Email from Dad, Part 6, Update on the ESB Stair Climb

So, you likely know I am climbing the 86 flights of stairs in the Empire State Building on February 1st. I recently found out I am allowed to invite one guest to this event! Naturally, I invited my Dad. I told him this over the phone, so then I emailed him a little more info:

From Sheryl, December 16:

Hi Dad,
Googling you to tell you that I think you don't have to be there until 7:30, that's when I (and the other "athletes") arrive/check in. I believe they release us into the stairs at 8am. I'll tell you better as it gets closer and I get more information, but this is all I have for now:

"Each team member will be allowed to invite one guest to be with them before the start. There will be a staging area on the 2nd Floor where you will register, check your baggage and prepare for the race before heading down to the 1st Floor for the official start. Because of the configuration and size of the Observatory Deck where the finish will take place, there will be no access there for anyone but race participants, media and race officials. You will have earned your way to the TOP!"

If you can stick around for the 1/2 hour event (I estimate it will take me 20 minutes to do the climb, a few minutes at the top for photo opps and then the elevator down), I think you can join me for the post race festivities on the 61st floor (again, I have to find out for sure). Just think - while you're waiting, you could share your googling, twizzling and speed secrets with the rest of the stair climber's guests! Perhaps you can even teach a seminar "Keyboards with Moving Keys: How to Google despite this troubling trend" Think of the potential to share your brilliance and wisdom on an unsuspecting public!

I'll tell you more when I hear from them. Till then, get your tips & tricks ready!
xo Sheryl

From Dad, December 17:

Hi Sheryl,received your latest google.I may want to share some Roman history or perhaps some fun facts about Elvis,He is the KING,of rock and roll.I have planed to stay beyond the finish time to inform the media who you are and incourage a reality show for you.As you can tell by your google and twizzle following,you are an inspiration for many.Now it's time to go nation wide with a show on cable.A small part for me and Tommy would be nice.Think of all the stories I can tell,and I remember plenty.Hope you are well.Do things for you that you like.You work hard and you get your job done,now it's your time!I saw the cartoon you told me about,I'm still laughing when I think about it. Google you later,Love Dad

Things to know:

1. My Dad is a HUGE history buff. The man knows and can recite hours worth of historical facts and stories. Needless to say, this bored me to tears growing up. I hated history (I loved math & art). And one of his favorite quotes is "History is why you are where you are today". I am pretty sure he made that up.
2. My Dad *loves* Elvis. Me, I was more of a Beatles fan growing up. Now I appreciate Elvis and 50's rock. But I have never had an appreciation for Elvis the way my Dad does. He actually went to the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame a few years ago when they had the Elvis exhibit and I'm fairly certain he spent the ENTIRE DAY there - from opening till closing. Not once, but TWO DAYS in a row.
3. As I mentioned, he is hell bent on making that "Life with Sheryl" show happen... Never mind I have a serious phobia about being on video.
4. The man has a remarkable memory. He really does have a million "Sheryl stories". It would be mortifying.
5. The cartoon I showed him was this awesomely hilarious link my friends Sherry & Rowan circulated on gmail & twitter. I swear this is the Professor trying to get my attention when I'm on the computer. I laughed harder from than than I've laughed in a very long time!
6. Oh, and remember I told you I get greeting cards from the Professor? One arrived just today. With a check. I don't know what that cat is up to when I'm at work. I just hope it's legal...