Southlake, TX (USA)

[car inspection and new tags at Southlake Town Center]

Herndon, VA (USA)

Woke up at 0730L and went downstairs for breakfast. Back in the room, reviewed over my notes about the company, resume and other information I had brought to prepare for the interview. I was supposed to be there at 0900, and the weather was so nice I thought I'd walk over to the office. When I was leaving my bag at the hotel front desk, the clerk said he couldn't let me walk. The staff knows all about the company I'm visiting - they said they get a lot of people. So, about 10 minutes later I was in a courtesy van, bound for the office that was only two minutes away... Arrived at 0830L and tried to kill time by walking on the nice deck (with a water-view) around the building. Eventually went by the front desk and told them I was there. Waited for around 20 minutes, watching the employees file in for the day. Eventually, one of the interviewers (Dave) came down and escorted me into a conference room. Now, I'd been given a few different impressions about how the process would go - but none of them turned out to be right. Before I knew it, four hours had passed and I'd had one phone interview, four face-to-face discussions and lunch with a senior associate and a principal! The best part was that the whole thing went by very quickly - and the meal (at a nearby diner) was good. It was a great opportunity. Ended up back at the hotel around 1300L, changed and then waited for the courtesy van to take me back to Dulles. It was an easier check-in process this time, and I had a chance to pick up a Subway sub for my dinner. We took off on time (this time a Continental flight, bound for Houston). My seat was closer to the front - but there was no movie to pass the time. Instead, I finished a ton of crossword puzzles I'd brought and read the paper. We got to Houston around 1800L. During my layover, a lady asked if she could charge her i-pod on my laptop [later, I found out it was the same one Nicky had bought for the kids while I was on my trip...]. The lady told me about her disasterous trip "backpacking across Europe" with her sister. After hearing her story, I count myself lucky that I've never had a trip that I could call "a nightmare." My next flight was on a United Express aircraft - no problem getting in the air but we had to wait nearly half-an-hour for someone to park us when we landed at DFW. This reminded me of many trips on ASA about a decade ago... After what seemed like an eternity, we finally got off the plane and I was able to get on the road quickly - bound for home. I like traveling with only a carry-on!

[up for intv (nearby) - to airport - flight to Houston then home]

Herndon, VA (USA)

One of the companies I've been talking with for the last few months asked if I could fly up to the DC area for an interview. It's very exciting to have the opportunity to speak with them! They made all the travel arrangements, so all I had to do was drive over to DFW airport for my flight. This time (with the recent bad weather we've been having), I decided to use the covered parking lot. I went to the right terminal this time, fortunately. It was kind of unusual to be flying on United and Continental, especially after all the American Airlines flights I've taken over the last few years... The check-in system took some time to get used to, but I made it to the gate without many problems (came close to getting to use the full body screening, but they started it right after I went through security). Got some Burger King food for the flight. My seat was in the far back corner (last row) - cramped. I sat next to a man from Ghana - that was interesting. Got a birds-eye view of the Texas Rangers game as we took off... United offered a movie on the flight (unusual). We arrived at Dulles around 2100L and called the Embassy Suites for a shuttle pickup. It could be about 20 years since I flew through Dulles - I had forgotten about the busses that drive between the terminals... After I got on the one going to the main terminal, I saw a passenger come on who looked like former Congressman J.C. Watts (R-OK). I've seen him on TV a good bit, so I'm almost certain it was him (thought about talking to him but didn't). Followed the signs towards ground transportation, but it still took a bit of time to locate the courtesy van stand outside - and it was chaos when I got there (probably 10 hotel vans waiting for the passengers). My driver found me quickly, though. On the way to the hotel, I asked him if he knew the address of my interview and he said it was right across the street from the hotel! Got my room just before 2200L, dropped off my bags quickly and then headed down to the lounge to have something to eat/drink. Was too late for food but the bartender did pour me a drink before he closed. While I was chatting with him and another customer, my Uncle Bill called to ask if our family was OK. I told him I was on a trip and he mentioned that there were serious weather in the Fort Worth area. The bartender turned on the TV and I could see how bad things were. Bill and I had a nice talk and after I hung up with him I called Nicky - they were hiding in the bathroom. Still, the weather was moving out [later, I learned the Texas Rangers game had to be "evacuated in place"]. Went up to my room to get ready for my interview - bed around 2330L.

Coronado, CA (USA)

I slept in this morning, since I didn't have to be at the hangar for the usual exam... After checking out of the Navy Lodge, I visited the Subway to get something for the road.  At around that time, I realized that the Altima's gas tank wasn't actually filled.  That was strange, since it was full last night - I had to put another $10 in the car to have it show full again (0855). I've enjoyed driving the car, but I'm convinced that with fuel prices at $4.25 (plus) for a gallon, it would still be difficult to make ends meet in California, even with a hybrid. After returning the rental car to Base Operations, I headed back to meet up with the team.  However, they weren't ready to go until around 1100L. Fortunately, we departed almost on schedule. The flight back to Texas was uneventful (just had to dodge a little weather). Arrived in Fort Worth by 1600L. It took a little bit of work to get my loot to the car... Home by 1730L. If that is my last Navy trip, I couldn't have asked for a better one!

Temecula, CA (USA)

Woke at 0645 again. While waiting for the other guys in the lobby of the Navy Lodge this morning, I was amazed by the scale of renovations - it will something when it is finished! Drove over to hangar with Todd and Rob and quickly got started on the next phase of the "inspection" with Alan and Allen [0800]. Spent a few hours on the mishap drill... Worked through lunch and managed to wrap up the Ground Safety section. Also finished the Safety Survey (my fourth one as representative for the NSC...). After all write-ups were done, I debriefed Tim (that went well, actually). Later met up with Todd (1400) and we agreed that we should do some exploring (after all, he's never been anywhere nearby...). I had called my cousin, John, earlier in the month and found out he was out of town - too bad. Still, I wanted to take Todd up to Temecula, so we hurried back to our rooms to change so we could beat the Friday traffic! We made it across the Coronado Bridge around 1430 - there was very little traffic, so I took a chance and used I-5 south to get to I-15. It worked out OK and we made it through Valley and past Miramar without any trouble. The more I Altima, the more I like it! It has good fuel economy and great pickup. We started to see HOV and Express Lane signs (new since I lived here in 1995...). It was actually difficult to tell whether they were free or cost money (even for a carpool), but I took a gamble and used them anyway. I was thinking: "there are two of us - but how do they know who is a carpool and who needs a sticker?" (guess we'll find out later...). The traffic wasn't actually too bad until we made it to the edge of Temecula (right where we were going to exit anyway). Drove down Rancho California to Wilson Creek Winery. I've been visiting that place off and on for more than 10 years and have brought lots of new "converts" (AKA wine club members). I bought a case of assorted wines for Nicky. The weather was much improved - warm and sunny. Todd was eating up the ambiance and wine tasting experience and we didn't leave until they closed (1700). As we headed back towards I-15, we stopped for dinner at Aztec Tacos (a first for me). It turned out they make the same good tacos I've had at a stand - tiny tortillas with great meat. I never guessed that traffic would be an issue, but when we tried to get back on interstate we saw HUGE traffic jam. Since we would have been stuck anyway, we decided to take a scenic tour through the mountains west of Temecula, hoping to find a way across to I-5. In the process, we discovered the De Luz community (Murrieta Road). It was all very scenic: awesome views of rivers, trees, mountains and ranchos (most for sale) but we weren't able to get across the ridge (Camp Pendleton fences blocked the way) - after almost two hours, we ended up in Fallbrook and eventually found I-15 again (sans traffic, fortunately). We made good time back to San Diego (still confused by HOV lanes & pricing) and then drove into the city on CA-163. I took Todd over to Balboa Park - he liked that. We drove through and found out the place was packed with a graduation party. Still, we enjoyed the pleasant weather (much better than the last few days...). I did have a little trouble (with the one-way streets) getting back to I-5, but eventually made it back to Coronado. We did a little souvenir shopping and filled up the gas tank (2040). Got back to the room (2200) and spent the rest of the night packing for tomorrow's departure.

San Diego, CA (USA)

Awake by 0700L. This morning I finally got to drive my own rental car, a Nissan Altima hybrid - nice! Todd and I drove over to Glorietta Bay to get Rob and then we drove over to the hangar. I dropped them both off and then headed to Hertz to put car in my name. Soon after that, went over to meet Darin at the Forecast Center. He gave me a tour of the facility, sort of similar to the one he gave me in Germany (see AUG 2011). Spent a while chatting with him and his co-workers. Had lunch (hot dogs) provided by the Goat Locker. Around 1330L, headed over to visit Ski at HQ, where security badges made things difficult... After he got me inside, I was able to take care of a lot of work emails. While there, I called Eric (my former Boss) and found he was available for a visit. Had a nice time talking with him (for about an hour) before he had to cut it short due to the responsibilities of his new (important) job. It was about 1600L at that point, so I drove back to the hangar and arrived just as Rob and Todd were finishing. While waiting for them to be ready to go, we talked about doing something outside tonight. One of the guys in the squadron offered to let us borrow coats (I didn't bring one this trip - I've never been "cold" in San Diego...). But, even when we got back to our rooms, our plans were still uncertain (although we were almost all convinced that it was a good night for baseball). I waited in my room for another hour before Todd called and said "let's leave in 15 minutes" (1800L). Luckily, I was ready. I drove them over to the Ferry Landing near the end of Orange Avenue - I've been there before for shopping but never tried to cross to the city. Turned out to be pretty easy, though: we easily got the water taxi (a little boat) that was going back and forth between Coronado and Convention Center. It did take a bit to figure out how to pay with the machine near the landing but we later learned they will accept money onboard. The taxi service started 1.5 hours before baseball game and ran for one hour after the game ends. Luckily, there weren't too many people waiting on either side... It was a fast ride and easy walk from landing to Petco Field, the "new" home of the Padres (my last game was in old Jack Murphy Stadium in 1995). I found it odd that despite recent poor attendance figures, the ticket prices were still very high... Once inside, we found some pretty good seats next to the visitor's bull-pen (on the first base side). For dinner (eaten throughout the game), I had pizza with pepperoni buried inside the cheese (mmmm...), peanuts, a Weinershnitzel called a "Friar Frank" and some beer (including one very bad taste of Stella Artrois). The game actually only lasted 2.5 hours - not a pitcher's duel, just bad hitting. However, the game had an exciting finish: the Padres squeaked out a win with two outs in the bottom of the ninth! We walked back to water taxi afterwards and managed to get onboard without much difficulty, although there were lots of other harbor cruises coming through at the same time. It was a quick ride back to the Coronado side and we had no problems getting back to our room. A little TV and email before bed...

Coronado, CA (USA)

Woke up at 0645L. I'd called my counterpart (Alan) late yesterday and he stopped by to pick me up around 0745L because Todd and Rob weren't going in until later. My HQ contact, Allen, showed up this morning, too. We got started with the "free-bee" (no count / assist) inspection before 0830L and made good progress by lunch time. Went to the Golf Course ("Sea and Air 19th Hole") with everyone (had a pretty good Monte Cristo sandwich). Afterwards, got back to work and nearly finished the Aviation Safety side by 1600L. At that point, I let Alan go and went down the hall to meet up with Todd and Rob. On the way back to our rooms, we took Rob to meet his family at the Glorietta Bay. I still so surprised that it is so cold outside! I had wanted to go to beach, but it was never nice enough... Around 1930L, Todd and I headed over to Miguel's for dinner - I love that place - they always have good margaritas! We ended up seeing Rob and his family at a nearby table. During the meal, Todd told me he has never spent any time in San Diego - that seems amazing to me after so many years of coming here... He also discussed his water/ice machine business (interesting). After dinner, we walked around in the vicinity for about an hour (including a short tour of the inside of Hotel del Coronado). Stopped at the Coronado Brewing Company, where Todd managed to pick up the glasses we forgot last night (!). Made it back to my room around 2300L. Watched some TV before bed.

Coronado, CA (USA)

I'd thought that the Andrews AFB trip would be my last with the CFLSW Inspection Team but I got asked to go again (to help train my replacement).  Of course, I agreed - I love traveling and this trip was to San Diego!  This morning, I worked a little bit in my office before heading over to meet the plane. Once onboard, the flight to California was OK (we just encountered some rain). We landed in NAS North Island at around 1500L and we all went over to pick up our rental cars.  For the first time, I got a Nissan Altima Hybrid (from Hertz) - this should be interesting...  Bill picked me up and we went to visit HQ (JR, Ski, Fish) - lots of networking and job discussion. Eventually ended up at the Navy Lodge - my lodging for the week (on the beach!). It was actually unusually cold and wet... I changed and then went to the Coronado Brewing Company for dinner with Todd - we got some souvenir glasses (ended up forgetting them in the end...). About halfway through the meal, Bobby (!) came in with his crew. We ended up hanging out with them until quite late and didn't get back to my room around 2300L. Before I went to bed, I unpacked.

Decatur, TX (USA)

[dropped off records in Wise County]

Huntsville, TX (USA)

I was getting tired of getting cut-off and having to slow down at every major exit on the interstate... Even after I got gas in New Waverly, the highway traffic didn't let up. Just as I didn't think I could take it any more, I spotted a sign that said "Houston statue" on the side of the road near Huntsville and quickly exited. I'm glad I did: the 77 foot statue was spectacular to stand near. It is visible from the interstate - and while I was walking around in the nice park, I saw plenty of people pull over on the highway shoulder for a photo (locals said plenty of people have been killed that way...). Learned a little about the town before taking TX-75 into Huntsville. Located the grave of Sam Houston in a quiet cemetery northeast of town. Realized I'd come full circle on his life: found his birthplace marker near Lexington, Virginia (see AUG 2007) and now I've seen the place where he retired and died. Wasn't thrilled to do it, but drove back over to I-45 and continued north. Got off at exit 180 and took TX-164 west. Using Farm-40 & Farm-80, made it back to US-84 and continued towards Mexia. Stuck behind a truck for awhile (going only 45 miles per hour with nowhere to pass...). Changed to TX-170 in Mexia and had smooth sailing all the way to Hillsboro (got on I-35 just south of the E/W split. Traffic wasn't bad at all until I got into Fort Worth - and it was just slowed down (not stopped completely). Called home and found out the twins were just finishing a tough day of school and pre-finals studying. Convinced Brenna to go out to dinner with me as I got home - we ate at a nearby Greek restuarant (Two Brothers Bistro - mmm...). Tired but totally recharged for the home-stretch of work...

Houston, TX (USA)

Would have slept in, but noisy birds woke me up around 0545L. Actually got to watch the sun rise, as a result - not too bad. After checking out (0700L), drove south along the Seawall and found the Galveston Island State Park. It wasn't too spectacular, although it was a better beach than where the hotels were. Sun was shining brightly and there was barely any wind - almost the exact opposite of yesterday. Spent another hour exploring the island: I found the local version of Schlitterbahn (see OCT 2010) and a place called Moody Gardens (aquarium, dinosaur themed museum, garden) in the same area. Bought some souvenirs in the old town and discovered the cruise ship docks. Even checked out Pelican Island for a short time, although contruction forced me to turn around (didn't want to use up the whole day!). One downer today was that my friend (who had inspired the trip) had to depart for one of the Space Shuttle launches yesterday - wouldn't get a special toor after all... Undeterred, took I-45 north to the Johnson Space Center for a tour (arrived at 1000L). The twins visited the place last year for a school field trip but I had never seen it. [When I was thinking about it later, I realized I've now visited all of the important US launch sites - Vandenberg (1995), KSC (1997), Wallops Island (2008), White Sands (2009), HSC (2011). Plus, I got to stop at Kwajelin (2007).] Arrived to find four school buses had beat me - made the lines a lot longer and the tours drag along very slowly. Compared to the Kennedy Space Center (see AUG 1997 and JAN 1998), this place was very regimented and limited in freedom. I actually spent more time in the line to go on the tour tram than I got to walk around at any of the sites. Still, seeing the full-scale mock-up of the International Space Station (complete with two robots: Charlotte, a spider looking contraption that walks on the outside of the ISS & an anthropomorphic figure sitting on four wheels) was a real treat. I also enjoyed walking near the Saturn V (that never gets boring). Met lots of nice people on the tour - mostly locals. Didn't spend a lot of time back at the main building - just looked at the displays and decided time was running short (1300L). Decided to visit Ellington Field on the way out of town (I've landed there several times and know some guys who work there). Wasn't able to make contact with them, though - the place was still pretty interesting. Ate lunch nearby - at Sonic. Heard about major traffic on I-45 south of the city, so I took the scenic route around the east side. The bonus with this was that I got to visit the San Jacinto Battlefield State Park. It was located on Buffalo Bayou (they seem to call most of their rivers "bayous") and Burnet Bay. Visited the place where Sam Houston accepted the surrender of Santa Anna and walked along the water near the battleship "USS Texas." The battlefield monument was HUGE and had a 3-D star on the top. Didn't tour the museum inside it - instead headed back out of town. Leaving the city, used TX-225 to I-610 and then TX-288/US-59 into the downtown area. Had wanted to visit the Menil site (an Orthodox Church taken apart on Cyprus and rebuilt in Houston - spectacular iconography) but never found it (traffic too bad). Couldn't get on I-45 there, so drove out to I-610 again and intercepted north of town (gridlock...). Speeds picked up driving north, but cars were within five feet of me on all sides all the way up to The Woodlands area. Continued for many miles afterward with lots of cars...

Galveston Island, TX (USA)

Left College Station around 1330L. On the way to Houston, made sure to make time for a visit to Washington-on-the-Brazos - site where the Texas Founders declared independence in 1836. The place wasn't too far off TX-6 - but I missed an important turn at Navasota (which I later learned is probably the site where the French Explorer LaSalle was killed). Backtracked on a farm road until I found [CR]-105 and (after a short drive south) the State Park. It was still drizzling and lightning hit every 15 minutes or so, so many of the living history displays were closed. Toured the park visitors center and spoke with the volunteers there - all agreed that "Rain is a Good Thing" (that's a pretty good song, by the way). They recommended I check out the Star of the Republic Museum next door, and I did. The lady there gave me some great resources for the kids (they have been learning Texas history this year). Museum was interesting. Thought I'd get a chance to see the working farm, but they were closed for the weather. Oh well - visit was good. Headed off to find TX-6 again (1600L)... Intercepted US-290 and drove towards Houston (gas in Hockley). The reputation the city has for horrible traffic is definitely true... I would have driven through the city and used I-45 to Galveston, but traffic made me think I should bypass everything on TX-6. Might have worked, but the storm had knocked out power to lots of traffic lights. Spent a good hour between US-290 and the town of Alvin. Eventually back on track (speedwise), but it was well past 1900L before I was able to get on the interstate. Drove across the Galveston Bay and into town just as it began to get dark. By now, the rain had stopped. But the post storm breeze was still in full force. Drove down Seawall Boulevard and found my hotel, the Holiday Inn Resort "on-the-beach." Actually, it is ACROSS-THE-(four lane)STREET from the beach - everything is. Plus, if a business got brave enough to build on the ocean side (e.g., Hooters), a Hurricane would wipe them out eventually... Didn't go to the room (free night from Priority Club!) - instead drove down a few blocks to have dinner at Gaido's of Galveston (an establishment with four distinct ambiances: fine dining, casual eating, a bar and a motor inn). Sat at the bar in Casey's (casual) and let the chef recommend a great meal: cream of poblano soup, fish tacos, grilled gulf shrimp and creole rice. Had a few unusual beers with dinner and chatted with the bartender (local kid). One thing I found interesting was that Jimmy Buffett hadn't built a Margaritaville here... Met some other tourists who also enjoyed the chef's direct involvement in menu selection. Around 2100L, headed to my room. I had a good view - but the hotel bar was pretty loud (on the same side). Got to sleep around midnight...

College Station, TX (USA)

A friend of mine works at NASA (in Houston) and had offered me a chance to tour one of the facilities there many times over the last year. I finally got a chance to take time off from work to make it happen. Left Fort Worth around 0800L but had to take I-820 around the West side of town to get on I-35W south. Drove to Waco with gray clouds overhead (and lots of radio reports of severe weather). Got on TX-6 and made good time with no traffic all the way down to Hearne (ate lunch there - McDonalds) before it began to rain. It kind of put a damper on my enthusiasm for the drive, but also inspired me to make some stops at indoor attractions. I'd scouted out the College Station area online and decided to visit the George H. W. Bush Presidential Library as I passed through town. After a quick dash in the rain across a huge plaza, I made it to the front entrance. Got in for free (the ID won't help too much longer...) and took my time walking through the museum. The movie was good and the displays were even better. I especially enjoyed the visuals and discussion of his life before he was Vice President - Navy career, oil business, congress, UN ambassadorship and China envoy, CIA director. The rest of the place wasn't as interesting to me, since I had seen that part of his life play out on TV as I grew up and after I graduated from college. Met some nice local volunteers - they all seemed proud to work at the Library. Most commented about how happy they were to see the rain. I now can understand Governor Perry's call for prayer on the drought - it hit this area especially hard. One lady told me things were so bad her family had sold nearly all their cattle. It was still raining when I left, so I didn't get out of the car while I "toured" the Texas A&M campus. Made it back on TX-6 and headed south again.

Camp Springs, MD (USA)

Up early but found out we weren't leaving until after noon. Had time to re-pack and catch up on more work email. Checked out of the Presidential Inn (Air Force Inns) and then picked up some food (Robin Hood subs, Anthony's pizza) for the road. After we arrived at the hangar, found out we were further delayed because of bad weather in Fort Worth. Eventually (1400L), we left Camp Springs. Bumpy weather all the way home but I didn't mind - I played Texas Hold-em on my BlackBerry most of the way. Arrived in Fort Worth at around 1630L and got home with very little traffic problems. Whew!!!

Camp Springs, MD (USA)

Last day of the Inspection but we don't leave until tomorrow. Not much to do at work, since I was done yesterday. It was nice, though, because I was able to take care of work emails and turn-over with Raul. At a small lunch and was ready to depart by 1500L. This time, Mike and John were ready to go early, too. Back in my room, had to wait for a few hours for the dinner party to depart. Ended up eating at Five Guys (burgers and fries) for the first time - it was pretty good, actually). Ginny and other members of "goat locker" tried to wrestle me away from the O-party all night - but it never worked out after all. The entire team ended up on a patio in back of the hotel... We enjoyed a few beers until the news came through that Osama bin Laden had been killed - most of us returned to our rooms to watch the TV coverage. I must admit being a little unprepared to hear this news and unsure that it really had happened. Don't get me wrong - it is great news! Hard to believe he's been on the loose for nearly 10 years and now he's finally paid for his actions. Packed while I watched TV and then went to bed.