LA or bust

The ZS global management team meeting was held this year in LA.  The timing worked out pretty well with my chemo schedule and so we stuck with our plan to attend.

My plan was to fly out a day early, rent a car and drive up to LA to see Jen, Jim, Ella and their new little guy, Conner.  I had forgotten that this Saturday was the MCUDL end of summer playoff picnic and I was a bit bummed to miss out, but I headed to PHL, excited about spending time with friends in Santa Barbara.

My 9am flight was supposed to get into LAX around 12:30, but after 3 hours of delay... the flight was cancelled.  By the time I got to the service counter, there were no more flights that could get me there on Saturday... so I had no choice but to head home and try again on Sunday.   Of course, my bag had already been checked and *that* made it onto the next flight out (even though I didn't) so it would be waiting for me in LA the next day.

Determined not to miss all of my Saturday plans, I hopped a cab at the airport and directed him to drop me off at the ultimate fields on Quakerbridge Road.  The driver thought I was a bit off ("there's nothing at that address") but after seeing my wad of cash, he agreed to take me.  I arrived just in time to catch the end of my team's game (we lost a close one) and got to enjoy the afternoon catching up with my buds in MCUDL. 

I was also humbled by yet another kind gesture from MCUDL as they renamed the "Most Spirited Woman" award in my honor:  https://mercerultimate.org/mcudl/2011_Picnic.

My Sunday flight arrived at LAX without delay (though I was stuck in the last row, couldn't recline, smelling the potty and amused by the couple sitting next to me "snogging" the whole way there... but at least I made it!).  It was great connecting with my colleagues from across the globe:  hearing about their latest innovations, brainstorming about ways to better serve our clients and, of course, just catching up with my ZS family.  I also got to participate in a professional photo shoot for our new company website: ZS Associates .  Just in the nick of time too... as my hair really started falling out this week!  Mike joined us on Thursday and we spent the weekend taking in some of the sights and relaxing with the crew.

While I didn't manage to catch up with the Maupin-Regetz clan, I did get some good time with Sarah J, Jude and Vanita and the VR-Golds.  I guess it's easier to see friends from India in LA than it is to see friends from SB.  Looks like another trip to So Cal is definitely in order.  Hope to see you soon!