8 26 pm pdt [ on the floor ]
I am sitting cross-legged on the floor of Matthew's
company's booth at NAB 2001. The carpet reeks of stale cigarette smoke
and more than a dozen men are still crowding the booth at this hour. The
show opens tomorrow morning, and will be attended by 150,000 persons.
I have blazed through the two books I brought with me.
I didn't bring my huge novel because I felt it was too heavy (I adore
hardcover books) but now I'll have to flit off to a bookstore. Not to
worry; I won $120 at blackjack today. When I told Matthew he tossed his
head back and had a good belly laugh. "I thought you didn't know how to
play."
"So did I."
It's not that I don't know how to play blackjack, but
rather that I don't know how to play in a casino. All of the rules and
procedures terrify me.
"I bet you're a bit proud of yourself now."
And I was proud. I was high. I can fully see how
gambling can be an addiction. The extensive rules of casino conduct make
me very nervous, so the relief of succeeding/winning is great.
Adrenaline coursed through me the whole time I played. After I was up a
bit I pocket my initial investment and told myself that no matter what,
I'd break even. Then I played a bit longer and decided I wanted to quit,
but I was on a winning streak. So each hand I'd pocket the $10 I made and
leave $10 on the table. When I finally lost my $10, I had the momentary
urge to play more, even though I had told myself that I was going to quit
as soon as that happened. I thanked the dealer, who was particularly nice
and helped advise me on splitting my pair of aces, and cashed out in
twenties. Now I have to decide if I want to play again...
Heavy machines roar by and fill the air with their
exhaust:
Dan and I went dancing last night at the C2K lounge:
I adore watching Matthew in action at work:
Our hotel room is palacial; I am so glad I came:
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