Jenn's Rules of the Road

A funny thing happened to me that started me thinking about the unstated Consultant Road Rules. (Unfortunately for those other than my closest of friends, it's awfully scandelous and, therefore, totally unbloggable. To all those in my personal "Circle of Trust," call me and we'll have a good chat.)

Jenn's unofficial "Rules of the Road for the Traveling Consultant"

1. Earplugs are a travelers best friend for 1) Those unavoidable babies crying on the plane and 2) unavoidable "I don't get out enough" talkers who want you to be their new best friend and/or therapist for the full length of your flight. Just keep putting it on and taking it off everytime he/she starts chatting to you and say, "Excuse me, I didn't hear you?" Repeat until the offender gets tired of repeating themselves.

2. If #1 above does not work, you must master the art of "Pretend Sleeping".

3. Window seats are best - you have the view and total control of light or dark for your row! ;)

4. Expandable luggage is a must.

5. Remember to always have clean underwear on you and packed in your backpack as well!

6. Anyone who has a BlueTooth or a Blackberry device are virtual Drones of the Borg and should be avoided. If you want to make them cry, just ask them if you can hold it for a minute.

7. Another one from my Mom to which I never really understood why until this past week: Always look your best when traveling. You never know who you're going to meet. (Wow! She was right!!)

8. Airline staff can make or break your trip.

9. Being a "Points Whore" is NOT a bad thing. Sign up for every hotel, air and car rental membership, regardless of whether you'll use them or not.

10. Most importantly, what happens on The Road, STAYS on The Road.

Oh, for those who don't know, I am part of USA Today's batch of "Road Warriors." From time to time, they survey us for information, and, from time to time, I get my name on the paper! Here are the two articles where I blabbed about life on the road:

Jenn's USA Today Road Warrior - Article #1: 7 Deadly Travel Sins

Jenn's USA Today Road Warrior - Article #2: Hotels get creative to elevate minibar

Cheers and have a great week!

Damn it all!!

Crap, I missed my flight this morning! Not good. I came up, to see them rolling away the ramp, the plane was still there, I could have used the stairs, but they wouldn't have it. (Step away from the counter, Miss...) I just wasted 3 hours away!! I blame Chris and Underworld for this. ;) Dang it all!!

So, I had to go through Seattle to get to work! (Serenity Now.) While up there I called Camp to let him know I was in town, even for just one hour. He found it quite amusing. Speaking of being in town, he surprised me the other week by asking if he could be my date for my firm's intimate holiday get-together. I am so thankful, I really didn't want to go by myself and he'll make a more-than-excellent companion to this soiree!!

OK, I didn't get in trouble, like I thought I would. $#!+ happens, I guess!

Ghost of PS Past....

Yep, again am blogging while waiting for my plane. Am in Oakland airport flying back up to Portland. Was down here for System Tests Review for my client for the day.

Last night Rich picked me up the airport and we went to my favorite, little french restaurant in the heart of Pleasanton Downtown - Claude and Dominique's Bistro.

Dominique greeted us and seated us and we proceeded to have the most delectable meal. I treated myself to Fois Gras and the rack of lamb, Rich opted for the Monkfish. We both finished our meal with the Grand Marnier Souffle! As Rich put it, "Caramelized Fabulousness!"

Today I got a special treat: a chance to work in the building I once spent 6 months... also known as the "Joe Fiasco Years." We onced had an apartment across the campus. Unfortunately it was where things really went downhill. Anyway, enough of that sad, sad stuff. Know that I loved working at PeopleSoft and to be back and having a meeting in "Peter and the Wolf" is bittersweet for me.

Astro Blasting at Buzz Lightyear Ride!!

Space Cadets blasting into the New Year's Eve: David, Jenny, Jason, Jackie & Svea!!

Click Here for more pictures!

2006 New Year's Resolutions

Here they are!! Wish me luck!!

1. A resolution to my girlfriends: Resurrect Chick Day - ok, girls, it's bbbbaaaaaaaaaaacccck!!

2. A resolution for my buddies: Hold my first Poker Party at my house - ok, boys, look out for invites!!

3. A resolution for the Arts: Create my first oil painting in 14 years.

4. A resolution for my Health: Less Soda and Caffine, More fruits and veggies.

5. A resolution for my Home: Completely Organize my Home Office.

6. A resolutions for adventure and fun: Go whitewater rafting in Oregon.

7. A resolution for the Iron Chef in me: Make pasta from scratch.

8. A resolution for my Family: Remember to keep in touch/call/visit with my Grandma and my parents more often.

9. A resolution for my Finances: Restart my investment portfolios, the one Retirement Account that's sitting still.

10. A resolution for Exploration: Visit a new country. Herrang anyone?

OK, What's yours?

Note on New Year's Eve

Happy New Year everyone! This was one of the most fun New Years I've had in years! I stayed up for almost 22 hours on December 21st. Getting up at 5:30am to get parking and meet my friend, David, at 7:15am in Disneyland. Fought the crowds and strollers and got our fast passes and rode the A-List...er... E-Ticket rides, most notably Space Mountain and Indiana Jones - both ran out of fast passes by 11am.

Yes, it did rain and rain some more. I made a foolish move during the afternoon when I said, "Hey, look!! The Dumbo line is short!" I did get the Golden Dumbo by outrunning Mom and two toddlers! (Not really, but sounds a lot more exciting and edgy if I say that...) While in line, it the rain started to pick up. There's nothing like riding Dumbo in torrential rain and heavy wind. Oh, yeah, only true Disneyland affecianodos can appreciate.

We tired to dry off by riding the train around the park twice and camping out with everyone at Innoventions. David and I were able to kill time by playing a hour of the Haunted Mansion game on PS2. We met the gang at Carnation plaza and Stompy Jones rocked da house! It was fun celebrating this new years with friends from PBDA and LindyGroove! Everyone was having a good time. Lots of happy, smiling faces around. There were two sets of firework show - the regular one and a special one at midnight. What a grand way to start of a New Year!

Wishing all of you a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year!! Lots of hugs and kisses to you all!

Recap: 2005 Resolutions and how I did

That time again, let's see how I did...

2005 New Year's Resolutions

1) No regrets - Well, Eunice, I took this from you and, sad to say, I have two. (You guys know who you are.)
2) Visit a new country - YES! Austrailia - Visted Anna and Eduaord in Sydney and hiked the outback!
3) Be more forgiving - Yes, kinda... does a nice text message count at Christmas?
4) Learn the Tango at PBDA?(American or Argentine) - Nope, my commute to work won't allow it.
5) Remodel a room in my house (Guest bath is the easiest, the Kitchen Remodel would be a dream) - Nope, no funds this year.
6) Do better than the statistics! (John knows what this means) YES! ('nuff said)
7) Get TiVo - Yes, well, a DVR my cable company sold me on.
8) Dance with at least one new person at each dance! YES! This one I make sure I do at every single dance I go to!
9) Plant tomatoes in my garden. (I know they are easy, but have never tried) Yes! I got 1 good tomato this summer!
10) Organize! Organize!! Organize!!! (Get back on eBay and get rid of the junk) Yes - I am able to park my car in my garage and I got my office started.

So, it looks like 7 out of 10. Not too shabby, better than last year. OK, gotta get cracking on the 2006 Resolutions. What's yours?

Natural Highs

A friend sent this to me today, I've added a few of my own. I'd like to share it with you. Happy New Years!!

1. Falling in love.

2. Laughing so hard your face hurts.

3. A hot shower.

4. No lines at the supermarket.

5. A special glance.

6. Getting mail.

7. Taking a drive on a pretty road.

8. Hearing your favorite song on the radio.

9. Lying in bed listening to the rain outside.

10. Hot towels fresh out of the dryer.

11. Chocolate milkshake (vanilla or strawberry).

12. A bubble bath.

13. Giggling.

14. A good conversation.

15. The beach

16. Finding a 20 dollar bill in your coat from last winter.

17. Laughing at yourself.

18. Looking into their eyes and knowing they Love you

19. Midnight phone calls that last for hours.

20. Running through sprinklers.

21. Laughing for absolutely no reason at all

22. Having someone tell you that you're beautiful.

23. Laughing at an inside joke

24. Friends.

25. Accidentally overhearing someone say something nice about you.

26. Waking up and realizing you still have a few hours left to sleep.

27. Your first kiss (either the very first or with a new partner).

28. Making new friends or spending time with old ones.

29 Playing with a new puppy.

30. Having someone play with your hair.

31. Sweet dreams.

32. Hot chocolate.

33. Road trips with friends.

34. Swinging on swings.

35. Making eye contact with a cute stranger.

36. Making chocolate chip cookies.

37. Having your friends send you homemade cookies.

38 Holding hands with someone you care about.

39. Running into an old friend and realizing that some things (good or bad) never change.

40. Watching the expression on someone's face as they open a much desired present from you.

41. Watching the sunrise.

42. Getting out of bed every morning and being grateful for another beautiful day.

43 Knowing that somebody misses you.

44. Getting a hug from someone you care about deeply.

45.Knowing you've done the right thing, no matter what other people think.

46. Disneyland.

47. Someone making a handmade Christmas ornament just for you.

48. Pulling an Four of a Kind on the River.

49. Swing Dancing in the Rain.

50. A New Year Eve's Kiss on the cheek.