The short version: Driving from Toledo to Columbus was snowy / windy / rainy (in that order). The class was moderately helpful to my job, and was more of a foundation for what I’ll be learning in later classes. The highlight of the trip, however, was visiting with friends every evening.
The more detailed version follows…
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There may be few or no updates for the remainder of the week, as I will be in Columbus (Dublin) for MicroStrategy training. I’m sure the Hampton has a business center where I can check my e-mail and whatnot, but I’m not sure how much time I’ll be able to spend on e-mail and keeping up with my RSS feeds, much less actually blogging.
Even though I’ll be missing out on a grand total of 45 minutes (that’s three days’ worth) of Aaron time, I’ll be hanging out with some old friends in the evenings, which is awesome. I know there are some people in the area that I’m not getting to meet up with, and I do apologize for that. Maybe next time… (And there probably WILL be a next time, with all the training I could potentially sign up for.)
I’m looking forward to learning more about the Business Intelligence software I’ve been using at work; I’m also looking forward to seeing old friends, and having a change of scenery. I’m not looking forward to being away from my Honey-Muffin on the Hallmark Holiday Valentine’s Day, or really being away from him at all; and I’m not sure about making the 2½ hour drive to Columbus alone for the first time.
I’m a big girl. I can go on a big bad business trip by myself.
Right?
I’m not usually one to be immediately sucked in by any sort of endorsement, be it from a friend or a celebrity or a celebrity blogger. Somehow, though, after Dooce posted about All The Better To Kiss You With organic lip balm last month (with a much better photo than my own, as always), I found myself on the BABYBEARSHOP website, ordering myself a three-pack of organic lip balm.
Apparently, the Force is strong with Dooce, because I was just one of many who bumrushed the BABYBEARSHOP all at once, so much so that they felt the need to apologize for the (very minor) delay in shipping my order.
I was tickled when I finally received my lip balm — probably a little *too* tickled, honestly. But they were all wrapped together in this ornate blue butterfly tissue paper, which was all folded and tucked in around the tiny tins like a cross between origami and a note I’d have passed in Junior High. As silly as it sounds, I enjoyed the process of unfolding the tissue paper and revealing the product inside. The packaging for the lip balms themselves is also very ornate and antique-inspired. I love it.
As for the actual product, it also does not disappoint. The three flavors available are Chai Mandarin, Lavender Vanilla, and Pepperminty. My current favorite is the Chai Mandarin. For the first few days I had the lip balm, I was applying it every hour or so. At my desk. In the office. My lips were just drinking it in. It was awesome. And I’m not sure I believe it myself, but it really seems like my lips are softer and not so prone to chapping in this nasty cold weather as they were a couple of weeks ago.
Plus, man, this stuff smells great. It’s giving me ideas for soy candles.