Clearwater Beach FL

I am in Clearwater Beach Florida at the Social Marketing in Public Health Conference. The first time I came here was in 1998. What I remember was unbearable humidity, nasty tasting water, Tracy Crowell keeping us supplied with candies, I fell in love with key lime pie, and Kelli McCormack Brown inspire me to write the first journal article I ever got published.

I have been on the conference planning committee for the last two or three years. This year I am back presenting. I am doing a 3 1/2 hour presentation on using social media in social marketing. I had a temporary lapse of good judgment when I said I would do this. Yikes.

Today's travel has been interesting. A synopsis: woke up at 5:30; left house at 7:30; traffic accident on I-15; parking shuttle at Diamond Parking took forever; finally got to airport at 9:00 (flight leaves at 9:55); the self-serve kiosk to check in line is LONG; the security line is even LONGER; an employee comes by and says that if you are going to gate D or E the security line at the international terminal is short; the line is shorter but there is only one attendant and he is taking his sweet time checking ID and boarding passes; finally get to security and bags go through ok; I forget to take out my bag with the 3 oz containers, but the screener person doesn't even notice-- makes me a little nervous about the quality of those TSA people; get to gate and they are boarding; lots of turbulence on the flight-- too much to read at some points; land in Tampa; the line at Enterprise is LONG; talked to Cynthia Bauer and Lynn Sokler, two CDC colleagues who were also waiting in line at Enterprise; guy at parking lot upgraded us to a Kia Spectra from a Chevy Aveo; missed exit for 60-West (didn't know I had to be in far right lane only); took alternate route in rush hour traffic; arrived at hotel; my room has a plate of crackers, fruit, and cheese (and not your ordinary cheddar cheese) waiting for me; also get complimentary internet access (though it is slow) and access to the 9th floor for breakfast and the fitness club (I'm liking being a muckety muck!); drive to dinner I've checked out on Trip Advisor, only to find that they are not open for dinner (oops- little detail I didn't notice); have dinner at Crabby Bills-- pretty good food-- shrimp, mahi mahi, conch fritters, garlic mashed potatoes, and southern style green beans; too full to have key lime pie for dessert (tomorrow for sure); came back and walked out to the beach; beautiful pink sunset; took off shoes and walking along the beach and let the tide wash up and cover my feet with warm water; can't wait until Saturday when my presentation is over and I can really enjoy the beach!