HOTlanta

This week finds me in Atlanta, and boy is it hot. What is making it worse is that I picked up one of those nasty summer colds last week and spent most of the weekend in bed. It's taken all the energy I could muster to train and entertain my customer.

But here's another "first" for me. This morning when I went out to the car to go to work, I discover there were ants inside of my rental car. Apparently the previous renter spilled a soft drink in the console, and National Car Rental didn't bother to clean it up. I tried to wipe out as many ants as I could, but all day long I felt like I had ants in my pants. Gross huh?

The only thing worse than having a car full of ants? Having a car full of Ants.

A Podcast Worth Listening To (End in a Preposition)

If you don't already subscribe to Window to the Magic's podcast, I highly recommend it. Even if you don't have an iPod or MP3 player, go to the site and download Podcast #107. One warning: usually episodes are about an hour long, but this one is two hours. After the first five minutes, it's the best Podcast I've heard in some time.

Here's the link:

http://windowtothemagic.com/index.html

So what's the big deal you may ask? Well, The National Fantasy Fan Club (NFFC) hosted a special chat with the following people who help make the beloved Disney characters we love live on today. There are parts that move you to tears. (What's with me this week and all this crying?!?) Here are the "Cast of Characters" in no particular order:

Bill Farmer, voices of Goofy, Pluto, Horace Horsecollar and Sleepy

Russi Taylor, voices of Minnie Mouse, Webbigail Vanderquack, Huey, Dewey and Louie

Wayne Allwine, voice of Mickey Mouse

Tony Anselmo, voice and animator of Donald Duck

Eddie Carroll, voice of Jiminy Cricket

Susan Blakeslee, voices of Cruella DeVil, Lady Tremain, Maleficent, Evil Queen and Hag

Corey Burton, hundreds of voices including Ludwig Von Drake, Captain Hook, Mr. Smee, Grumpy, Dale, White Rabbit, and Haunted Mansion narrator

I love them all, but especially Corey Burton. What a talent. Of course I only listed their Disney credits, but many of them do other work with which you are familiar (this time not ending in a preposition).

So go listen. You won't be disappointed.

Finally Finished! (No Spoiler)

Well, I just finished reading Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. But I promise not to talk about it in case you're not. All I'll say is today I cried on the bus and must have looked like a fool. But I don't care!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and job well done to J.K. Rowlings.

Open for Business

I also share embarrassing stories about myself. Here's one.

Today I walked from the condo, to the bus stop, from the Mall of America, to my office, got my coffee, talked with a couple of coworkers, got to my desk, and then realized that my business was open.

Thankfully my shirt was untucked and that I wasn't going commando.

Everything's Okay Here

On a serious note, I am thankful that I and all my dear friends in the Minneapolis area are okay and accounted for in light of the horrific bridge collapse. I have a few friends that are in that area frequently, but we're all okay here.

But our thoughts and prayers go out to the families and those affected by the tragedy. For the grace of God, it could have been someone dear to me.

That's What It's All About

Those of you who know me that there's something to which I look forward when I come home to California, but my good doctor tells me I should only do in moderation. (I am talking about food here) And I love it more than Togo's.

Imagine my surprise and thrill when I found out one of my favorite indulgences was just around the corner from my hotel!

In-N-Out. That's what a burger is all about! (That was their old slogan) I was able to treat myself to a Double-Double (not animal style) tonight. It's the little things in life that are so satisfying. Gosh, I miss California!

And in case you need ideas for Christmas gifts for me:

http://www.in-n-out.com/

You're Such a Teaz!

In my haste to pack a carry-on instead of stowed luggage, it wasn't until I got to the hotel that I realized thatI forgot to pack my shaving razor. I went to the Front Desk to buy one, but they gave me a Bic disposable razor. Have you ever shaved with one of those? They should call them Nic, not Bic.

With little pieces of tissue all over my face and feeling like a teenager again, I started driving to my customer's site for our day of training.

Chico is a university town, but instead of me showing you nice scenes and pictures of the huge graveyard downtown, I once again am obsessed with the signs I see.

The first one is just outside of my Courtyard hotel, but I can promise you that it doesn't reflect the inside of my room.

Then driving to work, I noticed that this probably one college from which I wouldn't advertise from which to be a graduate.

Oh, it's Butte, not Butt. Nevermind.

Then after our day of training, my customer wanted to take me out to dinner. She took me to some swanky hotel restaurant which dates back to 1901. It was a nice atmosphere and delicious food, but another restaurant we passed caught my eye as we drove by it.

I don't think it would have been appropriate for me to answer her question of "What would you like for dinner?" by answering this place.

My boss probably would have fired me. Although, could it have been any worse that when I was in Bellevue, Washington, and turned in my expense report for dining at The Nooner?