Where In The World!

Los Angeles, February 3-6, 2005

National Camp

Four days away from the office at an extremely inopportune time. Considering how much I was dreading this trip, it actually went okay. No one was too angry about me postponing the fitness test, I did well on the written exam despite a woeful lack of preparation, and the silly rules didn't annoy me as much as they can sometimes. Assuming I can work a fitness test in at a pro-clinic, I'm good for one more year.

Las Vegas, January 14-17, 2005

Who Needs A Reason

I'm not really a fan of Vegas, seeing as how I don't like crowds, noise, gambling, or people. However, given the opportunity to go to Death Valley, I can endure Vegas. This trip I also went to Red Rock Canyon and the Hoover Dam. Death Valley, like most of our national parks, is something that has to be experienced to be understood. Having said that, I won't try to explain, I'll just say that this was my second trip, and it simply convinced me that a day is not enough time to appreciate the park. When I drop out of society and drive around the country in my truck, I'm definitely going to plan a couple of weeks in the winter hiking in Death Valley. Red Rock Canyon could probably be done in one really long day by an active person with the right gear. We mostly did the driving tour, but I think the next time I head out that way, I'll take boots and a pack and try to see more of the trails. It's apparently quite the climbing spot as well, but that seems like a hassle to drag everything out there when there are so many good climbing opportunities closer to home. The Hoover Dam is another thing that has to be seen to appreciate. The pictures really don't give you a grasp of the scale of the thing. As an added bonus, walking across the dam puts one in Arizona, so I got to cross another state off my list.

Philadelphia, November 6, 2004

US WNT v. Denmark WNT

Another round of playing with the big kids. The "Fan Celebration Tour" made it to Philly. Fourth official instead of AR this time, which was interesting in that I feel like I've finally grown up and know what I'm supposed to be doing as the Fourth. Lincoln Stadium was every bit as cool as Heinz Field and we were treated like royalty both at the stadium and by the Eastern PA folks that ferried us around.

See the official write-up.

New Orleans, November 1-4, 2004

Macromedia MAX

Getting to spend some quality time away from the office in one of my favorite cities. Comfortably ensconced in the J.W. Marriott on Canal St. (highly recommended for its outstanding personal service), I'm taking in the best of the French Quarter in the daytime, namely Cafe Du Monde and neat used bookstores. At night, of course, there's Bourbon Street and all the insanity associated with that.

It's not all play though, the conference has some outstanding presenters and really is a chance to both network and find out about the latest goings on with Macromedia.

Pittsburgh, September 29, 2004

US WNT v. Iceland WNT

Got to play professional referee. The US Women's National Team is doing a "Fan Celebration Tour" and I got to run a line. This is the highest level assignment I've had, although I was the 4th Official for another international friendly some years back. This was a much bigger deal, with us being flown in, having total access to the facilities at Heinz Field, and staying over before a *very early* flight home the next morning.

See the official write-up.

Iceland, July 20 - 30, 2004

Nordic Cup

The Nordic Cup is a tournament held in one of the Scandinavian countries each year for the women's U-21 teams. This year it was in Iceland.

Check out the official site or see my notes and pics.