It all started with the “weather delay of pain.” I got to Dublin airport (EIDW) bright and early at 6:30am for my 8:00am departure to Paris. I woke up very early to check the status of the flight, because that morning in the middle of December, Dublin was digging itself out of its recent snowpocalypse. Dublin Airport had canceled all flights and ultimately closed the airport to all traffic until 8am. Luckily, the airport opened as planned, and the people destined for Paris boarded “Clare Island” a CityJet Avro RJ-85 for a pleasant and sometimes humorous flight (specifically, listening to the pilot butcher his announcements in French). We arrived at CDG, took our leave from the plane, rode a bus (where I had a pleasant chat with a British/Kiwi couple enroute to Havana) to terminal 2E and… well, found that I couldn’t find connecting information to my San Francisco flight.

Not deterred, I walked up to the Air France counter and spent an hour with a lovely gate agent (Melanie, I think). She told me I missed my connecting flight to SFO and worked feverishly to get me out that day. After what felt like an hour (it was probably pretty close to an hour), she booked me standby on that day’s flight to LAX and got me a connection on Continental to Sacramento. My standby reservation was confirmed before we reached the gate, but sadly, we were delayed again to depart. I arrived at LAX having missed yet another connection.

LAX, for those who have been there, is a special little level of hell. It’s 8 or so mostly unconnected terminals, without a coherent way (as far as I could tell) to shuttle between them. I heard there was a bus (which seems eerily appropriate for LA) but I wasn’t about to risk it (note to LAX: install a monorail or some dedicated means for terminal to terminal shuttling, and you’ll be in a much better way!). Unfortunately, when I arrived, the Air France desk was closed and I wasn’t sure at this point who to contact to get me enroute again. I decided it wasn’t Continental’s problem (despite my now-missed outgoing connection), since they didn’t own my original reservation. I went to Delta in terminal 5, figuring that because they were in SkyTeam with Air France, and even brandished Air France’s logo behind their counters, that they would be able to help me. No; the Delta agent was incredibly unhelpful and almost bordered on rude. She did suggest I purchase a ticket, but flatly refused to help own the situation on behalf of their airline partner. So, a pretty big fail in my book for Delta.

I then decided to go over to Continental. 180 degree difference! I explained the situation to the Continental agent, and he started digging around the system. He asked if I had a FIM – a Flight Interruption Manifest – after doing a cursory look in his system for my reservation. I dug in my bag and ‘lo and behold, I did. That FIM was like a magic key; all things were possible (FIMs are products of Zombocom apparently) with it. The Continental agent rebooked me on a United flight to SFO, and apologetically directed me to United to check my bags, since their systems weren’t entirely integrated yet. All told, I ended up in San Francisco only 10 or 12 hours late.

I’m 640 words in now, and I haven’t even started describing my actual trip! I think I might need to go with a bit more pith. So, to summarize: Air France gets 1 points (+1 for rebooking, -1 for having a closed desk in LAX, bonus +1 for a pleasant flight), Delta gets -10 points for an unhelpful gate agent (usually -1, 10X multiplier because I was a frazzled traveler and despite my politeness was met with an absolutely useless agent), and Continental gets 2 points for helpfully getting me back to where I wanted to go (United gets 1 for actually flying the route, having channel 9 tuned to ATC, and letting me claim that flight for miles). LAX stands at -100 because I’ve never had a positive experience navigating that airport.

Crap, blew another 100 words.

That began my trip. I spent Christmas Eve with the cats, Mom, and Dad. We had our customary indonesian cuisine on Christmas Eve, then Christmas breakfast with more family in the East Bay, then back home for a pleasant Christmas dinner. As I recall, we also had an absolutely delicious prime rib dinner with an unbelievable red (a Cab, I think) a few days after with Mom, Dad, Grandpa, and Margaret. In the week after, I went to San Luis Obispo to have a few beers and craic with David and the Bostwicks. Good times were had.

Notice, the pith? I’m going for an economy of words now.

New Years came, the ball dropped, then it was 2011. I went to Mountain View.

I spent 2 weeks in Mountain View working at my company‘s headquarters. Talk about a packed few weeks! I got to meet the Mountain View sides of my team — a great group of lads (and a few lasses if you include the backend folks!). Got to learn a lot about a new bit of code my team will be supporting and got to hangout with the developers behind that code — a valuable relationship to have, if you might have to wake them up at 3am to help triage and fix something unusual and catastrophic. If any of the SREs, SWEs, or PMs referenced here read this: Cheers to you! I had a great time hanging out, learning, and getting to know all of you! Thanks!

That brings me to today, in the airport.

Part of this trip, in addition to the main work component, was to visit with family (check!), do cool things at work (double check!), and get my cats enroute to Dublin (check!). I’ve been working with Pet Express, a pet moving company just north of SFO. I bundled up my cats this morning into their new crates and dropped them off. They’re taking care of (most of) the vet work, the health certificate, the USDA stamp on the rabies titre results, and the various other bits and bobs related to an international move. Max and Alex took the drive OK (lots of crying, but that’s normal) and are now relaxing in a kitty condo at Pet Express (basically, an enormous crate with 2 levels, a litter box, food, and water). They’ll be enroute on Delta (opportunity to earn some points back Delta!) on Wednesday morning to JFK, and 3 hours after that, Aer Lingus to Dublin.

It’s traditionally Irish, in my experience, to offer guests tea or coffee (indeed, the question is often posed: “tea or coffee?” as if those were the only two drinks anyone would ever want). Aer Lingus is no exception; their transcontinental service is actually pretty pleasant and they do make plenty of offers for tea or coffee. I wonder if that’ll apply to my cats? (I doubt it.)

In any event, I’ll see my cats again on Thursday, Dublin time. Hopefully they make it through alright. Pet Express seems to know what they’re doing, so I doubt there’ll be any issues.

So, in retrospect, this trip will have been almost a month. I got to see lots of family (Aunt, Uncle, Cousins; Grandpa and Margaret twice — and even walked around the Lafayette reservoir with them!; my Mom and Dad who graciously hosted Malex for the duration of their “quarantine,” and me for a good portion of my stay AND feeding and taking care of all 3 of us to boot — thanks Mom and Dad!), friends (David, Myles, Kim), and of course the cats. My travels put 1563 miles on the rental car (a Chevy HHR), consumed almost 60 gallons (~227 litres) of gasoline, drained $30 in T-Mobile credits, and saw me drive on the following roads in California: I5, I80, I280, I380, I680, I880, SH4, SH41, SH46, SH160 (the River Road), SH237, SH262 (Mission Blvd), and US101. I crossed the following bridges: The Bay Bridge (both directions), the Carquinez bridge (both directions), the Benicia bridge (both directions), and the Antioch bridge (to Sacramento County).

It’s been a fun trip, but now it’s time to go home and resume my normal programming.

As those of you who follow me on Twitter, Facebook, or even Buzz are likely to know, I’ve moved to Ireland. Dublin specifically. Dublin 4 to be precise.

I’ll pause for your gasp, it’s quite alright.

I’ve left the the fair city that I love (Fort Collins, Colorado) for the opportunity to work overseas. I now work as a Site Reliability Engineer at Google, where I help put the “Go” in Google. Someone here described the job of an SRE as 2 dashes software engineering, 1 dash of system administration, 1 dash of project management, and hold the administrivia and politics. That pretty much sums it right up. It’s been just over a month and I’m still ramping up, but it’s been a blast so far. I’ve learned a ton about how Google handles scale, and it’s made intractable scalability problems (from prior organizations/projects) seem startlingly trivial. I suppose it sometimes just takes a change in perspective.

Maybe not unlike the perspective one gains from being a foreigner in a foreign land. On that note, I thought I’d share a few interesting deltas from modern American English to Irish English (which is heavily influenced by British English):

That’s all for now folks.

I promised myself I would blog more often and on technical subjects. Lately, I’ve been hacking on some cool networking stuff at work and hacking on my house in my spare time (finally finalizing my basement!) and traveling. So, I haven’t done anything super-exciting tech-wise that I feel comfortable blogging about, so I’ll post with a lovely picture of my trip to California.

This is a photo from a hike my brother and I did out at Point Reyes National Seashore last month. Great fun, but I think I wore out my feet on that hike.

That’s it for now. Hopefully something more substantial in the near future.

I like to travel. Unfortunately, a side of my personality — the frugal side (both with cash and paid-time-off) — seems to keep me around Fort Collins. I threw all that to the wind and took a much-needed vacation to Ireland with Myles and Kim at the end of the May (very refreshing, more on this in a later entry). My frugality being what it is (an interesting side note here, I’m hardly ever frugal with dining out), I never (rarely, now) turn down a free trip.

As luck would have it, late last week, an email went out asking if anyone would like to cover the Sarix presentation on Pelco’s IP Road Show in Detroit and Cleveland. I answered in the affirmative about an hour after it went out, figuring that I’d already missed the window of opportunity (things like this rarely go unanswered for long). Turns out, I didn’t!

I received my official tee-shirts via FedEx the next day and was on a plane Monday morning. I found out later that neither Detroit nor Cleveland appealed to anyone else (I don’t understand why — Michigan and Ohio are lovely) and that I was, in effect, drawing the short straw. Not so, I tell you.

I made it to both roadshows, met a lot of cool people (some folks from Clovis, one from Orangeburg, our reps, and customers!) and managed to further develop my presentation and speaking style. My biggest takeaway from all of this was finding a comfort zone when speaking in public (and representing my company and the product I helped create). I think I grew more in the professional sense in the 4 days moonlighting as a road warrior than I have in years. I had a ton of fun, to boot.

More than that, apparently I did a good job. I was offered to present at the next set of road shows in Syracuse and Cherry Hill next week. It didn’t fit with my schedule though — need to catch back up for our upcoming 1.3 Sarix software release lest I be the cause of it slipping. Oh well, hopefully another slot will open up.

Firstly, I’m finally (with Myles and Kim!) making the trip to Ireland I’ve wanted to take for the last few years. The dates are firm, the plane tickets are booked, and the bike trip is scheduled. May 16th and “goodbye, Denver.” (at least for 2 weeks).

Secondly,my house (and the topic of this post), is getting a facelift. Actually, it’s more like a boob job. I’ve settled on and hired a contractor to finish my basement into a recreation/family room. I’ll move my TV down there and install a 7.1 system for movie watching. I may even get a ping pong table if finances allow (combine this with Ireland and I’m stretched pretty thin).

Thirdly, we’ve released Sarix at work! Finally! Three cheers!

In other news, the aforementioned Bostwicks (that would be Myles and Kim) have put a house under contract here in Fort Collins. Yay for them!

That’s all for now.

0830 – Breakfast at McCoy’s with Myles, Kim, David, and Shane. I had the breakfast enchilada.

I think breakfast is my favorite meal of the day. I just love breakfast food, I love breakfast conversation, and I love coffee. This morning was no different. There was good food, amicable banter, and the carafe of coffee kept magically getting refilled. If I could describe heaven, it would certainly be in terms of hash browns and coffee.

At breakfast, we decided on the plan for the day. Myles and I would drive Shane back to the airport for his return flight to Seattle. Kim and David would enjoy the sites and sounds of Fort Collins while we made the 120 mile round-trip. After breakfast, around 1000, we executed the plan. Upon our return from the airport, we would take a (as yet undetermined length) bike ride around Fort Collins then trek down to Colorado Springs to visit with David’s parents who were coincidentally also visiting the Centennial State.

As a bit of background: Myles, Kim, and I were graced for the New Years holiday by our good friends David and Shane. They hail from Los Angeles (Van Nuys), CA and Seattle (Bellevue), WA respectively.

The plan went flawlessly. Shane was safely delivered to the East Terminal of Denver International Airport and the bike ride commenced at 1300. We did several (Myles says 4) miles up and down the Cathy Fromme Prairie trail. It turned out to be perfect (if not a little chilly) riding weather; and I got to try out my new cycling jacket. After weeks of inconsistent activity and several days of “poor” dietary choices, my body very much welcomed the ride.

We made for lunch at around 1500 at Cafe Athens. Yum. By 1600, we were on the road for The Springs.

We allocated 3 hours for the drive, just in case. Figuring we had some time, we made a stop at the Microcenter in the Denver Tech Center. We spent 30 minutes oogling computer parts and high-definition TV’s before setting out again. This is when we started getting off the rails — seriously.

The plan was to visit with David’s family and then leave him down there, so he could have more time. We would return to Fort Collins, and David would eventually return to LA when he was ready. So, we drove 2 cars from Fort Collins. As a bit of additional backstory: David drove his car from LA to Colorado. Kim joined David in his car for the trip, and I rode with Myles.

Along I-25 South, just below the Tech Center, we ran into a rather unfortunate sounding sign: “EXPECT LONG DELAYS.” It turns out, they were quite serious.

Myles, deft in hand and in mind, quickly pressed the detour button on his GPS navigation device. Within seconds, we were exiting the freeway to make a crazy-looking detour. We jumped off of I-25 south onto the city streets in Denver, found our way to E-470 North (which really travels West), caught up with Highway 83 South up through Parker. The windshield wiper blades on the Bostwick Honda were smearing road grime to the point of total blindness, so we stopped at an Autozone in Parker to pick up and install new blades. We continued along Highway 83 to Highway 86 through Castle Rock on our way back to I-25. The detour was an extra ~25ish miles.

At this point, Myles and I were running a good hour late. We communicated, via text message, to our co-travelers in the other car that we would be pretty late. As we’re about to turn onto I-25 South, I get a call from David that I’ll paraphrase:

Sean> Yep, we’re in Castle Rock.

David> You’re in Castle Rock already!?

As it happens, the “EXPECT LONG DELAYS” was quite accurate. By this point, we had gained 20 miles on David and Kim.

The next message I got from David:

David> 25 MOVING?

It turns out that the combination of snow, ice, and some unusually parked cars stalled out I-25 South for an hour just below Denver. By the time Myles and I arrived at our destination, Phantom Canyon Brewing and 40 minutes late, we had gained about 36 miles on our friends. This after a 25 mile detour and stop for wiper blades.

Staggered meals and beer ensued. In addition, good conversation was had by all. I got to meet David’s grandmother and chat again with David’s parents. I also had a pretty good bit of pot roast.

We made our goodbyes and well-wishes at around 2230 and began our return trip through blowing snow, ice, and snowpack along I-25 North — luckily, to no appreciable delays.

We arrived back in Fort Collins, safe and sound, at around 0030 Sunday and I made it home around 0045. Indeed a good day: good friends, good times, and a good amount of travel.

With that, good night.

I, for one, became much more active in the months and now year since moving here from California. I’ve been riding my bike to work most days and enjoying the lovely outdoors we have here. I’ve also, probably with the help of my bicycle and a more sensible diet, have put off around 30 pounds.

I’ve hit a weight loss plateau as of late, but I’ve felt myself continuing to get trimmer. It’s really a remarkable thing.

Now, if I may be facetious for just a moment, it’s all about to come to a crashing halt. I am flying out to Clovis next week, at which point, I shall subject myself to the buttery and greasy missives of our chefs at the Blue Pride Cafe. I imagine I’ll come back having found those 30 pounds.

Or not.

The first thing that struck me was the amazing interactivity of LAX. To fly through this airport (I flew through Terminal 1), you need to be on top of your game. Things I took for granted at Denver, such as leaving my bags with the airline agent at the counter, are simply not the mode of operation at LAX. Instead, once your bag is “checked in”, you have to move it to the TSA screening area.

Then it came to the security line. They’re easy to discern, since it’s usually a queue of (now-)light travelers staring blankly at the back of the person immediately in front of them. Talking is strictly prohibited, I believe it may be a LA cultural thing. There are no signs. You simply proceed as the rest. For those unaware, security screening comes in two phases: the ID and boarding pass check, and then the physical examination step. At LAX, these two phases are disturbingly far apart. First, you get checked and stamped in by a TSA agent. No big deal. Then you mount a flight of stairs to an empty reception area, again devoid of signs. It takes a helpful, if not brusque, TSA agent to direct you up another flight of stairs to the secondary screening area (cleverly known as “Security Checkpoint 1A”). This is the overflow area; you see, normally you would proceed from the first stairs directly into a rope line. However, they miraculously found room for another area in a very strange part of the airport, about 60 feet past the airport’s Payroll and Administration offices. Again, no signs — except for one at the very head of the queue.

Now, it’s hard to fault LAX for their strange physical arrangement. It’s pretty obvious that the strange flow has to do with post-9/11 security measures that brought in new machines and slower procedures requiring more space. They found it where they could. I also imagine that “clear” signage may lead to sign overload.

I’m not going to even start on the crazy car traffic situation. It’s just nuts.

Suffice it to say, I’m not sure that much can be done about LAX’s Terminal 1 without a major renovation. Barring a way to use the instant between seconds to squeeze in the work, it’s hard to imagine such a renovation not causing a major disruption in the air transit system or making the current problems at LAX significantly worse. Good luck LAWA. I think from now on, I’m going to try to avoid LAX as a origination or destination airport. It’s just crazy!

I scored a sweet seat on a United Airbus A319; row 6, window seat, behind a bulkhead separating the First Class and Economy Cabins. I really enjoyed having the little extra legroom the bulkhead (and sitting in Economy “Plus”) afforded. The flight was full and delayed (much to the chagrin of people who had connections in Denver) due to a late arrival and the removal of a sick passenger (my seat neighbors and I think she was drunk; thoughts only enhanced by the timely arrival of a sheriff on the left side of the plane as we returned to the gate). Capitol Ground cleared us for immediate taxi and takeoff once we got pushed off the gate for the second time (which was neat).

After a smooth and pretty flight (at 37,000 feet) to Denver, I hopped on down to the Shamrock Airport Express bus which took me the rest of the way home. I must say: Denver International is a very easy airport to go through. I’ve flown in and out of the airport 5 times this year and each time has been pleasant. I transferred at the Harmony Transfer Center in Fort Collins onto a van which took me straight to my door. Very convenient indeed.

A mountain of mail and chores awaited me when I got home; which I promptly took care of. My cats were also very glad to have me back.

Saturday was great – played a bunch of Guitar Hero with Kaaren, got new tires ($540, ouch), ran a few errands, and managed to get a good night’s sleep. The altitude and dry air are hitting me again; no surprise after being gone for 2 weeks. I am very happy that I had the foresight to clean my apartment before I left. It’s nice having a clean area to get things done.

With all that said, I am going to return to the real world.

Happy New Year!

I’ve been back for about a week now, having spent the first part of my trip in the Fresno area with my friends Myles, Kim, and David. The festivities included drinking, eating, and a quick trip to Los Angeles for a hockey game. I’m happy to report that the Colorado Avalanche trounced the Los Angeles Kings, 4 to 2. Go Avs!

Special thanks to Myles and Kim for their hospitality, beer, and internets.  Speaking of beer, a certain someone had better hit her brother up for her bet winnings, lest he forget (or drink) it.

After an enjoyable week, I took a train to the greater Sacramento area to see my parental units. Due to overall poor planning and coordination, I was unfortunately delayed for the graduation ceremonies (and after-event) for my buddy Marcus. Otherwise, my trip thus far has been quite relaxing and enjoyable.  Just last night, my Dad and I polished off a bottle of La Folie with pizza and a movie. Lucky I brought 2.  Mom has some interesting plans for events, including (I think) dinner theatre and a play.

I’m happy to report that the Rees Residence Carmichael is rapidly approaching version 2.0. The remodeled house has passed final inspection and the final touches are being put on for move in. I must say, the wiring closet (with a Middle-Atlantic ~24U wall-mounted rack) looks great. The wiring guy even wired up the patch panel and the ethernet closet. The other notable feature of the house is the Kitchen; all stainless appliances and a very nice layout with easy access to what will become an outdoor kitchen addition. The clerestory is also a nice design feature adding lots of natural light into the kitchen, dining, and living spaces.  I’m looking forward to flying back in a few months (I think I might just fly into Sacramento directly instead of into the Bay Area) to see the final product all-moved-in.

I think it might now be time for a nap. Good night.