Recollection Phoenix: III

And so my Phoenix excursion comes to a close.

This past week was all right. Thursday and Friday were work days. After work, I went out to have dinner and do a little shopping, but nothing worth blogging. I will say this much, however: It looks to me that there are more Jack-in-the-Box restaurants here than McDonalds. This is not necessarily a bad thing, since their menu is more diversified than Mickey Dees. Plus, their breakfast menu is available all day long, which is the only thing I get from the arches these days.

I shall miss that smiling round clown face when I go home.

Oh, speaking of fast food places, I saw something I never would've conceived. There's a Sonic near here that doesn't have a drive in! It's strictly "eat-in" or "drive-thru". No carhops on roller skates delivering to your car window, but then, when the temperature is over 100 nearly a third of the year, it's somewhat understandable.

Saturday was a day to explore. Started off the day driving west to see the University of Phoenix Stadium, home of the Arizona Cardinals, which I've heard is some sort of "football" team. This concept of "football" is something which I am not entirely familiar. I'd heard some of my fellow Pittsburgers refer to "Dem Stillers", but that could just be a group of thieves for all I know.

Wearing my Primanti Bros' shirt, I went there strictly to take photos of the place. I had heard of the stadium before, as it's the only one in the world with not only a retractable roof, but also a retractable field. This interested the geek in me, and when I learned that tours were available, I figured...I got nothin' better to do today. Let's check the place out!

(Okay, sarcasm aside, I do know who the Cardinals are, and, alas, what football is. The Cardinals are Julie's favourite team, and I know they played...and lost...to the Steelers a few SuperBowls back. I felt walking into "enemy territory" wearing a Pittsburgh shirt would make me a target, but the tour guide had been to the Burgh, and had tried Primanti's, and loved it. His wife is also a Steelers fan. I swear, I will never escape Steelers fans, no matter how far I go.)

The field is the big (pardon the pun) attraction here. It's natural grass, and can be wheeled outside to make it a true "multi-function" stadium.

Other highlights of the tour included the usual: Press box, suite, souvenir shop. Still, I liked visiting the place. It was better than I expected.

Then I went off to Phoenix International Raceway to get some pics and see what I can find for Julie. Even though she hasn't watched too many races this year, she still loves racing and her Dale Jr., and I wanted to visit the raceway to take some pictures for her, and maybe get her a souvenir. Alas, it wasn't meant to be. It was closed and I couldn't get inside. Took a couple pictures from inside the car, since it was yet another 100+ day, and I didn't feel like melting.

After that, it was back on the road for about an hour's drive to the other side of the county. I wanted to visit one of the local casinos, since everyone firmly believes I don't have an addiction. I had a little bit of money set aside, and wanted to go have some fun.

It took about an hour from the raceway for me to reach Harrah's Ak-Chin Casino and Resort. Now, there were closer casinos, like the one that's about five miles down the road from Kim's house. I could've gone there, but I not only wanted to go visit a casino, I wanted to go for a ride. I wanted to see outside the city, the desert, what it looked like.

I wasn't disappointed.

It's so vastly different from what I'm used to. Yes, I'd been in deserts before. I'd gone out to Vegas and Reno and California deserts, but this is farther South than I'd been before (New Orleans notwithstanding: There are no deserts in the Big Easy.) It was so barren and stark but so beautiful. And hot. Let's not forget hot.

The casino is outside a small town called Maricopa. It amazes me how people can survive and thrive out here, especially in such a small town. It goes to show the power of the human spirit, and all that.

After arriving and joining their player's club (something I learned years ago), I set out to play...anything but slots. I suck at slots. If I play a slot machine, I know I will lose, so I've decided they're not worth playing for me. I like video poker, keno and roulette.

When I went looking at the table games, I couldn't find the roulette wheel! I asked one of the pit bosses where their roulette table was, and she said "behind you".

It's digital. No human spinning the wheel. You sit at the console and play on your own touch screen. The geek in me was overjoyed, even though I was a bit embarrassed.

It was cool. For only a quarter a wager, I could play all night if I wanted. I stayed at the table until I dropped the money I put into it, which was cool, since I had a big win on the video poker machine earlier. I'd broke even, in my mind, and decided it was okay to leave.

Drove back to the hotel and stayed there pretty much Sunday.

Monday was back to work. After work, I went back out for another drive, and stayed out until dinner. After finished dinner, I went out and was greeted by one of the most amazing sunsets I have ever seen. Naturally, I didn't have my good camera with me. I took this with my cell's camera, but not even the best equipment could match the view. It was beautiful, and I was so thankful I got to see it firsthand.

Back to the room and work Tuesday. I haven't said much for the hotels where I've been working, but the room here at the Towneplace Suites is one of the nicest I've stayed. They're designed for long-term guests, with a full kitchen, sofa, chair and very comfortable bed. It's also a great value, but since they comp my room for work purposes, I can't comment too much. Still, if I was looking for a place to stay, I'd keep an eye open for Towneplace Suites.

(The proceeding paragraph is presented as an opinion and does not mean to plug the chain, unless it gets me more work when the next conversion is scheduled.)

And so ends my trip in Phoenix. As you read this, I'll be flying back home, after two long weeks of missing Julie. I talked to her about us maybe visiting here sometime in the Winter, since there are places I wanted to visit but it was just too damn hot to see. We'd have to save up for it, but if we do, it'll be sometime down the road. We've got a wedding to look forward to first.

Phoenix was better than I expected. I liked it here. It's a nice place to visit, but too hot to live here. Still, I like to think...we'll be back.

A Meme for grown-ups

I love the meme. It's fun, simple and somewhat addictive. Downside is that most of them are designed for teenagers/college students/etc. It's been a long time (25 years) since I graduated high school, so a lot of those questions just don't apply.

A quick Google search later...


50 questions for the people who are a little older...


1. What bill do you hate paying the most?
Well, the credit card folks would love to hear from me... (cough)

2. Where was the last place you had a romantic dinner?
Been awhile (that'll change), but it had to be Chianti's in Geneva.

3. Do you regret losing your virginity to who you lost it to? Was your husband/wife your 1st?
I regret very little in life, and no, it wasn't my future wife. :)

4. If you could go back and change one thing what would it be ?
Nothing. Everything that has come before has made me the man I am today. I'm okay with this.

5. Name of your first grade teacher?
Oh. My. God. I can't remember! I think it was one of the nuns...

6. What do you really want to be doing right now?
Sitting across the dining room table from Julie.

7. What did you want to be when you were growing up?
I always wanted to write comic books.

8. How many colleges did you attend?
1, but I worked at three of them.

9. Why did you choose the shirt that you have on right now?
It was clean.

10. What are your thoughts on gas prices?
They're much better here in Arizona than in Illinois.

11. If you could move anywhere and take someone with you where would it be?
I'd take Julie and the kids to Pittsburgh, probably.

12. First thought when the alarm went off this morning?
I woke up on my own. No alarm today.

13. Last thought before going to sleep last night?
I miss you, sweetheart.

14. Do you miss being a child?
I came to terms years ago with the inner child in me. I'm happy where I am now.

15. Who is your best friend? Why are they your best friend?
Tim's my best friend. Julie's my best friend.

16. What errand/chore do you despise?
I always hated yard work. Thankfully, I don't do it anymore.

17. If you didn’t have to work, would you volunteer?
It depends on what I'd be doing.

18. Get up early or sleep in?
Early.

19. What is your favorite cartoon character?
Wile E. Coyote.

20. Favorite thing to do at night with a girl/guy?
Just spend time together. I'm happy with the simple things in life.

21. Have you found real love yet?
Damn straight.

22. When did you first start feeling old?
When I realized I was old enough to be the father of incoming college freshmen!

24. Your favorite lunch meat?
Pastrami

25. What do you get every time you go into Wal-Mart?
Usually something I didn't really need.

26. Beach or lake?
Lake

27. Do you think marriage is an outdated ritual?
No. I've been really looking forward to mine.

28. Do you own property?
Not anymore.

29. Favorite Guilty pleasure?
Hostess Apple Pies. Ever since Julie had her gall bladder removed, I've looked at labels. Do you have any idea how much fat is in one of those? Still love 'em, though.

30. Favorite movie you wouldn’t want anyone to find out about?
I plead the fifth. Last thing I want is anyone to find out I like...

31. What’s your drink?
Tea, either iced or hot.

32. Cowboys or Indians?
Never played it when I was a kid.

33. Cops or Robbers?
See #32.

34. Who from high school would you like to run in to?
Ed Bauer, just to see him wrapped around his daughter's finger.

35. What radio station is your car radio tuned to right now?
55 Radio Margaritaville. XM Radio, baby!

36. Norm or Cliff?
I haven't watched Cheers in years, but I liked Norm.

37. Grey’s or ‘The Office?
Don't watch either of 'em.

38. Worst relationship mistake that you wish you could take back?
I made mistakes, and I am sorry. Let it go and move on.

39. Do you like the person that sits directly across from you at work?
Usually there's a server across from me, and I'm really ambivalent about it.

40. What famous person would you like to have dinner with?
Celebrities do nothing for me, but it'd likely be a comedian. Robin Williams, Alonzo Bodden or maybe Jon Steward or Stephen Colbert.

41. Indoors or Outdoors?
Indoors!

42. Have you ever crashed your vehicle?
I bumped someone once, backing up...

43. Have you ever had to use a fire extinguisher for its intended purpose?
Thankfully, no.

44. Last book you read?
Just finished My Horizontal Life by Chelsea Handler. I'm reading The Collected Sherlock Holmes right now.

45. Do you have a teddy bear?
Yes

46. Strangest place you have ever brushed your teeth?
Damned if I know.

47. Somewhere in California you’ve never been and would like to go?
Northern California. Never been to San Francisco.

48. Do you go to church?
Nope.

49. At this point in your life would you rather start a new career or a new relationship?
It'd have to be a career. I love Julie and wouldn't give her up for anything.

50. How old are you?
42 for three more days.

Recollection Phoenix: II

I've been in Phoenix for a week as of tonight. What do I have to show for it?

Well...

Friday after work was finished for the day, before headed over to the hotel work put me up in for the weekend, I walked about two blocks back to the Arizona Science Museum.

One thing I noted was that I didn't see too many people walking downtown. This is quite a different experience for me. Despite my...weight, I love to walk. It's the simplest thing I can do, and often, quite enjoyable.

Not in 110 degree heat.

After seeing the science museum, and walking back to get my car, I stopped at a Fry's Electronics, my version of Mecca. If you haven't been to Fry's, and are a geek of any sort, and there's one within 50 miles of you, GO! Don't hesitate, get in the car and drive. Think Best Buy, a toy and office supply store on steroids. Throw in a cafe and you've got this geek's idea of Heaven...or Hell, if you're broke.

Making my way to the hotel, I checked in. They've put me up for the weekends in a ExtendedStay America. It's a nice enough place, but after staying in my "work" hotels, it can be a bit of a letdown. Better than a Motel6, with a full kitchen (no oven but a dishwasher), a decent bed and a couch. Speaking of the couch...

...I spent most of Friday and part of Saturday lying on said couch. The heat got to me, and I was sick. My body doesn't like the heat, and when I'm first exposed to hotter weather than what I'd been used to, I get sick. I've gotten used to it, and it didn't come as a surprise. Did spoil a plan or two I had for those two days, but I was in no shape to visit or go anywhere.

I ventured out late Friday to get provisions, but only across the street to Target.

Sunday was a little better, but with nothing to do, I stayed in the hotel most of the weekend.

Monday meant back to work, but after work, I went over and spent the afternoon with Julie's sister, Kim. She's cool. We had dinner (Julie insisted I get at least one home cooked meal while I'm away...she loves me), sat around, bullshitted, before I returned to the hotel for the night.

Tuesday was Julie's birthday. Sigh. I was upset that I wasn't there for it, but we both knew it would be this way. I made arrangements to have her birthday present, a dozen roses with yellow daisies intermixed, there for her before I left, and they gave it to her during the weekend. She got close to 80 birthday wishes on Facebook. Good for her. Just means she's really loved.

It's now Wednesday. I've left one hotel and went to another, and another stop at another Fry's. Phoenix is lucky: They're blessed with three locations. I just love to wander through there and drool over the toys, tools and equipment. I did linger a little longer in the motherboards aisle. I miss working inside the computer, replacing and upgrading the parts. It's been too long since I've worked inside one. My main PC, my desktop, sits unplugged at home. There's no room in the house for an office for me, so it sits and waits. I'd love to upgrade her, new motherboard, memory, et al, but that'll have to wait.

Priorities.

One more week here in Phoenix, before I return home to my true love. There's a couple places I do want to see before I leave here, and hopefully, take some pics. My poor camera hasn't gotten nearly the use it should.

Choice

Please excuse me while I pull out the small soapbox. I'll try to be brief.

Those of you who know me, know I don't drink alcohol.

When I turn 43 in all of about 10 days, I can honestly say I have never had a beer, and I can count on one hand the number of times I've had wine, and still have a couple fingers left over

It's a lifestyle choice I made years ago. I saw the destructive results of alcohol at a very early age and decided then and there that's not for me.

I'm not preaching abstinence nor will I propose the reinstatement of the 21st amendment (for those of you outside the US, it was an amendment to the Constitution making the sale of alcohol illegal). If you like to drink, I will never stop you.

I have no problem with folks who like to drink, whether it be the occasional glass of wine with dinner (I've heard it can compliment a meal quite well), or someone who likes to go out and “party down”. As long as you're safe, you know your limits, and that's how you choose to enjoy yourself, go for it.

And to the alcoholic or two out there who might chance to read this, well, just understand that you might be a fine person, but that doesn't mean I wanna hang out with you. It's nothing personal. I've known an alcoholic or two in my life...even have one in my family. I have little, if anything, in common with alcoholics and because of that, I really don't enjoy spending time with them.

It is said that the best way to enjoy life is through moderation. Mind you, given the way I eat sometimes, you'd think the term “moderation” means double the portions. That's not always true, and I am trying to change my eating habits (being on the road doesn't help), but I digress. Drinking in moderation is a fine choice, but being drunk all weekend long, or 24/7? I just don't get it, and I probably never will.

Does this make me a dull person? In your eyes, probably. Hell, I'm the first to admit, I'm a quiet kinda guy. I like the quiet life, and by quiet, I mean I don't like to spend my nights closing down bar after bar. Believe it or not, I have been at bars at closing time with said alcoholics, and it's not much fun if you ain't drinking along with them.

If you don't like the fact that I don't drink, or can't understand why someone wouldn't want to drink, and don't like me for that sole reason, then I'm sorry. That's your limitation, not mine. If you feel that I've “converted” others to not drinking, believe me, I have never, nor will I ever, force my beliefs on someone else. That's not me. If you have a problem with me, who I am or the way I live my life, then take it up with me and not with anyone whom I love or care for. Your beef's with me. Leave the ones I love out of it.

All I'm trying to say is...we all make choices in life. I made mine years ago, and I don't regret a single one. I decided what's best for me. Respect my choice. Don't hold it against anyone else. Figure out what you want out of life and go for it, and don't let anyone make that decision for you. Find what makes you happy.

I thank you for your time.

Recollection Phoenix: I

For those curious, the title of this series is taken from one of my favourite Willie Nelson songs.

Now then...

First, if you weren't aware, Phoenix, Arizona is in the middle of the desert. This means that it is hot. Wait. That deserves emphasis. It is HOT! I cannot emphasize this point enough.

Today, the high temperature reached 106. It's not supposed to dip below triple digits until next weekend, according to the forecasters, although it should already be cooling off by this point of September.

I think they kept the oven on too long with the back door open, but that's just me.

I arrived at Sky Harbor yesterday afternoon around lunchtime, even though my body and my stomach thought it was closer to dinner. I'd had a croissant and scone on the airplane (that cost me about as much as a regular meal, thanks to inflated airport costs), so I wasn't hungry and could go straight to the hotel and to work. To do that, however, I had to go get my rental car.

And what a rental I got this time. Dodge Charger. Fire engine red. It looks like it's moving even when its sitting still. Amazing car...Julie is so jealous, and I get to use the car for the next two weeks.

First property I visit, naturally, is only about 10 miles from the airport, so I can't unleash the beast just yet. The hotel is right in the heart of downtown, about a block from Chase Field and the convention center. Very nice place.

I do what I need to do for work, which takes all about an hour, and do the other stuff I need to do before calling it a work-day.

Decided I wanted pizza, but wasn't sure where to go and didn't feel like driving right then and there. The in-room menu listed a pizza place that delivered, so I gave them a call. After being put on hold for two minutes, my stomach wasn't very happy about waiting, and I hung up. Got the car keys and headed out into unfamiliar territory.

Let me say this: The Dodge Charger has power to spare.

Set my GPS to find the closest Target, the logic being where there's a Target, there's restaurants. After driving for a bit, found the place and started to look for food. This leads me to Zipps.

For being a non-drinker, I'm very at home at sports bar/restaurants. My years of eating at Primanti's is probably responsible for that, and this place had some excellent food, great atmosphere and wide-screen TVs with more sports than you probably care to watch. Naturally, I brought my Nook and read the whole time.

Came back to the hotel and watched a bit of the finals of America's Got Talent before going to bed at 8:30. I figure, relatively speaking, I was up since 2AM. You could say I was tired.

Work was work on Thursday, but after work, I went out for a walk.

First thing I noticed is that there weren't too many people out walking the streets of Phoenix. This shouldn't come as a surprise since it was, as I mentioned before, HOT!

Walked over to Chase Field, home to the Arizona Diamondbacks, who naturally are in Cincinnati this week. That's the way it works, y'know. I also walked over past the Arizona Science Museum and went in its gift shop to buy batteries for my dead camera. They were closing in 20 minutes, so I couldn't explore, but as Julie did say, I will be here for two weeks. I can pace myself.

Recollection Phoenix: Prelude

I'm in the last two weeks of my 42nd year on this planet.

Once again, sitting in an airport, I'm waiting to fly to Phoenix. For the next two weeks, I'll be there, working, living, and adventuring. I'll be away from Julie, but the hope is that my time will go quickly. Her sister lives out there. An old friend from my DeviantArt days lives out there. My cousin is a five hour drive away.

Mostly, I'll be there to work. Make money. Earn enough to pay for the wedding and my impending bankruptcy.

Survive and hope to thrive.

I am tired. Not from the travel, but physically tired. When one only gets at best six hours (and that's being generous) of sleep, it's understandable. Hopefully, I'll nap on the flight.

Jane, my boss, has more work lined up for me. Wonderful. I dislike being out of work. I'd rather be working, feel useful, than sit around and collect unemployment. Keep me busy, keep me going.

Driving down to the airport is always a blast, especially in the hours before dawn. I'm amazed at the number of people already on the highway headed into Chicago at 5:30AM. Business never sleeps, they say, and I guess the working cogs who keep the engines of business running never stop.

I like my job, the diversity and change of locations. The road is difficult, challenging. There are days I want to have the stability of going to the same place day in and day out, but there are times I'm happy going new places and seeing new people.

My flight just arrived at the gate but I'm not scheduled to board her for another hour, at least.

There are only two weeks left in my 42nd year, and I will be spending them in Phoenix, Arizona, away from my love, my home, my heart. This is where I am supposed to be, doing what I do best. I will just do what I need to do, let the weeks fly by, and return to my love.

And be 43.

TW3

If you don't know what TW3 means, see the end of this post.

I'm sitting in the Reno/Tahoe airport, waiting for the first leg of my trip back home. I'm headed to Denver, where I get a two-hour layover before headed back to O'Hare. Thankfully, I'll be behind security, so anyone whom I might've pissed off in the Denver area over the years will be unable to reach me.

It's been an interesting week. After announcing my revelations Monday, Julie is firmly convinced that I don't have a gambling problem (in fact, when she mentioned it to Jess, I understand Jess nearly fell off her chair laughing...it's comforting to know I can provide such entertainment for my family). Since I've already covered Monday, here's the rest of the week.

Tuesday evening, two days before payday and flat broke (I only worked a half-week the week prior, and that always causes problems), I took the hotel shuttle up to the Vegas Strip and walked around for a few hours. Crowded but not packed, noisy but not terribly so, it was a great evening. 

If you like to people watch (something I've learned to like over the years), Vegas is a great place to go. I saw two shows at the Bellagio's Flowers and Dancing Waters, the Volcano at the Mirage, and the gondolas at the Venetian. Add to that the people selling bottled water and the guys snapping cards with naked women, trying their best to give them to passers-by, it was a wonderful experience I'm glad I took advantage of.

I'd have kicked my butt if I'd missed it.

Wednesday was travel day. Left Vegas early after dropping off the rental car I didn't use (other than to drive to the hotel and back to the airport) for a flight to Reno...by way of Los Angeles. It was an odd feeling, flying into LAX. I've been there so many times, out to visit my family there, but this was the first time I've gone there alone...and after both my aunt and uncle passed away. Made me think of them, and My Kid, and how I hope they're having a good time together in whatever passes for the hereafter.

The layover there wasn't too bad. Spent the last $2 to my name before Thursday's payday to buy a couple granola bars. Figured they were good, solid food that would hold me, and they did a good job of it. Rest of the day would be spent living off the fat I've stored up over the years.

The irony of spending three days in Vegas without any money did not go unnoticed by me.

Left LAX for Reno in a...tiny...jet. I'm a big guy. It's a small plane, so small, my head touched the ceiling in the center of the cabin. Julie was sure the plane was gonna go down...

A very short flight (43 minutes) later, and I'm landing in Reno. It's gorgeous there. I especially love the garage at the rental car location: I spent a good half-hour there waiting for my rental car.

My office provides me with a rental when I'm out of town, and they arranged to have a mid-sized waiting for me...or so would have been the plan had it not been for a big rib cook-off in town and Burning Man nearby. Their supply of cars was, shall we say, limited.

The one guy working at the pickup/dropoff station was swamped, so he called for help. A couple managers came out, and one proceeded to help me, by giving me the first car available: A Chevy Equinox.

I love that car. Never thought I'd be that much in love with an SUV, but it handles great, it's good on gas, and it's a geek's dream. It had so many cool toys...

Better not go any further in this. If on the off chance I can ever afford a new car, I don't want Julie to think it's too geeky.

The trip to the hotel was quick. Reno is very easy to navigate, at least in the Summer. I'll get into that more later.

Wednesday was mostly over when I got there, so I just did what I needed to do for work and proceeded to spend the evening in the room. Being broke didn't help, but I knew Thursday was going to be a different day...and it would be payday.

I finished early on Thursday, and wondered what to do to entertain myself. Talking to the guys at the hotel, they told me that the rib cook-off was the place to be. I was hungry (not having solid food for a day, pretty much) and figured it was fate, shining down on me. I went in search of barbecue, ribs and meat!

Believe me, I found meat.

The rib cook off is held in Victoria Square, right near the Nugget hotel and casino. It's a big street fair, and even though it was in the 90's, it didn't seem that hot. Amazing what a complete lack of humidity can do, and how comfortable 94 degrees can feel.

I walked around, savoring the scents of burning wood, spices and flavorings when I saw my lunch, dinner and midnight snack all rolled up in one: The Porkinator. It was so amazing, I took a picture of the goodness:

Imagine, if you will: Pulled pork, ham, four strips of bacon and pepper jack cheese. It was the best sammich I've found West of the Mississippi, and it was delicious. I sent Julie that picture. She said it was a heart attack waiting to happen.

The rib cook-off is part food festival and part street fair. As hot as it was, it was comfortable to be walking around. I checked out the booths and the vendors but didn't find much worth getting. I did get my love a t-shirt, and found a pin for myself. I've got this thing for pins...

After wandering around there for a bit, I walked back to the car with a full stomach and a need for a little adventure. Took Interstate 80 back toward the hotel, but stayed on the highway. I wanted to see a little of the high desert, the highway, the life up there.

First thing I noticed were the signs, shortly after leaving the city limits, that said "when flashing, put chains on tires". This tells me the must get a lot of snow up there. I made a mental note that, should we decide to return to Reno for a vacation, we must not go in the Winter.

Drove for about an hour before deciding to head back...which took longer than I expected. Heading West back to Reno, I could see smoke in the distance. I knew there was a fire ahead, but what I didn't realize was that it was on the highway!

A semi caught fire. The trailer looks like it separated from the cab, and totaled it. It was bad, but what was worse was watching the fire trucks trying to come up from behind me and unable to get through. I pulled over the best I could, the fire trucks got through, and put out the blaze.

Here's how it looked after the fire was put out:

No one was hurt, thankfully. I made it back to the hotel and called it a night shortly thereafter.

Which leads me to today, and the plane which I'm about to board. Going home, back to my love, for a week and a half...which will be followed by two very, very long weeks away from her, in Phoenix, where I won't be coming home on the weekends...

Oh, and FYI: TW3 stands for "That Was The Week That Was".