Gimpy.
25 May 2004
Sorry about the long delay since my last post, I switched to a new web server and was having a hard time getting my blog settings to work. All smoothed out now so I hope I can get this thing updated more frequently.
I went to Washington DC in the begining of May for some client meetings and we had a swingin' good time. Those folks really know how to show guests a good time.
The following weekend, Bill and I went all expenses paid to Orlando for a few days. He got the super-coveted Geek of the Year award for his division of Lockheed Martin. There were 52 awards given out (spread across 10,000 people in that division) - 50 Galaxy Awards and 2 super-special Galaxy Awards one of which he got. Yay Sweetie! He looked smashing in his tux, but then again, he'd look good in a potato sack.
We flew in late Thursday night. Friday we had a great time going to Epcot. I hadn't been there in 10 years, it really changed a lot! We had a great time, the park wasn't terribly busy so we could walk into everything.
[rant]
One thing that really pissed me off though... We paid close to $60 each to get in for ONE DAY. While there, we were constantly marketed to - not by Disney, that is to be expected, but by other sponsors. For example, they had a "history of communication" display showing how communications have evolved since cave drawings. Get to the "present" and "future" and all the tv and computer monitors had AT&T logos on them. In the "Honey, I Shrunk the Audience" 3-D movie (which was excellent!) first we were corralled in a holding pen where we had to watch a 5 minute long Kodak infomercial. There was also some car exhibit brought to you by GM where you get to look at all sorts of GM products and innovations while waiting in line.
I realize that they do spend a huge amount of money maintaining the park and building these new exhibits, but it was so offensive to me to have to pay $100 dollars to watch a bunch of fucking commercials. I could have stayed home and watched non-Tivo tv for that.
[/rant]
Anyway, despite the greed of corporate America, Epcot was very very cool, and good for grown-ups.
That night we went to dinner at Emeril's newest venture, the Asian-Pacific themed Tchoup Chop. The food, as to be expected, was fabulous. However, much like our experience at the original Emeril's in New Orleans, the service was a let down. It was very efficient and our servers were friendly, but we also felt like we were being rushed out the door. Our reservations were for 9:00, and by 10:00 they started clearing the plates abruptly and just couldn't slap that check on the table fast enough. I know Emeril prides himself on the service in his restaurants - and it is generally exceptional - but this part of being "Emerilized" I don't appreciate. If it were a $25 dinner at Chili's, well, than I would expect that. But when paying $75 per person, I do not want to be rushed.
Saturday we mozied around Universal and on a whim decided to have lunch at Emeril's. Unlike the original Emeril's in N.O., the service here was exquisite. (hi to the cool waiter guy!)
True to form I got the pork fat at both places this time around. I will post pictures when I get them from Bill's camera.
Saturday night was the awards ceremony at Hard Rock Live in Universal. It was a gala event, and every one looked spectacular. Lockheed really put together a nice evening. We mingled over cocktails on the patio out front, and then moved inside for the awards. Bill actually didn't even know he was getting "Technologist of the Year" until we found his picture (taken at Glamour Shots!) in the program. He was stunned! Dinner was really quite good and they had a wonderful dessert bar set up on the roof top patio. They hired Michael Andrews and Swingerhead, a swing band, to perform who was TERRIFIC. We danced a little which is unheard of for me!
Leaving the event, I stepped off the curb infront of the bus and fell down. Luckily Bill was holding my hand and grabbed me so I didn't fall too badly, but I seriously damaged my ankle. I was up most of the night from the pain and we spent Sunday - our last day - in the Orlando ER. Nothing was obviously broken though there might still be a small fracture, and I was set-up with an air cast and some crutches. Then, we spent the next 10 hours traveling around airports finally arriving home at 2am. Exhausting!
It's been 2 1/2 weeks now since my fall and my ankle is still bruised (it was bruised in 4 places) and still hurts. I ditched the crutches after a week because it was creating a ton of back problems for me, and had to take a few days off from work. However, it could have been a lot worse so I feel very lucky.
My friends call me Gimpy.
Comments:
<< Home
Archives
Diesel Kitty Head, July 18, 1995 - March 15, 2004
Sprint Customer Service Sucks
Farewell Old Friend - Time to say Adios to Webmonkey
White People Ain't Got No Soul
Spring is here!
Americans are fickle.
Well, now that the NH pri...
It's not classy.
I'm watching this documentary ...
Should people be allowed to sell their organs?
...
Trent Reznor and Emeril Together in One City. Yum!...
11/22 11:41am, EST
Baltimore to San Diego
The ...