I Wanna be a Naked Cowboy Baby!

I didn’t fall asleep until almost midnight, all the while knowing that 430am would come around really fast. In fact, it came so fast that I didn’t want to get out of bed. It was hard to do, but I drug my ass out of bed at 435am. Sleep!

I did sit-ups and push-ups after brushing my teeth. My eyes were completely bloodshot and my head in a fog. I wanted nothing more than to snuggle up with my pillow. However, I knew that I couldn’t. Completed an abbreviated mediation and a stretch next, and was soon off to the fitness center and there before 5am.

I was the only one in the fitness at the outset, so I had my choice of the nine treadmills. I’ve become fond of the treadmill just to the right of one of the two flat panels. And while I watch TV on the treadmill itself, I opted not to wear the headphones for the audio. Instead, I turned the audio up on the nearby TV instead.

I ran really well and strong. Ran the 3.2 miles in 28.5 minutes. I was dripping with sweat at the run’s conclusion. Felt fantastic to be through it. Headed back to the room for a shower. Provided I’m up on time, I’ve got this routine down pat. .I was shaved and showered by 550am and ready to head out of the room by 605am. I wore the lone pair of Dockers I brought with me from home along with one of my freshly clean black t-shirts.

In the hotel café I bought a caramel macchiato latte and a portable oatmeal for later. Met a little guy working in the field. Said it’s rough sledding out there. Constant badgering all day long. Felt or him.  Met up with Dave and Natalee then headed for the subway.

Smooth sailing. The platform at Grand Central Terminal is oppressively warm and humid. So no matter what I wear, I’m typically in a sweat by the time we get on the train. Other than the daily sweat, it was a smooth ride to Fulton St. Aside from feeling under slept, I was fine. 

We arrived to the usual badgering about 10-15 minutes early. I got situated, updated my expense spreadsheet, then prepped my oatmeal and filled my water cup. My goal was to avoid any pastries come breakfast time. When breakfast call came, I fetched only some coffee and OJ.

Without question, Wednesday was my most productive day yet. As lunch time neared, I talked my peeps into leaving the premise and venturing over to the waterfront during lunch. I thought we might eat from the street carts. It was a perfect day for a walk too. And aside from getting hassled exiting, it felt good to get outside in the fresh air.

It’s a short walk to the waterfront. There, we took pictures of the Jersey shoreline, Statue of Liberty, and the soaring Freedom tower. Very nice! Amex has a large presence in the Financial towers right on the water, and there’s a huge outdoor grill with all sorts of grilled foods, including burgers, dogs, sausages, and even lobster rolls. We were impressed but none of us opted to stand in the lines.

We walked along the waterfront then eventually headed inside the building where we discovered an indoor mall of sorts. All very beautiful, of course. We headed back to work after being gone about 45 minutes.  We stopped in and grabbed our catered lunch immediately inside the door.

I grabbed half a wrap – roast beef – and a small bag of chips. That’s it. The afternoon cruised by. Once again, I stayed real busy. The 12 hour days are starting to move pretty fast. We had a group pow-wow to discuss the logistics of the promised trip home after completing 3 weeks of service. Going to do it over Labor Day weekend, which is just a day or two short of being away for 4 weeks. Many were frustrated with the plan but I thought it sounded fair. At the time, I wasn’t sure if I would fly Mindy in again or head home myself. If I go home, I’ll be heading out Friday afternoon and returning to NYC Monday late in the afternoon - Labor Day.

I planned to discuss the options with Mindy later than evening. I stayed busy until 630pm then started prepping for our trip back to the hotel. Our little click decided it was OK to leave 10 minutes early, justified by our early arrival. That enabled us to secure an elevator rather easily. That’s never the case when leaving at 7pm.

We made good time both getting to the terminal and ultimately back to the hotel. Dave & Natalee were talking about doing the Capital Grill again, only this time by our hotel. I shared that I was going to the Heartland Brewpub at the Empire State Building. They opted for that in lieu of Capital Grill. As usual, agreed to meet in the lobby at 8pm. It was only 720pm.

Back in the room I thought I might steal a brief nap. My head was fuzzy & tired. But by the time I got settled, removed my shoes, and called Mindy, it was 740pm. She and I talked for about ten minutes. She confirmed her flight arrangements for this coming Friday. Getting in around 10pm. Will meet me at my hotel.

Terminated our call around 750pm. I freshened up then headed to the lobby to meet Dave and Natalee. According to Google Maps it’s about .6 miles from our hotel. It was a fast and easy walk. Lots to see. Dave and Natalee commented about how fast I walk. Used to walking by myself, I guess. We stopped for several photo ops, especially as the Empire State building came into view. As you might guess, that area is heavily congested with visitors. Macy’s is right down the road, as are many other popular fashion store fronts.

We were dispatched to the lower level of the brewpub. Unless I’m mistaken it’s has three levels. Very cool décor. I was anxious for an IPA. We elected a booth. I ordered their Indiana Pale Ale. Dave ordered their Farmer John’s Stout, and Natalee ordered the sample flight.

The menu had lots of tempting dinner options but I went with the NY strip steak. Our waiter was attentive but not overbearing. Food arrived about 10-15 minutes later. I stuck with just the one beer. It wasn’t really that good, at least compared to the IPA’s back home. Guess I’m spoiled. I didn’t want to drink more than one anyway, given how fast 430am comes around.

As always, we had the waiter split up the bill for expense purposes. I suggested we venture

34^th St

down my Macy’s. Dave and Natalee were game. We walked amongst the throngs of people snapping pictures along the way. At the corner of Broadway and 34^th we opted to head north towards the lights of Time Square. Dave and Natalee hadn’t ventured that way yet. I knew they’d be impressed.

My camera battery died. I switched to my Droid for a couple photos. I sent them via text to Mindy, Bob, and Darwin back at home. We ran into the naked cowboy, a Time Square icon. Tried getting a picture of the wandering sponge Bob but he kept turning away inadvertently. Maybe next time. It was nearing 10pm. We started our trek back. Called Mindy from the corner of 45^th and Broadway. Talked with Bella, who was waiting for me to call. Said she wants me to come home now. Also said it wasn’t fair that her momma gets to come see me Friday. I shared my plans to come home in two weeks for three days.

Talked with Mindy. Promised I’d call her back once back in my room in 10-15 minutes. It’s a relatively short walk down 42^nd st to our hotel. Not sure why, But every night at 1015pm about 30-40 NYC cops cruisers convene near our hotel and sound their sirens. I guessed it a 9-11 exercise. NYC has big things planned for that day/week.

Back in the room by 1020pm, I quickly got out of my clothes and into my PJs. Once I was completely settled I gave Mindy call. She was either sleeping or just about to. Didn’t talk that long. Earlier in the day I sent her a list of a few things I hoped she could bring me. I didn’t pack for being here much beyond 7-10 days, and even then I packed light.