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.