Another bucket list item

...I didn't even know this was on my bucket list, but let me just tell you...there is NO better way to travel than by private jet.  I rolled onto the airfield 10 minutes before take-off, and had a few moments to chat before boarding; we boarded and took off within moments...no-one checked my ID; there was no security and I could take as much water on board as I cared to....the door to the cockpit stayed open (or maybe there wasn't a door) - it saved TONS of time.

We got a whole day of meetings in, and then got the plane right back; and as an added bonus, there was a beautiful stormy sunset on the way home.  This was an amazing experience - I never want to travel commercial again!  I am such a snob :)

Home from home

I went to my new ward today, Dallas 4th ward - it's very nice, but still doesn't feel like home, but I guess it's just week one - too soon to feel very at home.  After Church I went to ward choir, which was brilliant, and with all that I forgot to take a photo at Church - so I took one at the hotel, which has been my home for the past week...

Separation anxiety

Nexen kindly provides me with a daily separation payment, to compensate me for the hardship of being away from home.  Today was the first time I've really had time to even think about being away, and I managed to find a good way to spend my afternoon.  Note to self - don't go into Nordstrom and tell them you need retail therapy ...within moments they assigned me a personal shopper, Britney - who helped me deal with my separation anxiety; she over-achieved, I intended to buy 2 pairs of trousers and two tops, and I came away with so much more!!  Britney looks a little guilty in this photo - that's understated - she was VERY guilty!!  I hope she's on commission - she was actually very helpful.

After the stress of shopping at Nordstrom, I met up with Margaret Anderson (my neighbour from Calgary who is living in Richardson) - and we went for a lovely walk around a park close to her home...this is one of the waterfall things along the brook - quite delightful!

...and finally, I crossed one more thing off the bucket list tonight.  I was sitting in my hotel room, just minding my own business, when I actually felt an earthquake!  The bed moved, the curtains swayed, it was really quite exciting.  The earthquake was in Oklahoma and was a 5.5 magnitude....and I felt it!  Awesome!!

I'm going to enjoy this.

This is the view of the sunrise from my desk....it's worth getting into work early for this...

I had my apartment confirmed today (see the photo from a couple of days ago) - now the process is that Prudential will furnish it for me...that's kinda scary, I have no idea what kind of furniture they will choose, I sure hope they have someone that has the same taste is furnishings that I do...I'll move in on Wednesday - more photo's to follow!

...and my new office

Which is actually bigger than my new apartment.  I haven't had the apartment confirmed yet, but it's looking good - that said, if it doesn't come off, I could always live in my office :)  I've had some pretty nice offices in my time, but I must admit, this one is the best, way too big and way too excluded for my role, but I'll enjoy it nonetheless!  I have an HD video - which is awesome.

Anyway, it was a 13 hour day at the office, so I'm glad it's comfortable!!

New home?

I went to look for apartments after work this evening; the first two were VERY disappointing, the last one was VERY nice - this is one of the photo's of the interior.

It is just 2.5 miles from the temple and right next to a super shopping mall...question is...would it be better to be closer to the office?  it's only about 15 miles to work, which is less than I travel at home....the other thing is, they only have big apartments, way bigger than I need.

Decisions decisions!

Unlimited San Pellegrino

I'll be living in the Marriott Hotel for my first week or so in Plano, and the best thing about living in a hotel is that I can drink as much San Pellegrino as I want....so I ordered 3 bottles with my dinner.  I guess I can do that at home, but I don't, and for some strange reason it is one of my guilty pleasures when I stay in a hotel!

I also bit my tongue for the 2nd time in two days....and I did take a photo of the lacerated victim, but decided it wasn't a very nice thing to have on my blog...but this could end up being the best diet of all, I really don't feel like eating too much for fear of another accident!