Well, I’m finally in San Diego, arriving late last night. Where is the hot weather I’ve been promised? I still had to wear a sweater!
Anyway, I stopped in Denver to change planes and met two avid readers who are friends, but never said one word throughout their meal, just read their books. My kind of people. Andrea Fuller loves nonfiction and Lani 
Spicer loves fantasy. So, after I made author suggestions, I found out they were cancelling all the rest of the flights to San Diego because of bad weather and I had 5 minutes to run to a gate in the next terminal. Remember that old O.J. commercial where he’s running and jumping over people’s luggage? Well, that wasn’t me. I was tripping over backpacks, lost my shoe, snagged my rolling luggage on a newsstand and smacked my arm on a suddenly opened door (just a small bruise). The 3 Stoogies could have hired me. But I did make the flight.
Then my luck changed and I sat next to the most wonderful man who was reading James Patterson (I’ll forgive him for that). James Smith is a pilot with the military and lives with his wife, IT/artist Sarah (who’s also a vorocious reader), in San Diego. We talked Comic Con, books and movies. He even offered me a tour of his base and the jets he flies. That was the fastest flight ever.
Like I keep telling you, if you find someone with a book, you are all set. Just go ask what they’re reading and you have an instant friend (except if they’re reading about true crime serial killers, I might be a little wary).
Now I’m at the lovely hotel, with free coffee in the room, free breakfast in the morning and free internet access (take that New York!). Of course, because of the last minute flight change, my luggage didn’t make it, but I wore a cute outfit on the plane so I’m all set.
I’m off to Comic Con (which is sold out) and I plan on doing lots of Drive By Videos, so be prepared. I’m so excited!!
Bottom Line: "The three worst things to hear in the cockpit:
The second officer says, "Oh crap!"
The first officer says, "I have an idea!"
The captain say, "Hey, watch this!"~ anonymous
Yeah, I’d be wary of a true crime serial book reader too. They might be taking notes. How neat you get to tour a military base and get up close and personal with a jet. I tell ya, you meet some of the nicest people traveling.
About that jet flight – be very careful those pilots have no fear. I know I have a daughter who flies them. He was a cutie though, God Bless the U.S. Military!!! Have a great time Barbara, looking forward to those Drive-By’s!!!
Oh get him to take you up in the plane Barbara….I KNOW that would be totally awesome. So glad you’re meeting readers, particularly when the stats say reading is down. Have a good time at the con. Looking forward to some good video.
Okay, now I’m picturing your run in slow motion! Hope your luggage makes it before you need to leave for RWA — or we could do a shopping trip for more cute outfits.
Oh Barb–your adventures keep getting better & better!! When are you going to write your own book?!!
Barb, I am in awe of your schmoozing skills! Can’t wait to hear about the trip on the base! HAHAHAH My three letters are ohm… I feel a mantra coming on.
I still stand by the fact you could talk your way into the White House.
Wish I could go to the conference, it sounds so fabulous.
What a wonderful blog, Barbara!!! So glad you met such wonderful people along the way. Hugs on the luggage! I hope it catches up with you. I’m looking forward to your news from ComicCon and RWA!
I work just a few blocks from the convention center. What kind of inside tips can I help you with? Do you like Greek food? There is a great restaurant just a few blocks away — Athens Market on corner of 1st and F, right across the street from the mall. The waiters are divine. Look for George, he’s my fav. Cheap snacks, go to Ralph’s Grocery on 1st and G–they are all set up for easy and fast service. They make good sammiches, too. Anything else you need to know, give me a holler!
Barbara — Great blog! You’ll be a star at Comic Con! My good buddy Mario Acevedo, author of The Undead Kama Sutra, had a blast at Comic Con last year. I’ll tell him to look for you. How much did you have to pay to get the seat by a young good-looking pilot? I’m looking forward to your Drive By Videos! Hugs………….Margie
Barbara, you lucky woman. I usually get put next to the snoring, smelly guy or the “don’t bother me” person. Have fun at Comic Con, I’m so going next year.
Enjoy Comic Con Barb, hope you see lots of great people.
I can’t wait to see the rest of your Comic Con report! Thanks for keeping us posted
Barbara, you sound like you’re having a blast already. You’re better at making friends than anyone I know. Love your account of the run through the airport.
That last comment was from me, not “yow”. Don’t know how that happened. I must need my breakfast.
Barbara, can’t wait to see the videos! Sounds like you had a great flight, despite the last minute changes. And how cool to tour the base! Have fun! Kay
I love that you make friends so easily. Glad you made it. Hope your luggage makes it too… either way have a blast at Comic Con.
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