This photo has nothing to do with GenCon other than it was a pretty sunrise on our drive there. A pretty sunrise marred by a gas pump, but cool nonetheless. I have a few pics to share and a general GenCon post in the works. I may or may not have those all up before GC 2013.
This past weekend I took a two-night trip to Wichita with two friends. It had been a long time since I’d done a “group” trip. I realize that not everyone considers three people to be a group, but it definitely changes the dynamic from a two person trip. While my own tendency to get introverted made part of the trip a personal challenge, overall, we had a good time.
My traveling companions
After fighting the Wichita traffic, we finally made it to our hotel room to chill for a little bit. We decided Friday night would be our casino night, so we went to Mulvane where we had Luciano’s* for dinner and goofed around in Cobb Park for a little bit before trying our hand at gambling.
Classy italian restaurants always make me feel classy.
A singin’ in the rain moment
Leavin’ on a Red Train
The Kansas Star Casino just recently opened in Mulvane, and it was kind of a shock to see that the little patch of land I remember from earlier trips now filled with casino space. Also, I hadn’t been to a casino in a few years. The initial entry was just how I remembered it though: excitement and the feeling of being a little overwhelmed at all the sounds and lights, along with that feeling that you just might leave a winner.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t a winner**, but on the flip side, I didn’t lose more money than I planned to, nor did I lose as much as I have on past casino trips. I realized that slot machines aren’t as fun as I remember them to be. I’m not sure if that’s a change in me or a change in the machines themselves. Maybe a little of both? I enjoyed walking around the place though, partially because of the atmosphere and partially because I actually could walk, so that was cool.
On day 2 we did some shopping. I’m not a shopper, but I needed to look for some new clothes at Lane Bryant, and the closest mall seemed the best place to do this. Hijinks ensued and I picked up a few new things, including some tops and an “I Love Zombies” lanyard. I don’t know if I actually love zombies, but it might give me an edge with the zombie apocalypse happens.
Day 2 – Ready for Action
Fun with the Vending Machines
Here comes the ice cream truck!
No one was in the mall yet, so we got a little crazy.
We also hit one of the local yarn stores, a tattoo shop, a novelty store, a thrift store, and a local bar for lunch and trivia.
It was around this time that I started getting tired and sick and introverted. Between the two days, I walked more than I have in probably over a year, and while it was something to be proud, it wore me out. I also started getting a sore throat and congestion. We drove around a little longer but then ended up going back to the hotel room and doing nothing. I actually love doing nothing, but it was a definite reminder that I don’t “weekend” like others and I’m still on the low end of the stamina meter. Hence, I kind of became the downer of the group.
We ended the evening with J. Felbs and Mini Felbs bringing pizza and playing a round of Cards Against Humanity with us. There was also a viewing of Piranhaconda on the SyFy channel, because who doesn’t love a good SyFy original?*** We left early Sunday so we could have some rest and recuperation time at home, though I ended up having to take a half day off on Monday for some extra heal time.
Even with me being a wet blanket, I think we had a good dose of fun and a few laughs. In the end, that’s what it’s all about.
*I’d been to Luciano’s once before with J. Felbs and Family and I loved it. I was a little worried that it wouldn’t live up to the memory, but it did.
**None of us won big, but SV did score a $30 win overall, so it made it worth it!
***That’s a hypothetical question. You don’t have to answer.
The Romance Factor 