triumphgal

October 9, 2023

We both took the opportunity to have a great sleep in and then I went and got myself a Cold Brew Vanilla Bean Latte and the Orange juice that Sonia wanted. We finally got ourselves organized and headed for the Red Rock Conservation Area. On the way I had planned a stop at a Pinkbox Donut shop based on a recommendation from an acquaintance who used to live here. Next door was a take out sandwich shop which gave us great wraps for our journey. Off we headed towards RR. Unfortunately, once we got there we found out we were supposed to book ahead and there was no internet. We drove up to a look out so Sonia could take a few pics and then headed back out. There was a flash of internet connection so I pulled over and searched the site for a reservation. It could not confirm I was human so we drove up to the booth and the woman explained that she did not have any evidence that we were not human, so we got in. It was a great drive around and Sonia got many pictures.

We hurried back to the Venetian and I ran a reconnaissance mission to find out what was included in our VIP package. Glad I did as I needed to pick up our lanyards and get the details about the Zoo Station experience that was included. I raced back to get changed and we headed out. The Zoo Station was a lot of fun and I couldn’t help but buy merch.

We followed the directions which are very well marked and made our way to the venue. Once we got there I saw many long lines and asked a venue guard what line we were supposed to be in and he instantly swiped us in! All we had to do was get wanded and we were good to go.. The venue is fantastic, I would enjoy seeing other shows there, for sure. Drinks were Uber expensive, but wtf, it’s a vacation!

I had many great conversations with people, and had a great time!! The asshat in front of me got a lecture about standing as I had paid a shit ton of money to sit, and they should have gotten floor tix. The people behind me thanked me. The ladies next to me were sister-in-laws from Ontario!

I was very impressed with the entire show and am glad that I INVESTED in the adventure. When we got back to the hotel, we went to the TipsyRobot and the employee offered us a deal to get merch in exchange for our beverages. I got the flask and shot glasses and we both got lemon drop shots and our beverages which were made by the robots.

October 8, 2023

We both seemed to wake fairly early but struggled to get ourselves out the door. We finally decided to take everything down to the car, check out drive for breakfast at the Mirage as my Vegas app said the Pantry there had the best breakfast. As we went down the strip I realized that the Mirage wasn’t far from the Venetian so we just parked there as it was where we would be staying for the next two nights. We went for breakfast which turned out to be lunch by the time we got in but it was well worth the wait and was very good. After that we headed to the Hotel to see if we could check in and we were able to. The room is beautiful, as promised and we got settled. We had worked out a plan for the day and booked times at the Mob Museum and then the Neon Boneyard before heading to dinner on the outskirts, and getting back for our VIP O show at the Bellagio.

The mob museum was extremely well done, very cool and I enjoyed the Distillery and tasting experience we booked. I bought some Huckleberry and some Vanilla Moonshine to bring home. I was very impressed to find out that the assistant attorney general in the 1920’s was female.

The Neon Boneyard was sooooo cool, I wish we had time to see it at night but it was still really great and I picked up a coaster and a few other things while I was there, which garnered me a free shot glass.

The dinner which was also recommended was a delicious seafood boil of Dungeness crab and scallops at Storming Crab. It was a little out of the way but well worth it and I had promised Sonia that I would treat for her birthday.

It took us a while to get back to the hotel but the great thing was that the route took us straight to The Sphere so that we were able to see the outside before we see the inside tomorrow. It really is huge! It didn’t occur to us that show goers would be using the same parking area and it used up a lot of our getting ready time just getting parked. We made the quick decision to take a cab to the show at the Bellagio. A quick change at the room and we were off.

Fortunately we got a cab immediately as the traffic was heavy. We didn’t have to wait long to be taken into our VIP experience. It really was extra! There was champagne, food, presentation, meet and greet, souvenir photos and more champagne as well as beautiful box seats. I am so grateful for the lovely gift and experience. I bought a pin and shot glass afterward.

We walked back as the taxi lineup was very very long. It was a nice night and I was grateful for the walk but am very very tired now. We packed a lot into this day… and tomorrow is U2!!

October 6, 2023

I woke up before my alarm and got ready to leave. It was time to head off to finer things. First stop was for fuel and coffee and then I was headed to pick up Sonia at the airport. I was hoping it would be a beautiful day and a quick transaction and it was! I pulled in just as she was gathering her luggage and heading out. I maneuvered us to New York, New York parking, right across from the elevator and we went to check in. We were offered an upgrade to a player’s suite with early checkin and decided to take it as the extra money was worth it and we were so chuffed to see the room. This was of course a 1000% improvement over last night!

Once we settled in and swapped gifts, we headed down in search of food. We settled on Nine Fine Irishmen’s pub and had so much carb overload that neither of us felt a hundred percent after. She returned to the room to rest and I gambled a little, although unsuccessfully. I have my budget for the trip and honestly think that this will be an experience more than gambling trip.

I changed and headed off for The Luxor where I had VIP tickets to AGT Super Stars Live, I walked and was there when my email said I should be, 90 minutes early but I was told the time had been changed and I was supposed to be 30 minutes early. I wandered the casino and shops until it was time. I was finally taken as the first VIP and photographed before Jonelle took me to the ‘holding’ area where i was able to order a drink and then finally meet one of the Guys from Light Balance and have a photo with him. He was very sweet I finally made it down to my first row, centre stage seat and had the greatest time!! The couple beside me were from Ohio , celebrating their 10th anniversary and they were great fun to be around.

The show was freaking amazing, removing the filter of the TV made me appreciate them even more! I made instant friends with Jonelle and hope to see her come visit soon.

I worked my way back to the hotel and Sonia and I had leftovers and debriefed out shows. We plan to get a good sleep and have Chocolate Martinis for brunch tomorrow! There was a lovely moment on the foot bridge with a street performer. We shook hands and had a moment.

These were some of my VIP pics

October 5, 2023

What an amazing day I have had. I woke up early and Mike brought me coffee and made waffles with fresh fruit while I got ready and packed up. I was happy to only feel pain in my elbow if I leaned on it. My neck is a little stiff but I can shoulder check. Had a nice breakfast with him and Colleen and they sent me on my way with the five little bottles I’d sampled! The drive down through Oregon to Crater Lake was beautiful. My eyes were so happy. I listened to my audible books finishing off Spare and starting The Palace Papers. I am somewhat obsessed with all things Royals and it is interesting to hear all the takes on what has gone down, how the shows like The Crown, etc, interpreted things and what I do know is there is some truth somewhere in there but we all will never know unless we were there. It is easy to listen to as I drive and soak up the surroundings.

I stopped at the first Target I saw with intention to pick up some makeup remover and a travel coffee mug (I’d forgotten both). It was so lovely to be in at target and I ended up buying a super cute bathing suit set, a flashing pumpkin necklace, the things I came in for, and Nicorette Mints as I am craving a bit. I have good intention to quit this trip and I don’t want to be cranky! I picked up an awesome Freda mug but when I reached for the mints it slipped out of my arm and shattered all over the floor. They were so nice to come clean it up and say it was no problem. I promptly went and picked up a Contigo metal one instead.

I just had to stop at Lowell Covered Bridge as it was a beautiful day and it was stunning.

The next goal was to see Crater Lake, and it did not disappoint! Wow! Also the perfect day for it. I was afraid to stop and start too often though as I was running low on gas. There hadn’t been a station for a long time and I kept thinking another one would appear. As I was leaving the park, just before the exit booth there was a sign for a village with fuel. I pulled in to find it was closed for the season but there was pay at the pump. The guy in the office was no help at all when my card wouldn’t work and he wouldn’t take cash although the sign said so. I walked back out, wondering if the 29 miles left was accurate as he said the nearest gas station was 28 miles, ‘but all downhill’. My fuel light was on and I was chastising myself, getting ready to take the risk when a car pulled up with a woman and her parents. They were super friendly and when I said I was on fumes, she said they were too. I explained my card wasn’t working and she promptly put her card in and said take whatever you need! I gave her $20 cash and put that much in. She did insist again that if I needed more, to take it, but of course I didn’t. What incredible kindness. I can only be grateful that my travel angels are with me and that I know I would have done the same for someone else. I believe her name was Carrie-Anne. She warned me to keep a full tank heading to Vegas as there are long stretches with no stations along the way.

While I was stopped to take this picture, they drove by and honked.. and a cow sneezed, lol

Had to stop to fill up both my tank and me at Klamath Falls. I do books for long haul truck drivers that often have receipts from Loves so I had to try them. The lady by me at the pumps highly recommended Carl Jrs for their burgers so I stayed for dinner. They comped me a replacement sandwich when they forgot to replace the pepper Jack cheese with cheddar due to my allergy and were super friendly. The burger was delicious. I was also impressed with the long handled window squeegee at the pumps.

I really enjoyed the scenery and was glad to pull over and realize I was finally in California. It got dark quite quickly after this but I was on a country road and don’t think I missed much. I did want to stop in Susanville so that I had a fresh start in the morning and didn’t miss anything. It was very dark when I arrived, I pulled over at the top of the hill above town and started searching all my apps for a hotel deal. I finally decided to head to check out one that was well rated, but when I saw it, I wasn’t sure… so I did what I know, I looked for the motel that all the company trucks are at. Sure enough, it had vacancy. I parked and called the number on the door. The guy I spoke with said he only had a single bed room left and told me the price. He said he could meet me in 5 minutes. I asked him for directions to someplace to buy alcohol and he gave me directions to Walmart (!) and said take my time, he would be there when I was done. I popped down the street and stayed focused, although there were many deals. I was shocked at the price of crown considering it is bottled in Canada. I picked up the Vanilla and the Apple and it basically was 2 for 1 even with exchange! Dude was so awesome when I returned. I was stunned when I got to my room as it is really nice and has a King sized bed and working AC and he charged me what he quoted. Win-Win!

I am now tucked in enjoying watching Bridesmaids again.. and I don’t have to rush off in the morning.

October 1, 2023

I was up at a decent time and got more things done (including another puzzle) before I saw that all the email had come in that I needed to run three payroll. I went and dropped my recycling, stopped at Safeway to pick up the coffee beans I want to bring to my friend in Oregon and then stopped at Pet Valu to get a new water fountain for Missy as hers died this morning. It is a beautiful day with fresh snow on the range.

Once at the office, I found nothing but challenges with the payroll. Each had it’s own issues of missing information. In between, I worked out my plans for between Wednesday morning and Friday arrival in Vegas. I booked Thursday night at the Clown Motel in Nevada including an hour ghost tour, and got a front row seat booked for AGT Allstars at the Luxor on Friday night while Sonia is at a Cirque show.

I stopped at Encore to pick up my free monthly crowlers, and have a beverage. The server made an error on my bill and gave me some tokens for the arcade. I saw there was a birthday party happening and made a 5 year old boy very happy when I gave him the tokens. He was very sweet and thankful.

The car is packed with the travel safe essentials and my suitcase is mostly ready with a last load in the dryer. I will decide what shoes and jackets to take in the morning and head out.

September 30, 2023

I am not a deep cleaner on a regular basis, not a slob, but don’t vacuum or sweep often enough. I do like coming home from away today clean house however so I spent a good deal of time today tidying up, sweeping and vacuuming, washing my ruggables, etc. I watched shows and puzzled in between and just made a relaxing day of it. The show that moved me was ‘The Beginning of Life’. It is only on Netflix until October 21st and was on my watch list. I am so glad I watched it. The other ‘leaving soon’ one was ‘Zero Dark Thirty’. It was a little hard to watch.

I made myself scallops for dinner and am relaxed and ready to get some sleep. Lots to do tomorrow in order to leave Monday morning. So looking forward to seeing my friends in Oregon!

September 29, 2023

I am so exhausted! Today was extremely full taking care of everyone else’s business. Subaru, Mom’s place, quick drive-thru A&W, payroll, remittances, reconciling, party planning, allllll the things. I have not taken time to make a clear plan for my days between Portland and Las Vegas. I do know I want to make it work to stay at the Clown Motel in Topanah (SP?) Nevada. I also have to decide what I want to do in Vegas on the Friday night. Sonia is going to another cirque show, there are many options. Rae-Anne gave a nice shoutout in Slack to Gene and I since we are now done working at Arby’s. She mentioned that he and I covered more shifts for others than anyone. Pretty awesome for a Nana and Grandson, I must say. I did finish my puzzle tonight

September 28, 2023

I had no intention of making money today as my calendar was full with appointments and free things. I did however manage to fit in a few hours between things so that was good, more off the list.

Before I left this morning, I dug out my bike to give to someone who really will appreciate it.

First thing was a virtual meeting with Lance, from Genex, who we have hired to rebuild the website for Fisher Peak Performing Artists Society. I am very excited about this and our session was very productive.

Next was picking up Judy, my son-in-law’s Mom, to take her for lunch at Arby’s so she could see Rae-Anne and we FaceTimed her daughter, Margot. It is Margot’s birthday today and also the first anniversary of her father’s passing. Judy, who is well lost to dementia, was unaware of that anniversary, so, I just kept reminding her that it was her daughter’s birthday. I am thankful that Rae suggested this as it made Margot very happy and I enjoyed breaking Judy out of the Green home for a spell.

While we were at lunch Jamie, Danika’s dad, showed up. He didn’t always have good things to say about my son so I was surprised when he purposed to tell me that he had been watching Jake’s videos on YouTube and is very impressed with him, that I should be proud of who he has become. I was surprised and grateful.

The next really exciting part of my day was meeting my new Dr. Wolff. We interviewed each other and agreed that we are a good fit. I am impressed with him and so grateful that after 3 years I have my own GP.

The final pre scheduled part of my day was getting my nails done. I do love spending time with Minh and had a short visit with ‘the guy’ as well. I told Minh that it was dealer’s choice and to give me fun Vegas nails. He did not disappoint. I have made a promise that if I win big in Vegas I am to take the bros out for a drink.

Deb messaged me to see if I would like to bowl tonight as they are leaving in the morning. Of course I said yes! They have been looking at properties to build on here and there is hope yet for her and I on rocking chairs together in the future.

While we were bowling I shared with her that I had been chatting with a guy on the FB dating site who is local and she encouraged me to ask him to meet. He is the first person I have enjoyed chatting with and since I am leaving on Monday, I struck out and we are going to try to meet for coffee tomorrow night… eeek!

All in all, a pretty great day!

September 27, 2023

I really had a better day! I was alone at my end of the building, put CBC on in the background and powered through payroll and remittances, reconciling for clients, and ticking things off my list. At 5 there was a meeting to debrief Ed Fest 2023 and discuss the possibility of 2024. Everyone involved was represented and it was a very positive feeling. I came home and watched Amazing Race followed by The Voice. They are two of my favourites and my puzzle is coming along nicely.

I just remembered that tomorrow will be full of interesting things including… meeting my new Dr! Now that is something to be grateful for and to look forward to.

September 26, 2023

I had a shite day. Well, up until I got to my appointment for a luxury pedicure at Creative Souls. I had bought a coupon on the Half Price Deals through the radio station. Melissa pampered me, spent 1.75 hours on my feet and lower legs. I came away with pretty polish on soft feet and a much lowered blood pressure. I will definitely be back.

Once I got home after popping into Safeway for a few things, I put the cover back on my chair padding and am so happy how it came out from the Dry Cleaners. It is more comfortable than the cushion that came with it.

The rain is pounding down, which is good for the environment, but I am glad to look ahead to when I am to leave and it should be nice for driving.

I have slowly been getting a pile of things together to take on the journey, thinking on what clothes and shoes to bring, etc. It is easier since I am driving.

Today was Cindy’s 50th and the office decorated and got a cake. I am glad they made her feel special.

September 25, 2023

I had a very productive day at the office, ran out at 3:30 to get Moms pills, get transfer papers for her car, arrange to pick up her summer tires stored at Subaru, and have a quick visit, paying some bills while I was there. I just made it back to the office when I got a call from Rae to come to Encore for some wine tasting. The Northstar rep was there and had some adult juice boxes and ciders to try. I did enjoy the wines, found two of the 4 ciders to be ones I would buy regularly, and two on occasion. Turns out Leah is the Kootenay Rep for Salt Spring Wild Cider. We took a pic together and sent it to one of the owners… my friend Gerta!! Everyone had to leave and I was left there with the half finished ciders and a pretzel only 20 minutes after I got there. I decided not to go back to the office and ordered a Shrimp Taco salad and relaxed. When I left, I found one Size 8 shoe just mid walk out of the entrance, and the other by the bike rack beside the entrance…. People ARE weird.

I worked on my puzzle and watched 90 Day and Sister Wives. Had a wee ‘good’ cookie, and am heading off to bed.

September 24, 2023

Got up and ready for a visit from Danika and the girls. They brought A&W breakfast and we had a nice visit. I sent home my heavy bag stand for Malcolm which got me in full swing to get the sheds organized and the jeep put to bed for the winter. I looked at the long range forecast and with my time away coming up there won’t likely be much time to drive it. I think it will be safer put away. Tracey helped me so I could tarp over the shed as it seems to be flaking and I don’t want the tarp to break or leak with the snowload. I also sorted all the things that need to go to the transfer centre and will take it when next I have truck help. The fun part was doing my annual Halloween install to which I added Jack Skellington this year. I was done by noon and tired out so settled in with a new puzzle. Mid afternoon, Rae called to see if I could walk across the park and get Sawyer. It seems he was at a birthday party and was hit in the eye by the birthday boy. The kids were all being sent home. I walked over and got him and we played a bit of Little Big Planet until his Mom came to get him. He is a sweet kid. I enjoy his company. Rae invited me to turkey dinner but I have had a bit of a headache and just wanted to lay low. I finished my puzzle and am watching the limited series, Painkiller. It is quite the look at the oxy problem and how it came to be.

Rae and Ash are going to pick up Roger’s Mom, Judy and bring her to the Joseph Creek Thanksgiving while I am gone. This makes me happy for all of them.

Auntie Trish messaged me that she got Covid on the cruise. I am glad I didn’t go!

September 23, 2023

I was up early and off to Balment Park to volunteer for set up and tear down of the Beer Festival. I am glad I went and was there for 8:45 to do my 9-1 shift which was to be followed by 2-6. As I was the only one who signed up for the set up I was lucky to work with the 6 employees; Rebecca, Ryan, Ken, Gord, Matthew and Benji. I hung signs, set up chairs, organized the merch and got ready for it to open. As it happened they needed me to pour beer for the out of province beers alongside Mike. I had the three to concentrate on; Chilly Tins, Out of the Gate and Shumei IPA. Mike looked after the Stouts and between us we covered the sours. I wish I had counted how many I poured. Killed a keg of the Shumei. It was extremely popular.Everyone was in such a good mood. The weather changed a lot but didn’t rain again at least. I was actually surprised at the turn out, and the time went by quickly. I saw so many familiar faces and I admit, had some fun flirty moments too. After it was shut down at 5, we poured the last of the beer into pitchers and the employees and several volunteers hung out and enjoyed a few. Honestly I wasn’t too thirsty for beer after pouring for hours. The guys were so lovely and thankful that I stayed and worked all day and hope we will do this again next year. This is a long time thing in Victoria and this was the tester for taking it on the road. I think it was a big success.

I had a great conversation with Glen and he is a long time attendee at MusicFest. He may come and volunteer next year depending what his wife thinks, lol. They usually camp together, but I would certainly welcome him to my crew.

Got home and made some dinner, puzzled a bit and watched my show.

September 22, 2023

Today I was rudely awoken before 5:30 am by Missy growling and chasing the neighbourhood Tom cat out of the house. It may be time to get the trap and set it in the yard, keeping Missy in and then take it to the SPCA. I have told the owner that he is coming in and eating my cat’s food to no avail.

The day was full of work for free and some for money. I created invitations for the FPPAS end of year celebration on Paperless Post and sent them out to 76 people. It took no time at all for quite a few to reply positively. It is fun planning parties!

I had been asked last week to cover a shift at Arby’s for a teenager who had an important thing to do. He had asked me directly and although I have much to do, I knew Rae needed me to take the shift. She made it be 4:45 to 7 and I showed up to get it done. People were off sick and there was a guy who just started today, but we got things done. Come 7 there was still much to do so I agreed to stay. I was busy sweeping the lobby when the guy I was covering for strolled in with his girlfriend. He was oblivious to how much of a dick move that was. I was annoyed and he burned a bridge. I ended up working for and extra 45 minutes. That was fine but I was tired and hungry. I came home and fed Missy, locked her cat door and puzzled for a little while as I watched the recent season of Sex Education.

I forgot that the best thing that happened today was I got a call that I have finally been assigned a family doctor! I am to go for a meet and greet with Dr. Wolff next week. It has been years, I am so grateful.

September 21, 2023

What an exhausting and emotional day. I sat and had a tear for a moment as I felt less than… unable to see that I was qualified to do what I do. The woman I spoke with reminded me that I had already had a tough physical and emotional week and that I hadn’t eaten. She is a good Mom, and I was able to put things into perspective and get it done. I am grateful for the clients I have that I can be honest with and support me to be their person.

After a long nose to the books day, I headed to Encore to plan the FPPAS volunteer party which turned out to be something I am sure everyone will enjoy and I can’t wait to send out the invitations .

Dave and Deb met me there . We had good food and beverages and then bowled for an hour. Dave kicked our butts and we had a good laugh.

September 20, 2023

Last night didn’t get any better as I learned that Emmy and I are landing at a different airport than the rest of the family due to their inability to get airmile trips to the same as us. I was very frustrated. I did get a lot of my puzzle done though

This morning I called my Mom and she let me put a rental vehicle for a week on her airmiles and I paid the 137 in taxes. I also asked Danika if they could pick Emmy up in Calgary as our layover on the way home is nearly 6 hours and they are only 3 hours or so from Calgary. I hope they can make that work.

She ended up selling her car to Greg & Kym for Kyle at a decent price and I will arrange the transfer papers, etc. I will have to get it jumped and running as he is flying in next Friday.

After work I met out at Dave and Deb’s camp trailer at the KOA where their new friends joined for happy hour(s). We had a nice visit and then we had a meal at the 19th hole. It was okay, not great. After that Deb and I went to the casino where she checked her lotto tickets so I decided to as well and won 79.50. I played a Las Vegas slot machine and turned the first 20 into 107.50. Back in my pocket that went and after playing a couple others, I left with 113.50 more than I walked in with and had a bit of fun. I knew my limit and played within it and had some fun.

My order from UpsideDrinks.ca arrived today and I look forward to some of my favourites alcohol free and low cal.