Exciting Friday night for sure!!

Saturday – Game Day – George Washington vs Dayton

I never sleep well when the alarm is set for 3:45a.  I was able to fall asleep by 8p, but woke up around midnight.  Kept waking up for the next several hours.  Was about to give up around 3:30, but decided to stay in bed for the final 15 mins.

Next thing I know it’s 3:58am.  What?

I check my phone, I did indeed have the alarm set for 3:45a….. but it was for Friday, not Saturday!  

Thankfully, I only overslept by 8 minutes.  But it’s still crucial.  I don’t allow myself a lot of time to get ready when I have to get up this early.

I made it to work on time, but I didn’t have time to get coffee.  Grr!

Day went fine.  Got out of there soon after the game was over and went back to Columbus.  I had a 7ish flight to Roanoke.

Got to Roanoke around midnight; since I knew it was going to be such a long day, I didn’t take the work hotel in Blacksburg – I reserved my own in Roanoke near the airport.  Plus I plan on driving back here after the game tomorrow since I have a 5:30a flight on Monday.

As soon as I exited for the Hampton Inn, I remembered how I did not like this hotel.  It’s an old “motel” converted into a Hampton Inn.  All exterior doors; which is unsafe.

I couldn’t park close to my room and the parking lot was pitch black.  Awesome.

Thankfully, I made it safely to my room, but I was very nervous the rest of the night.  The hotel was pretty desolate and there were woods about 25 yards from my door.

Oh well, too tired to worry now.

February 29th- March 1st

Wednesday – Travel/Work

Bloomington, IN > Louisville, KY

South Florida vs Louisville

Made the drive to Louisville this morning.  It was an interesting drive; mainly because I had never done it before.

Totally lucked out with finding a spot near the arena.  I usually park at the hotel and walk the few blocks to the Yum! Center.

Can you tell it’s late February?  I take so few pics, give little detail about my adventures and just am trying to keep my head above water!

Thursday - Travel

Louisville > Columbus 

Happy March 1st!

Today is my best friend Patty's favorite day of the year.  It is better than Christmas in her eyes.

Drove back to Columbus this morning.  Lots to get done – have about 36 hours at home to prepare for the weeks that lie ahead.

February 27-28th

Monday – Travel Day

Coral Gables > Columbus > Bloomington, IN

Flew back to Columbus this morning.  Got some stuff done around the house and then headed west to Bloomington.  It’s always such a boring drive so I always dread it.

Tuesday – Game Day

Michigan St vs Indiana

Another day, another hoops game.  Nothing to really report.

Had breakfast and dinner and one of my favorite spots in Bloomington – The Scholars Inn Bakehouse. 

http://www.scholarsinn.com/bakehouse.html

It’s kinda like a local version of a Panera – but sooo much better!

Off to bed after the game.  Have to head out early tomorrow.

February 24-26th

Friday – Travel Day

Columbus > Ft Lauderdale > Coral Gables

Flew down to Fort Lauderdale early.  I am taking a mini vaca in Coral Gables.  My parents are driving over for the weekend to join me.

After landing, I stopped at a DDD place – Grampa’s Place.  Grabbed a breakfast sandwich and some pastries for my parents.

Parents joined me at the hotel in the afternoon.  We sat by the pool and had a late lunch.  Very relaxing.

In the evening we walked down Miracle Mile.  Eventually stopping for a late dinner and an Irish Pub.

Saturday – Vacation Day

Coral Gables

Up early and went to breakfast at a French/Cuban spot on Miracle Mile.  It was ok..  think a few things got lost in translation.

We then headed to Vizcaya Museum & Gardens.

http://www.vizcayamuseum.org/

Vizcaya is a National Historic Landmark; built by agricultural industrialist James Deering in 1916, Vizcaya Museum & Gardens features a Main House, ten acres of formal gardens, and a rockland hammock.

It was a very interesting place.  The grounds were amazing.  We did a self guided audio (headset) tour.

Here are some pics….

In the afternoon, we relaxed by the pool again.

Then we walked down to Miracle Mile and had an early dinner at BGR.  It was quite tasty!

http://www.bgrtheburgerjoint.com/ 

In the evening, mom read while dad and I figured out how to use the GoPro camera that I got him for Christmas.

Sunday – Game Day

Florida St vs Miami

Last night, our producer took the core crew out for dinner.  I didn’t go since my parents were in town.  Sounds like I missed out on a doozy of a party!  Everyone was showed up this morning with sunglasses on and coffee in hand.

It was fun listening to the stories and even better that I didn’t feel the way they all did!

Susie and I had lunch at Whole Foods.  We sat outside and it was just a wonderful winter day in South Florida!

February 19th-21st

Sunday – Duke vs Boston College

Boston

Landed after midnight, to a cab to the hotel in Newton, MA.

Short night.

Met my friend Lisa in the lobby; she is filling in for Susie this weekend on our show.  We had an interesting time trying to get to the arena.  Neither of us had done basketball at BC before and it’s kinda hard to find where the truck parks.

We had a good day.  Had lunch at a pizza joint.

I took her car back to the hotel after the game; everyone else went out for drinks.  I did not have that in me!

Got take out from the hotel bar.  Which by the way, has amazing food!

The hotel is one of those funky boutique style places – Hotel Indigo.  Can’t believe it’s owned by Holiday Inn.

Off to bed, have to get up in a few hours.

Monday – Travel/Work

Boston > DC > State College, PA

Ohio State vs Penn State Women's CBB

Slept for about 4 hours and then up at on the road again.  Had a 5:30am flight – trying to get to Penn State in time for my 10am crew call.  Not scheduled to land until 9:55, so I know I will be late.

Struggled to stay away on the cab ride to the airport.  I never like falling asleep in the cab because I am afraid they will kidnap me.

Slept on both flights and felt somewhat human once I landed in State College.  And I landed early.  

Made it to work almost on time.

It was a great day – the Duet op was Janice – whom I have spoken to via phone and email for years; finally got to meet in person!  

Our AP was new so it proved to be an interesting day for sure.

After the game, I somehow found the energy to go to the bar with Janice for a couple beers and then walked back to the hotel.  

Crashed hard.

Tuesday – Travel home

Up early again, but am flying home today.  Rough weekend for sure.

February 17-18th

Friday - Travel Day

Columbus > Birmingham >Tuscaloosa

As usual, travel day snuck up on me.  It's like I dont know it's coming?

I woke up ...  hmm..  I dont have to look at the clock, I know i've been in bed longer than 6 hours by the pain in my back.  Close your eyes..  the alarm is just around the corner......  

No really, it has be after 5a.  

Find my phone, it's 5:22. What?  I know i set the alarm for 5a. ??

I check it and yes, I did set it for 5a and for Friday.  ???

So I check the TV...  this has never happened before - my phone alarm never went off!

Thank god I had hours til my flight, but I still had a lot to do.  

Laundry, graphics updates to download.. packing...  house prep...

Ran around like a fool for 6 hours and raced to the airport.

Had a fabulous nap on my flight to Atlanta.  Oh how I needed that!

Very tight connection in ATL, but made it ok.  

Made phone calls on the drive to Tuscaloosa.  

Got checked in, settled, ordered take out and then ate while struggling with the new laptop.  More choice words were shared with my new MacBook Pro.  We have yet to become friends.

Went to bed about an hour later than planned.  

Saturday - Game Day

Tennessee vs Alabama

Wide awake at 320a

Alarm was set for 415, but gave up a little before 4.

Worked with my friend Jill from my football crew today.  So awesome to catch up!  We had lunch at Rama Jama near the football stadium.  Always fun to go there.

I took a few photos – hard to believe the devastation from the tornado that went thru here last spring.

This was a strip mall.

This is the path the tornado took – right in a straight line for about a mile.

The CVS is still operating out of mobile unit.

After the game I hightailed it back to Birmingham to make a flight to Boston for my game tomorrow.

Blacksburg, VA

Miami vs Virginia Tech

It snowed over night and was just plain nasty today.

Had breakfast in the lobby with my co-workers.

After getting to work, I found out my friend Susie had also made the same drive I had the night before on the death defying roads.  Well come to find out, there IS a much better and faster way to get from the Triangle to Virginia Tech – it’s just longer mileage wise – so GPS’ usually send you the windy and dangerous way instead.

Lunch at Cabo Fish Taco –yah!

After the game I drove to Roanoke to an airport hotel, have a crazy early flight tomorrow and don’t want to make the dark 45 minute drive at 3 am.

February 10th-11th

Friday - Travel Day

Miami > Raleigh

Midday flight to Raleigh and then drove to Durham.

Saturday - Game Day

Xxx vs Duke

(I forget who the visiting team was)

After hearing about a fellow operator for several years now, I finally got to meet her today.  It was so nice   And she is just as wonderful as everyone has said she was.

And  I got to work with one of my favorite APs – so it was an awesome day all around!

Lunch at my favorite spot again 

After the game, I had to drive to Virginia Tech for my game tomorrow.

It was a treacherous drive and I thought I was near death many times.  Windy and narrow roads thru the mountains for 3 hours.  There HAS to be a better way to get to Blacksburg!

Got to the hotel late.