Half-Full? or Half-Empty?

Well, well, well. 2009 is finally here. God, what has happened so far? So many things that has happened that I don’t even know where to start. Definitely this month went by too fast that I barely felt January was even here.

My January started off with many parties during the first week, then second week was to catch up with work after close to a two-week holiday vacation (totally awesome!!!), then a business trip to New Orleans, LA a couple of weeks ago. I had a fabulous time in New Orleans and that includes meeting Jenene, my ex co-worker who lives in downtown N.O., and getting a sense of what Bourbon St. is like and other great places. She showed me downtown, the French Quarter, Casino, the Super Dome, St. Charles St. where famous and multi-million houses are, drove around following the trolley-tracks, the famous Bourbon St., and a drive-thru Daquiri (don’t ask me!). We had a great time that evening!

In addition to that, my clients and I went to different restaurants for dinner – Red Fish and Palace Cafe. Both of which are well known of their excellent, 5-star dining experience. If you like seafood, this is THE place to be! I had some of their signature dishes and having an authentic cajun food was truly awesome. One other place was Cafe De Mond which is legendry in New Orleans with their beneighs and hot chocolate. If you visit N.O., you most definitely have to visit this place. You’ll be amazed what they have there. No beneighs and of course Jazz music while down there is not a New Orleans visit! So I’ve heard.

Well, as a tradition, I went to “The Oz” which apparently the most popular gay bar/dance club in downtown New Orleans. The joint was pretty interesting in that although it isn’t as big as DC clubs, the clientel was diversed and just plainly hot. What happens in New Orleans stays there, too! LOL. I had a great time that evening but not so much the next day. After having close to ten SOB wasn’t so cool if you need to get up at 6 am for a morning meeting. It sucks. It does. Bad. In anyway, I had a fabulous time!

Now after my meeting it was time to catch up. As it turns out I have absolutely no time to breath from this program as I am due to organize yet another program like right about NOW! I know, tell me about it. I worked my ass off for 10 months for that program and it was over in 3 days. And now, I have to put together another one. What excites me though this time is that the program will be in San Francisco, CA! Woot!!!! So excited! OK, let me be honest, I can’t wait to see Miguel there again. I really can’t wait. Mmmm… anyway… that’s that.

So it turns out I have yet another two-day business meeting in Rhode Island in 3 weeks. I will be meeting with the company that I use for our abstract management. We’ll be discussing how we establish our online system to accept abstracts for our next program which is the one I was just talking about. It will be fun to meet with the people that I communicate via email and phone in person. It’s always nice to put a face to a name. Anyway, I touched base with my guy and we both are highly anticipating each other to discuss business matters. My guy, Scott, is very nice and responsive. I can’t wait to see him in Rhode Island in less than 3 weeks.

After my trip there, my Mom and I might be going to San Francisco for her birthday which will be in March. It may not be the whole week but I want to take her there for the weekend. That would be her birthday gift from me. As I have mentioned it before I’d do anything for me. Anything that makes her happy and also makes me happy.

OK so lots of travel plans so far during my 2009. New Orleans, then Rhode Island, then San Francisco, then probably Blue Ridge Mountains for camping in April for my birthday. We shall see. Point of all of this is that 2009 will offer me lots of great opportunities to travel anywhere and anytime. That’s my goal this year – LOTS OF TRAVEL! So if you have any suggestions, drop me a note and I would much appreciate it.