Kirk Haselden

DevTeach day One...

Well, 12 hours later I'm finally settled in. We tore the house apart looking for my passport and/or birth certificate to no avail. I decided to go with just the driver's license as "proof of me". Had a scare at the ticketing counter. The American Airlines guy said, "You know they may not let you on the airplane in Chicago, and if they do, they may not let you through customs with just a driver's license. If you are unable to board, it will be at your expense." ... Hmmmm ... Hmmmm ... Well, OK, I said. I'll take my chances. I've been through the border to British Columbia many times with just my license and no problem, but the tone that guy used really got me worrying. Apparently, since 9/11 things aren't so casual. So I called home, "Please look some more for it". My good wife, sweetheart, and eternal partner searched high and low, pulled stuff out of the attic. Still no luck. So she ended up calling the Alabama (where I was born) office of records to have it overnighted to my hotel room.

I get to Chicago, not even a second glance. In fact, they didn't even ask to see ID. Get to customs in Montreal and the customs guy says, "Your passport please?" "Well, I don't have it", "Your birth certificate then?", "Um, I couldn't find it", "Where do you work?", "Microsoft", "Why are you here?", "DevTeach conference in Montreal". "Thank you, have a good day" He says... That's it? That's what I was worrying about?  Sheeesh.

Later, as I finally got through the crouds and the lines leading to the sorte, that's exit for those of you who don't speak french. It's the only french I know. I was looking for it all over the airport. :) I see the customs guy come walking out in his civies. That's civilian clothes for you non-military folk. Then it's all clear to me. He was about to get off work! :) Well, I'll have my birth certificate to get back into the states if I need it. Phew! Thanks Babe!

Got to meet Rushabh and Roman tonight. Went to a nice little restaurant with a great BBQ sauce. Thanks guys, that was enjoyable. It was nice to finally put a face to a name. Roman told us his "How I ended up in the states" story, his defection and other history. It was fun to sit and chat with these guys who are such SQL Server enthusiasts. Their passion for the product is obvious and they're just downright good folk. I'm looking forward to the conference, but I must admit that a lot of the fun is getting to rub shoulders with guys like Roman and Rushabh.

Well, I'm beat. Time to hit the sack.

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