The Family Tree

I've been dipping in and out of research on my family tree for a couple of years now, and this morning a copy of a marriage certificate turned up for my g-g-g-grandfather, which finally gave me some clues about his father.

Whilst this, in itself, is not a major leap, it's these small incremental steps that have characterised my efforts in genealogy ever since the initial burst of activity when info was far easier to find. Now I have over 1,000 relatives in my tree, branching out several times into the US and Australia. I've also discovered my roots are firmly in Derbyshire (even though I thought, as a child, the family was from Barnsley). It would seem the Shaw family followed the industrial revolution in the mid-1800s to Yorkshire, but as a clan they were all from the Belper area of Derby originally.

And now it's been over 8 days since my last ciggy, and things are going ok. Big test to my will-power tomorrow though, as I'm going into London to meet a friend for drinks in a club. No doubt it'll be smokey, and I'll have had more than one sherbet. This is going to be tough!

Theatre Awards

Someone I've known for about 5 years now has been nominated in the 51st Evening Standard Theatre Awards. Shortlisted in the Best Newcomer category, Ben Silverstone is a fine actor who I'm privileged to call a friend. He's done a lot of really good work, but it was his appearance in Man & Boy with David Suchet that caught the eye of the Evening Standard folk.

The awards will be presented on 28th November. Ben, I have everything crossed! You really deserve it! (Of course this means I'll never be able to afford you for any of my productions now!)

Still Smoke Free

Another two days without a smoke.

I think I'm over the worst of the withdrawals, but I'm still getting the occasional pang for a ciggy, normally as a result of doing something I used to associate with having a cheeky smoke. Other than that, it seems to have been easier than I thought.

Last time I attempted to give up was probably about 5 years ago or more, and part of the problem then was I got rid of all the cigarettes in the house (like you're supposed to). But, telling myself I couldn't have a ciggy because I didn't have one was thwarted the first time someone offered me one in the pub. So, this time I have thousands of ciggies in the house - I'm just choosing not to smoke them.

I went to the NHS clinic thing on Friday, and it was encouraging. I got a prescription for the patches, but having slapped one on on Friday, it made me feel really ill, so I've gone without those. The next appointment at the clinic is Tuesday.

mcuth - you're smoking for two now; but you should be the next to give up, matey!

Kicking the habit

The last cigarette I smoked was on Wednesday evening. Now, lunchtime Friday and I'm feeling many of the expected withdrawal symptoms. I'm certainly light-headed, have all the cravings for another ciggy, and my fingers are tingling (not sure if that's normal, but it's probably related).

Although I do have desperate cravings for a cigarette, I have no desire to light up right now. I understand the withdrawal symptoms for what they are; and I know I'll be much happier as a non-smoker.

I have an appointment this afternoon with my local clinic for "smoking cessation", as they call it. I'm not sure what to expect from that, other than some understanding and support for what I'm going through. I'm not keen on relying on patches, gums or drugs. If I can get past the first couple of weeks, I figure that will be the worst of it over and it will be much easier knowing I did it without artificial aid.

Two days isn't exactly a lot, I know, and I'm far from being a "non smoker" just yet.

Woken Up Again

Although I got back to the UK on Sunday, I haven't really been awake until today (and even then I'm not sure I'm quite with it yet...)

The trip to Vegas was fantastic, and there are mumblings of another 'biggie' being organised for this time next year.

San Francisco, Again

Well, ok, I've been pretty crap at keeping up the blog during the week, and I have very little excuse since I did have Internet access in my room, but I was spending most of my time down in the Casino!

So, it's Saturday morning and I'm at the Westin SFO. I'm sitting in the lobby, since that has free wireless access whereas you have to pay for it in your room (go figure?). This afternoon is the VS020 home to Heathrow, and about 15+ of the V-Flyer crowd are on that flight.

Highlights for the week have been Avenue Q (a cracking musical, and side-achingly funny), the guys at the Crown & Anchor, who effectively "comped" our party, the night V-Flyers went up the Stratosphere tower en-masse, and proceeded to do all the thrill rides (I only managed 2 out of 4, I hasten to add, since I am a whimp), and most of all the friends old and new from V-Flyer who have made this a week to remember.

Ouch, my head hurts

Last night saw the "VS Crew" night at the Crown and Anchor, although there was a noticeable lack of any Virgin Atlantic crew in attendance. However, this didn't stop the V-Flyers in attendance having an excellent evening. And thanks to the guys at the Crown and Anchor, who comped our entire bar bill. Needless to say, our tip was generous!

Most of the V-Flyer crowd ended up back at the Stratosphere, including a very drunk mcuth, who was playing Blackjack and Video Poker until he fell asleep mid game. The following morning was to be the trip to the Mojave Airport, where old planes are left to die. Michael didn't look to spritely, and I will admit that my own hangover was probably of similar proportions. Due to my state, I thought it best not to drive so let the others go on without me. It's now 7pm, and no sign of them on the casino floor - I hope they're ok!

Off to see Avenue Q at the Wynn tonight. It's a show I've heard rave reviews about on Broadway, so looking forward to it

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"Avenue Q - the Musical" (Original Broadway Cast Recording)

It's Gambling Jim, but not as we know it

Last night, Ginette and I hit the Hilton specifically to see the Star Trek Experience that has been there for years now. Mind you, they did add a new ride - Borg Invasion 4D. Ginette loved it, although I think had a marginal preference for the new ride over the original Klingon Encounter. Personally I think they need to re-focus the projector on Klingon Encounter, as it's becoming increasing difficult to work out whether your looking at a deep space nebula or a bath sponge.

After the rides and souvenir shopping was done, we ate at Quark's restaurant. The seemed to have slimed down the menu choice since I was last there in 2000, and the food quality doesn't seem to be quite as good. Even though this a 'theme' eaterie, and you pay top dollar for that, it's a shame they seem to have lost a little enthusiasm. I was also a little confused as to why there was a huge screen TV in the restaurant showing American Football? Sure, if it was playing looped Star Trek clips, that would make sense - but putting (loud!) sports on in Quark's didn't fit the environment they had originally tried to create.

Anyway, after the Hilton, Ginette headed back to her room to watch some TV and read. I headed down to the casino floor to see if I could spot anyone from the V-Flyer group. I was rewarded with Iain playing Video Poker at the Sportsbook Bar. I joined him and played for hours, probably losing over $100, but also getting pretty plastered in the process. We headed over to the Craps table where Iain lost another $100, but I went up over $500. I then had a go at Let It Ride for a while, made a small profit before heading back to the Video Poker and extracting another $100 out of the casino along with our final drinks of the evening. Live long and prosper.

Internet Access at last!

Ok, so it's only been a day's gap, but it's funny how quickly you miss Internet access; especially when you're disorganised as I've been over the last few days by forgetting to print out all my confirmation notes and flight info. Luckily got through most things without problem!

So, I'm here - now in Las Vegas in a very nice Grand Suite at the Stratosphere. I spent the last couple of nights at Arizona Charlies, and that wasn't too bad - but now I feel like I've arrived.

The rest of the crowd should be in today and tomorrow, but I've already had breakfast with Benjamin (mcmbenjamin) and lunch with Iain and Dave and his wife. Of course, my sister Ginette has arrived too, and we spent the day at the outlet malls.

Ginette managed to get a haircut in the Clubhouse at Heathrow on the way through, and I must say, it's pretty stunning. I'll post a picture if I manage to get a photo before she ruins it ;-)

Off to the Hilton tonight to check out the Star Trek Experience and have dinner at the Quarks restaurant. I know this is something Ginette has been looking forward to, so it should be good!

SFO, Continental Presidents Club

Some technical problems with the blog (which are very boring, and not worth going into), prevented me from posting in the Clubhouse this morning, but I'm making up for it by posting from the Presidents Club in SFO while I wait for my America West Flight to Las Vegas.

The flight over from London was great. Both Richard and I upgraded with miles to a half-empty Upper Class cabin. The crew were friendly, and the food seems to have dramatically improved! The only minor downside was a brief period of bad turbulence whilst I was stretching my legs. The cabin crew got me into the nearest available seat, and I sat through the pretty rough ride for about half an hour. It's the first time I've sat in an Economy seat on Virgin for about a decade!

The Continental lounge is ok. It was stuffed when I first got here, but now that the Newark flight has been called, there's only about 4 of us in here, and the barmaid is insisting we all take little cans of drink for the flight/hotel/whatever we need. She's a real character! Say hello if you pop in.

Departure Day

Yesterday was busy. I had to go to the Royal Mail sorting office to pick up a parcel before heading into London. A couple of meetings, followed by a long liquid lunch was topped off with the 20th Anniversary celebrations of a company I used to work for.

It was really good to catch up with dozens of people I haven't seen (in some cases) for over 10 years.

The event started at 7.30pm, and I told myself I'd stay and hour. I managed to drag myself away at 9.30pm, and got back to Reading at about 10.45pm. I'm going into all this detail on times since I had to get up 30 minutes ago, and I'm feeling decidedly fragile.

So, it's here. Departure Day.

Richard has arranged to pick me up about 6.30am, so I need to get myself through the shower and finish packing. Should be in the Clubhouse by about 8.00am. I'll catch up with you all there!

Missed Miles

I was chatting to a friend of mine on the phone today, and obviously enthused about my forthcoming trip to the US. Like most people I know, my pal would prefer to fly in the comfy seats, but doesn't like the idea of paying for it. Well, at least not paying what he perceived to be the cost - circa five grand.

Obviously the folk over at V-Flyer are well aware of the many ways of getting into the pointy bit without cutting off limbs; not least of which is using miles to pay for it. So after a long chat about how to earn miles which could then be spent on upgrades or outright reward seats, I happened to mention that Hilton was a mileage partner for Virgin Atlantic. "Funny you should say that", he says. "I was at the Hilton last week, and while I was checking in the desk clerk told me 'Sir, I notice you've stayed with us 97 times. Have you considered joining HHonors?'"

Ninety seven times? Wow. Now that's not only a lot of HHonor points, but also a lot of Flying Club miles.

Quitting Smoking

Having smoked for the last 20 years of my life, and a few failed attempts to quit under my belt, I've decided to give it another shot at kicking the habit. However, I realise this would be folly before going to Las Vegas, with all the temptations that will be available, so this particular challenge will have to wait until I return from the trip.

At least one positive step is, for the first time in many years, I've not pre-ordered duty free ciggies! For me, this is a significant milestone.

Preparations for Las Vegas

So, with only a couple of days before I fly off to the USA for the first V-Flyer social event outside the UK, I'm needless to say in a bit of a rush. V-Flyer has already had some pretty ambitious events in the past (the Post Christmas Party in Reading was a notable example!), but Las Vegas is a significant bit bigger. For starters, it's a week long!

Thankfully, as with previous events, this hasn't been a one-man effort. Nottingham Nick was the original driving force, and has proved himself an excellent rallier of troops. When the idea of Las Vegas was muted over a year ago, it seemed like an impossible goal, but with Nick behind the idea, plus invaluable help from Dave (Jetwet) and ChuckC over in the US, this pipe dream has become a reality. And a reality that is just a couple of days away, for me at least.

I get into Vegas on Friday evening, where Iain (iForrest) will already be in attendance. Most of the crowd (who I seem to remember is about 18 of us now), arrive over the weekend, with our first 'official' event at the Crown & Anchor on Monday night. On Saturday I'm having lunch with Dave and Iain, and then meeting my sister, Ginny, off her flight at McCarran. For Ginny, this will be the first time she's been to the USA since we were both kids of about 10, when our father took us to Disney World. I think I'm more excited for Ginny than I am for myself. It's probably something to do with getting more pleasure from sharing an experience with others, and I think Ginny is going to get a real kick out of Vegas.