IRI 2010 Reflections

[Billfred]

I'm still recovering from this IRI trip--it's been the travel story from hell, involving five airports (CAE-IAD-IND-ORD-DCA-CAE). As such, I have to give a few folks my sincere thanks:

Tom Heller (better known as yodameister here) for the initial lift from the airport, even after my 10 PM flight became a midnight flight

Sarah Plemmons for the hotel-venue runs

Andrew Schreiber for getting Chris Picone and me to the airport to pick up my rental car for Saturday night into Sunday

Everybody who tweeted or Facebooked me Sunday after my car was involved in a lovely four-car accident in Speedway. (That's the stands in the background.) When in horribly unfamiliar circumstances (first accident as a driver, first rental car, only me traveling), it's great to have some encouragement. Particularly after that first call to my mother...

Kelli Van Antwerp for putting me up on her couch for the night when United blew my connection. (Nothing is worse than being on the ground in Chicago and stuck waiting for a gate, causing you to miss the connection.)

My travel maladies aside, IRI was a great time. I always love catching up with folks from all over, and finals were nothing short of amazing. I already can't wait for next year...but from here on out, I'm driving!