Just checked in to the Hyatt on Embarcadero. It is downtown right by the Bay Bridge. She said it was a two night stay. That means we will probably scavenge here in San Francisco tomorrow. Our first meeting is in the hotel here at 3:30. We have a kickoff dinner tonight.
Went to bed after midnight with last minute packing. Got up at five to be timely for our 7:10 flight. Marnie was nice enough to drop us by six. We thought it safest to let Madeline sleep and say goodbye electronically.
Flight was direct on Virgin America. Plane was less than half full. Young woman next to me was leaving Austin after a bacherlotte party trip. Once we were airborne she moved to an empty row to sleep. I read a little and did the same. I told Catherine (C) to do the same. I can't sleep sitting up, but being able to lay down was able to get some rest. C did not listen to me and watched shows. As a result she was fighting off sleep, with mixed results, so she could see her first views of the bay and skyline.
I've been to San Fran before, but always headed somewhere else. Never spent more than a couple of rushed days here. It is a major port and business center. I believe the bay area population exceeds 8MM. First visited here 30 years ago. I see why it has grown so much. It has a really nice vibe. When I visit here, I think it gives me a window on Austin's future. Always growing, increasing opportunities, property values and cost of living. Lots of energy.
I'm excited about this 23 day adventure, but have some mixed emotions. Always things to deal with at the office. Fortunately, most are growth related. I know the team there can handle everything, so that is not a worry. Primarily I feel bad I'm here by default. Marnie arranged all this for her and C. I know how much she enjoyed doing it 3 years ago with Madeline. Her treatments finished less than a month ago with a excellent prognosis and she handled them like a champ. The stamina required for this trip and sun exposure did not make it feasible for her to go.
I'm going to go wake C up. We need to take advantage of being here and I want her to be able to sleep tonight. Really looking forward to spending so much quality time with her. She starts high school next year and life will continue to speed up.
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