In the Desert

I almost missed my flight. I fell asleep too late, perhaps around 1:30, then woke up at 4 and was out the door by 4:20. I could not find my keys, but they were in one of my bags, since the car did start. I made good time and got to the garage by 4:50. There was a problem with the bus, so it took too long to get to the terminal. The American Airlines queue was long and not moving, so I went outside to use a skycab, and chose to pay the $25 for checking a bag, which made it easier to get through security and to my gate, where the plane was almost completely boarded. I sat in a very tight seat beside a larger than normal man, and was surprised that I slept at all.

The sun was rising over Chicago as we landed, and the airport was relatively civilized. I was able to call Eric and Maya and wish them good morning; they were waiting for the school doors to open. I finished my Spanish homework on the way to Phoenix. The view from the plane was lovely, the sun shining fiercely and mountains everywhere.

Phoenix was already hot at 10 AM. I had never seen so many golfbags, clearly Phoenix is a golf destination. I took the shuttle to the Firesky Resort, a peaceful oasis with birds and flowers and pools and all sorts of conferences going. I found Sharon eating breakfast and she joined me for lunch. We both booked a massage, a bizarre combination of water jets while being massaged, which left me loose and relaxed. It is interesting that both Sharon and Renee are so devoted to body treatments; two weekends in a row at the spa is a record!

I dragged myself to the meeting and the reception afterward, to grab enough hors d'oeuvres for a tapas like dinner, meet and greet as many recognizable faces as possible (many had been at my home over the years) and find my way to my king size bed (Sharon and I were supposed to get a double, but are sharing the bed for tonight). There is a huge party in front of my room next to the pool, with a DJ and socializing people, probably an activity for another conference group, so sleep does not seem possible for now. It is almost 11 East Coast time, and I am ready for bed.