Sin City indulgences

Yes, it was beautiful weather in Las Vegas when I was there recently. But, as usual, in conference season, it's also crazy. A couple getting married was on our flight. We all signed napkins with marital advice and they got a bottle of the sparkly stuff for their trip.

I got to stay at one of the most beautiful places around in the Mandalay Bay complex. Pools, palms, casinos, shows, nightly turn down service, you have it all.

What I would have preferred though? A lighter duvet. You would have sworn it got to 30 below zero outside even though the thermostat in the room never went below 65 (I tried to no avail). This lead to much discomfort at night. I figured out (on the last night) that I actually slept better in the bathrobe with just the sheet covering me.

We had lovely meals (hence the indulgences that made my scale go up) and I ate EVERY dessert (although most were tiny). Tiny pain au chocolat at breakfast, tiny chocolate mousse and other sundry mousse-like items, and tiramisu (also tiny). They were all good.

To make up for it, I tried to march around the mall every chance I got, because it beat walking around in the casinos which could get smoky. I also ran up stairs wherever possible.

And yes, I gave some money to the house at Mandalay Bay and Luxor. After I ran through $80 of my $100 budget, I gave up and went to the airport. On my last $20 I put in the slots near my gate, I made $50. I cashed out and vegged while awaiting my plane in the crowded terminal.

The flight back was nice. I sat next to a pilot who was returning to start his work week. Got a lot of insider information and it was fun.

Now, it's back to work. Let the week begin. Hope you enjoy yours wherever you are!

The best things in life

Some are free, some not so much.

It's been a fun week. Bubba started seventh grade. He's happy enough, but wishes more of his friends were in his classes (only half of the classes contain at least one friend, which according to Bubba will make them "very boring.").

The school district here in RehabLand is having budget cuts this year. I always know which teachers talk about them (the ones most affected). It's very interesting. There won't be any intramural sports this year, so we have to find Bubba a boys' volleyball league he can play in. He is set on trying out for v-ball in high school, so we must prepare. This will be interesting. He may have to get on a girls team.

So today, we hung out, did homework and we had fun. We went to a local hamburger joint that's been around for ages. It's a tiny place (counter serves 10 people on each side) that makes their own root beer. We got a burger, fries and root beer. It was fun. One item crossed off the bucket list.

Since that wasn't enough calories, we decided to go to a local creamery known for it's oddball flavors. Bubba got one called Cookie Monster. It had both Oreos and chocolate chip cookie dough in it. I got old reliable double chocolate, which was amazing.  Bubba was a little scared of the teenage girl population, so we sat on the same side as the ice cream scoopers.

All in all, it was fun hanging out with Bubba. These moments are priceless. I would not trade them for anything.

More to come...

There really is a Santa Claus

1. Congress passed a budget extension. Guess they were afraid of what might happen on Christmas morning. (or Hanukkah, which is even closer, or Kwanzaa...pick your day).

2. Some people don't just go out and give in the traditional ways. They drop in from no where and make it happen.

3. Even if you can't give a lot, you can make a difference.

To top it off,  my group won the Hotel holiday decorating contest with a wild idea from up north. Yes, sirree!

Mr. Marine, you've got it right, it is a Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, and a Maximus Festivus here in RehabLand.

Smiling Saturday

Yes, we have a budget! I like the sound of a paycheck.

Despite the downpour early this morning, the weather is pretty. I visited with a friend, too, which capped it off.
Now I get to go back for another round as charge nurse today, with a break after that for a while.  It should be fun.

Stay tuned...