Tag Archives: Raleigh

NoVA, RoVA, Raleigh

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I arrived safely in Raleigh a few minutes ago. Since my arrival, enough time has elapsed to unpack my duds, set up my toiletries, call my little bride, hook up the computer, and find the NASCAR race on teevee.

It was a beautiful day for a trip; the fall colors, which I’d say are past peak, are still beautiful in the sunshine, and it was just a pleasant drive coming down,

This trip is powered by Chevy Malibu; Greg the Avis agent at IAD saved me some money (about 100 bucks) on the rental by giving me my company’s corporate rate instead of the AARP rate I used when I booked the car. Such customer service is rare, and most welcome when you see it. I’d always thought the AARP rate was pretty good; Greg told me that AARP rates aren’t as good on holiday weekends. I’d have thought the Avis website would have reflected the higher rates; Greg says that’s sometimes not the case.
Savings is savings, though, and Greg got my day off to a great start.

Tomorrow, off to the Red Hat Mothership, for 4 days of book learnin’, followed by what I’ve heard is an ass-kicker of a certification exam.

-k-
[stags]Raleigh, Avis, Red Hat[/stags]

Maybe for the Best

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I documented a couple of posts back, that my Red Hat training trip had been deferred until November. A couple of reasins for the decision were highlighted in that post.

As if to remove all doubt about the prudence of my decision to attend the class later, I woke up this morning with a sore, scratchy throat, the sneezes and sniffles, and the general malaise that accompanies a cold.

I’d rather be at home feeling sick than in Raleigh feeling sick.

So things work out in the end.

-k-

[stags]Raleigh, RedHat[/stags]

Raleigh in November

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Sometimes plans turn on a dime. Mine took such a turn today; I’m not indispensable on the job site, but I feel obligated to stay and help my buds during the upcoming week. It wasn’t suggested by the higher-ups that I reschedule my class, but it seemed to me to be prudent.

So, I’ll be Raleigh bound in November, back to the Red Hat Mothership. With another month to bone up on things I’ll need to know for the RHCE exam.

And, in calling the LaQuinta to cancel my hotel for the upcoming week, I discovered that the confirmation number I had was not for me, and that the hotel had no record of my making a reservation for next week.

Probably a good thing all the way around. And I just made the November reservation myself, online.

-k-
[stags]work,RedHat,Raleigh[/stags]

Safe in South Carolina

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Today, the Search for America Tour headed from Raleigh to Myrtle Beach, where I picked up SWMBO at the airport. Our worst fears of her being in alien probe line hell were unfounded. I’d taken her luggage with me when I left for Raleigh, so she was bagless. In addition, she’s riding back home with me in the Monte Carlo, so she had a one-way ticket. I figured she’d only do 3-5 in Leavenworth, with perhaps time off for good behavior.

But, all those fears vanished when I saw her coming down the walkway. We’re now in Conway SC, fixin’ to meet some folks for some socializing. Then tomorrow night, the main event, as we welcome another member into the “Lordy, Lordy, look who’s 40” club. And we’ll welcome him into that august group with all the solemnity such an event deserves.

For a not-so subtle hint as to the details, check here.

-k-

Safely in Raleigh

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Arrived safely a little before 5PM. This tour is powered by a Chevy Monte Carlo; it’s a sweet ride. It was also the first serious usage of the new GPS device. Diana, I call her. In spite of her persistence in steering me toward I-95, i held firm to my no I-95 policy until we were south of Richmond. She was quite adept at navigating the 522, when it was clear that the 95 was out.

I’ve had a bite to eat, and plan to relax with a couple of Shiners1 in front of the one-eyed monster.

-k-

1 My first experience with this brew. I have no idea why it took me so long.

The Mixed-up and Splendid Search for America Tour, 2007

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It starts on July 22, with me heading solo to Raleigh NC for some more book-learnin’ and lab work at the RedHat Mothership. Class lasts until Thursday, whereupon I head south to a secure undisclosed location, where I’ll meet SWMBO’s flight and whisk her away about 20 miles or so inland, where we will be attending a birthday celebration of a really good guy on July 28th. Rolling homeward on the 29th, and possibly part of the 30th.

We’re being fitted for our bells; I really would hate missing the blowout we’re planning on attending. As always, details to follow.

-k-

Be it Ever so Humble

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Arrived safely back home a couple of hours ago. SWMBO and the cat were happy to see me; the feeling was mutual. The big ol’ Buick rental has been delivered back to Avis, and all’s right with the world.

The Buick economy numbers went from 24.9 life-to-date MPG on my arrival in Raleigh, to 24.5 while I was there, because of the start/stop short jaunts. I managed to get it back to 24.9 on the return trip. Those City/Highway MPG numbers are really true.

-k-

Folding the Tent

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When I left for Raleigh last Sunday, I had hotel reservations through tonight. In the back of my mind, I thought I’d leave after today’s exam, and roll on home. Rain was in today’s forecast, I’m tired, and hence I stuck to the original plan, and will be heading north tomorrow early in the day.

So, tonight, I’m gathering up and packing my stuff in the room, watching the World Series, and liquidating the unconsumed beers that have accumulated through the week.

Travel light, that’s my motto.

-k-

Missed Hipster PAA Opportunity

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On arriving in Raleigh last night, I checked MapQuest for directions from the hotel to Red Hat World Headquarters. Just to cover all the bases, I checked the return route. I copied and pasted both sets of directions into my Missing Sync for Palm OS, and dutifully synced them to the PDA.

This morning, I kept the PDA on the passenger seat, referring to it as needed. I had to hit the brakes a little suddenly at one intersection, and the PDA slid off the seat to the farthest corner of the passenger floorboards. I was probably a sight to see trying to retrieve it. I then thought how easy it would have been to transcribe the 7 or 8 step directions to the Hipster PAA, one set per side of one card, then put the card in the car’s cupholder, where it could be handy when needed.

It’s kind of a moot point now. Having tools is one thing; timely use of them is quite another. Oh, yeah, and the damn PDA slipped off the seat again on the trip back to the hotel.

-k-

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Road Bloggin’ again

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Arrived in Raleigh safe and sound. A couple of cold beers, a plate of good BBQ, and I’m about ready to call it a night. The mighty rental Buick ran well, and I managed to boost its life-to-date mileage from 24.5 to 24.9, in one 320 mile trip.

Looking forward to a good week at Red Hat, and the homecoming Buick economy run later this week.

-k-