The Mind of Mr. M

So, this is a day late. I was wiped out last night. After my training, I decided to take a walk to try and visit a few more places. That being said, I head to Central Parkl. It was absolutely beautiful. Aside from the backdrop of skyscrapers you couldn't even tell I was in such a big city. I was amazed at how many people were out running or riding around the park. Of course, it's probably the best place to go for a run.

I also went to visit the Manhattan New York Temple, it really stands out. I did find it interesting that there was a museum underneath it. But, it was great to be able to see.

On the way back to my hotel, I decided to take walk back a different direction and was able to see St. Thomas and also Trump Tower. I actually went into Trump Tower and took a look at the waterfall inside. I have to say it wasn't all that impressive when you see it in context with all the other buildings around it. At this point, got hungry and went to visit the Hard Rock New York to grab a Local Legend burger. It's the biggest meal I have eaten in weeks. Way too much.

I decided that since it was my last night, I had better get over to see the Empire State Building. At first, I was a little disappointed that it was so commercialized. Tickets, special packages and every specialized gift shop item you can think of...it was presented almost like a theme park. Of course, that faded once I made it to the top. It was breathtaking...so many lights and stars. The moon also seemed to light up the bay. Very cool...I also had another geek moment updating Facebook from the observation deck.

At that point, I ran out of time as you know, I still have to work. So I headed back to my hotel for another late night.

All in all, I would say New York is a great place to visit. But I have to recommend you bring someone along and spend more than a couple days. That being said, I am glad to be heading home. I have taken my bite out of the Big Apple.

Location:Broadway,New York,United States

So, I am in training and I have learned some very valuable lessons from my peers here. I am blogging because I have finished with my lab work and am waiting on others to finish.

• Read the directions: It seems like there are a ton of people that are asking for help and the instructor, when asked about almost every error, he says, "Did you do step [x] in the process. Try doing that and it should fix it."
  
• Sometimes the book is right and you are wrong. There is one guy in training that has brought up several issues with the text to the instructor trying to correct the book. In each instance he has been wrong.
  
• Don't harass the instructor. If you harass the instructor, chances are he will be much more honest in telling you what you have done wrong. It can be fairly embarrassing if he keeps pointing out your spelling mistakes are the cause of your frustration.
  
• Listen to the questions others are asking. If you pay close attention in class you may hear a question that will help you now or later. At very least, it should keep you from looking like you aren't paying attention by asking the same question again.
  
• Don't take phone calls during instruction. It is not very considerate to take phone calls during class. Excuse yourself or call them back. At very least keep your phone on silent or vibrate so its not a distraction when it keeps going off.
  
• Don't play with your hair using the reflection of a window from the inside as a mirror. Narcissism is not considered a positive trait by many, chances are the people staring your direction are not checking you out. I think that is even safer to assume as the windows are reflective externally.
  
• Don't assume everyone is dying to get a beer. Though you may feel your time is being wasted by the class your company has paid a couple thousand dollars for you to attend, chances are the rest of the class is there to keep their jobs, improve their skill set or learn something…the time you take to tell everyone where you would rather be would be better if it were accrued and used to get you out early for that beer you wanted at 9AM.
  

Hopefully, someone out there can also learn from these lessons as I have…

So today started with getting to see David Beckham…who by the way draws a very large crowd. I had to walk past the ESPN Building in Time Square on the way to training and there he was. As it was a Monday, there were more crowds than yesterday when I arrived. I got to see the "busy" streets of New York. Honestly, it's exactly how I pictured they would be, except one thing. I can't tell you how many people were wearing tennis shoes, regardless of what else they had on. Tons of business men and women in suits, nice suits mind you, and a pair of tennis shoes. I guess it makes sense and really, they have everything they need in a very compact area and if they need anything outside that, then a taxi will get them there. An there are as many taxis as there are people.

Today was the first day of why I am actually here, training. The kicker was that everyone in my training is local, so I looked and sounded like the only tourist. I say that, recognizing most of the class was probably born in other countries. But, that is what comprises most of New York, Jay-Z says, "home of the melting pot…" Yeah, I just quoted rap music. Don't judge me. ;-D

But there was something that I also noticed today, nobody smiles. I don't know if it's like some unwritten rule or what but, nobody smiles and people don't really talk. I swear I sounded like an idiot with my, "Good Mornings, Excuse Me(s), and How Are You(s)" For a few people I think it was like jumping in front of them an yelling, "BOO!" Of course, my wife thinks that people may find me intimidating if they don't know me. Combine that with my trying not to smile, I probably looked like a sociopath…kidding.

One thing that is bumming me out is the rain; it has been raining since I got here which really has hindered my sight-seeing. I am hoping it clears up tomorrow so I can go to the top of the Empire State Building! I have a special something planned for up there….ssshhhh! Even with the rain, I took a walk during lunch and went over to Rockefeller Center. It was ok, and I get to say I was there, but I think it would be a different experience if it was at Christmas…that is when Rockefeller Square is supposedly the best.

As far as tonight goes, I stayed in. I was going to try and do something but it's just too much rain. Instead I opted to visit the gym and hit the sauna. I did get room service for dinner; it was a $30 grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Tomorrow though, I am just going to shove a ten dollar bill in my mouth and gnaw on it, as it will be cheaper, last longer and probably taste better. Ok, so it wasn't that bad, but it also wasn't $30 good.

Anyway, it's getting late here and I should probably get some sleep. I forgot how hard classes are…you actually have to focus and the instructor doesn't let you facebook or twitter until breaks…gotta figure out a way around that tomorrow. Maddy, ignore that last comment and pay attention to your teacher!!!! ;-D For the record, that is only a joke! It should serve as an example to my children that there is no "done" with learning. Even at 37, I am still able to learn something new.

Today was pretty eventful actually. As I am only here for a couple days I have to cram what I can into what little time I have. Let me first say the taxi ride from the airport to the hotel was $50 buck. I also found out that EVERYONE here expects a tip. I didn't learn from my own flub but from watching a couple in front of me. Not tipping a cabby or other service provider is like calling his momma momma names…you just don't do that.

As, I was trying to do what I could, I took a two-hour tour bus ride, that ironically was cheaper than my fifteen minute cab ride. On the tour, I think I saw all the places that I wanted to make sure I visited while I was here. It was perfect; except of course, the deluge or rain that came pouring down ten minutes before the tour ended. I honestly wasn't prepared for the excessive rain and now the only coat and shoes I brought are hanging above the heater in my hotel room. Mind you I am staying at the Sheraton in the Theater District at Time Square. Here I am at 37 drying my clothes the same way I did when I was thirteen So, I have proven the adage, you can take the boy out of the ghetto but you can't take the ghetto out of the boy.

Something that also surprised me was how nice everyone seemed to be, of course, it all made sense when I realized that they are all tourists. You can tell the New Yorkers from the visitors by the colorful language, gestures and proper use of car horns. I am kidding, noting that in every joke there is a little truth.

So, I have to say that my favorite place so far was under the Brooklyn Bridge at dusk. The tour bus stopped there for about fifteen minutes marking the halfway point of the tour. It was like something out of a movie. Everything glistened from the earlier rain as the sun dipped just behind the horizon. The lights of the city were lighting here just like stars after the sun goes down. The Brooklyn Bridge was lit from end to end and it was so quiet standing on the dock. It was quite amazing considering I am standing in one of the biggest cities in the world. But, I it felt peaceful.

Then I got back on the bus, turned a corner and was right back into the world.

I also realized I watch too many movies, as it seemed like everything I saw was associated with a scene from a movie. Oh look that was in Night at the Museum. Hey, that was in Hitch…etc. Thank goodness the tour bus guide was able to add a historical aspect to all the places I saw, but I wasn't surprised I think he played…nevermind. ;-D

So, I had to do at least a small blog from up here in the air. I am on my way to my first trip to New York and the plane has WiFi, which is wild all in itself. I am not a fan of flying, I think the first couple times is enough for nostalgic purposes. After that, it's cattle herding.

I am sitting next to a guy who could be a dead ringer for the lead singer of R.E.M. Seriosusly, I had to play one of their songs on my iPod to voice check, until I realized there is no way he would be flying coach on Delta.

He's fell asleep before take off and is still catatonic. I did hold my iPhone screen under his nose and he is breathing.

I thought for sure I would be sleeping on the 4 hour flight too, but my mind is going a thousand miles a minutes and I can't focus on any one thing. What am I thinking about?

1. How's my two-year-old going to cope not having Dad put her to sleep at night? Every time I come through the door she greats me with, "Dad, you came back."
2. How much I enjoyed the game of FoosBall I played with Jake this morning before I left at 6:30AM. He got up early to see me off and play at least one game. We got the table from by brother-in-laws sister Abby. I added a couple screws to the fram to tighten it up and used graphite on the sliders. It's awesome.
3. How much I wish I wasn't going to NY alone.
4. How great it is that my wife is so supportive of all the things we have going on.
5. How much I dig 80's music (Currently playing on the iPod).

Really, it's nothing more that usual on my mind but it seems a little overwhelming when you have time to sit and think.

I have surprisingly becoem such a home body. I prefer to be at home or at least doing something with one of my fantastic family members. I know it's not something anyone wants to have go through their mind, but all the what if's and what could happen's fly through my mind when I am away from my family. Honestly, when I came out to Utah and worked for three months without my family here was enough for me.

Anyway, I am sure I will be more distracted once I land ...and I will always have blogging to keep me busy.

I have been an avid social networking guy for several years now. In fact, I am pretty sure that I have participated in each one over the years as it was launched. I have loved every minute of it, made new friends, reconnected with old ones. It has also been a very valuable tool in my work and staying in touch with my family. But, it is also very demanding, and weighing the benefits with the cost I don't believe the pros outweigh the cons.

So today, April 1^st, 2010, I am leaving it all behind. Beginning tomorrow morning I will be deleting my social networking accounts and blog.

I am not sure how many people out there actually keep up with me on facebook, twitter or my blog but if any of you have shout-outs, complaints, or comments, today would be the day to share them with me. I will take all the feedback I get today and copy, paste and print it as my final memories of this social networking fad…

Thank you all for many wonderful year of being web social.

Cheers,

Mario