All in All, A Good Day

About two months ago, I received an bulk email from the North Central Oracle Applications User Group (NCOAUG for you geeky people; "a bunch of local smart geeks" for you non-geeky people) saying that the deadline for submitting presentations for their annual training day was approaching. The training day was scheduled for Friday, August 15th in Chicago. I figured... "what have I got to lose?" I mean, what's the worst thing that can happen? Sure, I dislike rejection just as much as the next fellow, but it doesn't hurt so much when it comes from someone you don't know. So I submitted a presentation that I gave in June 2007 at another conference, and wouldn't you know it... they accepted it. How exciting!

I'd go into the topic of my presentation, but I know that would bore you all. If you truly want to know more about it, email me and I'll give you more details.

After a short while and some email communication between myself and the officials of the training day, my presentation was scheduled for 8.30am and for 40 minutes. My original presentation was about an hour, so I had to either cut some stuff out or talk really fast. I decided to do a bit of both. Since the presentation was scheduled so early so far away, I decided it would be best to rent a car for the day and stay in Chicago the night before and then I'd have plenty of time in the morning to get ready.

I arrived at the car rental place just after work to pick up the vehicle. I had a coupon for a free rental so I thought peruse the vehicles before going in. That's when I saw it. It sat there, so angelic. I swear there was a beam of sunlight shining down from heaven above on it so I knew it must be a sign that I must have that car for my trip. I walked in and asked which car I was entitled to with a coupon for a free day. He told me he only had a couple of cars that qualified and then I looked at him with that same look my children give me when they really want something and are scared to ask.

I asked, "You think I might be able to take that beautiful red Ford Mustang out there?" He thought for a second and said, "Sure, why not." You should have seen my face. I was about to drive to Chicago in the newest and likely fastest car I've ever ridden in. I was so stoked. We got all the paperwork together and walked out to the beast that I was about to tame. I knew the pain that I was causing our Santa Fe. I could hear him wimpering from across the parking lot. I reassured him that I would in fact return -- that I would not leave him there forever. I think our little pep talk helped, but there were some shed tears -- or perhaps it was just a little rain.

I got home with it and it just purred into our driveway -- like it belonged there. Luckily for our Fe, I put a picture of it on the dashboard of the Mustang so I would remember to pick it up the next day. I went inside and started packing.

I thought to myself... "self? what should I wear to give my presentation tomorrow? casual or dressed up? khakis or shorts? tie or no tie?" Then, as if the largest Christmas tree in Times Square had just turned on, it came to me. I knew exactly what to wear. So, I packed up a little suitcase ('cause I'm a guy) and headed out with Dave, a co-worker, to Chicago. It rode well -- even if it didn't. Did I mention it was a beautiful car?

The next morning, we got up and got ready for the day. I was so excited to wear my brand new, only worn once before, Milwaukee Brewers jersey to an Oracle training day in the heart of Chicago Cubs land -- and the fact that I was going to be presenting was just a bonus! Just think.... I was wearing the jersey of the enemy and they were forced to look at me! :)

Well, this blog is already a bit long... I like to be verbose and story-telling-ish, as you can tell. I'll wrap up with the fact that I gave the forty-minute presentation without a hitch or any problems. I had about thirty people attend my presentation and 1/3 of them came up afterwards requesting a copy of my presentation, so that was a great sign.

At the end of the day, there were several drawings for door prizes and I won a set of Bose speakers -- so sweet! So... when all was said and done, at the end of the day, I drove home away from Chicago in a new Ford Mustang wearing my (somewhat) new Milwaukee Brewers jersey and new set of Bose speakers. All in all, a good day.