Writing on the ride home

Writing on the ride home, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Writer's gotta write

The other night I dreamt one of my usual dreams, a story. Abstract, but with characters, a plot, protagonist, antagonist, a beginning, middle and end.

Oh, yeah - it had talking dogs in a rock band with the hero triumphant playing deathmetal. (Think "Bolt" with Goth characters and roadies.)

Anyway, I told a co-worker and he asked "Do you usually dream this way?". I do, when I sleep deeply, my dreams tend to be structured storylines, not random abstracts, totally unrelated to my life.

"So why dont you write them down?" I shrugged and mumbled something about not really caring. It's not that I dont care, Im just too lazy and too busy to want to write them down. And the reason I dream that way is because I actually THINK in narratives.

My writing has suffered over the years as I now mostly write on twitter and facebook and IMs, in short bursts that actually destroy a narrative. Therefore, Ive taken a hiatus from writing like that (its hard) and try to start writing again. Every day.

It's the doing that make dreams come true.

Why Should You Come To Vegas?

Why Should You Come To Vegas?, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

The Stratosphere

The Stratosphere, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Sports related injury

Sports related injury, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

How I got Blackberry thumb. To pass time on the commute, I would play the space game in my little Moto Razr. The repetitive movements and pressure messed up the thumb. I stopped over a month ago, and my thumb is still painful, but recovering.

Neu toy

Neu toy, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Acer 1810TZ

Itsa nice. It is a full laptop in a small netbook body. A tad overpowered, but Id rather it be overpowered than under.

Now, I wanna accessorize it. :)

Thai Sauce

Thai Sauce, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

You dont need a lot, trust me. Just a few tiny drops is all.

The French Quarter of Vegas

The French Quarter of Vegas, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Halloween @ the Office

Halloween @ the Office, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

The Woman Who Named Me

The Woman Who Named Me, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Many years ago, as I traipsed around Gotham, Lissa referred to me as being "Itinerant in New York". The moniker stuck. She has a knack for coining memorable phrases.

Capture of the Sabines

Capture of the Sabines, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

my crowded cubicle @ werk

my crowded cubicle @ werk, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Dinner reading

Dinner reading, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Been wanting to get a copy of "Audacity of Hope" and sit down to read for quite awhile. Among other things, I wanted to see what Obama has learned and realized over the years that maybe I am missing.

So far, it is far better when he is talking about his personal views and perspectives. The policy and historical stuff - eh.

birds

birds, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

@ Nellis Air Force Base, Las Vegas Nevada. Home of the USAF Thunderbirds

Stress relief @ werk

Stress relief @ werk, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

I had pie

I had pie, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Las Vegas Blvd

Las Vegas Blvd, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Looking forward

Looking forward, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

When tiny notebooks first came out, cheap and tiny - I wasnt interested.MacBook Air? Expensive, limited - pass. But when I saw the first generation of the current netbooks, my eyes lit up. A nice portable writing machine, photographers tool, communications hub etc.

With the confluence of features and wireless technology... here we go. Or here I go.

Billboard aimed at BofA ex-customers

Billboard aimed at BofA ex-customers, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

I know several folk have had to sign up for this service as theyve had their banking credit record ruined by Bank of America, their policies and their fees. Unfortunately, the catch to this is that they have to pay 20 bux a month for a year until theyve built back up their bank records. If I hadnt fought back against BofA, I would be needing this myself.

Still, this credit union will be getting my business.

Landing

Landing, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Today's horrorscope

The way you feel about life in general is about to change. It’s surprising how much your values have altered over the past few years, Virgo. Expect to continue this reevaluation while you go about putting your thoughts and ideas into action. The next few weeks specifically are important as to how you deal with an issue that has been a thorn in your side for some time.

I am who I am, but Im appreciating I dont have to be all that I am. Some things I considered inviolate, I am trying to get past without becoming someone else.

I think life will get better when I do that.

Flowers and Bees in Vegas

Flowers and Bees in Vegas, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Another surprising thing Ive found about Vegas, its a year round flower garden, in spite of being in the unrelenting desert. And with that - the bees are all around, but they mainly come out in the early morning. Cool to watch them do their work collecting pollen .

The dark side is the bees that have most taken root here are the africanized bees, so if you see evidence of a hive - you DONT want to go anywhere near one.

Esse, please.

Esse, please., originally uploaded by Itinerant.

This "Half Pound Burrito" where Evander Holyfield can only eat one.. yeah right.

Unlike a burger, the half pound refers to the entire burrito, not the amount of meat in it, which is borderline miniscule.

Accurate, yes. Misleading, yes. I get sucked in by Taco Bell's ads every time, and every time I walk away disappointed.

Night stop off the Vegas Strip

Night stop off the Vegas Strip, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Las Vegas Metro procedure on two man stops is the backup officer to have sidearm or shotgun at the ready.

Morning bagel

Morning bagel, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Weirdly, the best and most affordable bagel I can find in Vegas is... at Starbux. Their Hawaiian Bagel, a doughy frozen bagel made in the style of sweet, eggy Hawaiian bread is absolutely scrumptious. All for a buck.

Who can resist?

Midnight streets

Midnight streets, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

work tool

work tool, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

I talk to these things

Moonrise over Vegas

Moonrise over Vegas, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Vegas sunset

Vegas sunset, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

When I think of Vegas, I think "shiny lights and shiny roads".

How's life, baby?

Yesterday, I got a short message from an old friend

Greetings from NYC. Its fall here today, really for the first time. Hows Vegas, baby?

My breezy reply went along the lines of...

Hey Jen, I was just thinking about Fall in New York, wishing I was there roaming midtown and Brooklyn. Then again, I prefer the heat. :) Actually, you can taste fall in the air here in Vegas, you just gotta be in the shade to feel it, but its nice at... night. .

The message came just as I was thinking about how long Ive been in Vegas, and realizing shortly by the end of the year, I will have been here nearly a year. That is a lot longer than I expected to be here.

Why have I been here that long? Because I cant think of any other place I need to go live in. Not back to New York or Jersey, nor back to San Francisco, and definitely not LA. Chicago, Florida, North Carolina, Portland, Seattle? Nah, nah nah nah. Just not feeling the need or desire to make home bases there either.

Sure, I miss all of the above and I could use some trips to all of them, but as home bases? None of them appeal as much as Vegas. Ive gotten a bit comfy here.

I could expound on all of the above, but in answer to her question...

Hows Vegas?

Vegas is fine. I find I like it here. I like the heat. I like the casinos, even though Im not much of a gambler. I like the vibe which is very mellow, even with the SoCal gang-banging, LA shallowness, Cali stressors lurking on the periphery. You can get away from stupid people and the bright lights here in Vegas. I like the idea of this a place where dreams can manifest, even though the economy is corrupt.

It is not easy to make money here, as with anywhere warm I can think of with more people than jobs moving in. But the side effect of having a place full of people who are primarily in the service industries, struggling to make a secure living, is that it creates a down-to-earth, classless culture underneath the glitz, glamor, vice and gambling. In a place that is spread out where you can be far from your irritating neighbor, acquaintance or colleague, that is not a bad thing.

I love that its a place, because of all the people who move here, it is full of fellow Cubs, White Sox and Bear fans. That kinda helps make it feel like home.

So, how has life been here in Vegas? Its cool, baby.

Car show

Car show, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Free Craps lessons

Free Craps lessons, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Happy Birthday, Big Sis.

Car show

Car show, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

In training class

In training, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Rain cloud

Rain cloud, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Vegas Heat

Vegas Heat, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Pork Loin and Rice Pilaf

Pork Loin and Rice Pilaf, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

@ the Palms Buffet

This was the tenderest pork loin I have ever had, cooked in a sweet pepper sauce. Oh my god, I couldnt stop eating this.

Best birthday dinner ever.

Bus Power, Vegas Style

Bus Power, Vegas Style, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Birthday Mocha

Birthday Mocha, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Thanks Cyn :)

Im all growed up now

Its only now do I feel like an adult.

By this time I thought Id be married to a girl named Marsha (she married another guy named Joe after I came to my senses - but that was 20 years ago), with kids (I do want 'em, but eh) and I'll be lying about my age from now on.

I have come to appreciate all the cliches are absolutely true, that you are still the little kid you were when you were 5 and things that happened, good or bad, in your childhood and teens still affect you and shape who you are. Ive come close to death more than once and still think Im living on borrowed time. Ive achieved many of my dreams, but not all of the ones that matter. Ive seen more than I seen more than I ever expected to see. Ive learned that love matters over all else and more people care about me than I probably deserve.

I used to think that Elvis died about the right time, and now I realize he died absurdly young. So did Marilyn Monroe and Michael Jackson. If I were to pick one age to live forever, it would be 36, young enough to still feel like a kid with all the awareness and privileges of being an adult. People under the age of 24 irritate me, frankly, and I now feel for Dennis the Menace's Mr Wilson.

All in all, I am grateful to be at this age and I am thankful for any more time.

For time is precious.

-----
Today's horrorscopes say:

Happy birthday, Virgo! Warm-hearted, intelligent and friendly are just some of the words to describe you. Your heightened level of intuition can be invaluable if it is properly developed. This is a year to combine your creative talents with your instincts and follow your dreams. It’s your time to shine!


Your plans may be big plans, but are they good plans? More to the point, are they plans you came up with yourself or did you borrow them from elsewhere? It's your plans that matter, not other people's. They don't have to be big, but they do have to be original.

Breakdowns often lead to breakthroughs. They always do for winners. Don't let all that confusion go to waste.


Now is the time to rethink the future and to mold your agenda to fit your needs. It's never too late to go back, make changes or start anew. Uncertainty is your enemy, so decide on things that will make a difference to you and the people you share with. Set your goals high.

Entertainer icon Michael Jackson (1958-2009) shares your birthday today. You're highly imaginative. You're also very quick to adapt to any new situation around you. You approach your work with determination and a desire to be orderly. Nevertheless, you can improvise! Privately, you're very emotional and sensitive. Sometimes you feel you need to be protected from the strain on your external world. A major decision must be made this year. Choose wisely.

This year brings many unique and gratifying experiences. A change you've long considered will be relatively easy to make in September. Family unrest is settled in time for a joyous holiday season, largely because of your selflessness and solution-oriented approach. A loving commitment is sealed in February. Gemini and Scorpio adore you.

Make your dream a reality during the year ahead. You may develop a passionate ambition or fall head-over-heels in love with a special someone. Keep your goals firmly in mind -- especially in December when you could have an opportunity to break with the past and new horizons could come into view. During February you may be tempted to go to extremes or take too much for granted, thus losing out on an opportunity. At the same time, however, your focus on business and your dedication will make any endeavor a sure success. If you have always dreamed of making a major change in your life, this is the year to go for it.

Your birth month has arrived, and with it comes a milestone of accomplishment in your career or personal pursuits. Creativity will be at a pinnacle this month. Your productivity rate will soar to unprecedented heights. The middle of the month will bring you Virgos some sort of victory. Perhaps a great theatrical role, the landing of a big new client or a breakthrough in your research. An extraordinary offer could surface that will boost your career and take you to the next level. Maintain humility, Virgo. Those who have supported you along the way deserve as much of the credit as you do. You may find yourself detailing a life inventory around your birthday. Feelings of nostalgia and sentimentality could get the better of you. Lost loved ones will haunt your psyche, and memories will be particularly vivid. You may wake up from a dream weeping. Don't fret. It's normal. We all go through these phases. Communication with figures from your past may occur this month. Could it be with an alienated family member or an ex-lover? Use this signal as an opportunity to express loving sentiments. Allow yourself permission to let go of the past. Concentrate on entering this next year of your life with greater resolve, less resentment or regret, and more emphasis on building positive relationships in the here and now.

Lefty

Lefty, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

We all write with that lefty claw. Thats why I crack up when I see Prez Obama signing bills with that same lefty claw.

Vegas Lounge

Vegas Lounge, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

@ Bill's Gambling Saloon

Big Elvis plays here every afternoon. :)

Dreams arent pointless

Even when being surreal, dreams often point to something significant I believe.

Had a dream last night that a couple I barely know were bitterly telling me that I hadnt paid them any money I owed. They recounted every instance that I had put on my blog and facebook where I had money and never offered to pay THEM. Bitterly, recounted *every* instance.

In the dream I was puzzled, and when I woke up I was puzzled. For I rarely borrow or ask for money from anyone - and never these individuals. The hell?

So, when I woke up I tallied those I owe any money to - and there are two. Then I thought more and came up with two more from years back from people I havent seen or spoken to in years, but always intended to pay back. Then I though of folk who had gifted me cash that I wanted to repay, even though it wasnt a loan. Ok, maybe that counted. But still - I hold pride that I would rather suffer than ask for money.

However, going back made me realize something - these people were proxies for something deeper. Not that I was a deadbeat, but in their eyes, I was a bum. Yeah, I might live the itinerant lifestyle proudly, willing to go through poverty while doing so, but in the eyes of many, I am a bum. That may or may not be true, but still.

Even though I have earned serious money over the years, when I average things out since I left school, there have been far more lean years than flush times, basically hard spikes in a flatline.

This coming birthday and being in Vegas has me making plans to make myself more secure, but shit - as of now I am a bum, dammit.

This couple had a point.

Midnight Drive In

Midnight Drive In, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

I love doing shots like this.

Sun and warmth break in Vegas

Sun and warmth break in Vegas, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Ive noticed Vegas locals, after hours of being indoors with cold airconditioning, periodically go outside just for sun and warmth breaks.

Dollar Dogs

Dollar Dogs, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

@ the Sahara

Seemingly illogical in Chinatown

Seemingly illogical in Chinatown, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

All along Las Vegas's chinatown - Spring Mountain Rd, there are many of these signs from the major casinos advertising chinese restaurants in the casinos. As a matter of fact, almost all the major casinos have at least one chinese restaurant in them.
In addition, they strive mightily to emphasize these restaurants as among the best chinese restaurants in Vegas.

This puzzled me for months. Why would the casinos advertise chinese restaurants in their casinos so heavily, in a place where there are many more and (presumably) better asian restaurants?

Only yesterday did it dawn on me the quite sound reasoning behind all this.

Asian folk are a sizable portion of the casino's clientele and by attracting them with good (and inexpensive) chinese food, theyre hoping to get more bodies to eat AND gamble.

Ohhh. Duh.

Proving once again, there are actually good reasons for what happens in Vegas. Even the seemingly illogical.

Victory

Victory, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Random notes I had up elsewhere

"One can never change the past, only the hold it has on you." - Merle Shain.

I am trying to wipe that tendency clean. Vegas is helping. I am finding that I am constrained mostly by memories, and theyre hindering, not helping.

Leave the past in the past and all that jazz.

------------------
Listening to old-school in the Starbux made me think of this:

My father used to arrest many of the old reggae stars, but he liked them all - except for Bob Marley, who he considered a serious asshole. When he got a girl I had a teen crush on preggers (he had a thing for beauty queens), I adopted the same viewpoint. Still, his music is a part of my childhood, even though I never really cared for reggae growing up.

My pops would bring home free records he got from the recording studios, so I got to hear a lot of the up and comers. I think my brother still has a lot of them.
------------------
Starting to do crunches again. Being out in the Nevada sun is making me feel fit. However, many leg lifts arent ez as they used to be.

Getting older, my fitness level has gotten far worse over the years. I dont even jog anymore. But being in Vegas, walking everywhere in 100 plus degree heat, Ive lost a lot of weight (40 lbs in my estimation) and I am even seeing evidence of a six pack.

However, there is some skin sagging evident, and more stretch marks that I care to admit to, so tightening up is imperative.

I still have an aversion to crunches, always have, but I am tired of feeling my age. Hell, I feel older.

------------

One great thing about Vegas, putting your clothes out to dry - the heat and low humidity dries and freshens up clothes a treat.

I am surprisingly acclimatized to the heat. If it gets below 75 degrees I find myself getting cranky.
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Beef aging @ NewYork NewYork

Beef aging @ NewYork NewYork, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

The last time I had aged beef (1998 - deelicious), it turned out to be the most expensive dinner for two I ever had. 130 bux and no liquor. Still, the beef was excellent.

Rules of the Driveway, Vegas style

Among the things Ive learned living in Vegas is that you can get run over walking in driveways and parking lots. Its as if people veer toward pedestrians on purpose. There will be NO activity or traffic before you get there, then all of a sudden, youre about to get run over!

My theory is that many driving around Vegas unconsciously use people as reference points because of the flatness and large spaces in Vegas. Its as if many drivers get disoriented driving in Vegas.

At first it was disconcerting having to look both ways and over my shoulder when crossing driveways, intersections and parking lots. Then I thought I was just being paranoid, but now I accept it as fact - you gotta treat driveways and parking lots as if youre crossing the highway.

I wish this were just hyperbole, but it is absolutely true. Stick to the curbs in driveways and parking lots and keep your head on a swivel. The limb you save may be your own.

Michael & Edwina

Michael & Edwina, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Long story short, I randomly met a couple in wedding garb and shot them Vegas style. Made me feel good.

Ceasars Palace

Ceasars Palace, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Counter

Counter, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Birth of a Salesman

"You can feed yourself for a lifetime when you know how to sell. "
- Brian Brunn, CEO Best Buy

I had a dream today, that reminded me of the things I need to do.

I was on a yacht with Dr Dre (I dont know why, either), and when a rich yacht neighbor came aboard, he pushed me to sell a product to her. So I did. She declined to buy but then praised me on my selling efforts and techniques as that is how her husband made their money.

This is pertinent because I believe one of my most neglected skills is my sales abilities. I once worked in AT&T telemarketing selling calling plans. I did the bare minimum to keep my job, because I hated sales. Amazingly though, when pushed to make quota, I was one of the best sales people there, winning awards and bonuses - all without really trying, and being abjectedly disinterested. But when I am enthusiastic about something, I find I can transfer that enthusiasm. So much so Ive had folk call me "The Persuader" and comments that I should be a luxury-car salesman.

Years ago, I read many books of Harvey Mackay, master envelope salesman of Minnesota and other books on sales, likely because Ive always wanted my own business. And yet, Ive never put myself out there dirtying my hands in the rough world of being a salesperson, for again - Ive been seriously disinterested.

Still, Ive been fascinated by the process, and yet, Ive come to realize it is the core of what I need to do if I want to eat.

comfort food

comfort food, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

Complimentary margarita slushy

Complimentary margarita slushy, originally uploaded by Itinerant.

I wasnt quite right for a few hours afterward

Vegas Heat

Vegas Heat, originally uploaded by Itinerant.