On my way to Coachella 2007

Flew out from SLC this morning to Ontario, CA, where I'll meet up with my friend Jon driving down from Bakersfield. We are both first timers to Coachella and have high expectations for the weekend.

I'm using Marriott points this trip for our hotel rooms. At the Residence Inn Ontario Airport, they upgraded me to a penthouse suite. It's no Wynn suite or anything, but still a lot nicer than a standard room. Thanks to my job, I earn a lot of Marriott points, which earned me Platinum status. I've noticed they treat you much nicer when you flash the platinum.

A few pics of the suite:





Checked in early and then changed into my running clothes. I had Googled a thrift store location and planned to run there and check it out. But first, I stopped by a Yoshinoya joint for some quick fuel. It's 1:00, and this was my first meal of the day. Yoshinoya is a Japanese fast food place that serves up cheap rice bowls in a delicious sauce. I got one with chicken and vegetables. I had slipped a credit card and $20 in my pocket for purchases.

I literally ate and ran--out the door and into the Rancho Cucamonga area. On the way, I passed a lady sitting at a bus top. She yelled out "What are you running from?", something people say when they are trying to be funny. She didn't wait for a response, following it up with "Pansy!"

I kept running without proffering a comeback. What was I supposed to do? Stop and kick her ass? Besides, she rides the bus. That's its own punishment.

I had a printed out map in my other pocket, and eventually found the store about 5 miles out: Assistance League Thrift Store.

I was a little embarrassed, since I was sweating profusely when I entered the store. I probably didn't smell too good either. I thought it was going to be a waste of time, but then I happened upon a mint condition vintage Adidas jacket.



Of course then I had to run back to the hotel with a bag in my hand. The sun was beating down and I was pretty tired when I got back. Showered and caught up on work e mails and a few calls. I’m never really completely off duty, especially tonight with 7 meetings going on.

The nice thing about Residence Inn’s is that in addition to the free breakfast, they now have a free social hour from 5-7pm where a light dinner and drinks are served. I was surprised to see wine and beer on tap included. I didn’t partake, but the gentleman around me were throwing them back like it was free. Oh wait, it was free.

I washed my salad and burritos down with some Dr. Pepper. I had a debate in my head for a minute about how I shouldn’t be drinking soda while training, but Dr. Pepper and his year’s of medical experience made a great case. I had no choice.

Back to the suite to watch game 3 of the Suns vs. Lakers. Jon arrives later tonight. It’s been a great beginning to the trip. Hoping it only gets better from here.

March Madness 2007 @ the Wynn

We returned to the Wynn for our annual March Madness trip. On the way down, I did a little thrift shopping in Mesquite while the others golfed.


Part of the March Madness trip is uninterrupted game watching in the suite. For some, it means never having to leave your bed. Left to right: Joey, Sam, Dave

Darren, Cort, Kyle, and Jeff H.


Darren, a triumphant Jeff K, Kyle, and Jeff H


Dual flat screens, for multi-game viewing. Night view of the strip below.


Sorry for the lack of light. This was at the Sirens of TI show at Treasure Island

Sirens taunting the pirates.


The Wynn

Business in Hawaii

I've been waiting a week to post my pictures from Hawaii. I was in Waikiki on "business" and took these shots on my downtime.

The view from my 33rd floor balcony at the Marriott Beach Resort & Spa. Diamond Head and Waikiki beach.



This is the view from the other side. I took these from the elevator lobby.



I took the recommendation of this elevator advertisement and had sushi for lunch.


After discovering I had left my running shoes at home, I looked up this shoe store on Google and walked over to buy a new pair. It was so worth it, as I had a great 2 hour run along the coast, past Diamond Head.


I had a nice walk along the beach in the afternoon. These are some of the sights that day.

I like to take pictures of people posing for other people. I don't know why.


Old couple taking in some sun.


I couldn't believe my luck when I came across this back smile mid-walk on the beach. I nervously fumbled for my camera, praying nothing would ruin my shot. As you can see below, my prayers were answered. The best "Say no to crack" shot I've ever seen, let alone taken. After careful consideration, I settled on the following caption:

"Noticing the lack of pockets, I couldn't help but wonder where he keeps his wallet."



And then the sun sank into the ocean.