So, I’m having one of those days…you know, you start at 6 am, and run out the door to a meeting, which literally lasts 8 hours, then you rush out to the airport. It’s raining. Cats and dogs. And halfway there you realized you left half the things you needed for this trip, including those nice shoes you wanted to wear for the award show tonite. You drive around and around looking for a parking spot at the airport, finally! Snag it, rush out of the car, realize you’ve left your jacket in the car, but now it’s way too late to retrieve it. Aagh!!

And then, you get to security and—you’re sent through a priority line!! Not the regular priority line, another one! Turns out, you’ve become one of those pre-screened passengers. You’re blessed. Didn’t even have to take off my shoes! (although I did have to dump the water). Nice, nice, nice! I go to the plan, board, and–I have a lovely window exit seat! Yeah again! Everyone boards, and the seat beside you remains empty!!! Double yeah!!

Then off to the car rental, where they give you this super cute little jeep–triple yeah!–and then, the cherry: The hotel you’re staying at, the hotel your company actually approved, is the very lovely Casa del Mar right on the beach in Santa Monica. You have a nice glass of wine and listen to live music.

Life is good.