Hi from San Francisco!   I used to think that this was one of the coolest things to say:  ‘Hi Mom, I’m in SF and the party is grooving and everyone’s losing control!’ 

Well, as much as I love Peter Sellers, he pales in comparison to my family.  And as much as I love this state and this city, I’m out of my mind missing my wife and my beautiful baby daughter.  It’s killing me.  I’m out of my mind.

I used to enjoy these trips around the world – what joy to see new and exciting things.  So fun to be in England chumming with colleagues.  So unique to be in Singapore 3000 miles from home.  Who wouldn’t love to be in Spain on the golf course?  Such a dream to experience so many adventures.  

Don’t get me wrong:  JavaOne has been a positive experience for me.  It was a milestone for me to set the high-score on the Pac-Man machine (161020):  There was an alcove of old arcade boxes that I couldn’t resist – thanks to my home MAME machine I have become a god amongst geeks:   over 55000 attendees and not one of them can top my high score.

I’ve enjoyed the conference so far, don’t get me wrong.  It’s been unusual and unforgettable.  Frankly though, I don’t see any value in telling you about the topics being presented here.  Really, it’s very uninspiring.  I’ll throw keywords like AJAX, JEE, JSF, etc. but it really doesn’t matter.  I’d rather prefer an O.G. sitting in my lap itching for a retelling of “Green Eggs and Ham”.

To leave you with a taste of optimism, I was able to head to Oakland to catch a ball game.  The A’s had Blanton on the mound and they won 12-6: thanks to Swisher and Melhuse.  Plus, I was able to get a nice souvenir for l’il O.G.  — I won’t say what it is because I want to surprise Sonia when I get home.  I am desparately waiting for that moment to arrive.

O weekend, please come soon.  I am desparate to see my girls. 

Roach