[Retro Report] From Jackson to Washington....

It's weekend again already!  This week just flew past (with no actual flying done this time).  However, I thought it was a good time to post a trip report I didn't get around to finishing up and formatting for quite awhile.  What would that be called?  Retro review....?

Anyhow, without any more delay, I take you back to early Sept, 2013.  The setting- a freshly painted 737, Seat 6A.  We see a somewhat tired-looking, yet content, frequent flyer pull out her iPad after crossing 10,000ft and start to write....

Fresh paint on my 737- View from DCA Admiral's Club

It's been a long week of work and travel,  and now it's finally wrapping up with flight 245 back home to LAX from DCA direct.  Given that my day started off at 4:45 to get to my first flight out of Jackson Medgar-Evars, and it's a good two segments later, even I'm okay with that.  I've done my miles-earning duty more than adequately.

It also helps that The flight's off to a good start- upgrade confirmed yesterday, on a nice 737 with the new lights and modern cabin. The friendly flight crew is serving EFBO, we've got a favorable tailwind, and they've got some Glenlevet on board (a limited quantity now that they're discontinuing the singles AA's been serving).  Plus the hot towels didn't even smell like 'eu de old coffee pot,' so consider me a happy flyer.

RJ from DFW-JAN.
Don't call her small, she prefers 'sporty'

This week's trip consisted of flights LAX-DFW-JAN to start off.  My upgrade cleared at the gate for the first segment, and the  later Eagle flight had a great flight attendant who said I was her only EXP and then almost aggressively offered me everything on the cart, even trying to get me to take some wine 'for later' when I declined the first time (I was on the clock...).  Once again, no complaints.

JAN 'Work Station'- no lounge, no problem ;)

However, my complaints did start once I left AA's control.  At National, I just got beat by a few steps to the only premium car in the aisle (a new-looking Genesis) and ended up with a Fusion with 8k on it.  Okay, okay, I've had worse....Ford's been doing some good tech upgrades and the XM Radio was still active, but I've had better.  Overall, the car is fine and responsive at low speeds, but painfully underpowered.  Merging on highways was dicey at times.

I stayed, for the second time this year, at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Ridgeland, and was significantly underwhelmed this time.  Had I gotten myself together (as I still might) to do a trip report for my first stay here, they would have gotten a much better review.  I know, I know, my lowly 'Blue' level with Hilton entitled me to nothing....but after my year of SPG Platinum treatment, I have a hard time not complaining about a 2nd floor room next to the laundry room with a view of a brick wall.  Seriously, just a brick wall. Oh, and my TV didn't work in the bedroom.

Kitchen and work space-ES Jackson Ridgeland

Bedroom- ES

Before I pan the stay entirely, I will say that the property has some features that made me a repeat customer-Open bar happy hour nightly from 5:30-7:30, free hot breakfast, free parking, Internet, and plenty of space to work.  All room types really are suites, and are 2 rooms, with a sitting area, kitchenette with sink, microwave and mini fridge, and work space.  Plus, it's in an area of town I was advised would be conducive to the out of towner, safety-wise.

Lobby and entry- Embassy Suites

(Quick correction....no Glenlevet after all....life is hard)

In short- National at JAN: 4/10 (had a better car last time).  Embassy Suites: 6/10 (one good stay, one not so great).  So that's that then....

Anyhow, even with the early start, today's been fun.  My layover in DCA was about 5 hours, which was a little long even for me to stick around in the airport.  Though it is a beautiful airport all things considered- architecture, water views, and GREAT staff at the (small but big-hearted) Admiral's Club.  They held my bags and sent me off to take the train into town.

DCA Terminal

I love, love, love airports that have quick access to their metro areas, a lot.  It's too bad they're so few and far between.  Of my regular stops, only BOS, DCA, and if you have a little more time, MIA and SEA are doable.  Besides great views on final approach, it makes long layovers so much better.  As much as I love planes and airports, there's something fun about going to a city 'for a few hours.'  Today I walked down the National Mall, visited some monuments, and took a look at the air & space museum (had to). Plus, it felt great to stretch between flights.

AA Flagship- Air & Space Museum

All in all, it's been a successful trip- work went well, as have my 5,600 miles.  Adding them to the 'bank' on the way to 100k this year.  There's plenty more to share, but it'll have to wait until the next segment.  Until then, fly safe, and take time to explore along the way!

~CruisingAltitude

On short final into DCA

P.S.- I have some pretty impressive mileage runs coming up, if I do say so myself.  YOU JUST WAIT for this year's mileage season trip reports....

Report from the return ....

How it ended- Sunset flight DFW-LAX

This week I was sent off to Philadelphia for work.  Well, about an hour south of Philly to be precise.  The trip included two stays a different Sheratons I hadn't been to before, a rental from National's executive selection at PHL, and flights from LAX - MIA - PHL and then PHL - DFW -LAX.

I'm currently on the last leg of the flight and I concur with the pilot's recent PA announcement- it is 'a beautiful night to fly.' We've got calm skies and a beautiful red and orange sunset to fly off toward.   The flight was delayed a few minutes due to some weather from the Midwest that kept the equipment (an endangered 757) from getting to DFW on time.  I've decided not to let it bother me, all in all the trip has been successful thus far and I don't have a connecting flight to worry about.

HOWEVER, they took orders for dinner correctly- this is an odd numbered flight, and they started at the back, but they're serving from the front.  I'm in 6F and hungry for my chicken and....whatever else it was she said.  Yes, this would be the best example ever of 'First World Problems.'

Back to the topic at hand.  As far as frequent traveler perks go, I'm feeling fairly solid on this trip- 4 for 4 on the upgraded flights, 1.5 for 2 on the hotel rooms, and a definite (at least two category) upgrade on the car.  Oh, and the actual reason for the travel went well also...

It started off with a surprise gate upgrade for the overnight LAX-MIA, which was more than welcome.  4 of us on the standby upgrade list cleared on a sold out cabin.  Thank...somebody....for minor miracles.  The flight was even at the gate twenty minutes early, giving me time for a shower and a few of those little muffins in the MIA Admiral's club.  That is, of course, once I found it.  I spent a good five minutes walking in small, pathetic circles in Terminal D, dragging my carry-on behind me before realizing the sign was right there all along.

The shower rooms were nice, though I had to wait a few minutes for one to free up.  Like in LAX they have great amenities.

Shower suite-MIA Terminal

Amenities

The MIA-PHL leg was upgraded as well.  I also believe it was delayed an hour, mostly after boarding due to 'paperwork issues.'  However, it still being nighttime in Los Angeles, I don't remember much of it.....just the pilot apologizing as we finally left the gate, and sometime after takeoff the flight attendant nudging me to ask if I wanted eggs or cereal.  Not a bad way to ride out sequester-induced slow downs.

It was my first time in Philly in recent memory, and I wish I'd had more free time to see something other than my hotel rooms.  I mean, running to and from the car I did notice some lovely cobblestone streets and cherry blossoms....  But this is a frequent flyer blog....so the hotel rooms are a major feature, aren't they?

Before I get to that though, this was my first rental from National at PHL.  I'll start off by saying the prices were outrageous.  This seems to have been a City-wide supply and demand issue.  When I boarded the shuttle (Monday morning) the driver was telling inquiring customers that they were reservation only, as were Hertz and Alamo.

Now, here's the thing about National- its my new love car-rental wise with the executive membership though AmEx.  I love picking out my own car, and the row tends to have some fun finds.....but when you get off that packed bus and head toward the ES row it's suddenly like Lord Of The Flies, but everyone is tastefully business casual and towing a rollaboard.  For my part, I go in with a plan- I know the high end options- Genesis, 300c, Buick, Camaro, Maxima, Avalon, higher end SUVs and certain trim options....but...

....I'm also not proud. This time I threw my bag in a Lacrosse (with 16k on the ODO) took the keys, and went to check the mileage on the Enclave parked behind it.  The Enclave won- less than 300 miles, working XM, and all the options.  I did feel silly with just my one suitcase and myself in it, but the seats were heated and PHL was a whole lot colder than LA.

2013 Enclave from National

Annnnyway..... the first night in town I stayed at the Sheraton Society Hill.  The hotel was fully committed, according to the front desk and so the only upgrade they could offer was to a room on the club floor (3rd out of 4).  Being a slightly obsessive flyertalker I gave a quick look to the website on check-in, and there were no suites still for sale.  I don't have any pictures because it looked like every single other standard Sheraton room.  Soothing earth tones and 'Shine' amenities.

Sheraton Society Hill lobby from the Club Floor

Sheraton Society Hill

The hotel itself is on the small side, but well kept up.  Staff were pleasant, but I didn't get the 'going above and beyond' feeling from them.  My one real complaint was that my room was so far from the only elevator it took forever to get downstairs.

The second night, as I couldn't get a room in Philly to save my life (some major convention no one seemed to know the name of was in town) I got a room at a great rate on our company's SET at the Sheraton Wilmington South.  Now, while this location lacks the charm of Society Hill, it was the clear winner for me in amenities and service.

For the business traveler passing through, it's easy to find. It's right off the highway, but asking for a room on the far side will take away any noise issues.  Overall, the entire staff, from the check in desk to the bartender had a serious case of 'trying too hard.' This is literally the best compliment I can give.  Even though they too were fully sold out for the night, I was already double upgraded to a deluxe suite- three rooms, kitchenette, jacuzzi tub, on the top floor. The property was clean and modern, club lounge was well stocked for both evening and breakfast, if lacking in square footage.

Deluxe Suite Bedroom

Sheraton Wilmington Deluxe Suite

The trying too hard followed all the way to check out the next morning when I was asked about 4 times how my stay was, and nearly chased down the hall by the manger to ask if I might have time to write a TripAdvisor report.  Now, one could say this is all excessive, but I have to admire a staff who realizes that traditional advertising now pales in comparison to first hand reviews and social media status.  (they'll be getting that review)

As for the return trip, I have some unsolicited opinions about the PHL airport, both good and bad.  However, the sunset has faded out in front of us and it's about time for dinner. I don't want to risk getting whatever it is tonight all over my keyboard, so my feelings about Philly's security lines (NO pre-check!!) will have to wait.

Until the next segment....

Fly Safe,

~CruisingAAltitude

On the night shift....

It's been awhile since the last update.  There's been a little travel and plenty going on in the 'grounded' side of life....but that's not why we're all here, is it? .....

Well, who doesn't like to spend a Sunday night on a plane?  I mean, what kind of question is that?  Not me, clearly.  Tonight I'm at LAX, using up prime Admiral's Club real estate, facing an impressive row of late night arrivals and departures, still painted the classic livery colors (see previous post for my feelings on that) dwarfed by the jets lined up in the background at TBIT.  The place is fairly full, mostly with people headed off on Qantas to Sydney and Melbourne, and to lose a day in the process.

For my part, after a weekend of dodging the crowds in my neighborhood for the Grand Prix races, I'm headed out to Philly for work for a few days.  Simple enough, but I set myself up for the extra couple thousand miles and am headed overnight to Miami first.  Because, well, like you do....

The upgrade's looking good for the second flight, but probably not the first.  This is to be expected as I booked later than usual, but it does break my perfect upgrade score since getting back to Ex Plat status.  Somehow I'll survive.  I've got my overnight kit and hopefully time for a shower in the Club between flights, then some downtime before the appointments start Monday afternoon.

So the flight plan checks out, the hotel situation however....is more complex.  Now, if someone wants to tell me what the h%$^ is going on in Philly the next few days, I'd be very appreciative.  Even over a week ago there was no Starwood (or Hilton, for that matter) that could book a two night stay.  Being Platinum with SPG now I called and was informed that they could force a reservation at the rack rate for me.  Thanks but no thanks guys, I'm sure your Downtown Sheraton is fantastic *ahem* but if I'm paying $400 a night for it I'm going to have a hard time getting it past accounting when I get back.

As it worked out I managed to find one night in town at the Sheraton Society Hill, and then will have to pack up and stay in yet another Sheraton in Wilmington the next night.  Downside- all that moving.  Upside- two qualifying check-ins.  (come on, there had to be an upside)

All in all this trip isn't a duplicate of any I've done before, so I'm looking forward to it.  Hotel reviews and such to follow I'm sure.

Well, I'd love to stay and prepare a full traveler rant about my decision to let my Admiral's Club membership lapse in favor of getting in on my AmEx but.....oh so sadly....that will have to wait.  It's getting to be time to think about changing into the 'redeye clothes' and heading off to the other coast (hopefully without any delAAys). Until later, fly safe.

~CruisingAAltitude

So, about those thoughts from seat 18D...

 (Written last night enroute from SEA-DFW, posting from the DFW T-D Admiral's club on the way to Cancun!) 

View from Alaska Airlines Board Room- Seattle

 

Well, Winter 2012 mileage season is well past now.  As is the rest of the year itself.  I’m currently in the midst of the holiday travel rush full of oversold flights, long security lines and crying infants.  What a difference a week makes.

Tonight I’m at 37,000 ft. someplace over the Cascade Mountains, heading on the first leg of my trip to Cancun for a little family time and relaxation to end the year.  So far, so good on my way to 100,000 qualifying miles, the last of which I should be earning while over the Gulf of Mexico on my return from CUN.

Each time I fly for the sake of flying I have a few scattered introspective moments.  Maybe it’s the time away from the usual routine, maybe it’s the length of the flight, or just the altitude.  Still, here’s my ‘takeaways’ from this year’s mileage season-

Every now and then let yourself take a moment to realize and appreciate what you’re actually doing.  The depth of human ingenuity has reached the point where we can build a machine that reliably can carry over a hundred people, and their bags, coats….dogs, etc, at 35,000 feet going 500mph & cross the continent twice in a reasonable day.  The next time you’re annoyed at the minutia of travel, just look out of the window at the topsides of the clouds and allow the luxury of being proud of your species for a change.

Okay, that’s done…..now for some practical advice for the next time around-

Prepare and pack for delays-

Delayed and cancelled flights happen, no matter what your status is.  Know if you’re on the last flight of the night from any of your connections, and pack enough to wait it out until the next day.  If you see things going South fast, consider booking a refundable hotel room right away.

Airport lounge memberships:

They may seem like a waste of money, but if you’re going to be spending time in airports monthly, or even every other month, they can be well worth it.  They offer not just comfortable surroundings to work or relax before your flight, but free food and drinks, and even showers which are worth a lot after that overnight flight (some are better than others amenities-wise, but I’ve yet to encounter one that was superior to decent-hotel quality, and some are downright spa-like).  More importantly though, they generally entitle members to a staff of agents who can check on seat assignments, upgrade and standby lists, and save you in the case of cancelled or delayed flights.  I have had times that entire trips have been salvaged by this service when a plane came up with a mechanical failure, or a delayed flight would have meant a missed connection.  Even one of these occurrences in a year is worth the membership fee.  For deals, check discounts for your airline status, as well as offerings by some of the higher end charge and credit cards. 

In-flight preventative health care:

Couple simple tips- vitamin C, sleep at least a little on every flight you can, Tylenol PM over booze for overnights, move around on and between segments (no shame in doing a few stretches in the airport club), and….water, water, water.  Also, be aware of your original timezone no matter where you might be along the way and if you can try and eat and sleep on your regular schedule.

Safety first:

When they say to keep your seatbelt on, it’s good advice.  Some of the most common injuries on planes are due to unsuspected moderate to severe turbulence.  Your pilots are trained to fly in these conditions and the plane is designed to withstand these forces- your head is not.  Buckle-up.  Also, stay alert and prepared in the take-off and landing phases of your flight.  These are the times when if the extremely rare happens and something does go wrong, you can do something about it.  Fly in shoes you can move in, keep them on and your headphones off until you reach at least a few hundred feet. Know where your exits are.

Etiquette:

There’s plenty to say here on all sorts of pet peeves I’ve developed but for now I’ll just remind you of the boarding procedure: Roller-Bin, Bag-Floor, You-Seat.  This should take 10 seconds.  

Overall, try have a good sense of humor about flying, whether for miles, business, or pleasure.  It’s a time when even the most meticulous of us will find many things out of our control.  Storms roll in, things break, flights are oversold, and babies are cranky.  When you find yourself nearing that breaking point when you can’t sleep, the movie’s a repeat of the one you saw the last Westbound flight, and they’re out of ginger ale…. look out that little window at the stars close above, the lights of civilization far below, and get some perspective.

Until the next departure, fly safe.

~CruisingAAltitude  

Round 2....

"Early morning high-5, 737 style"

So, it's been a week since I've been in airports....a whole week, 7 days...more hours.

It's currently 6am and I'm back at the LAX Admiral's Club waiting for the 222 sunrise flight to Boston.  For those of you keeping track, this will be mileage run 2 of 3 on the way to AA Executive Platinum status for 2013.  To reach it this year, I needed an extra 18,900 flight miles since with the current promotion that equals out at over 37,000 elite qualifying miles.  The way the deals fell, I scheduled myself for over 20,000....in 3 weekends.  

After last weekend's LAX-BOS-LAX-SFO-LAX run, I've put away around 6,300 of them.  Today should add another 5,800.  This time around I've routed through DFW to add a few hundred miles and break up the trip.  Today's goal: Breakfast in LA (done), lunch in Boston, and dinner in Dallas.  All in airports, of course.  The flights today look to be shockingly empty; I'm anticipating a row to myself on the first one.  Have I said before how much I love flying in mileage season?

Currently, LAX is covered in heavy fog but it doesn't seem to be slowing things down like last weekend in San Francisco.  My flight is delayed, but due to crew time-out and only for a few minutes.  What is getting to me though is the guy next to me on the long bench seat in the Club.  After chewing more loudly than I thought possible, making various other bodily noises, and laughing to himself for awhile, he's taken off his shoes and lay down with his feet just a few inches from my table.....really?

I mean I'm the first to say I've been in that place where after enough hours on the go the amount of giving a s*&t is running pretty low but man, come on.  This place is nearly empty....find some personal space.  Besides, I was here first and this is my favorite seat.  Seriously, I have spent many a wonderful hour exactly right here. It's near the bar, has a real table, 2 power outlets, AND a view of the runway and TBIT.  You're in my house now dude.  

.....Have I mentioned how I'm looking forward to that row to myself in a few minutes??

Until the next connection, fly safe.

If you're going to San Francisco...

Turns out I’m kinda okay with being stuck in the fog.  And here’s why- The newly redone American terminal in SFO has about everything good that can be good about airports.  It’s airy, clean, well decorated, and much quieter than the major airports most of the time (it’s a ghost town in comparison to LAX today, and that’s with all the delayed flights).  

The Admiral’s club is new and well done, even down to the floor-to-ceiling fake pines that somehow don’t seem as tacky as they should.  Plus, yes they do have showers, and they're much nicer than mine at home.  And for delayed flights they make gate announcements.  I’m in love.  Only flaw is the view isn’t of very many active gates/taxiways/runways.  But there I’m spoiled, haven’t found one that beats LAX for that yet.

The food choices in the main terminal are great, and reflective of the city- Wine bar, organic café, sushi, etc.  And the club makes a spicy bloody mary, both the glass and I are sweating a little.  Plus, it’s given me some time to tweet with my new best friend- that being, whoever is stuck on social media duty at American’s marketing division.  I’ve been sure to keep them updated with my travel plans, and they answer dutifully.  It’s like having a private anonymous mileage run cheerleader….or a tweeting robot buddy.  Now I’m just working out how best to have a little fun with it, since whoever it is must already think I’m crazy, so why not?  However, it does look like I’ll have to head out at some point here- my standby is going to clear, so once they get us a plane, I’ll be headed back to the City of Angels.

Here we go again....

Well….

Here we are again.  Or at least here I am again.  Wow, it’s been awhile hasn’t it?  The last few years have been full of so much there’s not much of a point in trying to summarize.  If I find the time, I’ll go back and fill in the many gaps.  There’s been travel (some good flights), and quite a bit more.  However, I’m choosing to revive this blog tonight for the same reason I started putting it together in the first place.

            Miles.

            Dammit, yes, American Air has done it again.

            DEQM and then some (more ranting on this later).  Remember when I said I’d probably never be up for Executive Platinum status again?  Lies, all of it.

            I’m currently in the Admiral’s Club at LAX awaiting the redeye to Boston...followed by the sunrise flight right back where I started, then onto a quick jaunt to San Francisco and back before heading home, possibly to a nap.  Then, I’ll be doing it again for the next 2 weeks.  Seriously, this seemed like a really good idea a couple weeks ago.  Still, I never regretted the last mileage runs I did, so I hope in time this will be another crazy, yet good, memory.

            I’ve come to think of my somewhat-obsession with miles and airline status in several ways, justifying?... Maybe.  Firstly, sometimes it’s just a good deal plain and simple.  I’d argue this round qualifies there.  Secondly, it can be a chance to step out of the routine, meet new people, and hopefully see new things (usually just the inside of a 737, but hey, American’s taking delivery of some this year so they’re technically new!).  And thirdly, I’ve come to realize I have an ongoing love for learning about and sometimes being part of subcultures in the huge thing we call ‘society.’  Whether it’s pets, games, or flying on planes, there’s something to be said for being part of something that allows you to instantly strike up a conversation with someone you’ve never met before and be totally engrossed.  As disparate as we all seem to get these days, I’d hazard to say reason #3 is pretty valid.

            About an hour left now, they just made the announcement for passengers on Qantas Flight 12 to head to the Gate 44 shuttle (more on the significance of this at some point later), and I’m considering changing into more comfortable clothes.  It’s going to be a long 13 hours until I’m back here, hopefully with plenty of time for a meal and a shower.

            Until then, wishing you all a good start to the weekend.  I’ll catch you on the turn-around.  

Chasing Daylight....

There’s something about an evening flight heading West across the country that makes you feel like you’re chasing the turning of the Earth itself. Trying to capture those last moments before you inevitably lose the pursuit, the light sinks beyond the horizon, and you have to give up and console yourself with whatever’s on the in-flight entertainment for the next six hours. And why is it that this feeling is always more poignant on a Sunday?


Tonight that particular battle was lost by my flight 223 from BOS West to LAX at the end of a great weekend in the Bay State. The movie tonight was “The Blindside,” and I’ll admit I enjoyed it though I probably never would have gone out to see it on my own. Once I got over the shock of Sandra Bullock with blond hair, it was all uphill from there.


So then….now that the scene has been set…..what to write about? It’s a brisk 5 ½ hour hop from coast to coast tonight due to a light headwind…but seems like I should have time to ponder a thing or two (I’d like to note at this point that the flight attendants are talking about ‘that one time when it took eight hours to go from JFK to SFO’ and I’m really glad that’s not the case tonight). However, maybe I can blame my lack of momentary inspiration on the guy sitting next to me. He’s giving me nothing. Not a comment on the pasta, not a “hey, going home?” Nothing. He’s been reading the paper since take-off, and now that we’re well across the country….yep, still reading.


He is, however, a polar opposite from my seat mate on the second leg of my Friday flight from St. Louis to Boston. This is the exact reason I have no writing to show for myself from those 2 hours. It started innocently enough, I said, “goin’ home?” And I’m still not entirely sure where we went next, but there was even some frantic back-of-boarding pass note taking as we exchanged tips for the best places to eat, stay, and visit across the county. I happily passed along my list of best Boston brunch spots, and in return I received the run-down on what to do in a weekend in Palm Springs, and more than I think I’d ever know about the neighborhoods and museums of the great city of St. Louis.


During what may have been the shortest dinner service I’ve ever experienced on an American flight, my new friend and I discover we share a common love of Rachel Maddow, and the rest of the flight passed quickly as we switched from proper neutral seat-to-seat conversation to more boisterous political discussion. It was easily the most entertaining flight I’ve had recently, complete with a flight attendant who told us when asked that she didn’t have a helper to serve dinner because she “doesn’t like anyone getting in her way.” I should have gotten her name so I could give her a good review. She even managed to make the 20 min wait for our gate entertaining.


Her best story of the night was in response to the ground crew’s union rule that they have to stop servicing planes in thunderstorms for obvious safety related reasons. She informed us that some travelers do not take well to this situation and will start threatening to fly a competitor next time, to which she has always wanted to answer, “Have fun, Delta’s gates are around the corner. I’m sure it’s sunny and 90 degrees there.” When you’re already on a delayed flight waiting for a gate, sometimes the best medicine for cranky travelers is to hear how they sound to the other occupants of the flight.


Really my travel this weekend has had some really great service. The flight crews, the waiters and bartenders in Boston, and especially the agent at the Admiral’s Club in St. Louis who took nearly half an hour with me to carefully explain all about system-wide upgrades. As a bonus I even got his account of the filming of “Up in the Air,” which yes, he got to be in (though he told me most of the scenes filmed in the Club didn’t make the final cut.)


Well, the ice has melted in my vodka, and the episode of “The Office” has now ended, so that can only mean I’m a cookie and glass of sparkling water away from our decent into LAX. So, unless something overly exciting happens that just needs to be commented on, I’ll sign off until I’m back in the air in a few weeks for a short hop to Austin.


Until then, wishing you light headwinds and entertaining acquaintances….

Here we go again...

Well, after an all too short visit to Boston I'm once again on the move. I'm waiting for flight 223 from Boston's Logan international back to LAX to start my week like normal on Monday at 5am. The Admiral's Club in Boston has been undergoing a much needed renovation, which means that it's only about half its normal size and is chronically crowded. However, I like where they're going with the new look so I'll survive.

The time in Boston was great as usual. We went to one of my favorite restaurants on Tremont Street, Aquitaine. It's a great place for brunch, and is a fantastic value for the quality and atmosphere. Also, today we had a favorite server. A few months ago, we were one of his first tables on his first day serving rather than doing the dishes. He was great, and we'd made that quite clear on our comment card that day. As well as being a good waiter, he apparently also has a fantastic memory, and remembered not only our faces, but what table we had been sitting at that day. Sometimes you never know who you'll leave a lasting impression on.

So after less than 24 hours, I'm headed home. I miss Boston already, and I have a full workweek to look forward to, and probably then some. But for now, I've got 6 more hours at 36,000 ft ahead of me.

Wish me luck....

It Begins....

Earlier today I came up with a topic for an entry. Not the best topic maybe, but something that I've found myself doing a lot lately, and probably the way many of these entries will get their starts. However, I should tell you where I am first I suppose.

I am, as promised, at LAX for the 3rd weekend in a row. I'm in the Admiral's Club waiting for my 10:00 pm red-eye to JFK, just for fun. [Insert gasp, and 'why are you doing that' here, then see the entry below for your answer.] It's a nice view while I wait anyway, as it looks out of a wall of windows onto the international terminal. For some reason I can sit for hours and watch them push the big planes around. I especially like the ones from the overseas airlines, they make me wonder where they've been, and the stories of the people on them must have. Besides.... they're usually REALLY big.

Anyway, I'm sure there will be many more entries about airports in the next 48 hours, so I'll pick up my initial topic for now. I have decided that I may be, as Malcom Gladwell dubs them in his book "The Tipping Point," a "Maven." However, a soft-core one perhaps. Wikipedia describes Gladwell's mavens as:

"Information specialists", or "people we rely upon to connect us with new information." They accumulate knowledge, especially about the marketplace, and know how to share it with others. [...]"A Maven is someone who wants to solve other people's problems, generally by solving his own". According to Gladwell, Mavens start "word-of-mouth epidemics" due to their knowledge, social skills, and ability to communicate. As Gladwell states, "Mavens are really information brokers, sharing and trading what they know".

When I read the book, my take on the maven is that they are the type of people who will go on seemingly at no end about the best deal on coffee in town, the absloute best car to buy that year, what hotel to stay in when in Burlington Vermont in winter, and so on. They are people who are always trying to convince you to try what they've found and liked, not because they think they're any better, but because they honestly want you to get the best deal....or haircut.

So, that said forgive me if I have a maven moment now and again. Here comes the first one- I love my gym. No they didn't pay me to say it, I really love it. I've been a member of Equinox Fitness for about three years now, and before that I'd never belonged to a gym I felt inspired to go to. The difference is that this corporation really pays attention to the details that make you want to spend time there. A few examples:

1) It's CLEAN. It's that simple, everything sparkles, all of the time. The locker rooms, the showers, and the gym floor are generally spotless.

2) There's plenty of everything. I've never had to wait for any machine or equipment.

3) Unique architecture. This is not one of those places with one huge room, they have locations in interesting buildings, and the layout is accordingly done.

4) They stock everything you want, and it's exactly where you think it should be. This goes for both the locker rooms and the gym itself.

5) Little extras. It's really the little things that make me happy, like when they have someone standing outside the cardio classes as they finish with a bowl of chilled towels, or the regular cocktail parties for members on the spring and fall equinoxes (of course) as well as various other occasions.

Now I know this just sounds snobby and a waste of money, but, here comes the maven side of me. I find it to be worth it because: 1) I actually go, 2) I have saved hundreds of dollars in co-pays on migraine and back pain medicine I no longer need because I'm more balanced, and 3) I actually go. I realize numbers one and three are technically the same, but I thought it was such a good point it was worth mentioning twice.

So, ok, maven moment over for now. Really, the reason I wanted to toss that out there was because that's where I went before starting this crazy weekend of travel. I ran a few miles, did some weights, and showered, getting ready to sit for the better part of the next 36 hours. Speaking of which, I should think about packing it up soon, paying my tab, stealing some candy from the lobby, and heading to gate 42B. I'm sure I'll have a comment or two from the sky later if they weren't lying about the wifi.

Until then, wish me luck.