Back to Life, Back to Reality

Well, we came home today. Yesterday was spent at Animal Kingdom. I think we were still suffering from our wild ventures the night before, because we didn't stay out long. The mid afternoon was spent lounging around and getting ready to venture back into the cold.

Flying back was nice, but a little turbulent at times. So much so that the captain made the flight attendants sit down too. Descending in all we could see is white -- a big difference from flying into Florida.

The rest of today was spent unpacking and staying out of the cold.

Before I forget . . . congratulations to my cousin Marc . . . he proposed to his Girlfriend!

Grand Rapids -- WOW!

It's been about 10 years since I've been to Grand Rapids. The last time was with Gary for a mountain bike race. I remember that we spent most of the time in a suburb and only went downtown to go to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. I highly recommend going to the museum by the way -- regardless of your political affiliation, it is a great experience for all.

On Friday, myself and seven others from work embarked on a journey to the great town of Grand Rapids. The occasion was the near opening of the first J.W. Marriott in the Midwest. The hotel officially opens in about three weeks, but we got a preview! Let me tell you that in my 13+ years in the hotel business in addition to all my other years of travel, I never seen a more amazing hotel. This is a one of a kind work of art. If you ever go to Grand Rapids, you have to go to this hotel and check it out. There isn't one room with an amazing view. The entire building is glass so you see everything. Wow - that's all I can say.

BTW, the nightlife has picked up a bit as well, so if that is your kind of fun, this is your kind of town!

Out of Touch

Sorry I haven't had a chance to write. I can't believe how fast the last ten days have gone by. We had a great time in Florida, although Elijah developed a double ear infection the day we were to leave. I had to take him to urgent care. Needless to say, he could not fly home. So, it was either stay there another 3-4 days or drive home. I opted to drive because my schedule was way too hectic back home to take more days off!

By the time we got back from urgent care, figured out the game plan and got to the airport (to return the car rental and pick up another), it was 2 p.m. last Saturday before we hit the road. We made it to the GA/TN boarder before stopping for a power "nap". We were on the road again by 7 a.m. the next day. All in all it was just under 20 hours. I thought we did well considering it was completely UNPLANNED!

So, now I'm struggling to catch up with schoolwork. If anyone is strong in accounting, please call me and help me get through this!

Elijah is doing better and we are back to the old routine. After Tuesday, I'll get back on my regularly scheduled posts! Have a nice weekend!