I'm Outa Here
The audience is plunged into darkness. A single spotlight hits a lone figure in front of the stage, then another spotlight, then another. Bathed in light the announcer begins, behind him orange lights start to glow defining a huge half donut shaped desk. White light shines up through purple sheets of Plexiglas and the silhouettes of the panelists take shape. Music cuts through the darkness, followed by fast moving video on giant screens. As the music fades the stage begins to glow and the guests comes to life. 3 … 2 … 1... We're on the air.
This is what I do, I design the lighting for Medical Crossfire. Med-X as I call it, is a series of debates between doctors and healthcare professionals used as part of a physician's continuing education program. About 10 or 12 times a year I head out to Seattle, or Philly, Chicago, or my old stomping ground, New York City. in just under 8 hours I'll take off for San Francisco, for two days then on to New Orleans. It all sounds quite glamorous, and in fact some of it is. Certainly the food is great. We always manage to squeeze in at least 1 great party of a meal at some of the best restaurants on this planet. Usually we manage 2 or three. Sometimes we are able sight-see, or take in a local band. But the rest of the time, its:
"Grab a cup of coffee if you can ... Water, I need water ... Is this show ever gonna end … I haven't eaten since lunch yesterday."
Basically they are "work hard, play hard" trips, usually two or three days. Just enough time to have a really good time before missing my family out weighs the fun.
Most people have at least one story of "work's perks" what's yours?
I'll be back the 13th. Did I mention I have to get up at 4:45 AM.
Ummm...let's see. Well...no...ummm...I'll get back to you!
Posted by: AGK | October 09, 2004 at 12:59 PM
Well....I get to go along on a lot of my husband's business trips. We just got back from Brazil yesterday. He conferences with his peers...*I* get to play. Not bad "work" in my book.
Posted by: Fran | October 09, 2004 at 02:22 PM
... me too, gotta think about this one for a while!
Posted by: Nancy | October 09, 2004 at 08:58 PM
Having spent the last 9 1/2 years as a buyer for one of the largest specialty food stores in the country, I have been able to dine at some of the best restaurants in the country in SF, Chicago, Philadelphia, WDC and NYC. You need to try the Slanted Door in SF. I was also one of 12 people selected to go to Italy by an importer to visit their manufacturers. It was an amazing trip.
Posted by: paul | October 09, 2004 at 10:14 PM
job perks..what's THAT?
Posted by: debby | October 12, 2004 at 07:22 AM