yeah, yeah, yeah - NYC

I heard my blackberry ringing around 530am but by the time I realized what it was and reached for it, it stopped. I’d already gotten up once just after midnight, but at the time there was no word on my status. I decided to get up at 535am and go check my email and the message if any left on my blackberry.

I checked email first. Word was in. Heading to NYC. The news was like a jolt of caffeine – just the realization that I’d be leaving home and family for an undetermined amount of time.  I followed up by checking my blackberry VM, That was some much needed pleasant news. My flight to NYC had been moved from 11am to 140pm. That meant I could go back to sleep for a couple more hours. Yahoo!

I headed upstairs to bed, where Mindy was awake waiting on the news. She wasn’t happy but understood. I quickly followed up the deployment news with my flight delay. I ended up sleeping until 740am. That felt great and was much needed. Truth be told, had I not had so much on my mind relative to my trip, I would’ve slept even later.

I got up and made coffee and prepared for a run in a short amount of time. I checked email again just to make sure nothing had changed. It hadn’t. I left for a run at 830am. I ran just three miles in my spare running shoes, choosing not to leave my newer pair sweaty in my luggage.

It felt terrific to wake feeling well, and not hungover.  Mindy was awake shortly after I returned from my run. I was already in final prep mode organizing and packing portable electronics, chargers, and cables. Discussed the logistics of our day. We’d be leaving for the airport at 1145am.

After some coffee and all but finishing my packing, Mindy and I took a brief nap. We were expecting the kids home at 11am so Jimaken could go to some auto race (Mid-Ohio, I think).

We were both showered and ready by 11am. The kids arrived right on queue. Jacob was in and out in less than five minutes – off to play with Evan. Bella ran off too. I asked Mindy if they were coming with us to the airport. Jacob didn’t’ want to. Bella did. Time went quickly. It was time to leave for the airport. I was both a tad anxious and nervous.

I drove us to the airport. Traffic was a complete non-factor. Didn’t take 15 minutes door to gate. At the curb, Mindy, Bella and I shared a group hug and then a few  tears. Mindy and I haven’t spent much time apart at all. As I recall, just two days when she went to a funeral in DC a few years ago. And to be honest, I was nervous about the unknowns of being in Manhattan (getting to the hotel from the airport, riding the subway to work, etc.).

Moderate line at American airlines but it moved fast. No problems. To security.  Security went fast – full body scan. I was pulled aside for a more in-depth search after not removing my belt. Oh behave! A fella ran his finger around my waist just inside my trousers. Ewh!

Off to my gate – B32. As  I glanced in CBC as I passed by. Believe me, beer didn’t sound good at all. I immediately spotted a familiar face – Larry Chaffin – a former co-worker from CompuServe. Hadn’t seen Larry for 12 years, I’ll bet. We recognized one another right away. And it turned out, we were on the same flight to NYC, though he obviously for different reasons. He runs his own communications company now.

After he finished his sandwich and beer we met again at the gate. I quizzed him on the best way/means of getting to Manhattan from LaGuardia. He said taxi. Subway apparently doesn’t’ run there. His opinion was that I should’ve driven. J

Our seats were close too,. His right behind me in row 12. It was a small jet – just three seats across. We left on time and had a smooth flight into NYC. I was happy to be back on the ground. Think it was 315 when we landed.  I wished Larry well from the back of the plane. Didn’t see him again.

I was quick to baggage claim, and very surprised to find my suitcase already waiting by its lonesome – almost as if I were the last off. I later guessed that I might’ve been one of few with checked baggage.

Arranging transportation went one hell of a lot smoother than expected. I called Super Shuttle who said they be there to get me in 25 minutes or less. Said it would be $14. Sounded fair to me.  Not two minutes later a gut stepped inside the door and called my name. Shuttle waiting. Cool!

I got the last seat on the shuttle into Manhattan. Must’ve been about 12-15 passengers aboard. Heard one guy on the phone belly aching to his listener about how long he’d been waiting. I felt good as we approached Manhattan. Texted mindy some pics. Of the skyline. Promised to call once in my hotel. I was fortunate. Shuttle dropped me first. Grand Hyatt at Grand Central Station – 42nd St & Lexington Ave in Mid-Town. Nice!

I was checked in and on my way to my corner room on the 17^th floor by 4pm. So far, very efficient. The room was nicer than I expected, which is always nice. I got my gear stowed quickly and then took a break and called Mindy. They were just getting ready to head to dinner at Olive Garden in Grove City with her mom, Olivia, niece, sister, and brother-n-law. Said my dad agreed to go along too. Hmm? That was nice.

We chatted only briefly, me very eager to get some food and then scope out the subway access as well as the rest of my immediate surroundings. I freshened up then headed to the lobby concierge’s desk. Tina, I think, she was very helpful – very friendly and nice. Assured me just how easy getting to the subway would be. Didn’t even need to leave the hotel. Really? That’s why it’s called the Grand Hyatt. She advised that since I’d be staying for so long, she was there to help in any capacity.

I had to take some stairs and then a few turns where I ended up in the heart of Grand Central Station. Awesome, beautiful, ornate- bustling too. I followed the directions taking my time to remember my steps (lots of turns and stairs). Eventually made my way to the credit card kiosk Tina told me about. She recommended I but the week long pass for $29. That would get me unlimited use for the week. Said I’d take the 4 or 5 train to WTC come morning. Cool. I bought the pass without a problem. I was half tempted to take a ride downtown to the WTC area right then but decided not. I felt pretty good about where I needed to go.

I felt good having my travel bearings. Now it was time to get some much needed sustenance. I walked along

42^nd St between Park Ave, 5^th Ave, and eventually Madison Ave.   Got a photo of the Chrysler building with the sunshine gleaming off it. Don’t ask me why, but I opted for some McDonald’s in lieu of all the yummy NYC pizza shops I passed. I just wanted something fast and familiar. I got a heart attack combo (bacon cheese burger). :)

 

Food in hand, I headed back to the hotel and my room. On my way, I stopped by to ask Tina another question. How to find the fitness center. Easy – floor 24 – all to itself. Thanks! Before going to my room I checked out the fitness center. I figured as much initial reconnaissance I could do ahead of time the less stressed I’d be come morning.

Fitness center isn’t huge but very nice. Looked like about 8 treadmills. I didn’t bother going in. Just peered in through the window. Back to my room to devour my food. After eating my McD’s combo meal, I  logged on ,my laptop looking for a wireless connection. Turns out, the hotel charges $10 per day. Not sure if it’s reimbursable per company policy, I didn’t’ buy. Instead, I found a rogue wireless network and used that connection for a while. I tuned the TV to the Discovery Channel eager to watch the 8pm program with Steven Hawkins addressing the ‘God’ question. Bella said she was gonna watch too.

Called Mindy right before 8pm to see how dinner went. Said it went off fine. Everybody had a nice time.  We talked for a while with me eventually begging off for some reading, TV, and bed. I was exhausted and expected to getting up at 430am to accommodate exercise, a run, shower, and subway ride. Needed to be at the office by 7am. Good night Frank!