Traveling fool

The last month and a half has cemented my appreciation of purchasing a decent suitcase. My work adventures started in Dallas, then meandered to and from LA, STL and Kansas City, MO.  My trip to Dallas was pretty short, but an overall interesting experience. Nice people, ok food, but a whole lot of sprawl, and let's be honest, it's Texas. While in Dallas I made strides in my fear of skittering bugs (aka the small hotel roach I named Raul whom I smashed upon site, but remained in my bathroom floor post house keeping visit), and also experienced some good ole fashion tornado sirens. Luckily despite the hideously red map to the right, the tornado did not touch ground near my hotel.  Ironically, it just so happens that the last time I was in Texas for work I had to leave a day early thanks to an especially devastating hurricane. Perhaps these reoccurring natural disasters during my visits are an indication that I should stay away from the lone star state.

After being home for memorial day weekend, and enjoying a lovely break from the heat in Flagstaff, I was off to LA for my second in a series of work trips. I usually always enjoy my time in the Golden State and this trip, despite the long work hours, was no different. Part of my time was spent making a solo trip to Malibu (work related), in which I managed to navigate the wicked LA freeways despite my best efforts to tune out the navigation system via excessive radio rocking out. Thank goodness for the reroute!

The STL IT headquarters whale stapler!

It wasn't long after spending time in the City of Angeles that I found myself back in the alphanumeric Southwest boarding line on my way to St. Louis, Missouri.  The office, where I spent most of my hours, is just a few blocks from the Arch, and also has a terrific view of Cardinal's stadium. The only disturbing aspect of my trip had to be my culinary experience. Little did I know, one of the city's claim to fame is something called provel cheese. Yes, it's edible, kind of, but I will not go as far as to call it "food". If you have ever had a "craft single", imagine creating a block of the same rubbery, oil based amalgamation and dying it white, then for kicks, smashing it through some sort of play-dough like processor to create "strings". Said Provel "strings" resemble plump cooked spaghetti noodles but taste like chewing plastic. Not all provel is served in its sting form, in fact sometimes they attempt to melt said "cheese" which, if left to cool for too long results in an eventual rubbery clump drowning in pool of oil. Yummy...
 

Yet another culinary regional favourite is something named "ooey gooey butter cake". Now, I am a sweet tooth through and through, but this was just too much. Imagine a butter saturated graham cracker crust, topped with something akin to sugar cookie dough plus a little extra butter, then sprinkle copious amounts of powdered sugar on the top. I can officially say I tried it, and will never eat it again.



Despite a poor food experience, all was not lost in STL seeing that that I can now add the Arch to my "sights seen" list, and I had the chance to travel to St. Louis' famed science center with a few coworkers. Color me surprised, I was quite impressed with their science center. The space exploration section was my favorite educational wing, but I'd be lying if I didn't admit that the anamatronic T-Rex and its Dino-prey dinner wasn't my hands down favorite exhibit. Their movements were darn near mesmerising.



Look ma, my foot isn't thaaaat big...
for once.

 
After St Louis I was home for a mere 2 days before returning to my spot in the Southwest line for a return tip to LA. For a delightfully unexpected reason my flight was booked business class and I wound up with an A01 boarding pass. For those non-Southwest flyers this means that I was designated the first person down the jet way to board the plane. Now I usually am not too much of a stickler if I have B12 and B15 steps in front of me; however, when I noticed the guy holding A12 had put himself two feet in front of the designated A01 line position, I wasn't just going to step aside.  Hell no was I going to let my A01 opportunity pass me by!  I had no shame in confidently stepping right in front of him and happily making my way to the plane first. Honestly pal, back off! 
 

Club at LAX, go figgya...

My time in LA was mighty short, not even lasting 2 full days, before I hopped on another flight to Kansas City to help out with the last two tech roll-outs. During my KC stay I managed to stay in 4, yes, 4 separate hotels, each with its unique quirks and benefits. I never expected to be one to enjoy travelling for work since I tend to be quite the home body, but as of late I've very much enjoyed my adventures, especially the time spent getting to know my fellow IT team.  I ended up spending a solid week and a half assisting with two major office roll-outs in Kansas City, and also managed to fit in a little shopping while avoiding the excessive 110+ degree heat of Phoenix.  I finally returned home the evening of July 3rd and will be staying put for some time. Not sure what I'm going to do with myself now that I don't have to pack a suitcase within the very week I've arrived home!