Vegas Birthday Trip

So, just got in this morning from Vegas. Took the red eye so really I should be sleeping now but....

So I flew out to Vegas Wednesday night on America West (in-flight movie: Mona Lisa Smile). Was a non-stop flight (nice) and arrived around 10p Vegas time. I met up with Alecia at the airport (she landed around 10:15p) and we headed to MGM Grand.

As hotel check-ins go, this was fairly seamless. Sometimes there are lines, problems with rooms, etc. Not this time. Checked in fast and were off to the room.

MGM Grand is big. It took a little while to get to the room and we wandered around in the casino a bit.

Minutes after we got in the room a knock at the door- A gift basket of goodies for my b-day from my Aunt Myrna and Uncle Bob. Good way to start the trip!

We decided to go down to the casino and get a start at winning some $$.

I played Craps for about an hour or so. For the rest of the entry I will not be quoting actual amounts of money lost as some people may be offended :). Suffice to say, I didn't win.

Back up to the room, ordered room service (since I hadn't had dinner yet) plus a couple bloody mary's and eventually called it a night.

Thursday am- straight to the pool (uh, except first a 2 hour detour at BlackJack tables- which got us comped dinners at the MGM Buffet). An hour or so at the pool and some frozen margaritas later, we were done.

The rest of the day was a blurred mixture of food, drinks and gambling. Dinner at the buffet was yummy and filling...

Friday was my birthday and it was great. Started with breakfast at Rainforest Cafe. A frog there wished me a happy birthday. Had yummy french toast too.

Then off to Turnberry to meet my Aunt Sandy, Uncle Murray and cousin Lori. Had lunch there at the club (and they sang happy birthday) then were off to the spa for massages. I had the Hot Stone massage and Eric, my masseuse, was awesome. Thanks Mommy and Daddy for the b-day present.

Then back to MGM (via limo- oh yeah!) to get ready for the evening (but first a slight detour at the Craps tables).

Back up to the room, had a bottle of Champagne waiting (thanks Mikey!) and met up with my friend Tom.

After downing the bottle we were off to the Paris Hotel for dinner. We ate at Ah Sin which offered super yummy Asian cuisine while sitting outside across from the Bellagio fountains. A great view and the food was awesome.

Spent a couple hours at the Casino at Paris, then off to Mandalay Bay and the Foundation Room. The Foundation Room is the House of Blues private VIP lounge at the top of Mandalay Bay. Thanks Shari for putting us on the list! We spent some time there enjoying the scenery and the cocktails. But I think 32 was having it's way with me because I was totally wiped out at this point and we eventually headed back to MGM.

Saturday Alecia and I decided to get away from the casino and went to the Las Vegas Premium Outlets where we could actually get something tangible for the money we were spending (versus giving it away at the casino)...

After outlet shopping, back to MGM (detour at Craps table) where we met up with fellow Multiplier, Iceman, at the Zuri Lounge. Had a great time there (and a few more margaritas later)... off to the airport for our 11p flights.

I upgraded to first class on the way home because I figured, I was already down ($) for the trip, may as well go off in style!

Anyway, had a great trip- thanks to everyone who contributed to it and we'll do it again next year!!

Playoff Hockey

So I was watching hockey playoffs today, Nashville vs Detroit. It didn't really matter who was playing though. I root for the underdog if my team isn't playing, in this case Nashville.

Towards the end of the first period, about 1:30 left, Nashville scored the first goal of the game, a nice short-handed shot.

The game was in Nashville and Detroit already leads the series 2-1. Of course the fans went nuts. The fans always go nuts when the home team scores but this is playoff hockey.

Playoff hockey is different. I almost forget the feeling until I see the fans on their feet, waving their white towels, or pom-poms, hugging their neighbors. This is only the first round, but that doesn't matter.

And I found myself, as the players congratulated the scorer and hugged on the ice, a tear starting in my eye.

Yes this is corny. Yes, this is why guys make fun of girls who say they like sports, yes, I know all of this. But I am writing it anyway.

I found myself happy and sad at the same time. Happy for these guys, their first playoff win in site (which they proceeded to achieve by the way). Sad for me, and my team, because once again we haven't made it to the playoffs.

It's always bittersweet, this time of year. I feel relieved that I don't have to go into debt to afford the playoff package, but damn it I want a Stanley Cup!

If you are a sports fan, hockey not exclusive, you probably understand this feeling. I know from the best sports-moments thread that some of you vividly can recall second by second a sporting moment. Well for hockey fans, the time is now. Now until the final Stanley Cup Playoff game in June. And it's awesome!!!!

Well anyway, go team, and go fans! And I am gonna go watch the Boston/Montreal game...

Vegas, baby

From my various trips to Vegas