FUN IN MILWAUKEE

I awoke bright and early for my first day. Got dressed in my new suit and started off to the Home Office (about three blocks from the hotel). After about two blocks, my right shoe decides it's not going to fit so I hobble the last block hoping no one will notice. I get to the office and of course I'm in the wrong building so off I go again to find the right place. After checking in I went straight to the ladies room and took off my hose which of course made the shoe fit and stay on while walking.

That day after class we had to walk an additional couple of blocks to a cocktail party which was really nice. After a few drinks and the cocktail party over, a few of us decided to walk back to the hotel and continue the party. We went to one of the restaurants in the hotel and continued on with our partying. By the time I got to my room around 11 pm my feet were so sore and full of blisters.Needless to say the rest of the week I had bandaids on most of my toes.

The first three days of class were really great. Alot of great information and the people were really neat. I met alot of Home Office employees that I talk to on the phone.

Thursday I began a new class and by this time I was ready to come home. I missed Chuck and being in a hotel room all week is not for me. I love to travel but just a couple of days and I'm good until the next time.

Thursday and Friday's class was really intense and alot to learn. The people in this class were alot less friendly and not as fun and the previous class as I was started to get nervous about my flight home on Friday. Class was supposed to be over at 4 and I had to walk three blocks back to the hotel, take the shuttle to the airport, get checked in for a 6 pm flight.

Well we got out of class around 3:30 and I rushed to the hotel, quickly changed into flip flops (that I bought the previous night for my sore feet)and off to the airport I go. Of course, when I get there I find out that your checked in bag can only be 50 lbs and I had taken extra care to make sure I could fit my 3 inch binder from my class into the suitcase. So yes, it was over the weight limit and I had to stand there and dig out the binder. So now I have a purse, a heavy laptop briefcase and a huge 3in binder to carry through the airport.

By the time I got to Detroit (around 9:30 pm) and called Chuck I was almost in tears. This time I decided to rush to my gate and then I could grab a quick something at a restaurnt/store close to my gate. Well of course I was at the gate that didn't have anything around it.

I got into Roanoke around 11pm, Chuck picked me up and took me to Wendys for my dinner. He's so sweet -- that's why I love him so much! Guess I'm not the business traveler after all. Next time I'll only go for a couple of days --- not an entire week!

SMALL TOWN GIRL FLYS TO BIG CITY

I was so excited about going to Milwaukee, WI for the week of September 14th - 19th for two training classes. Then as the time came I became more and more nervous and of course I had nothing to wear. Five days of classes at the Home Office meant I needed five business outfits. Let's just say that Chuck was relieved when the time came for me to leave just so he didn't have to go out shopping with me anymore.

Then came the packing and trying to travel light while flying but being new at this I seemed to have a ton of clothes, stuff, etc. However, I did get everything into my bag and decided I would carry my laptop on the plane.

Chuck took me to the airport around 10:30 so I could get my ticket, get my luggage checked etc. and then waited with me until about 11:15. Then off through security I went. Didn't know that I needed to unpack the laptop until the last minute so I was totally slow.

While waiting for my flight I met a nice lady and we started talking. Everything was going along fine until we are told that we will be delayed a bit due to a squeak in the plane door at which time my nice lady begins to talk about 911. Okay now, I don't fly often and this is my first time alone so come on and let's talk about something else. The plane is finally fixed and we are on our way.

Now I'm in Detroit and WHOA what an airport! I'm starving by this time and not sure of the layout, I stop at the first place (MCDonalds). I cramp down my late lunch and then proceed to the other end of the airport. Saw signs for the tram but never could figure out how to get on it so I walked and walked and walked. Well of course when I get to my gate, wouldn't you know it but there is a ton of restaurants right there. Oh well, next time I'll know.

Anyways, a couple of hours later I board and off to Milwaukee. Took the shuttle to the hotel and got checked in about 6:30 --- what a LONG day!!!