As proclaimed yesterday, I have returned from Vegas. It was a lot of fun and a great trip despite the triple digit, record-breaking weather during the day...but those kind of days lead to hot nights. Okay, don't get your hopes up just for me yet. I went with my dad...and he doesn't know how to keep a secret, so we didn't get too wild. Anyway, without further ado, here we go with my latest journey to Vegas.
Day 1
That night was like Christmas morning. I slept for a few hours...and then starting around 3:30 AM, I couldn't go back to sleep, so after about 30 minutes of fighting it, I just got up and double-triple checked everything for the trip. I met up with my dad at his house so that my stepmom could give us a ride to the airport. He was apparently excited to go too. My dad is a lot like me...so if you know me, you know him...with a few differences and about 25 years extra experience. Differences such as...
1) My father really has no inner monologue - It may be part of the unfreezing process or something...but if he thinks something, he'll say it. My brother inherited this trait...but I'm usually able to control myself (though my blog entries tend to ramble like I don't).
2) He says everything like a question...but wants a response - He tends to end just about every statement with a "Right?" or an "Eh?" or something like that...probably to seek confirmation in his beliefs...but it causes a problem with the next one.
3) He also has no volume control - Due to a life of many, many rock & roll concerts, cranked up headphones, and even massive amounts of swimming in the latest years, his ears and perception of volume are severely lacking. This can often create a problem due to the lack of inner monologue...and combined with his being hard of hearing...and still wanting confirmation on basically everything, here's an example of a pretty standard statement.
Dad: "(Grunt that indicates sexual arousal) Look at that girl there. Nice, eh?"
$teve (already checking with peripherals): "Yeah, nice."
Dad: "Right?"
$teve: "Yup."
Dad: "WHAT?"
$teve: "YES. Nice."
Dad: "Um, me likey. (Purposely creepy laugh & shoulder nudges)"
He's a great guy and all...but yeah, I don't like to repeat myself five or six times...especially when it's something like "Yup" and apparently a nod or thumbs up doesn't work for him either (bifocals?) so yeah, it gets old really quick. Love the guy though, so I try to make him happy...and not have him embarrass me at the same time. I did pretty well on this trip. We had a good time.
We arrived at the airport pretty early in the morning, so we picked up the rental car, stopped by a gas station to load up on drinks, ice & a cooler, then drove down the Strip. My dad hadn't seen it in about twenty years, so I tried to catch him up on everything while driving...which is kind of hard with questions like "What's that?" when he's not pointing at anything or giving me a vague description...but I did pretty well. We then pulled into the Planet Hollywood Casino & Hotel's parking lot (central location) and walked around a bit. We had lunch at the Harley-Davidson Cafe and their Pulled Pork Sandwiches are pretty good. We also had a superhot blonde Midwestern biker chick from Chicago as our waitress, so that was nice. Very nice. Here are some pictures of the Cafe...
Here was our rental car
Okay, so it was really a Saturn Aura...
but we briefly considered it.
My dad's dream bike
Harley-Davidson Dyna Wide Glide
After lunch, we decided to head to our hotel for the next few nights, the Ritz-Carlton Lake Las Vegas in beautiful Henderson, Nevada. We checked into our rooms and I gave my dad a little tour of the property so that he could get around in my absence...because I was meeting up with Bubbles when she got off work so that I could meet her roommates. Here are some pictures of the hotel...from this trip...but I have many more on my other Vegas trip posts.
The view from our room
Bubbles hooked us up
Bubbles and I met up and she drove me to her place. You may remember that the chief purpose of my last trip was to help her find a place...so I was curious where she ended up. We first stopped at a bar called Timbers to have a cool frosty alcoholic beverage in an air-conditioned local before heading to her place. The bar was nice. Pool tables, good drinks, good service. I recommend it. Her house was nice too. Her roommates seemed like good people, especially the house's owner who's a great mother figure for the rest of them. The 6-year old seemed to be scared of me...but I think she was just pretending. She's a cutie though. After changing out of her work attire, we headed back to the Ritz to meet up with my dad for dinner at the Sonrisa Grill in Montelago Village.
Dinner was great with Bubbles and my Dad. We had a good time with some great food, great tunes, and a few drinks (except my dad, because he's been sober for six years now). After dinner, Bubbles seemed to have had a few many, so I drove her home for the evening and made sure that she got to bed safely. Since it was already late & she needed her car for a dentist appointment early morning, I decided to just stay the night at her house and slept on the floor. I know. "Why would you give up a night's sleep in the legendary Ritz-Carlton beds that you've gone on & on about for years...to sleep on your friend's floor?" Because she got home safe and sound...and Karma comes back around. I hope that you're all lucky enough to have at least one friend like me, there when you need them. Didn't sleep too well...but would have slept much worse worrying about her getting home safe...so it's all good.
Day 2
We woke up with queasy stomachs (alcohol + lack of sleep?) and headed to her dentist appointment, then she dropped me off at the Ritz-Carlton before heading to work. Then I showered up real quick, experience the Club Lounge at the Ritz-Carlton (well worth the extra Benjamin for food & drinks all day if you're there at the hotel) and then we decided to head out to see the area around the hotel, including beautiful Lake Mead and the engineering marvel that is Hoover Dam.
Here are some pictures of Lake Mead. Cool thing was that when we pulled up, we saw four big eagles flying overhead...but I wasn't able to get a good picture of them. it was still an amazing sight though. I'd recommend it if you're in the area...but it was hot this day.
See the Eagle? Didn't think so...
My dad & I are both engineering geeks (he has a degree & I almost did before changing majors after three years), so Hoover Dam is really cool to us. We walked around, took pictures, and talked about how we'd like to come back to see the Bridge when it's finished. Funny thing is that I've seen Hoover Dam four times before...but this was my dad's first time. He mentioned (several times due to previous differences) that the first time he saw the Hoover Dam was on "Transformers" last summer.
Proof my dad is also a nerd
Dam Visitor Center
The bridge is going to be wicked awesome
When you're a man, the world is your urinal...
Behold the world's largest urinal
On our way back from the Dam, I was getting a call from the hotel. Remembering the last time I answered that number inappropriately for my 1st interview, I simply answered hello this time. It was, in fact, the HR manager for my hopeful future employer asking me if I'd like to do a 2nd Interview since I was in town. "Sure, I can meet you there in...30-45 minutes if that's cool." "Well, I may not be here that late..." "Well, I can be there in 10-15 minutes if you don't mind me being in shorts & a T-shirt. My dad & I have just been out near Hoover Dam all day." "Ugh...yeah, that'd be great. I'll meet you in the lobby in fifteen minutes then."
The interview went very well, I think. We seemed to have a good conversation going...and of course I made her smile a few times, so that's usually a plus. Her former position was the position that I was applying for...and she mentioned this after I explained my reasons for pursuing that position...and she seemed to like my responses. Anyway, I'm not an HR professional, so we'll see in the next few weeks if they want me as an employee. (However, I just got my annual review last night...and I don't mean to brag...but it was the highest rating possible...so I've got that going for me when/if they call my current employers) I'm very excited about the possibility of moving to Vegas...and combined with the queasiness in the stomach and lack of food for some time, I went to get something to eat. First, I had to tell Bubbles how it went...and she seemed stuck on "You wore THAT to your interview?" even after explaining the context...but she was excited for me too. We had a celebratory drink at the Irish pub, Auld Dubliner in the village before we parted ways (she was feeling sicker than I was).
My dad & I ate at the Club Lounge again (because it was included) and shortly after arriving there, Bubbles called to tell me that all of her roommates had this mystery stomach illness thing, so it wasn't our drinking (because I didn't drink that much...but I am a lightweight). So we decided to just make this night a rest & relaxation evening so that we could be fully rested & healthy for the other nights. My dad & I just watched basketball and I slept for about ten solid hours, twelve total...and didn't feel the least bit bad about it. Remember, I hadn't slept really comfortably in a few days...and the heat of Vegas saps my strength so. If I move out there, I'll definitely have to figure out that.
Day 3
Dad & I woke up to the Club Lounge breakfast again, then headed for the Strip to see more of it. Along the way, we talked a lot about me moving to Vegas and he of course gave me fatherly advice along the way...and I reassured him with my theories and told him that I had thoroughly thought it through long before even applying for the job. I was really excited...almost giddy on the drive down (I had slept well) but yeah, on the drive back from being on the Strip in hundred degree weather for 4-5 hours, I was very quiet on the way back.
We walked through the mid-section of the Strip including the Venetian, Palazzo, Wynn, Treasure Island, and ended up at the Mirage about the time we ran out of sweat (even drinking water consistently) so we stopped into the California Pizza Kitchen, shared a BBQ chicken pizza, drank lots of water, and placed a few bets. I put $20 on the Spurs to win the championship at 10:1 odds. Step one was beating the Hornets last night...and they did. He placed bets for the KC Chiefs (80:1) and Denver Broncos (25:1) to win the Super Bowl...so basically gave Vegas money. After that, we headed back for the hotel to rest until the sun went down.
Surprisingly, I look more tired than Nicolas Cage does
Then again, I was pretending.
As soon as I arrived back at the hotel, I got a text from Bubbles to meet her at the Auld Dubliner. Slowly but surely over the next hour, it went from the two of us to about six coworkers (all female) having a few drinks after work. Then four of us went over to the Sonrisa Grill to share some appetizers and have a few more drinks. Those ladies are a lot of fun. Free of inhibitions after half a margarita (or Mesori Sour...or something like that) and we were having a wonderful R-rated conversation about whatever. Good times with the ladies. They occasionally would say something ragging on men and then look at me and go "Sorry, nothing personal." "Oh...I know. It's true. No worries." We had a GREAT time and I met a few of my (hopefully) future coworkers.
After that, I went back to the room to relax a bit (finally), watched a little basketball (including the nailbiter finish of Lakers/Jazz Game 6) and then met up with Bubbles, her boss, and her boss' husband at Timbers later that night for dinner. They were all great people...and again, we had a great time. We didn't have much to drink...but because I didn't want my dad to get sick or anything from me, I drove Bubbles home and stayed there another night. I'm too damn nice. Oh well, that's why I keep my bed like a Ritz-Carlton bed at home...so I can miss it for a few nights...but always return to it.
Day 4
The next morning, we checked out of the Ritz-Carlton after breakfast and made our way to our last hotel, the Marriott Suites. It wasn't quite the same luxury level as the other hotel, but still very nice...and all of the rooms are spacious suites...and it's within hundred degree walking distance of the Riviera hotel...more on that a little later. We checked in and rested a bit before driving down to the Hard Rock Cafe Hotel & Casino for some lunch and souvenirs for the kiddies back home. I had a Hurricane & a Creole Sandwich (apparently a New Orleans theme to that meal) and both were delicious. Here are some pictures of the Cafe.
As you walk in, you know they mean business...
Jimi portrait, his cloak, and a burnt guitar
All Is One
Entertainment for the evening was to see the world famous Crazy Girls burlesque show at the Riviera. I had seen this show about five years ago when I was a wee lad and there were fond memories of it, so Bubbles, my dad, & I got some Preferred tickets and enjoyed the show after a little gambling to get us in the mood. The show's a great mix of comedy, sex, magic, sex, boobs, music, and sex...and was well worth the price of admission in my opinion. Oh...and by the way, Bubbles was absolutely stunning in her outfit. She didn't want her picture taken...but this is about the closest to the magnitude of hotness that I could find...and it still doesn't do justice...
After the show, we decided to show my dad the Fremont Street Experience (which apparently had a different meaning last time my dad was here thirty years ago) and it's one of my & Bubbles' favorite spots to party. However, about a million other people had the same idea because the place was packed tight with rednecks due to a huge Sugarland concert right in the middle of Fremont Street. We got out of there quickly because it was too drunken crazy...and some of us under six feet tall were claustrophobic. We drove back towards the Strip...but honestly, we were all sapped...and I wanted to leave something for my dad to take my stepmom to when they come down...like the Fountains at Bellagio and the sort...so we just called it a night out of sheer laziness.
We got back to the room and to wind down, we flipped through the channels and found...Snakes on a Plane. Not sure if I mentioned this before...but though I gave this movie the Flush It on my Sam Jackson movie list, I had never seen it. Based on premise alone, I gave it a Flush It...so I thought that I'd give it a chance...and it remains my Flush It. The story is...ridiculous. There was a nice nudity shot of an incredibly hot blonde about to renew her membership into the Mile High Club...but then they threw in the snakes...and it just got stupider, until I figured it was a sign to go to bed.Day 5
I woke up around 9 AM fully refreshed and stumbled upon "The Truman Show" while I waited for the several hour process of my dad to get ready. I really like this show...and for those of you who don't know, it's about a man named Truman (Jim Carrey) who stars in his own reality show constantly 24 hours a day...and he has since birth...and has never known it. Seriously, you should check it out. It's Jim Carrey craziness mixed in with a deep meaning of life, entertainment, love, the unknown, the controlled, and a bunch of other things. As I watched it, I found myself kind of wondering...what if I were in that situation? All I had known and believed was just some clever scheme to keep me from experiencing the world...and get good ratings & ad revenue. Sometimes I think like that...like, if I were watching my life happening on TV, what would I be yelling at the screen as an observer?For example, let's say I'm trying to pick up a girl at a bar...and I use one of my clever lines to sneak a seat next to her and get a smile out of her. would I think I were smooth? "Nice line, jackass. Hopefully she's a teacher and thinks your awkwardness is cute...like one of her six-year olds is hitting on her." Anyway, that frame of mind got me thinking...from on observer's perspective, am I really using my time on this planet wisely? Could I be doing more? If so, what? Is Vegas really the place for me to go? Am I just making a brash life-changing decision just to make a brash life-changing decision? Or is it really what I want to do? It's kind of like being my own critic / parent...but the more that I think about it, the more that I think this is the way it's supposed to be. Everything happens for a reason...and everything seems to be pushing me towards Vegas...if not just for a few years while I'm still unattached and can enjoy the carefree lifestyle and live life to the fullest...in a setting basically the exact opposite of where I was raised (Utah). Anyway, Truman Show's a great flick. Check it out. It's more entertaining than one of my rants.
After checking out, my dad & I met up with Bubbles for an $11.99 Champagne Brunch at Fiesta Henderson Casino. It was delicious. They had American, Italian, Chinese, Mongolian, Soul Food, Seafood (including buckets of Crab Legs), Baked Goods, Desserts all around, and anything your heart desires really. We had good fun...and I even had a Fortune Cookie that read something like "Tomorrow you will be full of great ideas" and nothing really happened yesterday that was incredibly creative...but whatever. We had a good time playing with our food and enjoying the sweet sweet meat of crab...and washing it down with chocolate cake & mimosas. Afterwards, we gambled a bit because Bubbles & I always have fun playing the slots (Wheel of Fortune if we can) and she knew that I didn't want to spend too much time alone with my dad (talking in those above conversations for five days now) and we had a great time and eventually hugged goodbye. Thanks for everything, Bubbles. It was great to see you again.
Dad wanted to go to the In & Out Burger to get some souvenirs for people back home (since we had just eaten a buffet, so no burger & animal style fries) then we hung out at the Orleans Casino for a while just to escape the heat reaching up to 110 degrees now. I played some Roulette and basically ended up losing six bucks...but got two glasses of ice cold water in exchange. I felt like I had broken even.
Long story short, after that, we filled up the rental car's gas tank, gave it back, got on the flight and went home. Along the way, my dad got a little obnoxious and we got in one of our conversations about the small airplane that we were taking back (since it was an hour flight).
Dad: "Is THAT our plane? It looks small, doesn't it?"
$teve: "It's a regional flight."
Dad: "Right?"
$teve: "Yeah, it's a smaller plane."
Dad: "WHAT?"
$teve: "Yes. (F**k)"
Dad: "I mean...THAT'S a plane (pointing at a 757) but THIS is a baby, right?"
$teve: "They're perfectly safe. Don't be scared, dad."
Dad: "What?"
$teve: "Don't worry dad. You'll be safe."
Dad: "Oh, I know...but still...it's just a little plane."
$teve: "And we've got front row seats with extra leg room. I'll take the window."
Dad: "What? (Grunt) LOOK AT THAT GIRL!!! (Sitting two seats away at the airport, so she obviously heard my dad and chose to ignore) That's a hot girl, right?"
$teve: "Yup, she's certainly a beautiful woman."
Dad: "WHAT?"
$teve: "Yup. Hey look at mountains (like he's a kid)."
Dad: "You should go talk to her."
$teve: "I'm sure that she can hear us just fine, dad. (She laughed a little)"
Dad: "What?"
$teve (do you see how frustrating this week was?): "(Silence)"
Dad: "I would have at your age."
$teve: "I know...and you had a wife and two kids at my age, dad. Let it go, alright?"
Dad: "What?"
$teve: "(F**k me!!!) I'll be back. I'm going to the bathroom."
Dad: "Okay!!! Hope it all goes well." (He heard the bathroom thing the first time, that's why I remember it...because it was so odd)
$teve: "It always does."
By the time I got back from the bathroom, the lovely woman was gone...so I assume she got a little fed up or something too. Like I said, I love my dad...but he gets irritating after a while...and he doesn't mean to, he just does. Oh...and during the flight, he had his Walkman (yes, original Walkman) on and was singing along to "Dark Side of the Moon" while I was trying to nod off because my head was basically at an angle on the wall anyway because of the small plane window seat...and he was pretty loud and nudged me pretty sturdily every few seconds wanting me to join in singing. Wasn't really in that kind of a mood, so I passed. Anyway, we stopped by Taco Bell telling my stepmom all about the tripe, made it home, thanked each other for the great trip...and I went home ready to sleep like a log...or so I thought.
I got back home around 11 PM and my apartment was HOT!!! I had just come from 110 degree Vegas...and my apartment was making me sweat more...so I tried to find out why. My heater was turned down...but apparently it was just a hot day here in Utah and I had all my windows closed with no fan or anything on (it was in the fifties when I left). After about an hour of checking the oven, opening windows, turning on fans, and whatever else I could do to cool the house down, I got a call from Bubbles. "How much do you love me?" "Is this a trick question?" "(Laugh) You know that you're my best friend in the whole wide world, right?" "(Sigh) Of course I do...but I'd like to hear you say it again before you tell me what you need me to do." "Well, you are my bestest friend in the whole wide world...and I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor...and let my mom crash at your house for the night."
Apparently, her mom & her mom's boyfriend had a fight, so her mom was standing out in the cold (still 80 degrees) and needed a place to stay the night before her other daughter could come pick her up. "She's not drunk or high or anything, is she?" "No, but you're the only person that can help me out...and I know that it's a lot to ask...but would ya?" "(Sigh) You know that I will. Wait, where is she?" "Not exactly sure...but I'll find out and call you back." She was about a mile away...so that was great. I picked her up (and all of her stuff, that filled up my car pretty good), took her to my place, gave her a cranberry juice & vodka nightcap, let her use the shower, made her laugh a little, and she had full couch, bar, & fridge privileges. They were ever so grateful...and I spent the next morning hanging with her, watching "Home Improvement" and stuff until her other daughter came and picked her up. It was the least that I could do for a good friend like Bubbles...and I hope that her mom gets her life back on track as soon as possible. She's a sweetie...and I think she likes me too...but she just doesn't seem to have the willpower...but hopefully that'll change quickly. She's too nice of a person to be miserable. Pray for her, would y'all? I'd consider it a personal favor if you did.
Anyway, that was my latest Vegas adventure. Sorry if it was a little long-winded and philosophical for ya instead of drunken & debaucherous...but it was what it was. What happens in Vegas, usually stays there...so be darn happy that I gave ya this much. I'll keep you posted on the job and what becomes of it...and I hope that you all had a wonderful time while I was gone. Also, if I don't see ya before you go, have a happy & safe Memorial Day Weekend!!! Have a great night everybody!!!
Dad: "Is THAT our plane? It looks small, doesn't it?"
$teve: "It's a regional flight."
Dad: "Right?"
$teve: "Yeah, it's a smaller plane."
Dad: "WHAT?"
$teve: "Yes. (F**k)"
Dad: "I mean...THAT'S a plane (pointing at a 757) but THIS is a baby, right?"
$teve: "They're perfectly safe. Don't be scared, dad."
Dad: "What?"
$teve: "Don't worry dad. You'll be safe."
Dad: "Oh, I know...but still...it's just a little plane."
$teve: "And we've got front row seats with extra leg room. I'll take the window."
Dad: "What? (Grunt) LOOK AT THAT GIRL!!! (Sitting two seats away at the airport, so she obviously heard my dad and chose to ignore) That's a hot girl, right?"
$teve: "Yup, she's certainly a beautiful woman."
Dad: "WHAT?"
$teve: "Yup. Hey look at mountains (like he's a kid)."
Dad: "You should go talk to her."
$teve: "I'm sure that she can hear us just fine, dad. (She laughed a little)"
Dad: "What?"
$teve (do you see how frustrating this week was?): "(Silence)"
Dad: "I would have at your age."
$teve: "I know...and you had a wife and two kids at my age, dad. Let it go, alright?"
Dad: "What?"
$teve: "(F**k me!!!) I'll be back. I'm going to the bathroom."
Dad: "Okay!!! Hope it all goes well." (He heard the bathroom thing the first time, that's why I remember it...because it was so odd)
$teve: "It always does."
By the time I got back from the bathroom, the lovely woman was gone...so I assume she got a little fed up or something too. Like I said, I love my dad...but he gets irritating after a while...and he doesn't mean to, he just does. Oh...and during the flight, he had his Walkman (yes, original Walkman) on and was singing along to "Dark Side of the Moon" while I was trying to nod off because my head was basically at an angle on the wall anyway because of the small plane window seat...and he was pretty loud and nudged me pretty sturdily every few seconds wanting me to join in singing. Wasn't really in that kind of a mood, so I passed. Anyway, we stopped by Taco Bell telling my stepmom all about the tripe, made it home, thanked each other for the great trip...and I went home ready to sleep like a log...or so I thought.
I got back home around 11 PM and my apartment was HOT!!! I had just come from 110 degree Vegas...and my apartment was making me sweat more...so I tried to find out why. My heater was turned down...but apparently it was just a hot day here in Utah and I had all my windows closed with no fan or anything on (it was in the fifties when I left). After about an hour of checking the oven, opening windows, turning on fans, and whatever else I could do to cool the house down, I got a call from Bubbles. "How much do you love me?" "Is this a trick question?" "(Laugh) You know that you're my best friend in the whole wide world, right?" "(Sigh) Of course I do...but I'd like to hear you say it again before you tell me what you need me to do." "Well, you are my bestest friend in the whole wide world...and I was wondering if you could do me a huge favor...and let my mom crash at your house for the night."
Apparently, her mom & her mom's boyfriend had a fight, so her mom was standing out in the cold (still 80 degrees) and needed a place to stay the night before her other daughter could come pick her up. "She's not drunk or high or anything, is she?" "No, but you're the only person that can help me out...and I know that it's a lot to ask...but would ya?" "(Sigh) You know that I will. Wait, where is she?" "Not exactly sure...but I'll find out and call you back." She was about a mile away...so that was great. I picked her up (and all of her stuff, that filled up my car pretty good), took her to my place, gave her a cranberry juice & vodka nightcap, let her use the shower, made her laugh a little, and she had full couch, bar, & fridge privileges. They were ever so grateful...and I spent the next morning hanging with her, watching "Home Improvement" and stuff until her other daughter came and picked her up. It was the least that I could do for a good friend like Bubbles...and I hope that her mom gets her life back on track as soon as possible. She's a sweetie...and I think she likes me too...but she just doesn't seem to have the willpower...but hopefully that'll change quickly. She's too nice of a person to be miserable. Pray for her, would y'all? I'd consider it a personal favor if you did.
Anyway, that was my latest Vegas adventure. Sorry if it was a little long-winded and philosophical for ya instead of drunken & debaucherous...but it was what it was. What happens in Vegas, usually stays there...so be darn happy that I gave ya this much. I'll keep you posted on the job and what becomes of it...and I hope that you all had a wonderful time while I was gone. Also, if I don't see ya before you go, have a happy & safe Memorial Day Weekend!!! Have a great night everybody!!!
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