Friday, March 6, 2009

Really Enjoying My Stay!

Friday, March 06, 2009 – 9am
I just have to say what a great place Staybridge Suites is. I truly feel like part of a family here. I’ve had several chances to speak with some really great people, from the staff, to the guests. This is more of a “long term stay” type of place, so there are more people who are laid back, talkative, and not in a hurry to get to any theme parks or tourist attractions. They serve free beer and wine in the evening, which brings everyone together. The wifi is free, the laundry is free. The breakfast and dinner meals are free. It’s really great.

Aside from the great place, I have also made the most of my stay here. On previous trips, I have stayed in my hotel until it was time for a show. This time, I went to the Jacksonville Zoo, and Ponte Vedre Beach, to read by the ocean. I went out for drinks with Nate B, and met with Sarah D for lunch. I can’t believe how slowly the last couple days have gone by, but I’m not complaining.
I was supposed to have a show last night, but made a strategic decision. The hostess (Karin) told me that she only had three people, including herself, who could attend. Everyone was interested, but being that it was thrown together last minute, almost all of them already had plans. I have a great girl, Julie, who is thinking of joining, but is concerned about not getting the initial bookings needed. She sent me a message that she’d join if she could get an extra booking. Julie and Karin know each other. I told Karin that I could do her show, with two guests, or she could reschedule for the future, with Julie. She took the second choice, and Julie got a booking. I’ll let you know how that works out. I will be talking to Julie tonight, at the show. Also, Diane, the hostess of tonight’s show, is considering joining, so hopefully that works out too. I’ll keep you posted!
My plane leaves tomorrow at 8am, so I’ll probably end up blogging from the airport again. See you later!

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Checked In

March 4 – 9:33am – Jacksonville
Okay, so I have really been reminded of my appreciation for God’s plan, recently. I am so blessed to have the ability to see the little things as gifts. Remember how I complained about my $18 airport food? Well, as I checked in last night to the Staybridge Suites, the front desk lady told me about the free breakfast, which by the way had tons of food, hot and cold. Then she mentioned that on Tues – Thursday, in the evening, they offer free beer and wine, and a meal. Tonight, they are also having a grill out for free. Burgers and hot dogs, and side items. The front desk guy this morning (from Illinois), said I could bring brats, if I wanted ‘em. I guess I’m type casted. Oh yah shure, you betcha I’ll be there! I don’t know what they have tomorrow, but it’s free, so who cares?
By the way, this place is great! My room is awesome, with a kitchen and icemaker. They also have free laundry access, and free wi-fi. My bed was great, the comforter was nice and heavy, and the pillows are some sort of fluffy down. Not to mention, the rooms are trendy, with blue, brown, and cherry wood. I feel like I work for some sort of travel company…oh well, I must rave. Oh yeah, and the water pressure in the shower was great too! Enough of that.

So, after breakfast this morning, I went out by the pool. It’s only about 50 degrees right now, but I saw sun. I had to feel the sun. I sat in the pool chair, and my body absorbed all the sun it could, in ten minutes. I decided, since I have all of today available, and the day tomorrow, that I’d go to the Jacksonville zoo today, and the beach tomorrow. The zoo fee is only $13, and the beach is free, and only about ten minutes away. I don’t want to waste the day watching tv, so I need to seize the day! I really considered going to Orlando or Savannah, GA today, but with each being a two hour drive, I decided against it. I need a plan before I do something, and without the knowledge of the area, or the finances to get a hotel room if needed, I figured I’d do what’s in town. I’m also considering a tour of the Annhueser Busch brewery. It’s where they produce the Land Shark beer…Jimmy Buffet’s beer. I love that stuff. I still have Friday during the day available, and the tours are free. We’ll see.
I called Grandma and Grandpa Hinz’s house today, to talk to Aristana. She said slkdj;, ha, ha, ha. Aslkdfj;asld ha, ha, ha. Even though I couldn’t understand a word, I love that laugh. What a special girl. I just have to remember this, when she’s driving me nuts.
That’s it for now!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

On the Way to Jacksonville (Again)

Tuesday, March 3rd - 4:34 – Chicago O’Hare Airport
Hi again! I know it seems I only blog when I’m traveling. I think you’re getting that idea, because, well, I only seem to blog when I travel… sorry.
I’m sitting in the Chicago airport right now, waiting to board my flight to Jacksonville, FL. The flight here was nice. The sun shone through my window and warmed me up. Good has been so good to me, and I can’t help but smile. I also had my own seat…life on a plane doesn’t get much better than that. Except that I was next to the toilet. Although no one had time on that short flight to use the restroom, a reminder of the activity on the previous flight seemed to linger in the air…I got used to it, and we were good to go.
Next, I gave myself a budget of $40 for food, since I have a kitchen in my hotel room, and not a lot of travel time. Well, the only restaurant in my terminal charged $9.00 for the cheapest sandwich on the menu. I ordered it, and honestly threw ¾ of it away. It was so disgusting. Seriously, that bad. I got a bag of chips and a bottle of water with it, and my bill came to $18! Can you believe it? There goes my flippin food budget.
I texted Jonathan to see if he has time in the next two days to get together, since I only have one real show right now. I have a possibility on Thursday, but definitely nothing on Wed. Hope he has time. That would be great to see him again.
I think I’ll go for now. .. see you later!