Eavesdropping

I must preface this by saying that I did not catch the entire story, nor the context, so I may have my facts wrong. But the other day in the airport I heard a woman describe how she had to throw herself at someone's mercy, who graciously put her up in a room that they use for employees. It was huge room with two bathrooms. And it was filled with snacks, awesome snacks, which they refilled every day. I can only assume that she was blissfully draining the honor bar every evening, on someone's gracious dime.

Who Hates Graduation Ceremonies??

We do, we do!!

Ok, it wasn't all that bad. We stayed in a very classy hotel, drank some good drinks and ate some good food. Not to mention spent some quality time with the fam (My sister didn't make it to any photos on my phone, but I promise she was there. She was the one graduating, after all.)

However, we WERE in Tacoma. Photo justification for my opinion - signage below reads

"Prostitution & Drug Dealing Prohibited - Photo Enforced," which should have indicated what to expect at the liquor store later. Alas, can't share on a public site - it's a rather un-PC story.

THEN came graduation. The ceremony was only about 3 hours, but tack onto that the hour we arrived in advance. Waiting in the bleachers. In the cold. No booze (which was our fault really). All to have Kerry confess that she did doze a bit during the ceremony herself as they read the names of the ENTIRE graduating class, including the graduate students. I would have given most anything to be one of those families with kids on the lawn, laying in the sun.

But, like all moments of misery in life, it eventually ended. Kerry is now a college graduate (living in our guest room ironically...) and we made it home to Portland. I scored a cruiser bike

that was left by an old roommate while we helped move Kerry out, and we all scored some family brownie points.

Fortunately, now we can cash in our favor for a short wedding ceremony some day!

Lame Branding Tactic

Mitchell rolled his eyes at my out-of-context reference when I mentioned the Palm Springs "Spa Resort Casino." Clearly it had to have a more specific name than that. I proved him wrong, but I'm really not sure how you build brand equity with a name like that. I suppose it does set you up for what to expect when you get there!