Catching Up...In No Particualr Order

It has definitely been some time since I have posted. I will try to get you all caught up in 23 paragraphs, or less. I am currently sitting near gate 115B in Newark Airport. Not that I typically do my best writing in airports, it’s just where I happen to be at the moment. I have been in New York over the last five days for another combo-trip with business and pleasure. Business was only so-so. I attended an accounting partner compensation forum. It still floors me the mindset of firm partners. “How do you in other firms compensate your non-performing partners?” Why would you compensate them? “Because they are partners of the firm.” Would you compensate a non-performing administrative assistant? “Absolutely not.” What’s the difference? “But they are partners.” So what? Here’s your sign.

I did get to see my good friend Sally while in New York. She drove into the city from New Jersey on Wednesday night and we saw Sweeney Todd. Man, what a dark, twisted show. Loved it! The next evening I flew solo and caught The Light in the Piazza. It was quite different from razors and cannibalism from the previous night, and very beautifully done. It rained quite a bit during the five days. Temperatures were also fairly high with a nice slice of humidity on top. I feel so dirty…and not in the fun kind of way.

I have been fighting an ear and sinus infection over the last couple of weeks. Gotta love a few good doses of antibiotics. Of course, sinus/ear problems always make air travel fun. Starbuck’s always seems to help though. A chai, or two, a day breaks up congestion. Ancient Chinese secret.

I had great sushi for lunch today. I met up with an AAM member and we had a good lunch talking about the New York Chapter and discussing some strategic plans for it. Tracey is from Long Island and a really ambitious, hard-working person. I am looking forward to working more closely with her in regards to the chapter. Plus, she picked a hell of a great sushi spot!

Sunday was New York Pride March. The theme this year was Life + Love: HIV/AIDS. The parade lasted about five and a half hours and brought out more than 500,000 spectators. It was interesting to see the parade participants and viewers. From the stereotypical queen to the elderly gay war veterans, there was something for everyone. The overall theme was very positive and festive. There was a moment of silence at 2 p.m. in memory of all of those who lost their fight to HIV/AIDS.

I got back from Denver about a week ago. We hosted our annual AAM conference at the Hyatt at the Denver Convention Center. It is a beautiful, new hotel. Overall, the event went very well. We had a record attendance of nearly 475 accounting marketers and partners. Additionally, sponsorships and exhibitors were at an all-time high. I am not sure what to attribute the huge spike in this year’s numbers, though I hope it continues into next year. We will be in Savannah, Georgia for the next conference.

It’s now Wednesday. No, I haven’t been in the Newark Airport that long…just took a break and wrapping up now. Back at work, sorting through mail, boxes, crap on my desk, etc. Oh, and I am very hungry. I need to run to Best Buy for work in a few. I will probably grab something bad for me to eat while I am out.

I am going to St. Louis for part of this upcoming weekend. The national tour of The Phantom of the Opera is completing a run there. I am going to see a couple friends who are in the production. I haven’t seen them since San Francisco a few years ago. Man, time flies! I also hope to visit with Ted and Jennifer while I am in town.

Well, as promised, caught up in less than 23 paragraphs. I am sure I missed several items, but at least you can now sleep better knowing the little snippets that have happened over the last few weeks.