Friends and Vacation

Friends. It's a simple word, but means so much. I just wanted to thank all my friends who supported me thru my, well, down and out bad mood. When I wrote my previous blog, I really didn't intend or even think anyone would read it, I was just finding a way to get my thoughts out of my head. That helped a great deal. Also my impending, and since passed, week long vacation, helped me to keep other things in my head. Like planning, packing, repacking, replanning etc. Spending 4 wonderful and relaxing days in Vegas, at The Orleans is just what the doctor ordered. Lounging around the pool, or in the pool, or the hot tub pool with it's palm tree, did a world of good. I did do some gambling, mostly either in the early morning (when I like it best), cause it's less crowded. I will have to say that I HATE the Star Trek slot machine!! It sucks you in and assimulates you ;). I did resist it on my last day though, and concentrated on video poker, of which by the time I went to bed, I was up $400. I had 2 Quads (4 of kind) each for $100, and then hit for the Quad Aces, for $200. I did think it was funny on my first night, I had asked the waitress for a Bud Light with Lime. She comes back with a Bud Light...with a Lime stuck in the top...ROFL!!! Seems I have to ask for Bud Light LIME, not with Lime. Did get my beloved BLLime at the pool each day though..nice and icey cold...hmmmmm. Since I didn't have a rental car this time (didn't want to spend over $200 for a 4 day rental), I pretty much stuck to The Orleans. I did get a ride with a friend to a informal Vegas Friends get together at the Voodoo Lounge at the top of the Rio. Never been there before, but loved the outdoor area, even if we did have to endure some very gusty winds at times. A really nice turn out too. But no way was I going to drink one of those Witch Doctor drinks...holy moly they are huge!! Look like it had everything in it but the kitchen sink. This was on Tues night. During this trip I also had a slot tourney to play in, but it was just a one day affair, with 2 sessions. I decided I rather have the 2 day tourney with 2 sessions on one day and a final one on the second day. You have a better chance at the money. Unless you do very well in both sessions, you out of luck. But it did pay for 3 nights at The Orleans, so I was still happy ;). On Wed morning, first I caught the bus to get to the Peppermill for our breakfast get together. Now I remember why I liked having a rental car. I hate using the Strip bus, especially with all the construction going on. Speaking of which, I hate all the new stuff going in. That City Center looks like Downtown LA or NYC. I liked the themed hotels better. Makes Vegas, well Vegas. Now Vegas just looks like another city. Anyways made it just in time at the Peppermill, though I did have a bit of sadness, as it is or was across from my beloved Stardust.... Now the interior of the PM is really cool. looks like your in a courtyard with all these small blossoming trees. And the Peppermill's Fireside Lounge it AWESOME. I love the firepit!! Would love to hang out there, but I am sure that place gets packed, and its not big in the first place. Next we headed to the Excalibur for our Poker Tourney, which is becoming a tradition, we even had a small trophy. Course I knew I would be the first out. Won't mention what my prize was . It was kind of cool using the new Video poker tables. No real dealers, cards or chips. But I miss the chips. Something very soothing when you play with a stack of poker chips. Alas, this new electronic age is approaching on some areas such as poker, roulette and BJ, that I hate to see go. Means more people with out a job. I then headed back to the hotel and one last Pool time. Next day, Thurs morning, I was up early as I had a flight to West Palm Beach, Fl. Would be spending my last 3 nights of vacation with the Girls of Celtic Woman, and some Forum friends of course ;). Seems me and Sara are very good at arrriving at the airport around the same time. We both flew to Ft. Lauderdale, since, least for me, it was cheaper. Then we took the Tri-Rail to WPB. Sara's younger brother, Richard, was flying into WPB. We all met up at the Marriott. Then the fun started. Playtime in the Pool, eating at Cheesecake Factory, City Pizza, O'Sheas, all accumulating into 2 Fantastic CW shows, of which the Sat WAS THE BEST EVER!! The energy was amazing. The CWF had all of the front row, except for one section on the right end, which later me, Sara, Kathleen and Richard took over since our other front row seats, least my view was blocked by one of the stage speakers. So glad we moved! The interaction with Lisa and Chloe especially was simply amazing. All the girls were feeding off our energy as we them. Poor Chloe was breathless at the end of Sing Out...really, don't know why. I know it wasn't due to me and Sara ;) hehehe...after all we are the Fun and Good Time Instigators. What a way to end a very, much needed vacation. Since being back to work, I haven't had one Taz Spaz, as my coworkers like to imitate me as being. Stress at work is still here, and at home, but right now, I am just not letting it get to me....yet.

I know this started out speaking of friends, but you need to understand, I was among some good friends the whole trip. Jason says I give good hugs, which is an odd statement since I am really not a huggy person, but it was nice to hear. When I hugged Rich goodbye on Sunday, I had to try hard not to break down, though I did have a few tears. He just doesn't know how much he has done for me. He is a good person, with a good heart. He knows how to treat the Girls right. Most of us will give our right leg to make sure that CW gets the respect they deserve. For we all are just Friends.