So, it's been a week since my "I'd like to be healthy and not die before I'm 50" decision. I haven't made many huge changes; mainly I've made several small ones.
First of all, Matt has been extremely supportive and diligent with food measurement. Having a supportive partner in being healthy. My sister has been very supportive too. She's had a lot of good ideas for cutting back food and exercising.
Secondly, we've been doing a combination of calorie counting and portion control. We've also been trying to eat every 2 or so hours. This is a bit of a challenge at work. I've been eating something on my way to work. Then having part of my lunch around 10 and eating another snack at 2. I noticed that I'm not starving after work. I used to be really hungry and feel a bit shaky after work because I wouldn't eat until 11 then not have a snack the rest of the day. I've also noticed that I'm feeling full after eating a measured portion.
So, I dunno, I haven't started working out yet. That'll be easier when Matt starts work next week. Our plan is to commute to Bellevue together then he'll either drive to Seattle or take the bus (depending on where I have to be during the day).
We haven't bought a scale (it's on our to do list). So I don't know if I've actually lost weight or not.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
My leaf has been crumpled
I wanted to be really on top of things, so I emailed my insurance (Regence) and explained my health concerns and asked about my weight and my plan for preventing them the future costs of the issues I'm a candidate for (diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, and cholesterol).
Their response was
According to your health plan, benefits are not available for services intended to result in weight reduction, including but not limited to:
- surgery (including reversals);
- treatment;
- programs;
- supplies.
Please note, coverage is not available regardless of the diagnosis.
It's a bit upsetting. I have the best insurance that PSE offers. I checked all the other plans they offer and none of them cover any weight loss benefits. I feel this is a huge set-back. It definitely made me think whether I really wanted to do this.
I decided rather fast that I'm still interested in surgery if I decide it's the best option for me. I'm looking into ways of financing this and will probably go to an information session at a local hospital that offers the surgery.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Turning a new leaf
I've been thinking a lot lately about life and that I don't want to die before I'm 55. I mean, my mom died at 47, my grandma at 40-something and an aunt at 52. In the past I've had a morbid indifference to the idea of dying young.
I decided recently that I'd like to work to live to be old. I mean, I'm relatively healthy but I do have several health risks.
The root of all these risks is my weight. I've been overweight my whole life. My parents have always pressured me to drop the pounds but I've always found it difficult. I mean, I've cut out some of the worst items on my menu... somewhat. I do eat more healthy food than non-healthy but the key I've missed is portion control.
I went to the doctor today to talk about it (with a lot of hesitation as I've had horrible and frustrating conversations with doctors in the past). My thought going in was getting a diet pill. She didn't think that would be a good way to go. I guess most of the FDA okayed pills aren't terribly effective. She asked if I had considered surgery (gastric bypass or lap band surgery). She thinks I'd qualify because of my BMI.
We also talked about exercise. I mentioned that there's a rather nice gym at work, but I don't like to stay very late because I want to get home to see Matt. Once Matt starts his job we'll commute together and I'll have extra time at work (which I've planned on using for exercise). The doctor said that if my goal is to spend more time with Matt I should workout (even if it means delaying coming home) as that will increase the years in the life I share with Matt.
I have to say that she really pinpointed my motivation for even broaching the subject. Sure, part of my reasoning is vanity, part of it health, but part of it (and possibly the scale-tipper) is wanting to be a healthy partner to spend life with. It's really time I stop moping about my weight and working to do something about it.
I've decided to try the dieting (well, portion control) and exercising for about 6 months. Matt's on-board with that (I mean, the portion control with change up his diet too) and he's extremely supportive of me. If I'm not healthier in 6 or so months I'll talk to my insurance about surgery.
This way I feel as if I'm not jumping straight to the "easy way". I know this will be frustrating but I think it will make my life better.
I decided recently that I'd like to work to live to be old. I mean, I'm relatively healthy but I do have several health risks.
The root of all these risks is my weight. I've been overweight my whole life. My parents have always pressured me to drop the pounds but I've always found it difficult. I mean, I've cut out some of the worst items on my menu... somewhat. I do eat more healthy food than non-healthy but the key I've missed is portion control.
I went to the doctor today to talk about it (with a lot of hesitation as I've had horrible and frustrating conversations with doctors in the past). My thought going in was getting a diet pill. She didn't think that would be a good way to go. I guess most of the FDA okayed pills aren't terribly effective. She asked if I had considered surgery (gastric bypass or lap band surgery). She thinks I'd qualify because of my BMI.
We also talked about exercise. I mentioned that there's a rather nice gym at work, but I don't like to stay very late because I want to get home to see Matt. Once Matt starts his job we'll commute together and I'll have extra time at work (which I've planned on using for exercise). The doctor said that if my goal is to spend more time with Matt I should workout (even if it means delaying coming home) as that will increase the years in the life I share with Matt.
I have to say that she really pinpointed my motivation for even broaching the subject. Sure, part of my reasoning is vanity, part of it health, but part of it (and possibly the scale-tipper) is wanting to be a healthy partner to spend life with. It's really time I stop moping about my weight and working to do something about it.
I've decided to try the dieting (well, portion control) and exercising for about 6 months. Matt's on-board with that (I mean, the portion control with change up his diet too) and he's extremely supportive of me. If I'm not healthier in 6 or so months I'll talk to my insurance about surgery.
This way I feel as if I'm not jumping straight to the "easy way". I know this will be frustrating but I think it will make my life better.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
At last...
My best friend moved in today. Okay, it was a soft move. He still has stuff at his apartment, but he has a good portion of his stuff here.
Matt's on the hunt for a job and I think the search is going well. He has one interview all ready. I feel pretty optimistic about people wanting to hire him.
Tonight we went grocery shopping and bought our food for the week. We're talking about tracking our food expenses to see where has the best deals over time and whether it's worth the time to shop around or just go to one store. I'm working on the spreadsheet now actually. I'm not sure how to capture the amount of food in the containers. Oh well, we'll figure it out. I think we'll have some fun with that.
It's nice to think he won't have to limit his time with me anymore. It'll be a nice change of pace to come home and see him instead of choosing one or the other. We both feel very happy about this step in our relationship.
In other news...I finally got my tax return. I paid off one credit card and plan on paying down another. I bought a laptop too. I'm working on recreating my music list. It's so nice to have my own PC again.
That's all I have for now folks.
Matt's on the hunt for a job and I think the search is going well. He has one interview all ready. I feel pretty optimistic about people wanting to hire him.
Tonight we went grocery shopping and bought our food for the week. We're talking about tracking our food expenses to see where has the best deals over time and whether it's worth the time to shop around or just go to one store. I'm working on the spreadsheet now actually. I'm not sure how to capture the amount of food in the containers. Oh well, we'll figure it out. I think we'll have some fun with that.
It's nice to think he won't have to limit his time with me anymore. It'll be a nice change of pace to come home and see him instead of choosing one or the other. We both feel very happy about this step in our relationship.
In other news...I finally got my tax return. I paid off one credit card and plan on paying down another. I bought a laptop too. I'm working on recreating my music list. It's so nice to have my own PC again.
That's all I have for now folks.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Our house: the fence
I have to confess that I don't check on my yard that often. In fact, before Sunday I hadn't been in my backyard for a few months. Matt had the idea of putting a vegetable garden in so we could have some yummy produce. We went out to scope the terrain when we found that two sections of the fence were down.
I was a bit panicked, but I felt optimistic that Matt and I could figure this out. Our first order of business was a trip to Lowes. I'll skip over the details about driving around the perimeter of the store before finding the way in and us zigzagging through the store... we left with what we needed at least.
We realized pretty fast that this would take a few hours at best. I was worried that we wouldn't get it done in one day. Matt went through and replaced the brackets that needed replacing.
I worked to reassemble a section which was over 90% in ruins.
I was a bit panicked, but I felt optimistic that Matt and I could figure this out. Our first order of business was a trip to Lowes. I'll skip over the details about driving around the perimeter of the store before finding the way in and us zigzagging through the store... we left with what we needed at least.
We realized pretty fast that this would take a few hours at best. I was worried that we wouldn't get it done in one day. Matt went through and replaced the brackets that needed replacing.
It was nice out so we got to enjoy the sun. It was a bit of a challenge to finish up even after we got the pieces back together. The sections didn't quite fit into place when they were originally put up. Matt and I managed it though.
Next weekend we're going to put a garden in... it should be fun!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
From the wonderful world of love
I've been meaning to post something since last September about my incredibly wonderful boyfriend. Here is a brief history of us.
First Date: (9/13/2009)
This was the best first date I ever had. Probably the second best date ever. Matt and I met up in Seattle on a Sunday. We didn't have specific plans. I suggested that we walk to Pike's Place Market, grab some food, chill out... we ended up walking around Seattle for 11 hours. We had a few meals together and had a really wonderful time. We walked to the Waterfront, hung out in Pioneer Square, and a few other places. I enjoyed talking with Matt. I liked his intelligent sense of humor, the stories he told me about juggling and board games and quite a few other details I learned.
Soon we didn't know where else to walk to. It was getting dark and kind of late. I had to catch the train back home. I was going through one of those panics of orchestrating a kiss that wasn't awkward. Matt waited with me at the Pioneer Square train station. I think we both were working out how and when to lean into a kiss.
It was almost out of a movie. I stood up; I thought my train was coming. Matt stood up too. We were rather close together. I was really nervous. I don't remember if he leaned in for the kiss or if I did. What I do remember is that it was incredible. I nearly forgot that I was supposed to get on the train.
Date two:
It was a few days after our first date. I think it was a Wednesday. We decided to meet near UW after I got off work. (We made these plans while I was at work.) Again we set off without specific plans. We walked around the Ave and through parts of the UW campus. We talked a lot more and kissed more. Stopping at the UW bookstore was fun; we both enjoy books and bookstores.
Once again it got late, but I didn't want to leave. Matt knew a park in the direction we were headed (having made a loop on the Ave). It was just before twilight so the last bits of the sun were making the path visible. We walked past a person who was playing his guitar.
I felt like we were in another movie. Matt and I were holding hands, walking through the park, perhaps sharing a kiss or two in the early evening while a person played a nice acoustic tune. It was perfect.
This was definitely the best date I've ever had.
Going steady
Matt and I started spending every weekend together. We went to see Romeo et Juliet at the ballet. We spent Halloween together too. Matt made my birthday wonderful by making me a delicious dinner, taking me out for sushi, meeting my dad and stepmom for dinner and by being wonderful.
I was surprised how well we meshed. We liked doing a lot of the same things. We both got into crocheting. We were both into reading and having rather pointless debates. Matt didn't mind my rather geeky moments of excitement over a poem or something from work. It always seemed like we were having fun together. Every weekend we spent together was wonderful.
Soon after Thanksgiving I realized I was falling in love with him. I wasn't really surprised by this. It would be hard for someone not to fall for such a sweet person.
Being in love
Christmas came and Matt went home for two very long weeks. I dropped Matt off at the airport feeling a bit sad that I said "goodbye" but not "I love you". I was very glad to see Matt when he got back from Minnesota. I knew I had to tell him that I cared, that I loved him.
Matt and I rang in the new year together. It was quite a night. We kissed at midnight and a few times after that. I still hadn't said what I meant to say.
I wish I could pretend that I had some eloquent speech/proclamation of love. It was two days before we both had to go back to work after the new year. I had to say it. I kind of blurted it out and to my deep delight, he said that he loved me.
We were both giddy. Both of us had been wanting to say it but neither had the nerve. I still get a thrill when he tells me he loves me. Saying "I love you" caused the few walls between us to fall down. We both felt quite uninhibited and wonderful.
Trips!
In January Matt and I went to Portland together. Unfortunately I had a kidney infection at the time. We still had a wonderful time. (I had the foresight to go to the ER before we left so I had the appropriate meds with me.) Our hotel room was really great. The bed was huge and I had requested the maximum amount of pillows. Matt and I visited Powel's Bookstore in Portland and the Chinatown area. We also bought some rather yummy truffles. Matt took me out on a wonderful date at a very nice Indian restaurant. We visited OMSI and saw a cool IMAX film while we were there. It was a really incredible trip. We both enjoyed our visit.
Last month Matt and I went camping on the Oregon coast. We stayed at Beverly Beach State Park. We had one of the best sites there. We got to walk on the beach, go to a lighthouse, go to a neat pub, and enjoy some tourist spots. Camping was tons of fun. I imagine we'll do that more this summer.
Moving forward
This last weekend (after having an internal debate for sometime) Matt and I talked about moving in together when his lease is up in August. He said he had been thinking about it seriously for some time. I've been quite gleeful since we talked about it.
I can't wait to have a home with this wonderful person I have been fortunate to have in my life. I love him and it's more incredible than anything I have ever experienced before.
I could probably go on for a while about our relationship and fun we've had together. If I remember to blog more, I'll have more details closer to the relevant times. :)
</mush>
First Date: (9/13/2009)
This was the best first date I ever had. Probably the second best date ever. Matt and I met up in Seattle on a Sunday. We didn't have specific plans. I suggested that we walk to Pike's Place Market, grab some food, chill out... we ended up walking around Seattle for 11 hours. We had a few meals together and had a really wonderful time. We walked to the Waterfront, hung out in Pioneer Square, and a few other places. I enjoyed talking with Matt. I liked his intelligent sense of humor, the stories he told me about juggling and board games and quite a few other details I learned.
Soon we didn't know where else to walk to. It was getting dark and kind of late. I had to catch the train back home. I was going through one of those panics of orchestrating a kiss that wasn't awkward. Matt waited with me at the Pioneer Square train station. I think we both were working out how and when to lean into a kiss.
It was almost out of a movie. I stood up; I thought my train was coming. Matt stood up too. We were rather close together. I was really nervous. I don't remember if he leaned in for the kiss or if I did. What I do remember is that it was incredible. I nearly forgot that I was supposed to get on the train.
Date two:
It was a few days after our first date. I think it was a Wednesday. We decided to meet near UW after I got off work. (We made these plans while I was at work.) Again we set off without specific plans. We walked around the Ave and through parts of the UW campus. We talked a lot more and kissed more. Stopping at the UW bookstore was fun; we both enjoy books and bookstores.
Once again it got late, but I didn't want to leave. Matt knew a park in the direction we were headed (having made a loop on the Ave). It was just before twilight so the last bits of the sun were making the path visible. We walked past a person who was playing his guitar.
I felt like we were in another movie. Matt and I were holding hands, walking through the park, perhaps sharing a kiss or two in the early evening while a person played a nice acoustic tune. It was perfect.
This was definitely the best date I've ever had.
Going steady
Matt and I started spending every weekend together. We went to see Romeo et Juliet at the ballet. We spent Halloween together too. Matt made my birthday wonderful by making me a delicious dinner, taking me out for sushi, meeting my dad and stepmom for dinner and by being wonderful.
I was surprised how well we meshed. We liked doing a lot of the same things. We both got into crocheting. We were both into reading and having rather pointless debates. Matt didn't mind my rather geeky moments of excitement over a poem or something from work. It always seemed like we were having fun together. Every weekend we spent together was wonderful.
Soon after Thanksgiving I realized I was falling in love with him. I wasn't really surprised by this. It would be hard for someone not to fall for such a sweet person.
Being in love
Christmas came and Matt went home for two very long weeks. I dropped Matt off at the airport feeling a bit sad that I said "goodbye" but not "I love you". I was very glad to see Matt when he got back from Minnesota. I knew I had to tell him that I cared, that I loved him.
Matt and I rang in the new year together. It was quite a night. We kissed at midnight and a few times after that. I still hadn't said what I meant to say.
I wish I could pretend that I had some eloquent speech/proclamation of love. It was two days before we both had to go back to work after the new year. I had to say it. I kind of blurted it out and to my deep delight, he said that he loved me.
We were both giddy. Both of us had been wanting to say it but neither had the nerve. I still get a thrill when he tells me he loves me. Saying "I love you" caused the few walls between us to fall down. We both felt quite uninhibited and wonderful.
Trips!
In January Matt and I went to Portland together. Unfortunately I had a kidney infection at the time. We still had a wonderful time. (I had the foresight to go to the ER before we left so I had the appropriate meds with me.) Our hotel room was really great. The bed was huge and I had requested the maximum amount of pillows. Matt and I visited Powel's Bookstore in Portland and the Chinatown area. We also bought some rather yummy truffles. Matt took me out on a wonderful date at a very nice Indian restaurant. We visited OMSI and saw a cool IMAX film while we were there. It was a really incredible trip. We both enjoyed our visit.
Last month Matt and I went camping on the Oregon coast. We stayed at Beverly Beach State Park. We had one of the best sites there. We got to walk on the beach, go to a lighthouse, go to a neat pub, and enjoy some tourist spots. Camping was tons of fun. I imagine we'll do that more this summer.
Moving forward
This last weekend (after having an internal debate for sometime) Matt and I talked about moving in together when his lease is up in August. He said he had been thinking about it seriously for some time. I've been quite gleeful since we talked about it.
I can't wait to have a home with this wonderful person I have been fortunate to have in my life. I love him and it's more incredible than anything I have ever experienced before.
I could probably go on for a while about our relationship and fun we've had together. If I remember to blog more, I'll have more details closer to the relevant times. :)
</mush>
Saturday, July 25, 2009
1 day 17 hrs 23 minutes
On Thursday morning I set off on a business trip to Marietta, GA. I woke up a few minutes late and I had an eyelash in my eye that I couldn't find. So, during one of the stop lights on my way to the airport, I tried to find it. A douche behind me laid on his horn, so I took off. The jerkface kept trying to pass me on the street so I sped up. Then he flipped me the bird, so I returned the favor. Then he did this odd boob-like gesticulation. I laughed because I couldn't tell what the heck he was doing/saying/trying to get at. The next part is close, so make sure there aren't any children reading over your shoulder...
He emptied a cup of tobacco spit water onto my windshield. It was disgusting. He sped off ahead of me and at that point I didn't really care. It was gross.
Traffic wasn't too bad at the airport. I ended up getting there an hour and a half before my flight. I usually like two or more hours, but I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal to have less.
Little did I know...
I had checked in the day before so I didn't have to bother at the gate. I had my laptop and a backpack of clothing. I expected to breeze through security, but I wasn't that lucky. My backpack got flagged for searching.
They started unpacking it and asking if I had weapons or sharp objects. I didn't think I had anything of consequence, so I wasn't worried. The screener cleared out every pocket and area of my backpack. He took out my underwear, clothes, books, toothpaste, etc. In the last section he searched, he found a little Coleman leatherman that I had in there.
I didn't know I had it; I just grabbed the bag from my car before packing. The screener asked if I wanted to check my bag or leave the tool behind. I elected to leave it behind because I didn't want to bother with going to baggage claim after landing.
After that he let me go, thankfully.
I double checked the gate number for my flight as my items were being displayed... the reader board said it was at gate B2. My ticket said S2, but that info was outdated. I trekked to the B2 gate and looked at the reader board there.
Nope, I misread the display. My flight was still at S2. I didn't see the signs that pointed to the tram I could take from right where I was to the S concourse, so I went to main terminal and caught the tram to the S concourse. I was super relieved when I saw someone from work. She pointed out a group that was suppose to leave on a 7:30 am flight. Ours was at 8:30. Their flight had been delayed until 10. I chatted with them and wandered around until my flight left. The flight went ok. I was near the front and had my own little tv monitor.
I found out they had games on the screen that were $5 for all of the games... I bought in and started playing Book Worm. I got quite a few levels up when the system restarted. From that point on, the system would restart each time I opened the game. So, that was a waste of money. I was able to make a playlist of songs. That was pretty entertaining.
Getting off the plane wasn't an issue. I was a bit worried when I didn't see the coworker who was supposed to be on my flight right away, but she was in the back and took a while getting off.
The mall was huge and not well cooled. I was rather tuckered when we reached the taxi. My laptop bag weighed over 15 pounds and doesn't have wheels. aaaaaand it was hot.
We got in the cab and had a 45 ish minute ride to the hotel.
We stayed at the Hilton Conference center. It was quite the impressive hotel. It wasn't as nice as the Westin, but it was a lot better than anything I'd stay in on my own dime.
One benefit of over half of the group being delayed was that I got to go swimming. That was a load of fun.
I cleaned up and got ready for dinner. We went to a place calling Shillings on the Square. I had a really good steak there and had a few cocktails. I also had escargot for the first time. I was really good. Some of the people from the company we were visiting joined us for dinner. They had some really interesting work/industry information. It was really cool to chat with them. I also got to know the people I travelled with a bit better. This was the second trip we all went on afterall.
I ended up going out afterwards with Justin. He wanted to see the town and it sounded like fun to me. We were temporarily joined by Danielle. We went to a place called Hemmingways. I had my first Flaming Dr. Pepper drinks. Though, I didn't have a flaming one, it's against Georgia state law according to the bartender. It still tasted pretty good though.
After Hemmingways closed the action went to MacCracken's. There was a dude playing the guitar and another dude playing the violin. Justin liked the music so he bought the guy a drink.
Then started the interesting segment of drinking. Violin guy (I think he was called Jeff, Ben, or Tim, I can't remember which) started chatting with us. Just got caught up in a magic card trick guy aaaaaaaaaand I was chatting with violin guy. He totally started macking on me. Well, by macking I mean asking if I was Justin's friend, relative, lover, coworker... then he kept doing that stare at you while you're looking then keep staring when you look back thing. Anyways, it wasn't a creepy thing, just something I didn't want to reciprocate. I started to pay more attention to the magic trick guy. He was interesting. Anyways, violin dude moved on to a fatter, less attractive chick. I was amused. Justin and I had a few laughs about it.
I didn't get to bed until 2 or later. I was a bit intoxicated and couldn't fall asleep. 6:30 came pretty quick and I was totally tired and... a bit hungover.
I held it together pretty well that day. I was a bit sick to my stomach and I had a huuuuuuuuuuuuge headache. I ended up learning a lot and was able to ask a lot of questions that I needed to.
I didn't each much breakfast and the lunch would have exacerbated my headache. I felt on the verge of being sick to my stomach when we left to the airport.
I made it to the concourse I thought was mine... I got a fruit smoothie to bed my stomach. It was actually a real help. I didn't feel quite so sick afterwards. I settled in for a 3+ hour wait. After nearly an hour I started to look up from my laptop and saw that all of the airline info was for another airline. I checked my ticket and it said to go to D8A not A8... which is where I was.
So, I started to go back to the tram and stopped to buy a book on my way. It was one of those low blood sugar, not really paying attention, the title looked cool purchases. It was called "becoming an inspired leader" or something like that. During the tram ride I discovered that it was a religious base business book. I can appreciate that line of thought, but I wanted something less spiritually based.
When I reached the correct concourse, I spotted a bookstore. I walked in and was looking at the sections. After a few moments, one of the sales people asked if I was ready to check out. I had to explain that I bought the book in another concourse. She didn't push the matter, but she watched me go through the store. Oh well, I didn't find anything else I liked.
After that I settled into the correct gate and got a bite to eat. I was starving.
When my plane finally boarded, I got on and started to doze off right away. There wasn't anything of interest about the flight. I had a connecting flight in Houston. Thankfully, my next gate wasn't far. After my snafu in Atlanta, I had the wisdom to look up the layout of my arrival and departing gate.
The final leg of my flight was pretty calm. I dozed off and watched Monsters versus Aliens when it came on. I liked the movie; it was really cute.
I was glad when we landed, I needed to stretch. I didn't have a hard time finding my car again. I paid for my parking and it said I was gone for 1 day, 17 hours and 23 minutes...
He emptied a cup of tobacco spit water onto my windshield. It was disgusting. He sped off ahead of me and at that point I didn't really care. It was gross.
Traffic wasn't too bad at the airport. I ended up getting there an hour and a half before my flight. I usually like two or more hours, but I didn't think it'd be that big of a deal to have less.
Little did I know...
I had checked in the day before so I didn't have to bother at the gate. I had my laptop and a backpack of clothing. I expected to breeze through security, but I wasn't that lucky. My backpack got flagged for searching.
They started unpacking it and asking if I had weapons or sharp objects. I didn't think I had anything of consequence, so I wasn't worried. The screener cleared out every pocket and area of my backpack. He took out my underwear, clothes, books, toothpaste, etc. In the last section he searched, he found a little Coleman leatherman that I had in there.
I didn't know I had it; I just grabbed the bag from my car before packing. The screener asked if I wanted to check my bag or leave the tool behind. I elected to leave it behind because I didn't want to bother with going to baggage claim after landing.
After that he let me go, thankfully.
I double checked the gate number for my flight as my items were being displayed... the reader board said it was at gate B2. My ticket said S2, but that info was outdated. I trekked to the B2 gate and looked at the reader board there.
Nope, I misread the display. My flight was still at S2. I didn't see the signs that pointed to the tram I could take from right where I was to the S concourse, so I went to main terminal and caught the tram to the S concourse. I was super relieved when I saw someone from work. She pointed out a group that was suppose to leave on a 7:30 am flight. Ours was at 8:30. Their flight had been delayed until 10. I chatted with them and wandered around until my flight left. The flight went ok. I was near the front and had my own little tv monitor.
I found out they had games on the screen that were $5 for all of the games... I bought in and started playing Book Worm. I got quite a few levels up when the system restarted. From that point on, the system would restart each time I opened the game. So, that was a waste of money. I was able to make a playlist of songs. That was pretty entertaining.
Getting off the plane wasn't an issue. I was a bit worried when I didn't see the coworker who was supposed to be on my flight right away, but she was in the back and took a while getting off.
The mall was huge and not well cooled. I was rather tuckered when we reached the taxi. My laptop bag weighed over 15 pounds and doesn't have wheels. aaaaaand it was hot.
We got in the cab and had a 45 ish minute ride to the hotel.
We stayed at the Hilton Conference center. It was quite the impressive hotel. It wasn't as nice as the Westin, but it was a lot better than anything I'd stay in on my own dime.
One benefit of over half of the group being delayed was that I got to go swimming. That was a load of fun.
I cleaned up and got ready for dinner. We went to a place calling Shillings on the Square. I had a really good steak there and had a few cocktails. I also had escargot for the first time. I was really good. Some of the people from the company we were visiting joined us for dinner. They had some really interesting work/industry information. It was really cool to chat with them. I also got to know the people I travelled with a bit better. This was the second trip we all went on afterall.
I ended up going out afterwards with Justin. He wanted to see the town and it sounded like fun to me. We were temporarily joined by Danielle. We went to a place called Hemmingways. I had my first Flaming Dr. Pepper drinks. Though, I didn't have a flaming one, it's against Georgia state law according to the bartender. It still tasted pretty good though.
After Hemmingways closed the action went to MacCracken's. There was a dude playing the guitar and another dude playing the violin. Justin liked the music so he bought the guy a drink.
Then started the interesting segment of drinking. Violin guy (I think he was called Jeff, Ben, or Tim, I can't remember which) started chatting with us. Just got caught up in a magic card trick guy aaaaaaaaaand I was chatting with violin guy. He totally started macking on me. Well, by macking I mean asking if I was Justin's friend, relative, lover, coworker... then he kept doing that stare at you while you're looking then keep staring when you look back thing. Anyways, it wasn't a creepy thing, just something I didn't want to reciprocate. I started to pay more attention to the magic trick guy. He was interesting. Anyways, violin dude moved on to a fatter, less attractive chick. I was amused. Justin and I had a few laughs about it.
I didn't get to bed until 2 or later. I was a bit intoxicated and couldn't fall asleep. 6:30 came pretty quick and I was totally tired and... a bit hungover.
I held it together pretty well that day. I was a bit sick to my stomach and I had a huuuuuuuuuuuuge headache. I ended up learning a lot and was able to ask a lot of questions that I needed to.
I didn't each much breakfast and the lunch would have exacerbated my headache. I felt on the verge of being sick to my stomach when we left to the airport.
I made it to the concourse I thought was mine... I got a fruit smoothie to bed my stomach. It was actually a real help. I didn't feel quite so sick afterwards. I settled in for a 3+ hour wait. After nearly an hour I started to look up from my laptop and saw that all of the airline info was for another airline. I checked my ticket and it said to go to D8A not A8... which is where I was.
So, I started to go back to the tram and stopped to buy a book on my way. It was one of those low blood sugar, not really paying attention, the title looked cool purchases. It was called "becoming an inspired leader" or something like that. During the tram ride I discovered that it was a religious base business book. I can appreciate that line of thought, but I wanted something less spiritually based.
When I reached the correct concourse, I spotted a bookstore. I walked in and was looking at the sections. After a few moments, one of the sales people asked if I was ready to check out. I had to explain that I bought the book in another concourse. She didn't push the matter, but she watched me go through the store. Oh well, I didn't find anything else I liked.
After that I settled into the correct gate and got a bite to eat. I was starving.
When my plane finally boarded, I got on and started to doze off right away. There wasn't anything of interest about the flight. I had a connecting flight in Houston. Thankfully, my next gate wasn't far. After my snafu in Atlanta, I had the wisdom to look up the layout of my arrival and departing gate.
The final leg of my flight was pretty calm. I dozed off and watched Monsters versus Aliens when it came on. I liked the movie; it was really cute.
I was glad when we landed, I needed to stretch. I didn't have a hard time finding my car again. I paid for my parking and it said I was gone for 1 day, 17 hours and 23 minutes...
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