Hi from the LA PDC Conference

Daddy says hi back home to Tristan and Sydney! 

Conference at a Glance

A few pictures from the conference John is attending this week in LA.  The Microsoft PDC (professional developer conference) is an event for software developers to learn about what Microsoft has been working on over the past few years and what we can use as developers.  Touch based computers and tables, how virtual earth works behind the scenes, new technologies etc.. Lot’s of fun stuff.  Over eight thousand geeks running around under one roof!

Earthquake Safety

You don’t see this everyday.. unless of course you’re one of the millions of people who like living on a fault line.  Don’t they know inevitably the west coast WILL fall into the ocean someday?  Freaks me out just thinking about it.  I want to go home…. mommy!

Bob Hope Airport

My buddy Allen from Las Vegas rented a shiny new Diamond DA-40 plane in Las Vegas and flew out to the LA area to say Hi.  I met up with him at Bob Hope airport in Burbank California.. only a few minutes from my Hotel by Universal Studios.  

Once he landed we used the courtesy car at the Atlantic FBO (fixed base operator for pilots) to grab some Mexican food at Chevy’s and hang out for a few hours.  He drove me back to the hotel then headed to the airport to fly back to Las Vegas.  He’s flying back in on Friday to pick me up for a return trip to Las Vegas where I’ll stay until tuesday of the following week.

Landed in LA

Finally made it to LA.  It seems like i’ve been traveling more than usual these past few months.. tired of Commercial Aviation.  Funny story though.. after the plane pushed off from the gate and was five minutes into taxiing the plane the pilot spoke over the intercom that he was a bit embarrassed, he forgot to pick up the airplanes manifest that lists out baggage and that he’d have to turn the plane around and back to the gate.. but he said.. and i quote.  I’m gonna pull right on up here and roll my window down.. they’ll hand it too me nice and easy through my winder!  and they did!

Another story.. about mid way through the flight an attendant came on over the intercom and said i know this is a crazy request but is there a “knitter” on board?  Yes.. a knitter who uses a needle and thread.  Anyway.. fun trip.

I’m heading from the airport to the Hilton Los Angeles Universal City in Universal Studios.  The hotel room is awesome.. corner suite with huge windows wrapping around the room looking out into the Valley.

Heading to LA

John is heading out to the West coast for a two week trip. LA for a week long software developer conference then Las Vegas to meet up with a friend then a week in San Jose to attend a pilots convention.

Last day in Phoenix

Last day in phoenix before returning home.  I spent most of the day relaxing by the pool.  

JW Marriot Desert Ridge Phoenix

More pics from where I stayed for the week.  Beautiful weather every day.

Checking into the Hotel

We’re staying at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge resort.  It’s a beautiful piece of property on the outskirts of town.  Waterfalls, rabbits running around and ducks.  A lazy river and lots and lots of sun shine.

Conference in Phoenix

Not long after returning home from Germany John is back on a plane once again.. this time heading west for a company conference in Phoenix.  The conference is planned by the company John works for.  Each year locations change bouncing between florida, canada, san diego.. east coast.. west coast.