One of my co-workers, Jez, invited me over to his home for dinner tonight.
We left after work and headed to his home a few miles away. The meal was great - Lamb, broccoli, potatoes, etc. Jez and his wife have 2 little kids, 6 year old boy and a 2 year old daughter. It made me very homesick for my own kids, but enjoyed being there.
After dinner, Jez's son was showing me his lego's and wii games. Hmm who do know that likes those 2 things.
I told Jez we will have to play the wii online sometime. I know Ryan would like it.
Friday, July 31, 2009
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Dillington House
After work I decided to see a few other things in here in Ilminster. This castle/house is just about a 1/2 mile from where I've been working all week. I never would have known it was there.
It wasn't open to the public without a reservation, so I didn't get to go inside, but took this picture of the garden.
I guess if you're going to have a house this size, you need some pheasants.
It wasn't open to the public without a reservation, so I didn't get to go inside, but took this picture of the garden.
I guess if you're going to have a house this size, you need some pheasants.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Office
The rental car. I'm not sure why I got such a big nice car. (compared to the rest of the cars here) I almost wished I have a smaller car after driving the roads.
The office here in Ilminster. It is called the Lumber house. Apparently it was an old barn that was converted into an office park.
There are only 3 guys in this office. I'm the forth. This is the whole office. There is an upstairs part, that houses all their servers.
It's been great working here. I enjoy the office here.
The office here in Ilminster. It is called the Lumber house. Apparently it was an old barn that was converted into an office park.
There are only 3 guys in this office. I'm the forth. This is the whole office. There is an upstairs part, that houses all their servers.
It's been great working here. I enjoy the office here.
The Village of Ilminster
It's been raining all day. Matter of fact, I don't think a day has gone by without rain here. 7 day forecast shows more rain. However, the rain stopped just long enough for me to grab my camera and head into town. I moved hotels after getting back from Paris. I'm now in the Village of Ilminster, Somerset, England.
A few pictures of my outing today.
Looking out the window of my hotel room.
Some of the older houses here have a thatched roof. Thatching is the craft of covering a roof with dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes and heather, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof. After a while (with all this rain) moss grows on top of the roof.
Here's what it looks like up close. This looks like a newer roof compare to what I've seen around.
The old church in town.
We don't make churches like we used to. Last week I walked into this church. The stained glass was amazing.
Another hillside view. It's so beautiful and green here. I'm afraid to go back and see my dead yellow lawn.
A few pictures of my outing today.
Looking out the window of my hotel room.
Some of the older houses here have a thatched roof. Thatching is the craft of covering a roof with dry vegetation such as straw, water reed, sedge, rushes and heather, layering the vegetation so as to shed water away from the inner roof. After a while (with all this rain) moss grows on top of the roof.
Here's what it looks like up close. This looks like a newer roof compare to what I've seen around.
The old church in town.
We don't make churches like we used to. Last week I walked into this church. The stained glass was amazing.
Another hillside view. It's so beautiful and green here. I'm afraid to go back and see my dead yellow lawn.
One way street - right?
Wrong! And to top it off I have to drive on the wrong side of the road. As I come to intersections I find myself verbally saying: " Left, Left, Left" so I don't forget which side of the road to be on.
On a positive note, driving 40mph on the wrong side of the road with roads this narrow are an adrenaline rush. Feels like you're going 90mph.
On a positive note, driving 40mph on the wrong side of the road with roads this narrow are an adrenaline rush. Feels like you're going 90mph.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
New words
It's fun to hear new words or words used that I hadn't heard.
Here are a few I've heard so far.
billet - ticket (train ticket) - "Billets. please"
boot -trunk of car
rubbish - garbage and/or slang for "crap"
quid - Slang for A pound sterling (£)
Here are a few I've heard so far.
billet - ticket (train ticket) - "Billets. please"
boot -trunk of car
rubbish - garbage and/or slang for "crap"
quid - Slang for A pound sterling (£)
Monday, July 27, 2009
Long Travels
I left Paris this morning around 7:30am. Jumped the subway ($12.00 one way trip) towards the airport. Because it took me about 2.5 hours to get from the airport to my hotel, I didn't want to chance it and miss my flight (even though it left at noon.) This time it took me just over an hour to travel, which put me at the airport around 9am for my 12:05 flight.
Of course my flight was delayed and left about 45 minute late. This made me miss my train ride back in to London and pushed my 10 hour commute (from Paris to Ilminster, England) to a 12 hour commute, as I had to wait for the next train.
It was a long day, but I'm glad I was able to go to Paris this weekend.
Of course my flight was delayed and left about 45 minute late. This made me miss my train ride back in to London and pushed my 10 hour commute (from Paris to Ilminster, England) to a 12 hour commute, as I had to wait for the next train.
It was a long day, but I'm glad I was able to go to Paris this weekend.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
After the tour..blah, blah
After the tour, I walked from the Champs Elysees to the Eiffel Tower. I really didn't want to ride up the Eiffel Tower. ($12 to $19 us dollars) Besides, it's pretty but, not as impressive as the Twin towers in NYC, when they were there. Having been on top of the twin towers, I've seen a similar view.
Here's a picture of my hotel.
Not to far from where I was standing to watch the tour was this Ferris Wheel. It was pretty at night.
Here's a picture of my hotel.
Not to far from where I was standing to watch the tour was this Ferris Wheel. It was pretty at night.
The city of Love - Really
I know Paris is called the "city of Love" but does that include a booth at McDonalds? Having paid for a "closet", I mean hotel room for $125 bucks a night, I now understand why there are so many people out in the open and not in their room. Heck it's almost too expensive to even get a booth at McDonalds. 6 euros for a Big Mac Meal - or about $9 US dollars.
Paying to Pee
Whomever came up with this "brilliant idea" either had more money than needed or a large bladder. I first saw these "pay to pee" toliets in Paris, just a the Tour de France ended. I needed to go to the bathroom, but not enough to pay for it. I also saw them in London train station.
The fee was small, 20 pence, or about 35 cents, but who wants to pay to pee. Where are my basic human rights, like the right to worship as I please or the right to bear arms that are protected by the U.S. Constitution, opps.. wrong country. I think I would have sailed the ocean blue too, if I was charged to pee.
The fee was small, 20 pence, or about 35 cents, but who wants to pay to pee. Where are my basic human rights, like the right to worship as I please or the right to bear arms that are protected by the U.S. Constitution, opps.. wrong country. I think I would have sailed the ocean blue too, if I was charged to pee.
Tour de France 2009
Team Astana lead the Peloton into Paris. I only had about a 15 second notice that the racers were coming by the first time. The race is lead by a red car that holds the race official. It came zooming by and seconds later, Team Astana came flying by, shortly followed by another 130 racers. It was an amazing feeling to see them come by so fast. This picture is all I caught the first time, due to their speed. Lance Armstrong is last full bike on the right. You can tell his bike is slightly different than his team. Luckily the racers came by multiple times otherwise, my whole view of the tour would have lasted only about 20 seconds.
Number 22 - Lance Armstrong
Team Columbia Highroad came to the front to lead Mark Cavendish to the stage win.
David Millar - Team Garmin Slipstream
After the race, each of the teams ride up the Champs de Elysees for all the fans to see. Here is Lance Armstrong after the race.
Another picture of Lance
Podium Finish for Lance. He came in 3rd.
The Podium (Contador, Sleck and Armstrong) This was as close as I could get to the Podium. If you look closely (to the right) you can see the Arc de Triomphe behind them on the video screen, as well as in the background.
Number 22 - Lance Armstrong
Team Columbia Highroad came to the front to lead Mark Cavendish to the stage win.
David Millar - Team Garmin Slipstream
After the race, each of the teams ride up the Champs de Elysees for all the fans to see. Here is Lance Armstrong after the race.
Another picture of Lance
Podium Finish for Lance. He came in 3rd.
The Podium (Contador, Sleck and Armstrong) This was as close as I could get to the Podium. If you look closely (to the right) you can see the Arc de Triomphe behind them on the video screen, as well as in the background.
Morning de Tour
After spending abut $30.00 for breakfast, I headed to find my spot on the Tour's route. I found a place but decided to switch to the other side of the road so I could better photos. I'm sure glad I did as I had alot more shade than the ones across from me as we stood for hours waiting. I got to my spot about about 11am, the tour was due in Paris just after 4pm. There was speaker right behind me broadcasting a radio commentary about the Tour. A small section of it was in English (about 10 minutes) then the rest of the 3+ hours was in French. So there I stood listening to french gibberish. I might as well had some 2 year old babbling.. Matter of fact, that might have been better.
About 1.5 hours before the racers come into Paris a large concessional of Sponsers and Team support vechiles come through the route. At this point, I had been standing on the side of the road for about 3.5 hours.
It was a fun break to see the cars and floats come by and got the crowd ready for the racers to come by. I found a guy with a similar camera that I felt safe enough to have him take a picture of me with my camera. Behind me, you cans see the statue of Joan of Arc.
Team Astana's bus
I'm not sure what the lion has to do with the Tour, but they stage winners, usually get a stuffed lion.
Interesting Sponsor - not sure what this is product actually is.
Of course the, the tour wouldn't be complete without the Massive Maillot jaune on top of this VM bug.
About 1.5 hours before the racers come into Paris a large concessional of Sponsers and Team support vechiles come through the route. At this point, I had been standing on the side of the road for about 3.5 hours.
It was a fun break to see the cars and floats come by and got the crowd ready for the racers to come by. I found a guy with a similar camera that I felt safe enough to have him take a picture of me with my camera. Behind me, you cans see the statue of Joan of Arc.
Team Astana's bus
I'm not sure what the lion has to do with the Tour, but they stage winners, usually get a stuffed lion.
Interesting Sponsor - not sure what this is product actually is.
Of course the, the tour wouldn't be complete without the Massive Maillot jaune on top of this VM bug.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Travel to Paris
A co-worker drove me to the train station this morning. I left at 11am from Crewkerne Train station headed for London. The train ride in was beautiful. I'm amazed at the small villages followed by miles and miles of green pasture. Southwest England is beautiful. My connection went through the London Waterloo station, then on to St Pancres International and on to Luton Airport. Then on a flight from London (Luton) to Paris.
I landed in Paris about 10pm, waited in line to show my passport and finally on to the train into Paris by 11pm. 8.50 euros one way into Paris, my first of many pricey things in Paris. I got into Paris and off the Subway around 12:15am. I was amazed how many people were outside at this time of night/morning. A few wrong turns too many and I finally arrived tired and ready for bed around 1am.
I checked into my hotel and went to my room and was shocked at the size of the room. It was tiny. I've seen closets larger than this room, however it was just a place to sleep, which I did as soon as I could.
I landed in Paris about 10pm, waited in line to show my passport and finally on to the train into Paris by 11pm. 8.50 euros one way into Paris, my first of many pricey things in Paris. I got into Paris and off the Subway around 12:15am. I was amazed how many people were outside at this time of night/morning. A few wrong turns too many and I finally arrived tired and ready for bed around 1am.
I checked into my hotel and went to my room and was shocked at the size of the room. It was tiny. I've seen closets larger than this room, however it was just a place to sleep, which I did as soon as I could.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Getting ready for Paris
The UK guys took me out to dinner tonight. The four of us went to Yevoil for dinner at a Chinese restaurant. We went to dinner at 8pm. It appears that people eat later here than I'm used to. Dinner was good and it was fun to get to know the guys a little better outside of work.
On the way home, we took the "backroads" home. The road seemed like a single lane road and it was very hilly. Being in the frontseat, it seemed like a rollercoaster ride.
When I got back to the hotel, I started getting ready for Paris.
I stayed up until 1am looking at online maps and attempting to plot my course from the Paris Charles De Gaulle airport to my hotel in downtown Paris. Luckily my brother had sent me a map of Paris he had used when he visited Paris last year. I found my hotel on the map, which was a lifesaver. I decided to only take a backpack to Paris, since I was only going to be there for 2 days. I packed my Texas Cycle Jersery, American Flag, Canon Camera and a change of clothes and a few smaller items and my bag was full.
As I got all packed up, I called and talked to Deni for a few, as well as called my parents, as I'm moving hotels when I get back and although the new hotel has wireless internet, they don't have a wired connection in the room, which I need for my Vonage line. Vonage has been a lifesaver in keeping in touch. It's been great to call and talk for as long as I wanted to Deni and the kids. I've now set up and tested Skype, which will be my new form of communication with the family until I come home.
I set my alarm for 8:30am and went to bed.
On the way home, we took the "backroads" home. The road seemed like a single lane road and it was very hilly. Being in the frontseat, it seemed like a rollercoaster ride.
When I got back to the hotel, I started getting ready for Paris.
I stayed up until 1am looking at online maps and attempting to plot my course from the Paris Charles De Gaulle airport to my hotel in downtown Paris. Luckily my brother had sent me a map of Paris he had used when he visited Paris last year. I found my hotel on the map, which was a lifesaver. I decided to only take a backpack to Paris, since I was only going to be there for 2 days. I packed my Texas Cycle Jersery, American Flag, Canon Camera and a change of clothes and a few smaller items and my bag was full.
As I got all packed up, I called and talked to Deni for a few, as well as called my parents, as I'm moving hotels when I get back and although the new hotel has wireless internet, they don't have a wired connection in the room, which I need for my Vonage line. Vonage has been a lifesaver in keeping in touch. It's been great to call and talk for as long as I wanted to Deni and the kids. I've now set up and tested Skype, which will be my new form of communication with the family until I come home.
I set my alarm for 8:30am and went to bed.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Maps
I've heard that Police officers have to go through some sort of training that helps them understand what it feels like to be autistic, so that when they are dealing with an autistic person, they can empathy for the person. I've been sent to the UK to humble me in my driving and map reading skills so I understand how my wife feels when asked to read a map while I'm driving.
Deni swears she'll never go on the Amazing Race with me because we always seem to fight in the car when I'm driving and I ask Deni to look at the map. Quickly reading maps are challenging for Deni, something that I thought came easy to me, until now.
I remember about 10 years ago when Deni and I took a quick trip to Georgia, I was driving and asked Deni to look at the map and find which way I should turn as we were on the freeway and approaching a split in the road. She couldn't find our location on the map, I remember glancing over and seeing exactly where we were on the map, I reached over and pointed out where we were. It didn't help the situation that I could find us on the map while driving 70mph down the road and Deni couldn't.
After experiencing England's roads and maps (and being completely frustrated with them), I think I have a better understanding of how Deni feels when looking at a map and I hope to be more kind and helpful in the future when it comes to maps.
Deni swears she'll never go on the Amazing Race with me because we always seem to fight in the car when I'm driving and I ask Deni to look at the map. Quickly reading maps are challenging for Deni, something that I thought came easy to me, until now.
I remember about 10 years ago when Deni and I took a quick trip to Georgia, I was driving and asked Deni to look at the map and find which way I should turn as we were on the freeway and approaching a split in the road. She couldn't find our location on the map, I remember glancing over and seeing exactly where we were on the map, I reached over and pointed out where we were. It didn't help the situation that I could find us on the map while driving 70mph down the road and Deni couldn't.
After experiencing England's roads and maps (and being completely frustrated with them), I think I have a better understanding of how Deni feels when looking at a map and I hope to be more kind and helpful in the future when it comes to maps.
Heading to Paris
Because of my indecision of how and when to go to Paris (to see the last day of the Tour de France), the prices for the Speed Train from London to Paris skyrocketed. Plane prices went up as well, but I decided it was a chance of a lifetime. I bit the bullet and booked my flight as well as my train tickets to London and hotel in Paris.
Part of my indecision was how to actually how to get to London, as I'm about 3-4 hours away from London by train. At first, I thought I could drive in but after being here for a few days, I've decided that I better not try it.
It's going to cost me about $150 bucks (around trip) to get to London by Train, then about $250 (roundtrip) to fly from London to Paris. Luckily, my food and hotel are covered, but it's a pricey trip for the length of time. I'll leave England on Saturday afternoon and come back from Paris Monday morning. So I'll only really have 1 full day in Paris. Hopefully, I'll be able to spend the whole day soaking up the Tour de France.
I'm a little sad as I haven't been able to keep up with the Tour de France on TV (hotel doesn't have any channels covering the Tour.) You'd think being so close to France and the love of cycling here, they'd have coverage. Maybe they do and but the hotel just doesn't have the channel. However, Deni keeps me updated through chat and by phone on the Tour.
Part of my indecision was how to actually how to get to London, as I'm about 3-4 hours away from London by train. At first, I thought I could drive in but after being here for a few days, I've decided that I better not try it.
It's going to cost me about $150 bucks (around trip) to get to London by Train, then about $250 (roundtrip) to fly from London to Paris. Luckily, my food and hotel are covered, but it's a pricey trip for the length of time. I'll leave England on Saturday afternoon and come back from Paris Monday morning. So I'll only really have 1 full day in Paris. Hopefully, I'll be able to spend the whole day soaking up the Tour de France.
I'm a little sad as I haven't been able to keep up with the Tour de France on TV (hotel doesn't have any channels covering the Tour.) You'd think being so close to France and the love of cycling here, they'd have coverage. Maybe they do and but the hotel just doesn't have the channel. However, Deni keeps me updated through chat and by phone on the Tour.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
11 pounds
I'm picky or spoiled, or both. I have a great wife that is a great cook and I'm used to her cooking ONLY.
Because I'm in a little village, there aren't any type of "chain" food stores that I could get a quick dinner from. I wasn't too hungry tonight, but decided to go out and try to find a grocery store. A co-worker told me where one was, but I missed it as I drove by it at least 2 times. Since I wasn't too hungry, I thought I'd drive around and see if I could happen on to another one in a different village. I probably drove around for about an hour, but never found a grocery store. However I did find a number of old abandoned churches as well as a single lane road, that was actually a two way road (luckily, I didn't find another car going the opposite way). There were pull outs about every half mile, but nothing in between.
At the end of the night, I finally found the little grocery store I was looking for and picked the the following for a little dinner and snacks while I'm here. Here's what 11 pounds (about $18 dollars) buys you. (6 apples, 2 oranges, 4 bananas, 2 candy bars, 2 yogurts, Pringles, 5 cereal bars and a pack of gum.)
Also, here's a picture of the road outside my hotel. I now know why they have short squatty cars here in the UK, as the roads are narrow and there is no parking. I love how people park in the street, taking about 3/4 of the lane. It makes it fun for driving
Because I'm in a little village, there aren't any type of "chain" food stores that I could get a quick dinner from. I wasn't too hungry tonight, but decided to go out and try to find a grocery store. A co-worker told me where one was, but I missed it as I drove by it at least 2 times. Since I wasn't too hungry, I thought I'd drive around and see if I could happen on to another one in a different village. I probably drove around for about an hour, but never found a grocery store. However I did find a number of old abandoned churches as well as a single lane road, that was actually a two way road (luckily, I didn't find another car going the opposite way). There were pull outs about every half mile, but nothing in between.
At the end of the night, I finally found the little grocery store I was looking for and picked the the following for a little dinner and snacks while I'm here. Here's what 11 pounds (about $18 dollars) buys you. (6 apples, 2 oranges, 4 bananas, 2 candy bars, 2 yogurts, Pringles, 5 cereal bars and a pack of gum.)
Also, here's a picture of the road outside my hotel. I now know why they have short squatty cars here in the UK, as the roads are narrow and there is no parking. I love how people park in the street, taking about 3/4 of the lane. It makes it fun for driving
Little Misunderstanding
This morning I headed down to get some breakfast. I wasn't too impressed with the English food last night (stake and fries) here at the Hotel, but the breakfast is complementary, therefore I headed down for my free "lunch" (breakfast).
As I ordered my "eggs on toast" I came to the realization that not only do I have a hard time understanding most people here in the UK, but they also have a hard time understanding me too.
I said "Do you have any orange juice?"
The young waitress, with an odd look on her face replied to me "Oysters?"
As I ordered my "eggs on toast" I came to the realization that not only do I have a hard time understanding most people here in the UK, but they also have a hard time understanding me too.
I said "Do you have any orange juice?"
The young waitress, with an odd look on her face replied to me "Oysters?"
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Happy Birthday from the UK
I landed at 9am UK time (2am MST) in Bristol, England. I was excited yet tired. They woke me about 7:30am UK time to offer breakfast on the plane. I had passed up the dinner they offered 6 hours earlier, so I thought it would be a good idea to eat as I wasn't sure when I'd have the chance to eat again.
When I landed it was raining. (pouring) I had to walk off the plane, through the rain into the Airport. I then got into a line to show my passport. As I got to the front of the line, the lady asked me what I was going in the UK and I couldn't think of what to say. I started mumbling about Novell buying a company in the UK and that I had traveled to come learn the product, or something like that. The lady looked at me and said, "So you came here for training?" I looked at her and said, "You said that much better than I did." I think a combination of lack of sleep and also being nervous of what was happening around me made me fumble for words.
I picked up my rental car, that happened to be 3 parking lots away (did I mention it was pouring rain?) After stalling it a few times, I was able to get out of the parking lot and on the road. It was odd driving on the left side of the road.
I headed in the direction that I thought my destination was (without a map.) About 5 miles into the drive I decided that I needed to stop. I stopped and asked where Ilminster was, the Gas Station attendant had no clue. I looked for maps in the Gas Station, but there were no good maps for the area, so I continued on. I came across another gas station and took my chances. This time I found a map (2 pounds), but I couldn't use a Credit card for anything under 5 pounds, so I ended up buying a few drinks (Sprite) for the road to get my bill over 5 pounds. Luckily, the ladies working in the gas station knew where I was going (and I was on the right route.)
I was quite confused with the road signs. I thought that things were in kilometers here in the UK, but came to find out that they were actually in miles per hour, so I guess in need to apologize to whoever was driving behind me, as I was attempting to follow the speedlimit. I guess that England is the only hold out for not using kilometers per hour and the Euro.
I had the phone number of the guys I was coming to visit, but I didn't know how to dial from my cell. That didn't stop me from trying a few times, but I was unsuccessful in getting my call to go through. I continued to drive and made a few wrong turns, but finally made it to Ilminster, Somerset England around 11am.
I got the tour of the Ilminster office, which took about 2 minutes. It's a two room office, with everyone in the same big room.
I spent a few hours at the office then headed to my hotel.
I was exhausted but didn't want to go to sleep yet as I wanted to attempt to adjust to the timezone.
Today is my baby's birthday. Happy Birthday Sydney.
I'm sad that I'm not there to celebrate with her, however I was able to call her, as I brought my vonage phone with me, so I can call home whenever I want. Having my vonage phone with me, will be my saving grace from being gone for so long.
When I landed it was raining. (pouring) I had to walk off the plane, through the rain into the Airport. I then got into a line to show my passport. As I got to the front of the line, the lady asked me what I was going in the UK and I couldn't think of what to say. I started mumbling about Novell buying a company in the UK and that I had traveled to come learn the product, or something like that. The lady looked at me and said, "So you came here for training?" I looked at her and said, "You said that much better than I did." I think a combination of lack of sleep and also being nervous of what was happening around me made me fumble for words.
I picked up my rental car, that happened to be 3 parking lots away (did I mention it was pouring rain?) After stalling it a few times, I was able to get out of the parking lot and on the road. It was odd driving on the left side of the road.
I headed in the direction that I thought my destination was (without a map.) About 5 miles into the drive I decided that I needed to stop. I stopped and asked where Ilminster was, the Gas Station attendant had no clue. I looked for maps in the Gas Station, but there were no good maps for the area, so I continued on. I came across another gas station and took my chances. This time I found a map (2 pounds), but I couldn't use a Credit card for anything under 5 pounds, so I ended up buying a few drinks (Sprite) for the road to get my bill over 5 pounds. Luckily, the ladies working in the gas station knew where I was going (and I was on the right route.)
I was quite confused with the road signs. I thought that things were in kilometers here in the UK, but came to find out that they were actually in miles per hour, so I guess in need to apologize to whoever was driving behind me, as I was attempting to follow the speedlimit. I guess that England is the only hold out for not using kilometers per hour and the Euro.
I had the phone number of the guys I was coming to visit, but I didn't know how to dial from my cell. That didn't stop me from trying a few times, but I was unsuccessful in getting my call to go through. I continued to drive and made a few wrong turns, but finally made it to Ilminster, Somerset England around 11am.
I got the tour of the Ilminster office, which took about 2 minutes. It's a two room office, with everyone in the same big room.
I spent a few hours at the office then headed to my hotel.
I was exhausted but didn't want to go to sleep yet as I wanted to attempt to adjust to the timezone.
Today is my baby's birthday. Happy Birthday Sydney.
I'm sad that I'm not there to celebrate with her, however I was able to call her, as I brought my vonage phone with me, so I can call home whenever I want. Having my vonage phone with me, will be my saving grace from being gone for so long.
Monday, July 20, 2009
On my way
We left Spanish Fork at 7:30am MST and arrived at the SLC Airport about 8:20am. My flight left at 9:50am. After giving Deni, Ryan and Syd a kiss goodbye, I attempted to check in at the self check-in booths, but it couldn't find my flight confirmation. I talked to a airport worker and was told to get back in line to try again. After the 2nd time didn't work, I was asked to get in line to talk to a person. I luckily got in line right after some Korean Touring group of about 10 people. The line was already long, but getting in line after Korean group, made it even better (and longer).
As I got to the front of the line and got checked in, I was read the riot act by the Delta employee, as I hadn't checked in at least 2 hours before an international flight. International flight? My flight was to Newark, NJ, so I could then have a 5 hour layover. However because I was connecting to an international flight in Newark, the one from SLC was considered a "International flight".
I was getting nervous as I left the counter and got even more nervous as I saw the Security Check line. It was now 9:20am and I was concerned I was going to miss my flight. I made it through the Security checkpoint and made it to my flight about 10 minutes before the plane took off. Whew.
I arrived in Newark without problems. Then the long 5 hour layover.
I left Newark around 9pm headed to Bristol. The flight was just under 7 hours, however with the time change, I was scheduled to land at 9am Tuesday the 21st. I watched the movie "17 again" and then attempted to get a little sleep (which didn't go to well.)
As I got to the front of the line and got checked in, I was read the riot act by the Delta employee, as I hadn't checked in at least 2 hours before an international flight. International flight? My flight was to Newark, NJ, so I could then have a 5 hour layover. However because I was connecting to an international flight in Newark, the one from SLC was considered a "International flight".
I was getting nervous as I left the counter and got even more nervous as I saw the Security Check line. It was now 9:20am and I was concerned I was going to miss my flight. I made it through the Security checkpoint and made it to my flight about 10 minutes before the plane took off. Whew.
I arrived in Newark without problems. Then the long 5 hour layover.
I left Newark around 9pm headed to Bristol. The flight was just under 7 hours, however with the time change, I was scheduled to land at 9am Tuesday the 21st. I watched the movie "17 again" and then attempted to get a little sleep (which didn't go to well.)
Saturday, July 04, 2009
Ryan's first race
Ryan ran his first race today. It was part of the Provo Freedom Festival. His race was a youth 1 mile run. It was an early start, 7am, which means we left our house at 6:30am and woke Ryan about 5:45am. He had a hard time going to sleep last night as he was excited about the race. Here Ryan is at the start line getting ready.
When the gun went off to start the race, Ryan was in "business mode". Focused on the run ahead.
Although it appeared that the 5k and 10k routes were marked appropriately, the kids route wasn't marked so well. Bummer for Ryan, as he followed a group of kids thinking it was the right route. He eventually got back on course and was able to finish. Deni paced him a little bit to help him get back on track.
Sydney and I were waiting for him to take pictures and Sydney decided she wanted to run in with Ryan. (seen to his right).
He finished. Ryan's time was about 11 minutes 30 seconds. Not bad for his first race.
When the gun went off to start the race, Ryan was in "business mode". Focused on the run ahead.
Although it appeared that the 5k and 10k routes were marked appropriately, the kids route wasn't marked so well. Bummer for Ryan, as he followed a group of kids thinking it was the right route. He eventually got back on course and was able to finish. Deni paced him a little bit to help him get back on track.
Sydney and I were waiting for him to take pictures and Sydney decided she wanted to run in with Ryan. (seen to his right).
He finished. Ryan's time was about 11 minutes 30 seconds. Not bad for his first race.
Thursday, July 02, 2009
2 mistakes
After work, I took off on a bike ride. I made 2 mistakes as I left for my ride.
1. I didn't tell Deni where I was going.
2. I didn't take my cell phone.
It looked like it might rain (which is why I didn't take my phone) but it never did, which is why I ended up taking a longer bike ride than normal. It was overcast, cool and a great day to be out on a bike.
I headed our of Spanish Fork and then south through Salem and turned at a sign that said "Elk Ridge". The road was uphill for as long as I could see. I started riding, looking for a specific turn, but never saw it. I ended up riding 2 miles up this hill until I hit the Elk Ridge City limits. Off course a bit, I attempted to correct, however I ended up hitting a dead end. I backtracked and finally found someone on a golf cart and asked them how to get to the Woodland Hills road. At this point I was about 12 -13 miles into my ride and knew it was going to take me a while to get home.
I found the Woodland Hills road and started down it. It's a great hill. I hit 48.1 mph going downhill. Probably the fastest I've ever been on my bike, ever. It felt great to zoom down the hill, as I struggled up the other side.
My total ride was just over 21 miles and took 1hr 15 minutes. I had a feeling I was going to be "in trouble" when I got home. When I came in, I could tell that Deni was quite concerned. I felt bad and wished I had my cell phone so I could have called.
Deni was afraid I had wrecked and was laying on the side of the road somewhere. I did have my road ID on, although it wasn't registered yet. Deni has since registered my road ID, so if I am ever found on the side of the road, the first responders will at least know my name and some basic info about me. I've learned that I'll always take me cell phone with me and just put it in a zip lock baggy if I think it's going to rain.
1. I didn't tell Deni where I was going.
2. I didn't take my cell phone.
It looked like it might rain (which is why I didn't take my phone) but it never did, which is why I ended up taking a longer bike ride than normal. It was overcast, cool and a great day to be out on a bike.
I headed our of Spanish Fork and then south through Salem and turned at a sign that said "Elk Ridge". The road was uphill for as long as I could see. I started riding, looking for a specific turn, but never saw it. I ended up riding 2 miles up this hill until I hit the Elk Ridge City limits. Off course a bit, I attempted to correct, however I ended up hitting a dead end. I backtracked and finally found someone on a golf cart and asked them how to get to the Woodland Hills road. At this point I was about 12 -13 miles into my ride and knew it was going to take me a while to get home.
I found the Woodland Hills road and started down it. It's a great hill. I hit 48.1 mph going downhill. Probably the fastest I've ever been on my bike, ever. It felt great to zoom down the hill, as I struggled up the other side.
My total ride was just over 21 miles and took 1hr 15 minutes. I had a feeling I was going to be "in trouble" when I got home. When I came in, I could tell that Deni was quite concerned. I felt bad and wished I had my cell phone so I could have called.
Deni was afraid I had wrecked and was laying on the side of the road somewhere. I did have my road ID on, although it wasn't registered yet. Deni has since registered my road ID, so if I am ever found on the side of the road, the first responders will at least know my name and some basic info about me. I've learned that I'll always take me cell phone with me and just put it in a zip lock baggy if I think it's going to rain.
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
Lunchtime ride
I finally found a co-worker that I can ride my bike with. Today we today a lunchtime ride. (about 15 miles) We left Novell and headed towards Utah lake, then circled back to Novell. It was fun to ride with someone for a change.
We are going to try and ride at least once a week together.
We are going to try and ride at least once a week together.
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