speed of dark

I just got back from Las Vegas, which was quite eventful, to say the least. First, when I was in the airport waiting for my flight to Vegas, the small aircraft piloted by Yankees pitcher Cory Lidle, crashed into a building in New York. At the time, no one knew what kind of situation this was, only that a plane crashed into a building and it was October 11. I don't want to make light of this tragedy. I think the worst part was that Lidle's wife found out after everyone else in the whole world was informed by the news that her husband died. My husband, who coincidentally builds airplanes for a living but who won't fly, called me and instructed me not to get on the plane. I told him that if it had been a terrorist attack, I wouldn't be flying anywhere. But nevertheless, about a half hour later, I was on a plane. But it was a little scary for me.

death cab for cutie: sleep spent from something about airplanes

I was in Vegas for work purposes. But this doesn't mean I didn't spend any time gambling. My problem is, I don't like to gamble and throw my money away. But I like to play blackjack. A lot. I was remarkably restrained and didn't even take much money in the first place, and I was prepared to lose what money I took to gamble with. And I did lose it, although at one point I was up over $200 dollars, and I was too stupid to grab the chips and run for the exit. Instead I walked back to my hotel, grumbling to myself the whole way.

radiohead: house of cards [live in boston]

So then I flew back this evening, after the conclusion of a very successful conference. And not only was the information presented at the conference really great, the food was outstanding. At conferences, you are usually lucky to get some coffee and stale muffins for breakfast, maybe a list of restaurants in the area for lunch, and a "you're on your own" for dinner, right? Not this conference. Three course (three courses!) gourmet breakfasts were served, at an actual table by actual waitpersons. Three course lunches were served as well. Dinner on Thursday night was at a fondue restaurant, where we were taken in chartered vans. I was a bit skeptical about the whole fondue thing (isn't fondue just stuffed you dip in cheese? I thought), but it was excellent, as was the company. The cost of all of this was included in the extremely reasonable conference registration fee.

bloc party: like eating glass from silent alarm

It's October 13, which has got to be a very unlucky day, if you're superstitious. If you're a gambler, chances are you're superstitious. For example, if I'm playing craps and I'm the shooter, I have some stupid ritual with the dice so they have to be a certain way and I have to rub them on the green in a certain way and I also refuse to speak to anyone until I crap out (usually sooner rather than later). When I play blackjack, I have to tap my chips before the dealer gives me the cards. Damn...typing this out makes it see, even more ridiculous. But whatever...all I know is, I didn't gamble at all today.

radiohead: lucky [live in boston]

My flight was delayed over an hour due to thunderstorms and rain, and once we were herded into the plane and every single seat was taken, we sat on the tarmac for another 45 minutes in line to take off. The pilot informed us that we were in for a bumpy ride, and he did not exaggerate. This was hands-down the worst flight I have ever been on. The turbulence was terrible, and we kept hitting these air pockets and the plane would just drop....for just a bit and then continue. Very scary. Then when we reached the airport, we had to circlecirclecirclecircle and I was the closest I've ever been to using an air sickness bag. The landing, however, was perfect, and the flight attendant got on the intercom just afterwards and said, "Wow...wasn't that a great landing after a flight like that?" and we passengers applauded in appreciation, then pushed and shoved each other to get off the plane.

pearl jam: given to fly [live] from live on two legs
paul simon: further to fly from rhythm of the saints

I'm leaving a lot of stuff out, but you know the saying: what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Glad to be home.