Non-Stop Flight? Depends!

When it comes to flying, I have some “issues.” Mental blocks, less than rational thought processes. But the latest cost-cutting measure announced by Irish discount airline Ryanair is something I can stand sit behind!

The airline has announced its reducing the number of on-board lavatories to make room for additional seating. (This, by the way, from the same airline that earlier toyed with charging fliers a fee to use the plane bathrooms.) Now, when flying the friendly skies it will be important to go, before you go. Don’t worry, the planes will still maintain one lavatory on board for those who insist on using the facilities while flying.

childhood dream

Growing up my mom (and dad) did a lot with me and my brother. We got to see all kinds of things that kids want to see. One thing that my parents never took me to was a Zoo. During my recent Atlanta adventure, I finally got a chance to go to the zoo, at Zoo Atlanta. 

Atlanta

Arrived in Atlanta and all is well.

Ran into some WATER when I was leaving Connecticut. Parts of the Merritt Parkway were submerged by water… I can’t ever recall being in so many traffic jams due to puddles… :-/

Google Maps gave some funny directions… That suggested I take traffic-laden beltways (loops) around cities. Google, I disagree and after a few I learned.

Overwhelmed is how I feel about my hotel. It’s the largest hotel I’ve every been in. I’ve been in 5 star hotels, but never this big. It’s like a little city within a city. 

The weather after leaving Connecticut was sunny and warm. I had to take my jacket off soon after I got into Jersey, it warmed up. Tonight in Atlanta, at around 8 PM, a jacket was still optional. Now I just have to watch for twisters… great.

Hit the Road Khak…

My adventure begins today, but I shall return (in 2 weeks). I’ll post some updates from the road.

I should

Start packing. I leave Friday and could have my bags half packed by now. But then, what the heck would I do on Thursday night?

peachtree

My trip to Atlanta is slightly over a month away and I’ve not done any real planning. I reserved my space at the conference that I’ll be attending and I kinda-sorta booked my hotel (see Hyatt Regency Atlanta).

I waited a little too long to book my room at the conference hotel. Right now I have 4 of the 5 nights that I’ll need secured. I’m on a waiting list for the last night of the conference. When I first called and made the reservation the woman told me that the rooms were awarded in order of who was put on the list first. Well I called back to see how many people were on the list and this time the guy said… “A handful, but if you call back and a spot happens to open up and you’re on the waiting list, we’ll give you the slot!” So I can get my own “Go to the Head of the Class” pass if I’m diligent and stalk the reservation hot line.

Since this is primarily a business trip I’m going to wait until Monday to call and make reservations at a nearby hotel for the same time period, in case that last night doesn’t open up. I have some options and I guess I need to figure out what the heck I’m doing.

Following the conference I’ll be on vacation, hopefully will visit some friends in the Atlanta area and maybe a stop and visit a friend along my way home.

I think it will just be nice to be away from work for two weeks – one of which I’m technically @ work.

near death

I’ve been M I A on here for a bit. Sorry. But since I only have two friends here, you know it’s all about me and just a place for me to keep my thoughts. Don’t take it personal.

So on Saturday, after the myspace lunch, I think I saw Jesus’ eyes! Yes, it’s true. I had a near death experience. Driving to the Meriden Square on 691, apparently a puddle was a bit much for my vehicle and the other cars ahead of me. While they swayed a little from left to right my vehicle shot over to the shoulder and then zoomed over into the fast lane.

Not having control of your vehicle is not fun. Thank God (and I mean that in the literally sense) no cars were around me and like a safe driver I had adequate space between the car in front of me. I nearly pissed my pants but once I regained control I immediate recognized the fact that it was a mini miracle that I was still (and by still I mean still alive).