Blogs from Solo Trip to Vegas (May 2006)

I found the blogs from my last solo excursion to Las Vegas, when I was planning my move and looking for an apartment and a job.

5/1/06 - 8:54 a.m.

It's 8:54 a.m., which means I've been on my own for approximately 45 minutes. My brother brought me to the airport this morning - I played him the old Ben Nation episode about the conjoined twins, since he hates my music but has more than a apssing interest in those who would have once been considered "side show fodder." We had a good laugh.

I left my book in the car, so I've already stopped in the airport book store. They had the newest Palahniuk, so I picked it up... I figure between that and my iPod I should be distracted from my usual flight anxiety (side note: missing that Valium today...). I guess I'm really doing this. It feels both strange and comforting to be sitting here alone, listening to the strangers' conversations that surround me. If only I had read DaVinci Code, then I could jump in.

Need nicotene!

5/1/06 - 2:54 p.m.

Cafe in Henderson Fiesta

Man, traveling really swings you around by the balls! I'm finally at my hotel in Henderson, at the diner inside, enjoying a cup of coffee and a cigarette (grilled cheese soon to follow). My plan of attack?

1. Eat grilled cheese - yum.
2. Play a little blackjack, just to get rid of the bug.
3. Nap! I'm beat.
4. Shower and refresh - to begin my night.
5. Drive around Henderson - familiarize myself.
6. Note any potential jobs/apartments.
7. Eat dinner.
8. Go to a local bar - if I can't find one in Henderson, there's a divey blues spot in Vegas called Shifty's that I'm looking forward to checking out.
9. 24-hour cafe!!! Denny's? Haha.
10. Get a good night's sleep for tomorrow's interview.

Grilled cheese is here and the waitress offered me ranch dressing with it. Bleh. Guess that's how they roll out west.

One more note - renting a car is expensive! Way more hidden fees than I expected... hope my limited funds last all week.

Rice out.

*** Ammendment 5/6/06 ***

I did not accomplish anything that night. I fell asleep in my hotel room at 5:00 p.m. and slept until the following day. Oops.

5/2/06 - 3:26 p.m.

The Coffee Bean on Maryland Pkwy.

I'm currently sitting outside at a friendly coffeeshop on Maryland Pkwy., a busy drag that runs alongside UNLV; home to cafes, restaurants, tattoo shops, thrift stores and laundromats... the heavy traffic is more calming than one would expect.

Let's see... updates...

Most importantly, I found a place to live. A friend of the family introduced me to his niece, Vanessa. She's been an invaluable help to me and is a great person in general. She is taking me to a small get-together tonight to introduce me to some people she thinks I'll get along with. Yesterday, she showed me a condo that I plan to rent. It's affordable and nicer than anywhere I've ever lived. Thank you, Vanessa. Her uncle also got me another job lead at the City of Las Vegas. My interview with the paper supply company went great, but it's still unknown as to whether they'll be hiring once I relocate.

On Tuesday night, I met some friendly tattooed strangers at the blackjack table - Daveena and Patrick. We hung out later that evening and Patrick called me last night, too. Apparently, he has quite the crush on me - he keeps telling me how cute I am and that he wants to take me out on a date. He builds custom Harleys and sculpts; very cool guy and nice as pie, although I can't yet say if I'd be interested in dating him.

Actually, it must be something in the air here, because today at lunch I met another guy named Bobby, who also asked me out... I gave him my number and told him to call me in a month if he still remembers who I am. Ha. Confidence boosters all around here.

I'm surprised at how friendly everyone has been - I've met waitresses, barristas and bus boys galore who all want to give me a hand up in this new world of Vegas. They're all transplants, too, as is most everyone here. This new community of strangers has been even more inviting than I could have predicted.

Well, I'm off to the mall to buy a new outfit for tonight's shindig... apparently the host is a photographer who's done work for Abercrombie & Fitch - I know, what am I doing?!? Having a great time and keeping an open mind, that's what.

See you guys Friday night at White's. =)

P.S. I've already gotten highlights, botox, hooker nails and breast implants (or "fakies," as I so affectionately refer to them as.)

And that's all she wrote, folks. Just a taste of the types of blogs that will be coming after my trip next month. Cheers!