Bouncing between the time zones

My recent trip to Philly for the SHSMD conference was both productive (I managed to keep up with my work) as well as fun.

On Wednesday morning I attended a three-hour session on physician engagement, followed by lunch with my team and then a two-hour walk around the city with some co-workers. Our senior director of system marketing is originally from Philadelphia so she gave us a fact-filled walking tour. After the "opening ceremony" that night, which was political comedy provided by The Capitol Steps, I went on a nighttime trolley tour of the city that was really interesting.

Following the conference Thursday night we attended a party at the Reading Terminal, an indoor market that's filled with vendors, restaurants, and little shops. The market stayed open late just for conference attendees and we got to sample local cuisine, enjoy free wine and beer, and listen to live music.

Friday night, after the conference officially ended, I went out for drinks with a group of current and former co-workers, and then Saturday before leaving for the airport I went for a morning walk along the Schuylkill River. It was a good trip, but it was nice to finally get home late Saturday night!

I was just starting to readjust to west coast time, when yesterday I flew to Grand Rapids for my annual "girls trip." This year I'm heading up to Traverse City for three nights with seven of my girlfriends. I hope the local wineries are prepared for us!

After arriving last night I stayed at my friend Kim's house. She and her husband Jerry had to work today, so I had a quiet house to myself and SLEPT IN. I haven't had such an amazing night of sleep in about four years; after falling asleep around midnight I slept until 11:30 this morning! So now I'm re-energized and ready to take on our long weekend!

In the meantime, Jason is home with the girls, surviving an almost two-week stretch as a single dad...