Back in Bryan-College Station

Last week, I was here for training. This week I'm observing the clinic staff. Today is the first day of the Go Live.

Last Day of Classes in Bryan-College Station

Today is the last day of training in Bryan-College Station. I have learned a lot about eClinicalWorks and can't wait to witness the Go Live next week.

I will be back in Bryan-College Station next week.

In Bryan, Texas for eClinicalWorks Training

Brazos Valley Community Health Centers which serves the Bryan College Station area with 6 clinics and opening up more invited me to attend the EPM (Electronic Practice Management) training on eClinicalWorks. I really the appreciate the invitation and their hospitality. You couldn't ask for a finer group of people.

I got into Bryan around 7:30PM after driving through some rain. I got to see a double rainbow and also a full rainbow. I hadn't see both of those in a long, long time. I have never seen them together. I received such a wonderful blessing.

I checked and the motel is very nice and is surrounded by some wonderful places to eat. So, last night I had a burger at Buffalo Wild Wings. I had the Big Jack Daddy burger and fries. It was tasty and very delicious.

After chatting with my wife, I went to bed. Needless to say, I spent the evening tossing and turning. I hate getting used to a bed.

Checked In my Equipment

I dropped by ExecuTrain yesterday and returned my tablet computer to them. The flying to all parts of the US has come to an end. I really enjoyed it and loved meeting new people. I will continue looking for a permenant job, but I will also remain a contractor for ExecuTrain. I reviewed my course evaluations and the students really enjoyed my classes. I am glad.

Arrived in Mexia!

I arrived in Mexia. I will be delivering training to 5 students. I prefer smaller classes so I can spend more time with the students to help them out.

Mexia, TX or Bust

I will be driving to Mexia, TX to deliver my last training class for the client. I started delivering training back in late 2009. It has been fun and exciting. I have gained a lot more experience and enjoyed meeting new people along the way.

As I think back to the first trip which was to Superior, WI, it was exciting. I hadn't flown in a long time. It was a great adventure. I had to drive a distance and stayed in different hotels. Needless to say, the first trip was a real adventure for me.

I learned to use more of the features of my Garmin GPS and it saved me a lot of time and headaches. If you go out on the road, I highly recommend taking a Garmin along with you. You will be glad you did.

If you will be traveling a lot, I recommend buying luggage that will stand up to the abuse that you will experience in airports. I bought Wenger Swiss Gear. I will tell you that you can't buy a better and very durable piece of luggage. I pack everything in my bag to survive on the road. Yes, I used the word, "survive". When all you have is a dead cell phone and you are stuck, you have to depend on your luggage and what you carried. Swiss Gear never let me down.

Getting Ready for my Trip to Mexia, TX

View YB Training - Mexia, TX in a larger map

This will be my last trip for client training. I will be driving up on Monday and delivering training on Tuesday. It has been a lot of fun and excitement. Needless to say, I have received many blessings from the trip and met a lot of wonderful people.

Finished Delivering Training

After driving a little over 1 hour, I made it back to the Denver International Airport. I'm at the gate B60 and I'm waiting for plane. I should be back in Austin by 11:30PM.

Although these quick engagements get me home early, they are killers. I have race to the airport. I got about 3 hours of sleep last night. So, I'm looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

Made It to Fort Collins, CO

After driving about 1 hour, I finally got to Fort Collins, CO. I checked in to the Best Western hotel and had dinner at Charco Broiler.

I had a wonderful Smoked Flavored Ribeye. It was perfectly seasoned and cooked just the way I ordered it.

Flying to Denver!

I'm at the airport and got my seat assigned. I had gotten placed on the departure management list. So, I waited to make sure I got a seat. I should be leaving in about 40 minutes. Things seem to be ok. It is raining, but I don't think I will have a delay. Flight time is 2 hours and 16 minutes.

My airplane is now at the gate.

I should be touching down around 5:15 MT or so. Once at the airport, I have to drive to Fort Collins, CO which is about 1 hour north of Denver.

Finishing Up in Indiana

After driving 2 hours from Logansport to Indianapolis, I am ready to come home. The training engagement was very exhausting and I can't wait to get back home. Yesterday, the weather forecast said that we would have snow flurries. So far, nothing has happened and I hope that it stays that way.

I'm flying back on Continental and had to go through ticketing. The printer at the hotel was broken and they didn't replace it. I forgot to use the printer at the client's site. So, I had to go through ticketing. When you arrive at 7:30AM at the airport, it is very easy to go throught ticketing electronically. According to the kiosk, one of my flights is overbooked and they offered me a $200 travel certificate. If it were cash, I would have changed my flight. However, I have Bible study tonight and need to attend. I missed last Wednesday due to a cold.

I'm using my new broadband card from Time Warner to write this blog. It is very nice and I'm using the National plan. Although it is more expensive, it will cover me in a lot of areas. Since I have some time at airports, I can make my downtime more productive and spend time doing some research.

Well, I need to get through security and head to the gate. I hope to be able to provide an update in Houston when I touch down.

Up Early to Deliver Training

I got several times during the night. Sometimes, it is difficult to get sleep. When I'm traveling, I consider 4 hours of sleep at great thing. I managed to get fairly close to the 4 hour mark.

I bet my alarm clock by 20 minutes. Typically, I get up at 5AM and start my morning routine. Most of the hotels I stay start breakfast service at 6:30AM. After getting breakfast, I head out to the client's sales office. I normally get there around 7:15. This gives me time to relax before class.

I have 8 students in this class. I am so happy about that. Additionally, I didn't have to carry a projector to this class.

While I was checking in to the hotel, I asked about the business center. It turns out that the printer broke and they disconnected it. So, I have to find another way for me to check in electronically.

My next trip is to Fort Collins, CO.

Made it to Logansport, IN

After arriving in Chicago, I managed to get some lunch before my next flight. I went to the Food Court and had a hamburger and fries. Once I finished, I went back to the gate only to discover that boarding was going to start in 2 minutes.

Unfortunately, we didn't leave on time. We had to wait another 10 minutes. One of the tires on a baggage tug fell off. The tug was right behind our plane when it fell off. So, we had to wait until the tire was replaced and the tug moved out of the way.

I arrived at the Indianapolis airport and picked up a t-shirt for my daughter, Elizabeth. It is a beautiful airport. After picking up my rental car, I drove 2 hours to Logansport.

Logansport is a very nice little town. I would love to visit here again. I had dinner at Silver Lake. It is a small restaurant where most of the town folks visit. I had the fried whitefish. It was very nicely done.

While flying, I got an email and found out that the Fort Collins, CO trip will not be my last one. I will be going to Mexia, TX to deliver training. That one should be the last one for me.

Well, I need to iron my shirt for tomorrow and get some rest.

Getting Ready to Leave for Chicago!

American Airlines got everything fixed. We were only delayed by 31 minutes. Thanks to the maintenance crews for getting us moving.

Flight to Chicago Delayed!

I got to the airport with no problems. However, my flight has been delayed due mechanical issues for 1 hour. I'm scrambling to make sure I make sure I catch my connecting flight to Indianapolis.

Finished my Expense Report for Virginia Beach, VA trip

I finished up my expense report for my trip to Virginia Beach, VA. I spent a lot on cough drops, tissues and water. I hate traveling with a cold.

At least, I am feeling a lot better and I don't have to carry my projector with me. That is a great thing. I will, however, be carrying my mobile broadband adapter and netbook. I checked into a hotel that charged for internet connection. Ten dollars! Are you kidding me? I have stayed in hotels that weren't as nice, but, at least, I got free internet.

I printed out my boarding passes for tomorrow's flight. I will be landing in Chicago at noon and have about 90 minutes to relax. I finally get a peaceful layover.

Training Schedule for the Next Couple of Weeks

I will be delivering training to the client's local sales offices for the next couple of weeks. Here is the schedule.

1. Logansport, IN (3/1-3/3)
2. Fort Collins, CO (3/8-3/9)

You can click on the cities to look at the places I will be visiting including hotels, restaurants and the client's offices.

Arrived back in Austin with a Cold

While delivering class in Virginia Beach, VA, I managed to catch a cold. If there is one I absolutely dislike, it is flying while sick. I used to get sick everytime I flew when I worked at Tandem/Compaq. I didn't like it then and I certainly don't like it now.

I did arrive back in Austin, TX late Tuesday night and slept for most of Wednesday and Thursday. I started to feel better late Thursday and was able to teach computer classes at Lakeline Oaks Retirement Community in Cedar Park, TX.

I also managed to give the cold to my daughter. So, she got a t-shirt and a cold from Virginia Beach, VA.

Now in Virginia Beach, VA

I finally made it to my destination, Virgina Beach, VA. I picked up a t-shirt for my daughter, Elizabeth, at the airport. Since I have to fly out right after class, I wanted to pick up the shirt before I had to leave. I didn't want to be rushed.

I got to my hotel room. It is smaller than I'm used to, but it isn't bad. There is a dog in the room across from mine. I hope that it doesn't decide to bark at night.

I had dinner at Surf Rider West. I highly recommend the crab cakes. They are moist and full of crab. I enjoyed the meal.

Needless to say, tomorrow will be a long day. The class has 20 students in it and I have to get to the airport right after class. I will be returning to Austin by 11:30PM. I hope that the weather is not going to delay my flight. According to my wife, the forecast has reduced the chance of snow and ice in Austin. I have had to sleep in an airport once in my traveling life. I don't want to add to my experiences.

Missed My Connecting Flight

Just as I got to the gate, my flight was moving away from JetBridge. I missed it by a few minutes. I ran to the Delta desk and tried to get on a flight. The computer assigned me to the 7:28 Tuesday morning flight. I called the customer service hotline and explained my situation. The agent looked and saw that 1 seat came available. She said that she had never seen a closed flight open a seat so close to departure time.

Well, I'm on the flight and will be arriving in Norfolk at 6:15PM ET.

Arrived in Atlanta!

I arrived in Atlanta after leaving 32 minutes late. The flight was packed. I have 24 minutes to make my connecting flight. We are waiting for the plane at our arrival gate to leave. This is going to be really close.

Arrived at ABIA

I arrived safely at ABIA. My flight to Atlanta has been delayed by 16 minutes. Since I have a short layover in Atlanta, I don't have a lot of time to spare.

Virginia Beach, VA

I will be flying to Virgina Beach, VA on Monday to deliver a training class on Tuesday for 20 students. The training class will be a short gig. I will fly out of Virginia Beach at 6:40PM and arrive in Austin at 11:30PM. I will be connecting out of Atlanta again. I am visitin Atlanta a lot.

The weather will be cold and rainy, but, at least, no snow or ice to deal with. I will be having dinner at the Surf Rider. It is my understanding that the crab cakes are to die for.

Confirmation Received - Jesse is Going to Virginia Beach, VA

I got my confirmation email. I will no longer be going to Melbourne, FL. I'm scheduled for Virginia Beach, VA. It will be cold, but, at least, no snow.

So Much for Warm Climates!

I just received an email and it looks like I will not be going to Melbourne, FL. I will probably be going to Virginia Beach, VA. It's going to be cold, but, at least, the weather looks sunny and clear. Cold and clear is just the way I look it. I should receive a confirmation shortly.

New Assignments for Training

I have been assigned the following training assignments.

2/22-2/24: Melbourne, FL
3/1-3/3: Logansport, IN

Not bad. I get a warm climate and then a cold climate.

Flight to Austin

Although we had a little turbulence during the flight, the flight was uneventful and was relaxing.

I was able to read my "USA Today" on my Kindle and listen to some music. The flight had only one empty seat.

My next trip is scheduled for the week February 22nd. I will be flying to Melbourne, FL. I certainly hope that the weather is nice. I definitely had my fair share of snow and ice.

It looks like my flight will land on time in Austin. We are starting to descend into the clouds. In about 10 minutes, we should be on the ground.

Getting ready to Leave Atlanta

The flight is packed. I barely made the flight. Everything is still on time. I thought we would be delayed in Atlanta, everything seems fine.

Leaving Roanoke

My flight finally left the Roanoke airport after being delayed by 45 minutes. The airplane had to be de-iced. According to Susan, the flight attendant, I should be able to make my connecting flight in Atlanta to Austin with no problem.

I must say that Susan is one of most pleasant flight attendants I have ever met. She is making this flight a pleasure (even with the delays). She should be the spokesperson for Delta.

Leaving Roanoke

I just boarded my flight for Atlanta everything looks good for on time departure. The flight is packed.

Arrived at Roanoke Airport

The drive to the airport wasn't bad at all. The wind, however, is a killer. As I was walking across the parking lot, the wind cut into my skin like a knife. The weather clear, but very cold.

With the wind gusts up to 50 miles per hour, some flight delays are already being reported. According to the weather reports, the really high winds will be occurring, this afternoon. Hopefully, I will be leaving Atlanta prior to the really high winds.

I will be boarding shortly. My plane is at the gate. I am praying for a safe and relaxing flight.

Getting ready to Head to the Airport

I'm relaxing with a cup of coffee before I make the trip to the Roanoke airport. Just about 15 minutes ago, I checked my car. It is covered in ice.

The rental car office doesn't open until 7AM. So, I will have breakfast here at the hotel before driving to the airport.

Made it to the Client's Office

I made it to the client's local sales office. It was 7:23AM when I arrived. The manager arrived about 5 minutes after I did.

I had 19 students. Big class! It went well.

After class, I risked the weather and went Parker's Seafood for dinner. It was delicious. When I left, it was snowing. I got back to my hotel safely.

It is Snowing!

I just went out to my Budget rental car and it is covered in snow. The snow is falling right now. It looks wonderful, but I don't like traveling in it. I will be taking some more pictures of it and putting them in my photo album.

Up at 4AM!

OUCH! I was able to get some sleep. Although I have been traveling a lot, I still find it difficult to sleep in strange beds. Just one of those things for me.

According to the weather, there is light snow falling right now.

Last night, I ironed my shirt for this morning's training class. I hope that I can travel in this weather. From traveling around last night, the city of Roanoke is dealing with the winter admirably. Roads and parking lots were cleared and things were moving nicely through the town.

Well, I better get moving.

Photo Album Now Up and Running for Roanoke Trip!

Click here to see the slide show.

Landed in Roanoke, VA

I landed in Roanoke, VA. It is a very beautiful town. The people seem very friendly. I had dinner at Zaxby's. It is a fast food chicken place. They have a very tasty dipping sauce.

I checked into my hotel room at the Holiday Inn Valley View. It is about one mile from the airport. The airport is small and close by.

Here is a picture of the snow in Roanoke.

Flying to Roanoke!

I am finally in the air. The country looks beautiful from 22,000 feet.

According to the flight attendant, flight is 40 minutes. The temperature is 36° F. It is supposed to get down into the 20s. Snow is still in the forecast for tomorrow.

We should be touching down in about 20 minutes. With it being a short flight, no beverage service. I may go to the seafood restaurant tonight.

Snow!

I see a lot of snow on the ground. I attached a picture. I haven't seen snow like this.

On to Roanoke, VA

I just got on my flight to Roanoke, VA. The plane is a CRJ-200. It is one of those small regional jet planes. The overhead compartments are too small. If you happen to fly one of these give up all hope of a comfortable flight.

In most cases, I don't mind. But, when it is the last flight, it does bother me. Oh, well. It is a short flight and we should be leaving shortly.

Catching my Next Flight

I arrived at gate E9 for flight to Roanoke, VA. The equipment is a small regional jet. I don't think I will get a row to myself. Oh, well.

I attached a picture of my plane.

Almost to Charlotte, NC

My flight to Charlotte, NC was a little bumpy, but not bad. We are just passing through the clouds.

US Airways did serve a snack with the beverage service. If there is one thing I have learned, always carry a snack when flying.

According to the captain, the temperature is 40 degrees and the weather is partly cloudy. I was listening to people at ABIA. They said that flights are being canceled or delayed near D.C. I can't confirm that.

We should be touching down shortly. I got lucky on this flight. I had the row to myself. Not a bad way to fly.

Waiting at the Gate

Charlotte flight just arrived. My flight will be packed. Airlines are squeezing every dollar out of every seat and mile that they fly.

I downloaded my copy of USA Today to my Kindle. It certainly helps pass the time on a long flight.

7-Day Forecast for Atlanta, GA

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 33.76°N and Longitude 84.43°W

Wednesday looks great to flying out. I guess I have to deal with the bad weather only on Tuesday and Wednesday morning driving to the airport. It looks like I will probably get stuck somewhere.

7-Day Forecast for Charlotte, NC

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 35.21°N and Longitude 80.84°W

It looks like I will fly on fairly good weather, but Tuesday and Wednesday are going to be the question. I guess I will need to take out the rental car insurance for the travel.

7-Day Forecast for Roanoke, VA

7-Day Forecast for Latitude 37.27°N and Longitude 79.95°W

80% chance of snow on the day I have to teach. This should be fun.

Receiving Weather Advisories for Roanoke, VA

US Airways has already started to send me alerts regarding flight delays to Charlotte, NC and Roanoke, VA. It looks like I will definitely need a parka and a dog team.

Traveling to Roanoke, VA to Deliver Training

I will be flying out to Roanoke, VA to deliver training to the client's sales force there. I have attached a map to show everyone where I will be be.


View YB Training - Roanoke, VA in a larger map

Heading to the Airport

I will be flying out this morning on Delta. Normally, I would have my boarding passes all printed and in my bag. Unfortunately, it didn't work today. So, I have to get to the ticket counter and talk with an agent.