Wednesday, March 4, 2026

Pittsburgh Trip - Day 3

Because I had an all night work period coming up, I tried not to get up very early.  As a result, I was still in bed, resting, at 0730 (yay!).  After that, I was able to do some reading, puzzles and Duolingo.  At 0845, I ran down to eat breakfast in the Lobby of the Staybridge Suites (Pittsburgh) and then hurried back upstairs to start teleworking (0900). After three hours online (1200), I took a break for lunch (leftovers from the Industry Public House).  Outside, it wasn't raining but there was evidence that it had been, off and on, through the night and morning.  The best thing, though, was that it wasn't too cold.  During my break, I successfully set up my printer (in order to catch up on some personal business).  I was back online at 1300 and was able to complete a few more meetings.  By this point, I'd reached the four hour mark for my day so decided to log off my computer.  Starting at 1430, I took nap; in the end, I managed to get about 90 minutes of good sleep.  After waking up (1600), I did a little more telework (reached 4.5 hour mark) and then went to Fitness Center for some exercise (1630).  I spent time walking on the treadmill and reached 2.5 miles for the day.  Next, I went biking (stationary machine) for 20 minutes (4 miles).  Even though there were windows near the gym, I was still not having any luck with birding for the day.  I had a 106 day streak going on eBird but, in the end, I had to admit that I was licked.  I even went outside on the way back to my room and, in the fading daylight, turned on my Merlin App in hopes of catching the sound of a bird at least.  No dice...  Oh well, it was a good run!  In my room again (1730), I got back online and capped off the telework portion of my day (reached 5.5 hours by 1915).  During this window, I did take a short break to get some dinner at the social hour in the hotel lobby (1815).  Unlike previous nights, this one only involved leftovers (broccoli, mashed potatoes, rice).  There were also options for pork or chicken but I decided against both.  I also didn't have beer (because I had to work later), only soda.  With dinner and work completed, I got prepped/packed for my return to the Pittsburgh International Airport and our all-night installation effort.  At 2010, I departed the hotel and drove back to the airport.  This time, there was some traffic on the way but I was still parked by 2025.  The air was full of moisture - no rain yet but definitely incoming.  Because the temps were in the 50s, I began to feel bad that I hadn't gone anywhere during the daylight hours.  Hopefully, I won't rue this decision...  Once inside the building, I met up with the rest of the Installation crew and (at 2100) we started working on the technology refreshment of the on-site computer equipment.  There was a lot of intense effort and a few delays - we worked through to midnight with hopes of finishing in the wee hours of the morning.  Still working at midnight...