As I'd suspected, the overnight project (Technology Refreshment) at the Albany Airport wasn't completed until nearly 0600. This was longer than everyone wanted but, fortunately, the end result was that we completed all checklists and tasks, as intended, and the facility was able to take over the new system just when they wanted to have it. Along the way, I got to watch equipment being installed in the maintenance area, in the radar room and in the tower itself. While we were up in the cab (at around 0300), I believe I could see where Carolyn lived. Otherwise, the entire area was nearly a picture - I was reminded of my many years in black & white Navy aircraft simulators. There were some moments of concern (delays in file downloads, inoperative speakers, etc.) but everyone stayed on mission. Towards the end, the system was functioning correctly (yaaaay) but I had to wait to sign some documentation as the Oversight Representative. No matter, though - by then, I'd poured myself a cup of black coffee and the rare caffeine was working its magic... In the end, we finished our project at 0600 and I carefully drove back to the Holiday Inn Express (Latham). By this point, temps were in the low 20s. After arriving at 0615, I was able to join the breakfast buffet (in progress, despite the published start time of 0630) and I got some good food before returning to my room. Before trying to sleep, I spent some time catching up on admin - I ultimately went to sleep at 0700. Sadly, this wasn't a restful sleep at all. If I'm generous on the definition, I managed to get about four hours of rest before I decided to get out of bed. In reality, though, it was only about two to three hours of dozing. After making the call to wake up, I caught up on reading, made plans for the upcoming weekend and sorted out items to return to my car. At noon, I started (resumed ?) teleworking in an attempt to complete the last two hours of my work day. By this point, the Site Implementation Lead had determined that there was no need for the entire group of Installers to return later in the day - as a result, I stayed at the hotel. At 1345, I went to the gym and did 4.6 miles on the stationary (recumbent) bike (20 minutes), 2+ miles on the treadmill (40 minutes) and 0.5 miles of swimming laps (30 minutes). These activities really made a difference in my lethargy and I felt much more awake. My workout was done at 1515 and I returned to telework a bit more (until 1630). By this point, I had started to have some regret about staying inside buildings all day because it was sunny outside (temps in the 30s). Oh well - work does come first... At 1645, I departed from my hotel and drove to El Charro Mexican Grill (near the Airport). After I arrived (just before 1700), my sister Carolyn joined me and we had a nice visit together. Most of the conversation was about family news and her recent trip to Nashville and Memphis. This wasn't our first trip to the restaurant and we were again rewarded with some delicious food. At 1910, we said goodbye and I returned to my hotel - by this point, I was REALLY starting to feel tired. Forcing myself to stay awake, I spent the rest of the evening watching movies, finally heading to bed at 2200. By that point, there had been no calls from Albany Airport about problems with the new equipment so I'm feeling really good about our work this week!
