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Published: August 6th 2007
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Yes, I am here in New York, and no, I haven't been missing for the past two days. Unfortunately, a raging migraine has been holding me hostage for a couple of days, which has made focusing on a computer screen rather difficult! I'll do my best to recap before it's off to dreamland for some much-needed rest!
I arrived on Tuesday morning at eight am with my sister in tow to help me with the mounds of work to be done. We were squirreled away in a windowless conference room all day, but fortunately, the room had a lot of character. Known as the "chairman's boardroom," it felt more like a small library with a big conference table. It was a reasonably pleasant way to spend the morning while putting together the welcome packets and gift items. We finished around one, which felt like a lifetime since neither of us had eaten. By two, we managed to be checked into my hotel room and set with all of my various packages and boxes. By two thirty, room service arrived and brought us back to the land of the living. After a brief rest, we were out on the town!
The New York Palace is situated in a great area - right in midtown by Rockefeller Plaza. In fact, from my window, I overlook the top of St. Patrick's cathedral and the lights of Rockefeller Plaza. Very cool. We wandered around the Plaza, peeking into the Met Museum store and spending some money in both Crabtree & Evelyn and the NBC store. We lit candles in St. Patricks and strolled through the cathedral. Finally, we were off in search of a Starbucks! Easier said that done - although you would think that there's one on every corner, it's impossible to find one when you need one!
We eventually decided to head back to the hotel, and that's when we stumbled on a Starbucks only a block away. Perfect. After our coffee break and a nap, it was time to see my sister off to go home. The migraine had begun in earnest, but wasn't tormenting me yet, so I finished up some work, watched some tv and went to bed.
Yesterday was full of only meetings, work, phone calls and laying down to get rid of my migraine. Brutal and unrelenting, regardless of what medication or aspirin I
took. I eventually managed to fall asleep around 1am and morning came way too early. I still wasn't feeling great today, but I think I'm on the mend now, just wiped out!
This morning was quiet, meeting up with my dad for a quick pre-board meeting in the lobby. That can be a mistake because everyone comes through the lobby at some point, and it's an endless series of small chats and hugs. The board met at noon in the offices of our host firm, and had a productive/non-productive meeting, as they always are. Luckily, it was over on time, which I thought freed me up for a couple of hours. Boy, was I wrong! I would barely put my phone down before it was ringing again with another call or message about something someone needed or wanted to do. Emails were also pouring in, saying this one wants to go to this thing, that one wants to do this thing. Crazy, and frustrating. But I managed to handle it all, and write it all down, so I think we are still in good shape - that's why I have to keep a spreadsheet listing each individual attendee and
spouse and guest and spouse and local firm member and spouse - otherwise, my brain might actually explode. No wonder I have a migraine!
I did manage to get dressed for the welcome reception and dinner and get downstairs in time. Then began the series of cheek kisses - something you would think of as relatively uncomplicated. You would be wrong. Americans kiss on one cheek, Brits kiss on two, and most of the rest of Europe kisses three times. And of course, our Asian contingent shakes hands - and so do some of our more serious Americans. Keeping it all straight is highly challenging, and sometimes results in what happened to me - almost a full kiss on the mouth! You've really got to get into the whole thing before you get it right! And some people kiss both when they greet you and say goodbye, some kiss you more than once regardless of their country of origin, because they know the group is international, and some people just try to kiss you as much as possible because they like it. It's a cultural lesson, and more entertaining to watch than participate!
We eventually kicked everyone out the
door and down to the Rainbow Room. We weren't in the actual Rainbow Room, but one of their private function rooms on the 64th floor. We all packed into the small outer lobby of the room and pressed against the windows to enjoy the fabulous view. I escaped for a moment to talk to our events planners in the much cooler dining area - seriously though, what a view. To one side was the startling close up of the Empire State Building. In the distance, I could make out the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island (tomorrow's destination). On the other side, was a view of the rest of the city - we could see the baseball field in Central Park where we'll be tomorrow and I could see the GWB (George Washington Bridge for you non-locals), and NJ (yay Jersey!). It was very cool, and I didn't even feel nervous about being near the window - not that I got THAT close!
They opened the doors to the dining area and the guests began to filter in and sit down. After a welcome from our host, we tucked into dinner and awaited the night view of the city
lit up. However, as everyone chatted away, we began to realize that there was NO view. How is that possible, you ask? An eerie fog had rolled in, shrouding everything in grey clouds. We couldn't see a thing - not the Chrysler Building, not the Empire State Building, and definitely not New Jersey! Everyone at my table did their best to blame me for the weather - and I think they were only half kidding - and we agreed that we had rolled the fog in on purpose and planned to roll it out again. Somehow, our silent prayers worked, and by the end of the evening, it was clear out and the view was again spectacular. Our events planner commented that she thought the group enjoyed talking to each other even more than the view, and there was still quite a group remaining when I departed for the hotel. Day #1 is finished, and a success in my book...now just keep your fingers crossed for good weather tomorrow!!!
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