alanj

While at M Resort this afternoon, I ran into my host, Wai-Mei. She's very nice, but there's occasionally a language gap between us, one that she tries to bridge with pure enthusiasm.

She asked if I needed anything, asked about a friend of mine, and then remarked:

"Your shirt so cute! Little M&M guys, I love it! You get at M&M's store?"



"No, actually, I got it at a fetish fair in Massachusetts somewhere else..."

I wasn't about to try and explain that one.

At Venetian to pick up my $175 free play, I get into an elevator, wearing the same shirt as last time:



A young black gentleman is in the elevator already.

"No... raptors? What's that about?"

"I do not want to be hunted down and killed by raptors!"

"Is it from a movie, or a game, or something?"

"No. I just don't like raptors." (Yes, I know about Jurassic Park, but I haven't seen it.)

"So why that particular concern, man? They extinct!"

Fortunately we arrive at my floor just then, and I can nod gravely and say "You can never be too sure" as I walk away.

Walked over to Flamingo to check in to a room, which I won't use, and pick up $400 "travel reimbursement", which I will use. On my way over, noticed that I forgot to bring my Harrah's player's card. So I head over to the player's club, and naturally, skip the line by going to the l33t desk.

"Hi, I'd like a replacement player's card." I flop my ID on the counter.

The two clerks give each other looks. "Did you get lost?"

"Huh?"

"Are you a platinum or diamond level player, sir?"

OK, I'm not dressed like much, but this is ridiculous. "I would like a replacement diamond card, please." I put a little bit of venom into it - the trailing ", bitches" is unspoken but implied.

They get my card for me, and I head off to VIP checkin, shaking my head a little. I'm standing there, getting out my credit card and offer letter, when I realize two things.

First, I'd just been walking very quickly, dodging and weaving through Strip crowds, and I'm both out of shape and somewhat short on sleep. I probably looked flustered and disoriented.

Second, not only am I wearing a plain beige $5 T-shirt from Target, but I'm wearing it inside-out.

OK, fine. In retrospect, I'll give them a pass on the attitude.

...now with lucky hamster!