sometimes i like my job

Conference this wk in Monterey -- I try to attend this one at least once a year to keep in touch with the people who form the bulk of my clientele.
My presentation went fine, met some new people, saw old friends, ate really well.
Anyway, some pics...



The hotel was very nice -- beachfront, good food, beautiful rooms.

But I dislike the fact that higher-end hotels like this one -- where the discounted rate is $185/night -- stick you for *everything* ($9/day for internet, even in the business center; $.38/pg for copies/printouts; $12/day for workout room; $18/day for parking; etc).

Mid-range hotels (Crowne Plaza, most Hilton properties, etc) typically provide most of that for free.

I guess the more expensive places do it because their clientele can afford it, but to me it feels like gouging.

There were animals.




Blew off the last couple of hours of the conference and David and I went to Carmel-by-the-Sea. I chose this pic because it makes my shoulders appear wider than my hips...

I thought this was interesting; the honey bucket and the stuff for temporary power hookup are a single unit. I wonder if this is just an invention of this construction company, or if that's a common way to do it. Kinda makes sense, since most construction jobs will need both...

My eldest nephew -- prom night, and at his first rollerhockey game of this season. We were late, so he didn't get on the ice (floor) until midway thru the first period, but he still scored a hat trick. I like to pretend it's his uncle's influence that drives his success... ;-)