So much for Switzerland.

Oh well. It was fun to think about it, anyway. Some other year.

The company's tough fourth quarter has produced ratings downgrades, salary freezes, and a new CEO. Even though the poor results were not driven by operations but by the financial markets, and even though there was a healthy outside capital infusion, there is still pressure internally to keep a lid on expenses, so...

Travel budgets have been slashed, and all unnecessary travel cancelled, including large group meetings drawing together people from multiple continents. Nuts. We'll do a video conference instead at the end of the month. Not quite the same as a handshake and a chat over lunch, but.. it is cheaper.

Still, travel for both critical business reasons and for required continuing ed credits is okay, so I am off next week to a technical seminar to acquire a few of those elusive CEUs. It's only Vegas, where I've been enough that it isn't a thrill to visit anymore, but it is at least warmer. It also allows for a little out-of-my-own-pocket jaunt over the Sierras to see J1 for 24 hours. That'll be fun.

And if I can finish the rough draft of my HS501 paper before I go, I can have a clear conscience to boot. :) Tonight! (if the Marquette/Pitt game doesn't distract me.)