The word from the meteorologists I know says that we can expect anywhere between half a foot to a foot of snow from this storm.

Let me say that again: half a foot to a foot of snow.

At the first sign of white stuff falling, I am so out of here.

How I’m tired of announcing snow. The radar has a huge green-and-yellow spot over Fayetteville now which is slowly moving into the Triangle. The forecast discussion has some details. Essentially you might make it in to work this morning, but getting home is going to be a bitch.

I’m staying at home today, for safety reasons as well as to visit my family, whom I haven’t seen in a week.

It’s my last day here in Orlando. I’ll be catching a flight back home this evening, preferably one earlier than the one I booked. Whatever attraction traveling to trade shows once held is gone. I just want to be home.

The rain hasn’t let up for two straight days. I heard mention of a flood warning today. The weather is affecting my mood, that’s for sure. I might have felt more at home had I been able to see that dazzling Florida night sky. Then again, with all the strip-mall neon in this area, the odds of seeing anything up there are slim.

The best way to see Florida is from offshore.

Didn’t get out last night. I wasn’t feeling well, likely spawned from the stress of the show, so I grabbed dinner with my coworker and was back in the room by 8. We managed to cross the streets without getting too soaked by the rain.

I’ll soon be on the show floor, but my mind and my heart are already back home.

It’s raining cats and dogs right now. The roof of the new Orange County Convention Center sprung a leak above our booth. Rain threatens to drive away alll but the most committed visitors.

I’m hoping it clears up before the end of the show since its going to make it difficult to walk places.

Had a funny episode before Sunday night’s basketball game at the RBC Center. In an attempt to catch weapons of mass destruction or something, the staff checked the entering crowd using metal detectors. After what seemed like a long wait, I stepped up to be scanned.

The staffmember was as cheerful as Aunt Bea, a demeanor sure to strike fear in the hearts of would-be terrorists. She waved the wand around aimlessly, using it more as a prop for her small talk rather than a tool for finding rocket-propelled grenades.

She was practically inviting me over for cookies and ice cream when the wand squawked over my pocket. She looked up.

“Ah, that’s my cellphone,” I said as I held it up for her.

Crack counterterrorism expert that she is, Aunt Bea wanted to make sure I was telling the truth (terrorists can be wiley, you know). She waved the wand over my phone. Sure enough, the wand squawked.

Satisfied she had done her part to protect America, she waved me through.

I’m in Orlando now for the trade show. Business is good. Lots of good leads. I can see why our partners do this every year. Speaking of our partners, they are a fun bunch to hang around with. Everyone seems to be enjoying the day.

I wish my feet could say the same. In spite of having good carpeting in the booth, my feet are taking a toll. I brought other shoes for tomorrow, so there’s hope I’ll be able to walk out of here at the end of the show.

I find it funny that the convention center wants $1300 per device to hook up network access, yet the entire hall has free Wi-Fi, sponsored by Intel. Bits want to be free!

Dinner was at an Orlando Ale House. It was a two block hike to get there from our hotel. Service was on the slower side, but the meal was good. Plates full of shrimp!

I got back to the hotel in time to give Kelly a call. I’m really missing her and Hallie. All I wanted to do after the show ended today was to have them to return to. Been feeling very lonely lately.

I was totally caught off guard by an event today; one that I never in million years could have predicted. I met Newt Gingrich! He was one of the featured speakers at the conference (though not “speaker of the house” this time. Heh heh) and was sponsored by one of the partners in our booth. Thus, he wandered through the booth, looking at all the products being shown. As he walked up to me, I was just finishing up with a hot lead. I knew he wasn’t going to buy anything, so I made him cool his heels! Once my prospect moved on, I had time to check my cellphone messages before being introduced to Newt. Guess I was in no hurry.

Gingrich offered a sincere “nice to meet you” and shook my hand. Though the technical jargon our partner was prodiving him must have gone right over his head, he seemed to nod right along. He’s no dummy: no one gets to the position he held by being stupid.

Overall, I was struck by how quiet he was; like he was just soaking things in. It wasn’t the persona I’d seen on television. He seemed like a normal, rational guy. He didn’t seem to put on airs, either. Didn’t seem to crave attention. No entourage, either. His unassuming nature made me wonder how at one point he had become such a powerful politician.

That sums up the day. I got way too little sleep this morning in an effort not to be late for my flight. It’s now catch-up time. I may need my rest. Who knows what tomorrow will bring?

I spent time this morning working on computer projects, like finding an image script I like. Before I knew it it was time to head up to visit my parents and get tickets for tonight’s N.C. State game against Washington.
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It’s been a good day today. I woke up with a freaky dream in my head, which you can read on mindblogging.com if you’re so inclined. The house was way too quiet as Kelly and Hallie are away.

I spent time writing up my dream, then conversing with Lonnie Sharp, an old shipmate I last spoke with fifteen years ago. It was great catching up with him. Glad to hear he’s doing well.

I found time to do some yard seeding before heading off to the Cary Senior Center for a Skywarn class on storm formation. I’ve been to two Skywarn classes before, but this was the first time things really clicked. I now feel confident I can see a thunderstorm and accurately determine if it poses a threat. It was fascinating stuff for a Saturday afternoon.

I shared the class with the Naylors, who invited me to join them at the boat show occuring at the State Fairgrounds. I tagged along with Ralph as we surveyed the merchandise, all of it way too far beyond my financial reach at this point. I hoped to learn some things about boats by going along, however, and that I got. I watched as Ralph and a salesman traded racing stories about sailboats. I found myself jealous of this guy who makes a living by sailing. While I like my job, you’ll never see me grin that big talking about some stupid demo.

The sailboats were in Dorton Arena, and for the first time I really appreciated just how beautiful this building really is. The blue sky was shining through the windows above the red seats, with the arches soaring in front of me. It truly is an architectural work of art. Made me sad that I’ll never see another Icecaps game there.

After that, I stopped home briefly to grab dinner before heading to Beer Club. The turnout was fantastic! Larry was there, in addition to regular club members Jeff and Scott. In addition, two new members were present: Jeff’s wife Suzie and Scott’s wife Dawn. It was nice to have some diversity in the Club meetings for a change. They certainly brought some laughter to the scene!

The Flying Saucer was a great place to meet, if just a bit noisy. Maybe for the next meeting we’ll pick some place a little more conducive to conversations. Of course, the beer will be top priority, as always.

Now its time to hit the sack. Tomorrow promises to be a busy day, with me seeding the rest of the yard, doing other honey-dos, attending the Pack game against Washington that afternoon, and finally packing for my trade show trip to Orlando Monday morning.

Awright, the results are in. Beer Club will be held Saturday night at Flying Saucer. Meeting time is the usual 8 PM. Meeting place will be as near to the pool table as possible.

See you there!