Domo Does DC

Domo here - returning as special travel correspondent for Monika. Domo heard from many blog readers that his writing was much more enjoyable than Monika’s. Domo enjoyed that. Domo thinks that Monika writes too much about running. Domo thinks you agree.

Domo Packed and Ready To Go

Domo headed to DC last Wednesday for work to spend some time in the field with the local rep, and to then exhibit at the plastic surgery convention that was in town. Domo had never been to one of those conventions before and was excited to see how different they were from all of the dental shows he had gone to over the years. Wait, Domo didn’t actually go to all of those shows. Silly Domo! Domo only joined Monika this past Christmas. Before Domo Monika had another travel friend, Gnomer Simpson. Domo is very happy to have replaced Gnomer Simpson.

Gnomer Simpson in Paris (SO SMUG!)

Domo booked his six night stay at the aLoft hotel in National Harbor, MD. The aLoft is a new type of hotel brand that is part of the Starwood Group aka Sheraton. The aLoft hotel was very cool and modern. Domo liked that.

Domo Checks Into aLoft Hotel

Domo Likes Cool Elevator  Water Pad Floors

The next day Domo had to get up early to get his run in before meeting up with the rep. As you know, Domo likes working on his fitness. Domo is very proud to say that he got up early to run all four days he was scheduled to run. Yay Domo!

Domo Likes aLoft Hotel Gym

Domo Likes Running

Domo Got His Run On

Domo visited some doctor’s offices that day and met a lot of people. That night, Domo attended a seminar about “Aging Gracefully”, and learned about all of the surgical and non surgical options to maintain a youthful look in his face. Domo is so happy that he has a young face. Domo was a bit offended when several people were talking to him about skincare products and pointed out which products would be best for the hyperpigmentation on his face. Hyperpigment-what?? Domo was a bit surprised and hurt to have this pointed out, but was happy to receive samples which were supposed to fix him. It’s not easy staying brown, soft, and smooth!

The next day Domo had four conference calls that spanned five hours. Five hours of conference calls!? Domo must be a very important person! Domo listened to all of the calls on speakerphone to avoid getting brain cancer. Domo doesn’t want brain cancer.

Domo Had a Nice Working View

Domo Working Hard

In between the conference calls Domo went over to the exhibit hall to set-up his tradeshow booth. Domo made a little booboo when ordering the booth materials and accidentally ordered a red carpet when he meant to order grey. He asked about having it changed but decided against it since it would cost $200. Domo felt bad for having made a mistake, but Domo will be more careful next time. Domo sent a picture of his booth to several people who told him that the red carpet didn't look THAT bad. Domon knew that they were being nice and that his booth looked like it was on the hide of Cliffford the Big Red Dog. :o( Oh well.

In between the conference calls and booth setup Domo also had lunch at the restaurant Ketchup in his hotel. Ketchup is owned by the Dolce group! Ketchup was okay, and seemed to be more trendy hype than anything. The food did come with six different types of ketchup which was interesting. It made Domo think about an article that the book “What the Dog Saw” by Malcolm Gladwell that he just read. In the book Gladwell talks about how people in general don’t like any flavor of ketchup but original. Apparently the trendy Ketchup restaurant disagrees!

Domo Had Lunch at Ketchup

Six Types of Ketchup? Domo Confused

The next three days Domo was busy working the tradeshow. Domo met lots of people who were interested in his product. This made Domo happy. Domo was surprised to see several companies at this tradeshow who also exhibited at Dental tradeshows, and was even more surprised to see a couple people that he recognized. Small world! The tradeshow was at the Gaylord Hotel and Conference center which is a beautiful property on the water. If you are ever looking to stay in the DC area outside of downtown, Domo recommends staying at this hotel or on this street.

Pretty View of National Harbor

Along the main harbor street there were several hotels, restaurants, and shops. There was one shop in particular that Domo really wanted to go into – the Peeps store! Who knew there were Peeps stores?? (Oh wow, Domo did research and this is the FIRST Peeps store ever!!!) Domo doesn’t like eating Peeps but thinks they are cute and likes buying them for people. Marshmallows coated in sugar and spray painted weird colors isn’t Domo’s style, but Domo feels a bond between himself and Peeps. Peeps are cookie cutter in shape, squishy on the inside, and textured on the outside. They’re just like Domo! But hey – don’t get any funny ideas. You can NOT eat Domo. You hear me? No eating Domo! Don’t even try!

Domo at the Peeps Store

Peeps Art

One of the nights Domo had to give a presentation to a group of doctors during a dinner. Domo was a bit nervous since he had never presented to doctors before. Sure they are just people, but they are smart people with a lot of extra letters after their name! Domo thinks he did pretty well during the presentation and now feels ready to present again this week to another group. Domo hopes this next meeting goes well too.

After dinner one of Domo’s coworkers showed him several table/party tricks. One involved letting Domo break a toothpick in a folded napkin … but then when the napkin was unfolded the toothpick was whole again! Domo was shocked and puzzled. How did he do this? The next trick involved balancing one toothpick at a right angle to another, with one inserted into a salt shaker, and another weighted down with two forks. Domo was even more impressed by this trick!

Domo Impressed By Trick

Domo is writing this on the plane flying back home from DC. Domo got up at 4:45am EST and is very tired. Domo wishes he could get home and go straight to bed, but Domo needs to go to work, then go to GOTR. Domo has a long day ahead.

Domo Headed HOME!

Domo thanks you for reading his blog again! Domo won’t be traveling again for about a month most likely, so you will be stuck reading Monika’s blathering on about running. Domo feels bad for you.

Domo says bye bye!