The time of year I dread the most is fast upon me. I'm leaving for my work's National Sales Meeting in Dallas tomorrow, I'll be leaving from Gerald R. Ford International Airport around 12:45. Why do I dread this so much? Well, for starters, I really can't stand sharing a hotel room with some other dude. I don't know why this bugs me so much, maybe it's because just about everytime I've had to share a room with somebody they usually snore or pass gas. If you read brother Dan's blog about his travels in the army, you will find my complaints to be very small & petty compared to his, so I apologize. I'm not laying claim to breaking any records of abhorrent living conditions, he's got me beat on that one a million to one.
Secondly, these events always seem to me to be like frat parties, & anybody that knows anything about me knows that I'm not one to try & fit into some sort of club. High fives, sex jokes, fart jokes, hunting stories, & talk about budgets & sales increases are not my idea of a good time. That's not to say that I don't like alot of the people that go along to this thing, it's just that the setting is not very conducive (sp?) to interesting discussion between two people. There's a bit of a social hierarchy of cliques & groups that is reminiscent of high school. I'm not interested in any kind of anti-social behavior, but I'm not interested in fitting in with the crowd, either. There's always a choice to make of going to the bar 'til the wee hours of the morning, going to somebody's hotel room to play poker, or sitting in the room all by my lonesome. The latter sounds the most appealing to me, but, like I said, I'm not interested in being anti-social. I'm bringing along some books & tunes just in case.
Well, enough complaining for one day, I'll just enjoy the rest of the day, look forward to coming home on Thursday & try to enjoy the rest in between.
Five Favorite Songs of the Day
Death is the Easy Way-My Morning Jacket
Beneath the Balcony-Iron & Wine, the Sea & the Rythym
Supercede-Jackie Greene, American Myth
Mysifies Me-Son Volt, Trace
Fuel for Fire-M. Ward, Transistor Radio
Happy trails, friends...
andrew
8 comments:
Welcome to Dallas Tom Junior. Why can't you have your own room? How much of your day will be consumed by meetings? Do people win awards and go on stage and all? I've been to Mark's sales meetings and they are a drag. There's got to be more to Dallas than cheerleaders and the grassy knoll. Enjoyce yourself, find a small restaurant with some tasty wine. Buy a souvenir for Cristie. What's the inside of the best music store in Dallas look like? Does it only sell country? I wish I could go. I've never been to Dallas (except for an airport layover), and that "never been" thing is enough for me.
If you buy her one of those souvenirs with her name on it, make sure it's spelled right. That is C H R I S T I E. It just occured to me I'll never forget again how to spell her name correctly. CHRIST Is Everpresent.
I too would not enjoy having to share a room with someone, especially if that someone is one who I barely knew if at all. Something about people seeing your jammies and messy hair and all is not appealing, but hey if anyone can make the best of it, it would be... Joyce, or Mom, but I'm sure you won't do to bad Andy. Try and have fun, and enjoy the warmer weather...
On another note, it is supposed to ice really bad tonight and tomorrow morning, maybe your flight will be cancelled :)
Stay Safe!
I, too, was hoping for a possible cancellation, but those hopes never seem to pan out.
If the meeting was like last year, all of the sessions were in the same convention center leaving little time for any outside exploration, unless you wanted to stay out 'til the wee hours of the morning. I'm told that the hotel is right downtown this year, though, which might make for some more adventure.
I can't believe there was not little call or finding me through the grapevine before leaving for the big D. Hello, I was raised there! Dallas rocks, but unfortunately not during an ice storm. They never last long though. I agree about the hotel sharing bit, but if you venture out from the convention center, drop me a line. I know of a thing or two in the city worth seeing. Downtown is not much to write home about, suburbs rule there. But if you're up for some history, visiting where Kennedy was shot will fulfill that. Enjoy what you can, and be glad you don't have to sleep with a blanket over yourself for some privacy. Dan's situation certaintly does bite. If you need travel tips: jill.aardema@gmail.com.
You may not read this until after you're there or you get back--I didn't get online since yesterday morning. Your assignment is--play hookie from a meeting or two and find something really interesting to do--find a great bookstore or music store. Find someone who looks like they enjoy the convention stuff as much as you do and strike up a conversation. Get a map of Dallas and walk around a bit or take public transportation. Try to enjoy something about it. Mom
P.S.-- I'd say find a restaurant that's famous for its ribs--but that would be a waste of time for you! Mom
I hope you have a safe trip!!! I agree with your mom on skipping out on a few meetings and having some time for yourself. Love you!
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