Going Home

I am ready to go home but at the same time I am not ready. I love how warm it is here in Vegas. I don't want to go back to cold temperatures. It is Spring here and there are flowers blooming all over and it is green. I am ready to sleep in my own bed and I am ready to have clean clothes and a shower the doesn't turn ice cold within 2 minutes of getting in. However, I have enjoyed coming back to a room where I didn't have to make the bed and that it is so clean. No clothes all over the floor not that my room always had clothes on the floor. It's just easier to keep clean when you have a limited amount of stuff with you. That is one of the reason's I love traveling. It's simplified. For some reason you don't need as much stuff when you travel as you do when you are at home. I have never understood that. I have tried to live like I do when I travel but I always find myself pulling out a new hair product or lotion that I don't really need but somehow have to use when I am at home.

I am not ready to go back to work. I have enjoyed the past day and a half where I didn't really have to think about work. I felt relaxed and rested. Another great plus for a vacation. This trip needed to have more days like that but it was a business trip after all and I did learn a lot at the conference. It was well worth the trip to come to the conference and it was fun to have time to play as well. I will be glad to go back and put all that I have learned to use.

Time to load the laptop back in it's bed and head for the airport. It was a great trip and I am already looking forward to my next trip whenever that will be.

Time to Shop

It is finally Friday and training is over. Time to shop and play and shop some more. Just one problem I am in Las Vegas by myself without a car. Everyone else I came with had a relative (wife, husband and parents) come into Vegas for the weekend. At the time we planned the trip I thought it would be fun to be all by myself for a weekend in Vegas. I was going to go to the spa and spend time at the pool and then walk down to Planet Hollywood and go shopping at the Miracle Mile Shops. Well I forgot how scary Vegas is and that I have massive anxiety. What was I thinking that it would be fun to be on vacation by myself. Disneyland maybe but Vegas no way!!!!! Luckily, Janis wanted to go shopping too and she invited me to go with her and her husband to the outlets. Brock and his wife decided to hang out at the pool and Bruno was still waiting for his parents to arrive. They were supposed to come in last night but never showed up. We had fun shopping. I actually didn't buy much because the outlets we went to were not exactly what I had in mind. I am a bit of a snob when it comes to the stores I shop in and these outlet stores were not exactly in my taste but I did find a couple pairs of cute shoes. I was ready to head to Planet Hollywood next and that was exactly where we went. I love the Miracle Mile Shops. I wished we had stayed at Planet Hollywood I would have felt perfectly safe walking down to the shops every night on my own. Luckily, we didn't or I would be completely broke now. I only bought one thing at the shops and that was a skin for my IPOD. Janis introduced me to these cool skins that stick on to your IPOD to protect it. Too bad my IPOD is the wrong model for the skins as I discovered once I took my newly purchased skin back to the hotel to apply to my very old model. Too bad, I am going to have to upgrade to a newer version. We walked across the way to the Bellagio to watch the fountain. We arrived at exactly 2:00pm and we were very excited as we all thought the show started at 2:00pm. An hour later at 3:00 it started. It was a pleasant hour though. The breeze off the water felt so good and we were in the shade. I could have stood there for hours. I took several photos while we stood waiting. I am working on a photography project and when it is complete I will post it. Here is a photo of the fountain show.

We met up with Brock, his wife and Bruno (whose parents still have not made it to Vegas) for dinner at Lawry's. Very expensive restaurant and probably one I will never go to again. Not because of the food or anything, it was very delicious. It was just way too expensive for someone who is as picky of an eater as I am. I don't usually eat red meat and that is all they serve at Lawry's-Prime Rib. Okay, they have halibut too but I don't eat seafood. The salad was very weird but I was brave and ate it. The prime rib was excellent but I still have a hard time with red meat. Again I was brave and took small bites, chewed fast and swallowed and then followed each bite with the yummy creamed corn that I was very glad I ordered even though it cost me an extra $6.00. The mashed potatoes were great too so luckily I had two things I actually liked.

After dinner we headed back to the hotel and Janis, her husband and I finally made it to the M&M store. Third try worked. We had tried again on Thursday night but got the tickets for Neil and again had to hurry to the box office to pick up our actual tickets. We walked around the M&M store for a really long time. I debated back and forth about a cute M&M nightgown but left the store without the souvenier bag showing that I gave into the tourist trap of the M&M store. I instead went back to my room proud of myself for not purchasing chocolate that I don't need and watched a movie and fell asleep at 11:00pm in Las Vegas. How pathetic is that!!!!!

Neil Diamond!

I am having a fabulous time in Las Vegas. I have learned so much in the training Conference and I am meeting all these celebrities. Okay, look alike celebrities but I can pretend right along with them and think they are the real thing. Tonight it was Neil Diamond in concert at the Riviera. Okay, again not the real Neil Diamond but a pretty great impersonator. Having never been to see Neil Diamond in person I don't really know the difference. This guy was great. I am not a huge Neil Diamond fan like some of the people I was with but I am familiar with Neil because I grew up listening to his music. America and Sweet Caroline are my two favorites of his and I was singing as loud as I could until I started coughing. They had a smoke (fog) machine going and I have really bad allergies and asthma right now and after a week of smoky casinos my lungs were shot so add fake smoke and lets just say I was coughing most of the night. I still tried to sing along because Neil was watching me. Maybe, he was glaring at me to leave because I was coughing. I wasn't the worst of the noise and bother in the room. It was the 10 drunk boys in the front who were trying to get up on stage to dance with Neil that needed to leave the room. I have never seen a group as drunk as they were. It was entertaining at first but towards the end we just wanted to yell at them to sit down and shut up and let Neil do the singing. Again sorry no pictures. I tried to take one with my phone since my camera wasn't working but it didn't work because just as I took it one of the drunk boys ran in front of my phone camera.

Tournament of Kings

Last night after our training session we (my boss Janis and I) headed for the M&M store. We told the boys that we were going to check out the half price shows tickets and see if we could find another show to go to and that we would call them later for dinner plans. We made our way across the street and decided to check out the tickets first. That was our first mistake. You can only purchase tickets for the same day. It was around 5:30 at that point so if we wanted to see a show and get dinner we were going to have to hurry. They had tickets to several shows but I convinced her that we needed to go to Tournament of Kings at Excalibur because not only is it a show but it's a "dinner show" and one of the best in my opinion. We called the boys to see if they wanted to go and they did so we purchased the tickets. Turns out that you get vouchers and have to go to the box office to get the actual tickets and your seat assignment. Since I have been to Tournament of Kings twice before I knew we needed to get over there to get a decent seat. No M&M store for us! We headed to Excalibur which luckily is at the same end of the strip. We picked up our tickets in the Norway section. My second favorite section, Russia is my favorite. Last time I went with my family to the show we sat in the Russia section and had a blast. The Russian Knight cheats big time which makes for a fun time. We called the boys and told them to meet us in an hour and we went to gamble. I am not a big gambler but I will play a slot machine just for the entertainment. I make sure to specify a certain $ amount that is to be used just to play the slot machine. That was the plan anyway. I remembered that the Excalibur has a fun area upstairs and Janis had never been up there before so we decided to explore. We located a Cold Stone. So what's the big deal with eating a little (or rather huge) ice cream cone before going to dinner. We both decided it was a great idea and got our ice cream. I can't recall if we actually ended up going back downstairs to play the slot machines or if by the time we finished our ice cream the boys called. I think the boys called and we headed to the show.

Before the show started we were the proud witnesses of a couple getting engaged at the Tournament of Kings and they were in our section. Everyone say "Aaaaahhhh". It was actually pretty cute. Janis went down and took a picture of the newly engaged couple and promised to send it to them. Now if you have never been to this show Tournament of Kings the food is fabulous. Eating it is not so fabulous, no utensils. I love it! It's the whole atmosphere thing. I forgot to warn the others in my group though and let's just say they were a bit shocked. Anyway, the show was great our Knight didn't do very well he was knocked off his horse in the first round. Way to go Norway. We still had fun cheering and booing Russia. Sorry, I don't have pictures, it was dark inside and none of them turned out.

We all wonder where the horses are kept. Do they have there own Penthouse at the Excalibur hotel? Hmm something to think about as I try to fall asleep.

Viva Las Vegas

Elvis lives! I met him last night. We went to Legends in Concert and it was fabulous. I was sitting front row and center right next to the stage. Jay Leno, Madonna, Barry White and The Temptations were a few of the stars but the best was Elvis. He sang only to me. It was so fun. That is until he started talking to me and I went completely blank. I got major stage fright or maybe I was just so star struck I couldn't speak. He acknowledged that I was obviously his biggest fan. I was in heaven. I love Elvis. I really do. Jailhouse Rock, Viva Las Vegas, Teddy Bear, Don't Be Cruel you name a song and I love it. I have seen most of his movies but last night couldn't remember a single name when he asked which was my favorite. Each song he acknowledged me and I had a huge grin on my face the whole time. And then the big moment, he came out white jumpsuit, blue scarf and did I ever want that blue scarf or (whatever it is called). He came over knelt down and sang just to me and took the scarf thing from his neck started to hand to me. Then took it back and said, "That's right you are my biggest fan." Of course true to being Elvis wiped a little more sweat and then handed it to me. It was a bit gross yes but it was great. He was such a great singer. I enjoyed the show so much.

My First Plane Ride

Written by Lisa's Laptop



I was so excited to go on my first plane ride. I slept soundly and in the morning I was packed into a nice soft travel case. It was light blue inside and just so comfortable, if traveling is this relaxing I think I am going to travel more often. We went for a drive first and then got to the airport. It is so exciting I just wish I could see what was going on. I can hear the zipper. Hi, Lisa Are we there already? No, I am being put into a very cold ugly beige bin. Where am I going? Wait, Lisa I want to go with you. Where are you going? Take me with you. What is that noise, why are they blowing air all over you? Come back I don’t want to go inside that big machine. Where am I now? Hey what are you doing, stop looking at my insides. We are moving again, wait I don’t want to go down that hill, stop I want to get off. Okay, maybe that was a little fun. Can we do that again? Lisa, thank goodness there you are. I want to go back in my comfortable bed. Much better I feel safe in here.
It is so noisy in here, I can hear the airplane engines. It sounds like we are about to take off. I don’t like this feeling. I am dizzy what is going on. If I sit still maybe it will go away. What was that noise? I can hear someone talking I think he said we could move about the cabin. Maybe Lisa will take me out so I can see what is happening. I can hear the zipper. Hi Lisa, yes I am fine. Thanks for checking. Wow, that air feels good but it is cold I think I would rather stay in here where it is warm and comfy. I think I will take a nap.



From Lisa

Okay, so I know that was a bit cheesy but you have to know that I typed it at around 3:00am in Las Vegas. I couldn't sleep and this is what happens when you are stuck in a hotel room on a Monday night all by yourself in Las Vegas with nothing to do.

Trip of Firsts

Two more days until Las Vegas. I am so excited. This is my trip of firsts. My laptop gets to go on it's first plane ride. I am a little nervous about security at the airport because this is the first time I have traveled with a laptop. I am feeling sorry for all those people who will be in line after me. I have a feeling it is going to be quite an experience. I am going to try and make things as easy as I possibly can to get through security. I've spent the last hour on websites learning how to travel with laptops, medication and various other carry-on items. It's not like I haven't traveled before. I have been on several flights and never had a problem. I just like to be extra cautious and I tend to go in to panic mode every time I travel. It's crazy because I love traveling I just don't enjoy flying. It makes me really nervous. I am glad this is a short flight. Here are a few more firsts. This is my first time flying to Las Vegas. I usually drive since it is so close. I mentioned a few days ago this is my first business trip. It is also the first time staying at the Monte Carlo Hotel. It's the first time traveling with co-workers and I am sure there will be more firsts. Stay tuned for a report from my laptop about it's first plane ride and a report on the hotel.

Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back

and realize they were big things.

---Robert Brault

The Countdown

In 8 days 2 hours 28 minutes and 22, 21, 19, 18 (keep counting the seconds down), I will be on my very first business trip. I know that is a silly thing to be counting down but I am so excited. I am one of those weird people who thinks it would be fun to travel for their job. I know I would eventually get tired of all the traveling but for now it sounds fun. Unfortunately you don't get to travel a lot when your job is working in the medical field. However, I am going to a Regional Training in Las Vegas. We have recently purchased a new computer software/electronic medical records program for our computer system at work and I am the Data Coordinator/software expert and trainer so I have to learn all I can about this new system. My boss and our two IT guys are going to this training as well so I won't be in Vegas by myself. The training is Monday through Thursday morning and then we all decided to stay a couple extra days to enjoy Las Vegas. I am very excited for the training because I have been frustrated trying to learn things on my own. Of course I am also excited to have some fun in Vegas as well. I need a little break from the stress of work and life in general.

Broadway in Utah

Last night I went to see Annie at Kingbury Hall. The little 10 year old who played Annie was excellent. The girl that played Molly was fabulous and very talented and the woman who played Miss Hannigan was absolutely hilarious. A few years ago I went to NYC and had the opportunity to see a play on Broadway. It was the most amazing experience for me. When I came home I decided I wanted to get season tickets to our Broadway shows at Capitol Theater/Kingsbury Hall. I have had season tickets for 4 years now and I have enjoyed every play/musical. Some of them I probably never would have attended without the season tickets. Sweet Charity was one of those last year. I had heard a little about it but not much. I loved that musical. It was one of my favorites last season. It was also great because Molly Ringwald was Sweet Charity and that made it even more fun. Spamalot was by far the best musical last season. I can't wait to see that one again. So far this year I would have to say Annie has been my favorite. I already know which will be my favorite next year, Wicked is coming to Salt Lake and I already have tickets. I can't wait. Wicked is the main reason I bought season tickets. I knew that one day it would come here and I wanted to see it. It took four years but I have guaranteed tickets and I am so excited. I have not seen Wicked but I have the soundtrack memorized and I have read the book twice. I have only been to Broadway (the real Broadway) once but every time I attend a musical I feel like I am there again. It is a great experience and one I never thought I would have. I would love to go back to NYC and go to another musical on Broadway and I will go back one day but until then I will enjoy Broadway in Utah.

Day of Adventure

Ethan was a little confused when I asked him who the new prophet was. I showed him a picture and he said he didn't know who he was. I told him it was President Monson and he was our new prophet. He just looked at me and said "Okay." Jaclyn said he was pretty conferenced out. He just wanted to play cars and not talk about conference so that is what we did. He lined up all the cars
for a race and then I got to play the part of the Little People visiting the Island of Sodor from Thomas but we had to flyover the race in the Ninja Turtle van first. I know quite the adventure. He had an entire script for me which is usually the case. Sonya Lee (my character) had to walk all the way from the farm to see the race. Sonya Lee stopped because she couldn't get past all the cars. So the Ninja Turtle van came to the rescue and flew Sonya Lee over the cars and up to the Island of Sodor.

I played farm with Ella next.

She thought my pig and cow sounds were pretty funny.

Then the games began. First a couple rounds of Wheel of Fortune.

First topic-Phrase

I'd like to solve the puzzle. "Mad as an wet hen".

Second topic-fictional character.

I'd like to solve the puzzle. "Old Mother Hubbard"

We decided it was pretty boring so we moved on to

Double Elimination Ping Pong. We even had a practice table.

We taught Ethan how to play. He had his own very cool paddle. He had fun learning how to play the big Ping Pong game. He swung that paddle like a pro. He thought it was pretty great that he is finally tall enough to play. He said, "Soon I will really be able to play this game." We all agreed.

After a couple hits he decided reading was more fun.

It was a fun day at our house. We enjoyed listening to conference and really felt the spirit. We also had a great time together as a family.

Conference

I love conference weekend. It's a great time to grow spiritually. I love listening to all the wonderful leaders of our church speak. What a great weekend this will be as we have the opportunity to hear from our new prophet President Thomas S Monson. It was such a great experience to sustain him this morning. I look forward to hearing him speak.

I also enjoy the chance to spend time with my family. I see them all the time but for some reason during conference and holidays it seems different. Tonight I went to dinner with my mom and sister which is always fun. It is a tradition for my dad and brothers to go to the Priesthood session and to dinner and most of the time my mom, sister and I go to dinner while they are gone. Once in a while my sister-in-law will join us but now that she has kids that doesn't happen as much. We will see them tomorrow when they come for lunch in between sessions. I am interested to talk to my nephew Ethan tomorrow and ask him about President Monson. Last summer they went to Mount Rushmore and my brother was telling Ethan who the people on Mount Rushmore were. He asked him who his favorite President was and Ethan said, "President Hinckley". Out of the mouth of a 3 year old. I look forward to hearing his thoughts about our new prophet. He always surprises me with his knowledge and understanding.