Changing of the format

Thus begins the rant of the day:

Ok, so now that I AM the roaming gnome, I thought this would be a good spot to let all family, friends, and anyone else who might be interested, know about my travels around the country and the world as a corporate trainer in the gaming business! Having said that, I will catch everyone up on where I have been in the last two months.

June saw me starting out in Tunica, Mississippi (one week after my knee surgery, by the way!) I flew into Memphis, and drove 30 miles over the Mississippi border to Tunica. It is a very quaint area, and getting to see the Southern leg of the mighty Mississippi River was awe-inspiring! It is quite amusing to have seen the start of the river while living in Minnesota, and now the Southern portion! While on this trip, I was able to shoot back up to Memphis to tour Graceland (Elvis Presley's home), as well as Beale Street, the home of the Blues! The food was AMAZING! I got to eat world famous ribs at the Blues City Cafe (featured on the Food Network). I will post a few pics of the trip for all to enjoy!

Next I went to Espanola, New Mexico (15 miles North of Santa Fe). I was able to spend time in Santa Fe, as well as meeting up with Millie and Ben (my aunt and uncle) and Jeff (my cousin) who lives nearby. The weather was challenging, but it is wonderful to see rain for once! Unfortunately, the system that we were installing was not functioning, so I wound up leaving the property and going to Temecula, California for a week.

Temecula is one of my favorite spots. It is just North of San Diego, one of my absolute favorite places in the world! I was able to visit Zarco's Cigar Lounge in old town Temecula, as well as get to some of the wonderful wineries in the Temecula Valley! I also enjoyed a jazz concert at Thornton Winery, and as most of you know, I am a HUGE jazz fan! I saw Hiroshima and Acoustic Alchemy. They were FANTASTIC! What a great show! An intimate atmosphere in the winery's courtyard, and only about 500 people there! It was like a private concert!

Today, I have returned to New Mexico to finish the project we began a few weeks ago. My fingers are crossed that things will finally be back on track so that we can complete the training. Next week, I will be back in Temecula. YEAH! Mom, Dad, and Kristie are coming out to meet me there! I am so excited!