One Is The Loneliest Number

This year, I spent the middle part of February on a work trip in Las Vegas.  For the first part of the trip I was in a class and the second part was a conference.  I was there for seven nights, which included Valentine's Day weekend spent away from my husband.  I kept myself  busy studying for the certification exam that came at the end of the class and exploring the sites with my co-workers.  I spoke with my husband frequently, and tried not to be too unhappy about missing out on spending this holiday together.  I was counting down the nights until I would be home again.  

About four days in, I realized I was coming down with a little cold.  By morning six, I couldn't get out of bed.  If you have ever been away from your loved ones during a day of feverish, cough-yourself-into-a-migraine hell, you know just how lonely it is.  I couldn't pull myself together enough to take a shower or change out of my pjs.  I had to ask one of my sweet co-workers to bring me some meds from the general store in the hotel lobby.  Not exactly the way you want your co-workers to see you, but when you get just sick enough, you stop caring for a bit.

Somehow I was able to get it together enough the next day to take a shower and pack my belongings. I requested a late checkout, and then found a little nook that I could hide in until it was time to catch my airport shuttle.  The line to get through security was excruciating, and I was a little fearful that they might not let me on the plane.  I couldn't wait to get home to see my husband and dogs and have some homemade soup. I wanted to be sick in my own bed.  I wanted the comforts of my home.  I wanted this not to be a full flight.  It was.  I claimed a window seat, curled up into a little ball, and listened to my book.  Sometimes all you need is someone to help take care of you, and he was on his way to pick me up.

Before it all came crashing down, I did have a little bit of fun,.  Here are some of the highlights.  

Leaving San Francisco.  You can barely make out the Golden Gate Bridge and Golden Gate Park (the long rectangle).

The famous glass ceiling (Fiori di Como) in the Bellagio lobby.

Where was he going; wings in one hand, beer in the other?

View of the fountains and the strip from inside the hotel.

I admit, I had to look up how this trick is done on You Tube.

The chocolate fountain at Jean Phillipe Patisserie.  If only I could shrink myself and dive right in.

My hotel room with a view.

Through the crowd at Harrah's, I thought these two were real people.

Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds at the Bellagio.

I dragged some co-workers over to try Shake Shack at New York, New York Hotel.  All I can say is Boston Cream shake!

Celebrating the Chinese New Year.

I had some amazing days step-wise.

Larry King did the keynote speech, and he is one sharp and funny 81 year old.

The volcano at the Mirage is erupting.