Fly Fishin'

I woke somewhere near 4am feeling as rested as I have for the past several days. I closed my eyes and tried getting back to sleep but never did, at least not fully. At 425am I decided to get up and moving.

I brushed my teeth then quickly whipped out sit-ups and push-ups. I then drank one of the two small foil orange juices I brought home from work. It was refreshing. For some reason, I had a ton of energy. I headed up to the Fitness Center to do my run.

Now more familiar with the machines, I grabbed a pair of sterilized headphones and had my pick of the 6 treadmills. The first one I chose malfunctioned. I switched to the one next door. I selected CNN as my program of choice, watching Carol Costello, who used to be an anchor back home in Columbus on 10TV, I believe.

The early CNN news program is a looser, more friendly, upbeat version than what I’m used to seeing years past. Admittedly, haven’t watched much if at all for years. But maybe that’s the way it’s been for a while, or maybe they’re trying to be more like FOX.

I ran a slightly faster pace and finished my 3.2 miles just before 530am. I wasted little time getting back to my room and starting a shower. I ate one of the bananas I had in the room, too.

I was all but ready to walk out the door by 6am. Already have a routine down. I’m thinking I headed to the lobby at 610am. In the lobby café’, I met a fellow employee also on special assignment, but not at the same location. Thinking he said his assignment was in the midtown area. He shared stories of his experiences thus far. Sounded worrisome.

I picked up a 16oz coffee and a blueberry muffin. I asked for a bag for the muffin so I could stow it in my backpack for later. Met Dave in line, a new peer, Said he and another peer, Natalee went out to a rodeo bar the night before and stayed until 1am. They actually sent me an email from the venue saying I should be there, too.

I planned to ride the subway with the two of them. Only problem was, no Natalee. Dave tried raising her via blackberry two or three times. Even had the lobby desk call her room. Finally, on the second try she answered. Asked for ten minutes. It was already past the time I wanted to leave. I chose to wait, though, figuring it much safer to travel as a group.

Natalee met us in the lobby at 640am. Said she stayed awake until almost 5am. Holy smoke! Are you kidding? We made good time, both on the subway and then on our walk from the Fulton St terminal to the office. We arrived at 707am.

Breakfast was served earlier than the day before – 8am. This time they had fancy muffins, power bars, orange juice, fruit, and coffee. I took a little of everything figuring I could stash what I couldn’t immediately eat for later.

Actually did some work after getting most of the accesses I needed. It was lunch time in a hurry – 1pm. Lunch consisted of sandwiches (both wraps and deli-style), pretzels, potato salad (two types), veggies and soda. Good stuff.

Got confirmation that my room reservation was extended through September 15^th should I need it. The hotel marketing director informed me that the rate would soar to $719 per night after that date due to a big UN conference happening that week. Honestly, hoping I’ll be home by then and it’ll be a nonissue.

The afternoon was slower than the AM. During some work downtime, I worked on my expense report, the first one I’ve done in years. Very confusing to navigate. Had to find my online airline receipt and print it off, too. That proved to be a bit of struggle. Think I finally got it right and sent it off for approval.

Talked with neighbor Pat Shultz around 3pm. Ironically, he, Lisa, and their daughter Alaina were in NYC as well. Had just arrived at their hotel, which is only ten shorts blocks north of me. My only dilemma would be having time or energy to meet them for a little fun.

Told Pat that I had an offer to go to Central Park after work with some new co-workers and eat from street carts. Haven’t seen Central Park up close yet. Thought I might do that.  I shared that with Pat.

The last couple hours of the work day moved pretty quickly. Left the building right at 7pm. Made a beeline to the Fulton St subway station with Dave and Natalee. No problems at all. Back at the hotel by 725pm. Dave & Natalee asked of my plans. They were meeting in the lobby at 8pm. I shared my two other options but didn’t commit to either. Honestly, I was very hesitant to want to go out and drink beer with such an early rise time.

I called Mindy before heading out for dinner. She and Jacob were just back from a bike ride. Said it was a cooler day. Went to lunch with her mom and the kids. Didn’t go to Zoombezi Bay. Rained again. Hasn’t activated the irrigation system even once for all the rain.

She also shared that there’s been a strong police presence in the subdivision of late. Not entirely sure why. It was 810pm when we ended the call. Agreed to call back when I returned from dinner. I wasn’t that hungry, but didn’t want to rot in the room, either. After all, I’m in NYC. Headed out at 815pm. I thought that if Dave & Natalee were still in the lobby that I’d go to dinner with them.

They weren’t. Already gone. I decided to head out alone. I walked north on 5^th avenue up to 47^th St then west after being attracted by the lights of Time Square. Didn’t realize how close it was. 

Wow! If you haven’t seen Time Square at night, or if you haven’t seen it in the last ten years, it’s a MUST SEE. Sensory overload.  I snapped several pictures as I walked amongst the throngs of people. As I made my way down 7^th St to the heart of it all, I was approached by an NYC police officer, who slowly leaned over, whispered in my ear that my fly was down. I thanked him, zipped up, and moved on.

I walked back to 42^nd St then east towards home. I stopped at Bravo Pizza for the second time buying two slices of their yummy looking bacon and red onions. Honestly, though, I thought it was sausage when I ordered it. I took it back to the room. I’ll bet I walked three miles. I was hungry by the time I was back in my room.

I changed into my PJs before sitting down to dinner. I also logged onto my laptop so I could update my expense spreadsheet to make completing my weekly expense report easier. Watched Discovery Channel passively while eating and before calling Mindy back.

Talked with Mindy, Jacob, and Bella. Bella said she wanted me to come home now. Wanted a definitive ETA – something I couldn’t readily give. I did, however, assure her that it would be “before you know it”. Jacob was excited to share some stuff about his new soccer team. Also quizzed me about NYC. Told him how cool Time Square is. Talked again briefly with Mindy. It was now after 9:30pm. I wasn’t sure how much longer I’d be up. Figured I’d be in bed within 15-20 minutes.

I finished my pizza, brushed my teeth, did a little reading then headed to bed. It was after 10pm when I snuggled up amongst my three pillows. Good night Longacre.