Sep 07
Business Trip to Philly
On Wednesday evening of this week, I drove up to Philly because I was slated to attend some hands on training for Microsoft’s Expression Design and Expression Blend software.
If you don’t know (as I didn’t), basically Microsoft Expression Design is M$’s answer to Adobe Illustrator, and Microsoft Expression Blend is basically their answer to Adobe Flash. Now after attending the conference, I don’t think the products are currently the Adobe Killers M$ had hoped for but maybe with a little work they’ll get there.
(I’ll probably be writing more about this software in a future post so stay tuned true believers).
Other Philly Stuff
Outside of the conference, this is also the first time I can remember that I’ve had to chance to kind of check out a little bit of Philly. Unfortunately, I’m only here for another 3 hours so last night was really my only chance to get out. Me and two co-workers ended up going to this place called Continental and it was a lot of fun. It was more or less like a diner setup with outside seating and some serious food. And of course, you know what the best part about a business trip is right?
Your company picks up the tab.
And that meant the first order of business was grabbing a beer and ordering something lobster related. I ended up getting the lobster potatoes. And they were fantastic. Of course being the fatness that I am today, I had to get dessert too. The waitress ended up bringing out a platter with big shot glasses on it that were filled with (in her words) “yummy stuff”. Obviously, I had to go with the Lemon Cheesecake with Blueberries. It was awesome.
Random Weirdness
So last night while we were walking around, my co-worker Curtis noticed this one dude with two girls that looked really familiar. After a second, it donned on him who they were. I didn’t really believe him so we left our third co-worker for a second and tracked this people down so that I could get a good look. Turns out we believe we saw three of last year’s American Idol contestants, Chris Richardson, Haley Scarnato and Sanjaya’s sister. We didn’t say anything to confirm but I will say that Haley’s legs are pretty much pretty what Simon made of them on TV.
All in All
It was a good time. It’s too bad that my wife and kid aren’t here but I guess I’m glad I got the chance to come up. The “interactive” part of things at the conference isn’t bad, and from the little part of Philly that I got to see, it seems like a really diverse and chill place to be (which is very much the opposite of where I’m living now).
P.S. I’m hoping that soon I’ll be able to write some 360 posts…maybe for next week if I get myself together. I’ll “see” you all soon!
September 7th, 2007 at 1:17 pm
Looks like you’re having a great time buddy. I’ll be waiting for your updates.
P.S. Grab a few beers for me while you’re there. Lobster sounds good too haha.
September 7th, 2007 at 3:05 pm
@Brown – Done and Done. *nod*
September 7th, 2007 at 4:27 pm
We want photos !!
September 7th, 2007 at 6:17 pm
Next time you should find a conference in Boston. I think you’d like it so much better.
September 7th, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Cool Bush. Glad you’re enjoying Philly. PA is actually my home state! Lived there my whole life…until I graduated and left for college down here in Florida back in ‘92.
Enjoy your visit there. And like BB said, have a few brewskis for me as well!
Shine on,
Aaron
September 7th, 2007 at 9:49 pm
Next time you can show us the photos if you bring along your digital camera.
I enjoyed reading your blog. I will be back !
September 8th, 2007 at 12:45 am
Your post made me hungry.
Cool quasi-celeb siting. The last celeb I saw around here was Brian Knobs who shows up on “Hogan Knows Best” from time to time. I saw him at a local Cheddar’s restaurant.
September 8th, 2007 at 10:35 am
@icedragon & keeyit – What had happened was I left my mem card for my camera at work! So I actually had it with me, but I didn’t have a card in it!! ARGH!
@Angela – Funny you mention that…There’s a big conf in Boston later this month called Flash Forward. I’m thinking about going but I’m a bit hesitant because I don’t want to leave the wife w/ the kid for that long! But if I DO come out, I expect you to meet me so I can buy you a beer. (#);)
@Aaron – Don’t worry, I drank plenty for all!
@keeyit – I’m glad you liked what you read and I look forward to “seeing you” again! (#):D
@Angie – I’m trying to think of the last time I heard a girl speak the name, “Brian Knobs”. I think you might be the first! (And btw, sometimes I just walk around saying “Hogan Knows Best” like they do on the intro to that show. Ha ha ha)