To Do List

1. Make a to-do-list
2. Check first thing off on to-do-list
3. Realize I've already accomplished 2 things
4. Reward self with nap - (in progress...)

What's New? LOTS!!

Instead of writing something with proper structure, I'm just going to randomly list off things that have happened in the last couple of months.

*Stellz & Kaylee-pie both turned 2 years old this past summer! Growing up so fast.

*Little Miss M was born to J&M in Chicago on August 17, 2011 and I finally got to meet her on October 13, 2011

Momma holding Baby M

*BwaLL met my family and friends on his first trip to my hometown on Labour Day weekend. We went camping at the trailer, hosted a BBQ at the house and went to D&J's wedding together. I was so happy to have everyone meet him! (Just J&M and K.hi have yet to meet him - hopefully soon)



*D&J's spectacular wedding in London, ON on September 4th, 2011! We had so much fun and the bride and groom threw a great party.

♥Bride & Groom♥

*The garage I worked at closed down the gas station and I was without work for about 3 weeks, but hired soon after at a Horsetrack/Casino dealer which I have just finished training at.







*BwaLL and I had an eventful mid-September roadtrip as we travelled to Connecticut to stay with his parents for a night before heading on to Plymouth, Massachusetts for his half-sister's wedding.

Brian & I @ the Wedding

J&J's Wedding

                                I guess that's not all that much, but it seems like a lot to me.

But there's a light on in Chicago...

Who knew I would fall for Chicago?! Don't get me wrong. I was excited about my trip to Chicago, but I didn't realize how much fun and how interesting it would actually be. My best friend and I managed to do all things Chicago (just like we promised the guy at U.S. customs - lol).

The Famous Wrigley Field

K.Hi & I left my house around 6:30 A.M. on a Thursday morning in June. We left early because we had tickets to a Chicago Cubs afternoon game (interesting fact #1 - almost all cubs games are afternoon games). We encountered some hard rain, but made it to Chicago without incident and even early for the game so we scored free Chicago Cubs sunglasses. Being able to experience a game at Wrigley Field more than made up for the less than desirable hotdog and seating. After the game, K.Hi and I had a late lunch at Al's #1 Beef (which has been featured on Man Vs. Food). K.Hi thoroughly enjoyed her beef dip!

My wonderful friend, J. and her husband, M. were more than welcoming, allowing K.Hi & I to stay at their humble abode for Thursday and Friday night while we were touring the city. J. helped us figure out the transit system in Chicago so we could get around easily. I'm not familiar with public transit having grown up in a small town, but Chicago's system seemed fairly easy to get the hang of. That night we set out to Willis Tower (formally the Sears Tower) to take in the view from the Skydeck, 104 floors up. We stayed long enough so that we could get late evening and night pictures. 

Loooking up at the Willis Tower

Me - 104 floors above Chicago

Sunset over Chicago

                                                   

                                                                 The Ledge - 104 floors above S. Wacker Dr.

Gino's East Pizzeria

We then found our way to the Magnificent Mile and got to see the long stretch of designer stores. It was late and they were all closed, but let's be realistic... we weren't going to be buying anything at Tiffany's or Georgio Armani anyways. From there we went to eat a very late dinner at Gino's East (which is known for it's deep dish pizza and was also featured on Man vs. Food). There was a line up at this pizza joint at 10:30 at night with two floors of seating full. By the time we got in at 11pm we were starving only to find out that the deep dish pizza's we ordered would take an hour to make. We spent most of our time waiting, taking in the scenery of the restaurant which was covered in graffiti. K.Hi loved her deep dish pizza! I liked mine, but I think I'll stick with regular pizza.

Shedd Aquarium

The next morning we took the bus to the Shedd Aquarium. It was a free admission Friday and there was a 2 hour line-up. It was the main thing I had wanted to do in Chicago, so K.Hi, being the good sport she is, put up with the 2 hour wait in the hot sun with me. Afterwards, we took a water taxi to Navy Pier and boarded the 3pm Architectural Boat Tour. This Tour was about an hour long and took us up and down the river with a guide who talked about the different buildings along the river's edge. It was so beautiful to witness and interesting as well. After arriving back at Navy Pier, we had a late lunch at Harry Caray's Tavern.

River City - from the boat tour

Lunch @ Harry Caray's

Millenium Park

We then found our way to Millenium Park where we saw the giant sculpture that looks like a chrome jelly bean. Right beside Millenium Park is Grant Park and an ampitheater. There just so happened to be a free orchestra concert that night so we took a seat and listened for an hour or so and relaxed. We then found State Street where we were advised to go shopping. K.Hi scored a Michael Kors bag there and was ecstatic! By this time it was 10 or so and we found our way to "Ditka's" which we assumed would be a sports bar/tavern. When we arrived it was a fancy steak and seafood place. WHOOPS. We weren't turned away for a dresscode so we stayed. K.Hi had the meatloaf stack and I had a burger (the cheapest thing on the menu for $15 dollars). 

Saturday came and J. and M. took us to a farmer's market and then to Lincoln Park Zoo (interesting fact #2 - it is a FREE zoo). We took J&M out for lunch to thank them for allowing us to stay with them while we were in town and then headed out to our hotel near the airport. We stopped for dinner at a place (featured on Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives) called Smoque. I didn't order anything, but K.Hi was in bbq heaven! We signed in at the Hyatt and chilled a bit before getting ready for the event to end out our weekend: the NKOTBSB concert at the United Center. What a concert it was! It was the perfect mix of boyband greatness, if I may be so blunt! The shuttle back to our hotel from the airport subway was quite an adventure. I got spat on by a crazy person who I thought was going to take the shuttle driver hostage and/or turn around and knife me, but I survived!

New Kids On The Block AND Backstreet Boys

Not only did I have an amazing trip, I also got to cross off another new state visited on my 101 in 1001 list. 

Holidays with BwaLL

My boyfriend makes my heart go, (in the oh so eloquent words of Nicki Minaj), "Boom Badoom Boom, Boom Badoom Boom Boom" 

BwaLL and I have officially been dating for four and half months, but have known each other for almost a year. I have always been the first one in the room to show my disdain and "blahhhhh" demeanor when it comes to praising and going on and on about one's significant other which is why I haven't really made too much of a fuss over my relationship (even if I DO feel like shouting from the rooftops about how much I adore him!) With that said, BwaLL deserves all the praise and adoration in the world. He is the most kind, patient, and genuine man I have ever met. When we have an issue, we are always able to work it out. Our relationship is based on communication and honesty (even blunt honesty, though it is often hard to give and receive).

We just recently had a very eventful and productive weekend together (which is unusual since most of our weekends are very laid back and usually spent indoors).

BwaLL met up with me in Niagara Falls (Ontario-side) on Thursday night and we hit up Margaritaville for a late dinner. I suggested it because I remembered the Margaritaville in Las Vegas had great food and drinks; however, when we were seated in side, I remembered how LOUD the restaurant was. We were also seated in front of the stage where a Jimmy Buffet impersonator was performing, so we asked to be moved to the patio. I ordered the Cheeseburger In Paradise (just like Vegas) and it didn't disappoint!

The next morning we checked out of the hotel at noon and had LOTS of time to kill before the fireworks at 10pm started down near the falls. BwaLL suggested I wear sneakers, but being the stubborn person I am, I persisted that "you can't wear sneakers with a jean skirt! YOU JUST CAN'T!" It wasn't long before I was in pain and started to get grumpy, but poor BwaLL put up with me like a champ. We ate dinner at Boston Pizza and set up our blanket on the hill and played cards until the fireworks show began. What a show it was! Unfortunately, the traffic heading away from Clifton Hill was ridiculous and we spent a few hours in Brian's van before we could make our way out of the parking lot to head to his place for the rest of the weekend.

Saturday we decided to trek out to Stonybrook State Park in Dansville, NY for some sightseeing. A mutual online friend had told us about the waterfalls and we thought it would be a great idea and even made sure to ask if there would be intense hiking involved. She advised that it wasn't too bad, but she recommended not wearing sandals and it was slippery in areas. We left the house with a backpack full of water and granola bars and good running shoes! We started out along the Gorge Trail which led us into the stony trail full of beautiful waterfalls and babbling brooks. It was about a mile worth of walking and seemed fairly easy (give or take a few inclined step pathways).

 When we got to the top, instead of turning around and heading back along the same trail, we decided to take the East Rim Trail. When the rocky inclines started, we considered turning back and heading back through the gorge, but instead kept going forward. We were then too far too turn back and found ourselves at elevations we did NOT expect and trying to hike some serious inclines and steep rocky slopes we also did NOT expect. We finally neared the end after 2.5 hours since starting our exploration. After reading about the trails in Stonybrook I found out that the East Rim Trail has a moderate - difficult rating (definitely difficult for two non-hikers, lol) and is 1.25 miles long with elevations up to 400ft.

By the time we were done, we were so exhausted and hot we just wanted to get into the air conditioned car and find food. We had dinner at Uno's in Rochester, NY and it was delicious (free entreé from what we assume was our waiter's mistaken order from another table).

Sunday we drove to Fly Creek, NY to visit BwaLL's sister and fianceé and BwaLL's parents who were visiting from Connecticut. We all drove to Cooperstown, NY for a late lunch at a Lakeside Hotel restaurant where I had the most delicious grilled cheese sandwich (which I think they made with mozzarella cheese?) Om nom nom. We walked around the town and browsed different baseball memorabilia boutiques and then finally went to see the beach (which was beautiful). We had a fantastic visit and then headed home for the night. During the 2 hour and 45 minute drive back to Rochester, we randomly stopped at Tony's Pizzeria to use the restroom, and ended up buying a slice of cheese pizza for the rest of the ride home and it was SOOOOOOOOOOO delicious. Our drive home was full of fireworks for the 4th.

Unfortunately I had to leave the next day, but the weekend was great. Definitely memorable and jam-packed full of fun and adventure! Thank you for an amazing weekend, tiger ♥

What Would I Do Without my E-BFF!

Some wise words from one of the best people on the planet I've had the privilege of getting to know... my e-bff ♥


Learn to look past things...
Your happiness is yours; not yours AND everybody elses!
They don't live you're life for you. YOU DO! 
Your happiness is yours, and yours alone! 
You make it for yourself and don't worry about what anyone else thinks. 


Wise words from a wise friend. Love that girl! Ty

Scary Facebook ads...

I'm not sure why facebook wants me to become a social worker in the first place, but bombarding me with this terrifying baby on a daily basis is not a good persuasion tactic. AHHHHHH!

Update: 101 in 1001 (4 months)

Well, it's been four months since I created my list of 101 things to do in 1001 days. I am currently on day #119 which means I only have 882 days left to complete my list. 


I have completed the following tasks in full :


1.  (#28) Make pizza from scratch (minus the dough) - February 19th in Rochester with Bri ♥ (so many pineapples!)


2. (#59) Join Dictionary.com Word of the Day mailing List to build my vocab - January 25th (I've unsubscribed because the emails were getting annoying haha!)


3. (#90) Give Rich his Nintendo Wii back - March 29th (easiest thing on my list to do and it still took a month or so)


4. (#91) Kiss someone in the rain - May 15th (after several attempts of Brian trying to set this one up, it finally happened, spontaneously ♥)


5. (#99) Post a piece of art online - March 29th (posted pictures of my old sketches on facebook)


I have started a lot of others on my list. Many I have been slacking on.


-I haven't been to church since March (so much for twice a month).
-I've only written one letter and sent via snailmail to friend which included a postcard from Vegas.
-I've watched all three original Star Wars movies (only 3 to go!)
-I've already watched my two IFC films for this year (The Killer Inside Me and Fish Tank). I liked
 both even though they were both dark(ish) and demented. 
-I tried one new beer each month except May. 
* Pabst Blue Ribbon in Las Vegas - February
* Heinekin in Niagara Falls - March
* Stone Ruination in Rochester - April (gross - mostly chose it because of it's cool label)

I have a lot more to accomplish, so I best get into gear. 

God Is An Astronaut...

Stumbled across this song... kinda slow and sad, but pretty at the same time. It helps that it is played as background music to a breathtaking video of the 2nd largest aquarium in the world (Okinawa, Japan). Someday I'll see it in person!

True Beauty

A lovely lady in blue shared this link with me today. I was captivated. Watch it with the volume up and on full screen. Hopefully it has the same effect on you as it did on me. Cheers!

The Aurora from Terje Sorgjerd on Vimeo.

The Chara/Pacioretty Hit

Dear Habs fans,

I don't mean all of you... just the ones who are all up in arms over the Chara hit on Pacioretty... the ones who are saying that the LEGAL hit Chara made on Pacioretty was fully intended to cripple him.

Give me a break... 

1 - Chara was taking Pacioretty out of the play. The hit was legal. Watch it again.

2 - Anyone who doesn't think that a beast like Chara isn't going to cause pain to anyone (especially someone 50lbs lighter and 3/4 of a foot smaller than him) in a full contact sport is delusional. 

3 - It was more the location of the rink that the hit took place that explains why such an injury occurred. Pacioretty was in the wrong place at the wrong time. It happens. Had the whole ordeal happened two or three seconds later, it would have happened inside the blue-line, along the boards and the high glass. At worst, Pacioretty would have been temporarily shaken up by getting hammered into the boards.

I'm upset to see that this happened to Max Pacioretty and I wish him a speedy recovery; however, sometimes there are these things in life called coincidences.... and sometimes the outcomes aren't good, even tragic. 

Instead of wasting your time whining about Chara getting no suspension, you should be writing the NHLPA in regards to reviewing the restructuring of the rink at the Bell Center and maybe even demanding a review of the safety of other rinks around the NHL. 

The Best Sugar Cookie Recipe (in the world?)

I stumbled upon my favourite Sugar Cookie recipe (possibly the best) last summer when I made a special batch of birthday cookies. I'm usually a cake in a box or cut and cook pilsbury kinda girl, but I decided I wanted to make something from scratch this time around. They turned out amazing and they were such a hit with the birthday boy and his mom, that I decided to label it a keeper. Ever since, they have been my staple cookie that I bake for special occasions. I can't take credit for the actual recipe as I found it on a different blog by Lucy : http://myediblememories.net/

Birthday TOOLkies

Lucy's Favorite Chewy Sugar Cookies  (makes 5-6 dozen 2" cookies)  

Ingredients:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt (use 1/2 tsp if using unsalted butter)
1 cup salted butter, softened
1 2/3 cups granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp almond extract

Directions:
1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl.

2. In another bowl, cream softened butter with sugar until fluffy. Add one egg at a time and stir until incorporated. Stir in vanilla and almond extracts.

3. Gradually add the flour mixture into the batter, stirring until well-mixed. Don't be afraid to stir it a lot. (Stirring the dough well will develop the gluten in the flour, which is important for chewy cookies!) When everything is incorporated, the dough will be heavy and slightly sticky. Cover it up and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes to chill.

4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. When the dough is done chilling, scoop out balls of dough about the diameter of a quarter, and place them on foil-lined baking sheets about 2 inches apart from one another. 

5. Grease the bottom of a flat glass and gently flatten the dough balls until they are small discs about 1/3 inch thick. This will help your cookies spread evenly instead of mounding in the middle.

6. Bake for about 10 minutes, until the edges are just very slightly starting to become a golden-brown. Immediately remove from oven and let sit on the cookie sheet to finish baking for another 2 minutes. While cookies are still warm, remove from foil using a spatula and finish cooling on a cooling rack. They will be perfectly chewy starting from the moment they are cool enough to eat, until they are all gone :)

**I always use a royal icing finish, but it is not needed. They are still delicious without!

                  

             OM NOM NOM!!!!

Spiral Out...

One of my all-time favourite songs... Lateralus. So much so that my tattoo is partially based on it! I'd heard about the fibonacci sequence being used in Danny Carey's percussion, but this video explanation takes it to a whole different level. It's long, but it's interesting if you make it through. (Plus the song is pretty amazing itself!)

source

Did Maynard and the boys really sync up the song based on the fibonnaci sequence, or is it coincidence? What do YOU think?!?!

Constellations - Part II - The Little Dipper

source

Ursa Minor is the “Little Bear” or “Son of the Mother Bear" – Ursa Major.  It is made up of 7 stars just like its larger counterpart.

• Polaris (North Star)
• Kochab
• Pherkad
• Yildun
• Ahfa al Farkadain
• Anwar al Farkadain

·   OTHER INTERESTING FACTS:

**In earlier times, the Little Dipper was named “Dragon’s Wing” as it was thought of as part the constellation, “Draco”. 

**Both the big and little dippers are found in the Northern Sky, near the pole.

**You can only see them clearly if you are in the Northern Hemisphere.

**The North Star is as bright as the seven stars in the Big Dipper (the rest are fainter).

**A dwarf galaxy named “Ursa Minor Dwarf” is located in the same area as The Little Dipper.

**One of the stars within the constellation has its own extrasolar planet (planet outside of solar system)

**Constellations that border Ursa Minor are: Draco, Camelopardalis and Cepheus.

Memories

In the spectrum of things, there are actually very few things in life anymore that can really melt your heart and turn you to mush; OR, maybe that's just me.

Last Sunday evening, I went to a friend's house for one of those "candle party" thingies, and a few of my other friends showed up, with kids in tow. I'd spent most of the day stressed about finding a permanent full time teaching gig, and working on cover letters, school board apps, etc. Something happened that night that has given me one of the greatest memories I've ever experienced. It seems like such a small thing too.

Here's the background:
Every Tuesday, I babysit my friend's 16-month old daughter. Usually when she sees me she gives me the stink eye because she associates seeing me with her precious mum leaving her. Needless to say, it takes a while for her to warm up to me, even when her mum is still around.

Sunday evening rolls around, and my friend and her 16-month old daughter come to the candle party thingy. They come in and get settled. Baby is wearing her Tinkerbell pyjamas and has a mini ponytail at the right side of her head. She looks around the room; she looks tepid and shy and unsure of what to make of what is going on. As she's looking around the room her eyes fall on me and I give her a smile.

Here is the moment:
Baby's big, beautiful, blue eyes widen and twinkle and a huge-ass open-mouth smile graces her face as she realizes who I am and RUNS her tiny little feet towards me in excitement and jumps on me with her arms opened.

Yes, I realize that the only reason she was so excited to see me is because the room was full of people she wasn't very familiar with and I was someone she recognized. Do I care? NOPE! I'll take it! I love that little girl and to finally see her so excited to see me is one of the greatest visual memories I've ever had. I almost wish I'd gotten a picture of it so I'd never forget, but I have a feeling that moment is plastered in time in my heart and will never disappear.

Funny how such a small thing can have such a huge effect on someone's soul.

Angry Birds Are Angry (and addicting)

I spent most of my Sunday looking at school applications and messing around with cover letters AND playing Angry Birds. It's so addicting!!!!

One Of My Favourite Poems

I was just talking about poetry with one, Mr. Neptuni. When asked what one of my favourite poems were, I suddenly remembered one that always stuck with me. Reminds me of my Grade 8 teacher... he was awesome. Here's to you, Mr. D.

The Highwayman 

The wind was a torrent of darkness upon the gusty trees, 
The moon was a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas, 
The road was a ribbon of moonlight looping the purple moor, 
And the highwayman came riding-- 
Riding--riding-- 
The highwayman came riding, up to the old inn door. 

He'd a French cocked hat on his forehead, and a bunch of lace at his chin; 
He'd a coat of the claret velvet, and breeches of fine doe-skin. 
They fitted with never a wrinkle; his boots were up to his thigh! 
And he rode with a jeweled twinkle-- 
His rapier hilt a-twinkle-- 
His pistol butts a-twinkle, under the jeweled sky. 

Over the cobbles he clattered and clashed in the dark inn-yard, 
He tapped with his whip on the shutters, but all was locked and barred, 
He whistled a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there 
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter-- 
Bess, the landlord's daughter-- 
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair. 

Dark in the dark old inn-yard a stable-wicket creaked 
Where Tim, the ostler listened--his face was white and peaked-- 
His eyes were hollows of madness, his hair like mouldy hay, 
But he loved the landlord's daughter-- 
The landlord's black-eyed daughter; 
Dumb as a dog he listened, and he heard the robber say: 

"One kiss, my bonny sweetheart; I'm after a prize tonight, 
But I shall be back with the yellow gold before the morning light. 
Yet if they press me sharply, and harry me through the day, 
Then look for me by moonlight, 
Watch for me by moonlight, 
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though hell should bar the way." 

He stood upright in the stirrups; he scarce could reach her hand, 
But she loosened her hair in the casement! His face burnt like a brand 
As the sweet black waves of perfume came tumbling o'er his breast, 
Then he kissed its waves in the moonlight 
(O sweet black waves in the moonlight!), 
And he tugged at his reins in the moonlight, and galloped away to the west. 

He did not come in the dawning; he did not come at noon. 
And out of the tawny sunset, before the rise of the moon, 
When the road was a gypsy's ribbon over the purple moor, 
The redcoat troops came marching-- 
Marching--marching-- 
King George's men came marching, up to the old inn-door. 

They said no word to the landlord; they drank his ale instead, 
But they gagged his daughter and bound her to the foot of her narrow bed. 
Two of them knelt at her casement, with muskets by their side; 
There was Death at every window, 
And Hell at one dark window, 
For Bess could see, through her casement, the road that he would ride. 

They had bound her up at attention, with many a sniggering jest! 
They had tied a rifle beside her, with the barrel beneath her breast! 
"Now keep good watch!" and they kissed her. She heard the dead man say, 
"Look for me by moonlight, 
Watch for me by moonlight, 
I'll come to thee by moonlight, though Hell should bar the way." 

She twisted her hands behind her, but all the knots held good! 
She writhed her hands till her fingers were wet with sweat or blood! 
They stretched and strained in the darkness, and the hours crawled by like years, 
Till, on the stroke of midnight, 
Cold on the stroke of midnight, 
The tip of one finger touched it! The trigger at least was hers! 

The tip of one finger touched it, she strove no more for the rest; 
Up, she stood up at attention, with the barrel beneath her breast. 
She would not risk their hearing, she would not strive again, 
For the road lay bare in the moonlight, 
Blank and bare in the moonlight, 
And the blood in her veins, in the moonlight, throbbed to her love's refrain. 

Tlot tlot, tlot tlot! Had they heard it? The horse-hooves, ringing clear; 
Tlot tlot, tlot tlot, in the distance! Were they deaf that they did not hear? 
Down the ribbon of moonlight, over the brow of the hill, 
The highwayman came riding-- 
Riding--riding-- 
The redcoats looked to their priming! She stood up straight and still. 

Tlot tlot, in the frosty silence! Tlot tlot, in the echoing night! 
Nearer he came and nearer! Her face was like a light! 
Her eyes grew wide for a moment, she drew one last deep breath, 
Then her finger moved in the moonlight-- 
Her musket shattered the moonlight-- 
Shattered her breast in the moonlight and warned him--with her death. 

He turned, he spurred to the West; he did not know who stood 
Bowed, with her head o'er the casement, drenched in her own red blood! 
Not till the dawn did he hear it, and his face grew grey to hear 
How Bess, the landlord's daughter, 
The landlord's black-eyed daughter, 
Had watched for her love in the moonlight, and died in the darkness there. 

Back, he spurred like a madman, shrieking a curse to the sky, 
With the white road smoking behind him and his rapier brandished high! 
Blood-red were his spurs in the golden noon, wine-red was his velvet coat 
When they shot him down in the highway, 
Down like a dog in the highway, 
And he lay in his blood in the highway, with the bunch of lace at his throat. 

And still on a winter's night, they say, when the wind is in the trees,
When the moon is a ghostly galleon tossed upon cloudy seas,
When the road is a gypsy's ribbon looping the purple moor,
The highwayman comes riding--
Riding--riding--
The highwayman comes riding, up to the old inn-door. 

Over the cobbles he clatters and clangs in the dark inn-yard,
He taps with his whip on the shutters, but all is locked and barred,
He whistles a tune to the window, and who should be waiting there
But the landlord's black-eyed daughter--
Bess, the landlord's daughter--
Plaiting a dark red love-knot into her long black hair. 

-Alfred Noyes 

source

Viva Las Vegas

"Las Vegas is sort of like how God would do it if he had money" ~Steve Wynn

Me: "K.Hi wants to go to Vegas for our 30th, but I'm not going to let her talk me into it". 

(Famous Last Words...)

As she put it, it was the PRICE that talked me into it. K.Hi found a great deal on Expedia.ca one day and sent me an email. Flight and accommodations on the strip in Las Vegas for $280.36 each. Ummm.... sold. 

We flew with Frontier Airlines. No one I talked to had ever heard of them before in Canada, but I found out later that the reason is because they are only a national airway company. Having been a little frightened at what I might be getting into, Frontier proved to be an great airline. The plane was better than the only other plane I've been on to compare it to. We were given complimentary drinks and cookies on each flight, as well as free direct TV because it was Superbowl Sunday.

K.Hi & I @ the Detroit Airport

When we got to Vegas, we checked in at our hotel (The Riviera -- one of the oldest on the strip with a great deal of historic charm). They upgraded us to one of the best rooms in the hotel for free (I'm assuming due to low occupancy). We got dressed up and took to the strip at about 9pm or so and walked the first few blocks with a stop at Treasure Island and 7-11 (where I purchased my first PBR ale and drank it walking home... in public... because it's Vegas and it's allowed!)

            

The Classic Riviera

Signature Room

We got up bright and early on Monday and took the bus (THE DEUCE) down the strip and started at Mandalay Bay and traveled in and out of a dozen different hotels, casinos and shops. Mapquest shows the distance from Mandalay Bay to The Riviera as 7.5 km, but if you include all the walking in and around resorts, it makes for quite the distance and quite a long day. We stopped at Margarita Ville for lunch and drinks before we continued on.

That night (after a long rest), we got all dressed up again and hit Caesars and The Bellagio. The fountain show in front of The Bellagio was the most memorable sight of Vegas for me. It is set to music (different songs) and happens every 15 minutes. I'm pretty sure we watched it at least three times. 

Fountain Show @ The Bellagio

Tuesday we took the bus downtown to Las Vegas Premium Outlets. Unfortunately, my Burberry scarf at outlet prices was still too steep :( $295.00 - ouch! Needless to say, it wasn't purchased. Instead I bought a scarf at the Gap for $6.97! Success!

Tuesday Night we went for dinner at The Nascar Cafe @ The Sahara which has been seen on Man Vs. Food. No we did NOT order the 6 lb burrito; however, their portions were HUGE! I didn't even make a dent in my curly fries. 

We also went to Paris Hotel & Casino where they have a half-sized replica of the Eiffel Tower. We spent the $15.00 to go up and it was well worth it. The view of the strip from all directions at 46 stories high was breathtaking. We were even able to watch the fountain show @ the Bellagio from atop the tower as it was right across the street. We also hit up the MGM Grand that evening where I won $68 on the penny slots! 

The Eiffel Tower @ Night

           

Fountain Show from the Eiffel Tower

On our last day, we went for a late breakfast at The Queen Victoria Pub and then spent our last hour or so at The Riviera Casino. This is where I was luckiest. The day beforehand, I had won $30 off of $3 in "Pennytown" at the Riv. I decided I couldn't leave Vegas without playing a table game. I waited for the one dude to leave the $1 Roulette Table and put down $40. The minimum bet was $5. Black 6 was lucky for me as I won with it TWICE! My other bets were paying off nicely as well and stacks of chips were piling up in front of me quickly. When K.Hi found me, I had over $140 worth of $1 chips stacked in front of me. After my next win, I cashed out at $154. It's not a lot for Vegas, but I was psyched! 

For not having wanted to go to Vegas in the first place, it won me over. There is so much to do and see and the sights and atmosphere are amazing. I would go back in a heartbeat! THAT's how you say goodbye to your 20's!!