Want to blog...

But I am trapped under homework and regular work. I have also had 14 interviews for the three open manager positions. I may have the opportunity to head up jelly doughnut making rather than planning the making of them. We shall see. If anything it was a good excuse to dust off the resume and buy a sharp suit. It is sharp too.

Fresh Jesus went off this year! It was so much fun. The cream corn casserole with dill was the dish of the century. Straight out of the St. John's Lutheran Church cookbook. Thanks mom! I really can whip up a midwestern dish and haven't lost the wicked skills required to do so. Spiced up the green bean casserole as well and the ham was of course, Cherry Coke soaked. Does anyone want a half a liter? Lord knows it will sit in our fridge until the end of time. Takers? Mind you I said CHERRY COKE and not just coke. Snort sniff snort. Ick.

How much does Yo la Tengo hate me? They will be playing on 8/13 in Saratoga with no stop in San Francisco. Some random music festival. I am going to write them a letter to see if perhaps they will stop by for some cream corn casserole. It worked for Mistycans and her favorite band (mind you she offered them a full on Thanksgiving dinner) so it's worth a try. Speaking of which, the crew is on their way to Cochella as this very blog is being blogged. It's the first one I have missed in 4 years. It's ok. I will not miss being the shortest person at the show with the tallest frat boy in front of me. Although to be poolside would be delightful....here's to a happy Cochella for all those attending. I'm with you in spirit and will miss the dance tent for sure!

The Littles

I had dinner with friends from college tonight and their kids, Hannah and Steven. I had forgotten how much I like the littles. Had only seen pictures of these littles however upon the first introductions I knew I liked them. They were very polite, not painfully shy, very well behaved, and easy to engage in conversation on a 5 and 8 year old level. To be truthful, I really wish I hung out with kids more often. No, certainly don't want to hear the pitter pat of little feet running up and down the hallways (other than our three cats) in our house however there was something about these two kids that was just refreshing and fun. We went out for dinner which is usually a nightmare in and of itself with bratty kids. Paula and I got to talk about adult things but we also talked about Sponge Bob, Patrick, hiking, the Green Bay Packers, and the kids also knew some really funny jokes which had me laughing so hard that soda came up through my nostrils which made them laugh so hard we couldn't stop. Doesn't hurt that both Paula and Troy are teachers and very good parents. It's easy to tell by the way their kids are in public and their little imaginations. A good night out.

Have been hanging out in the room since then finishing up on work for the jelly doughnut factory and catching up on emails. So not inspired to be out checking things out. Vegas reality check for the day: went to use the ATM. The offerings? $300, $200, $100 or other. I chose the $100. It came out in a $100 bill! Yes, I was in the casino lobby but it still was a shock. Spent the day in presentations and training sessions which was pretty good. Think I will skip the keynote speaker tomorrow and go for a run instead. As long as I roll in around 10am it should all be good. Found the track which goes around the pool or "beach" as it's labeled. Am going to attempt to take in a yoga class tomorrow night and if everything works out, I should be able to get there on time. The big finish of the conference is to have Huey Lewis and the News play tomorrow night at the big "party". Yeah, might have to find something else to do that night.

Did walk through the casino tonight on my way to find Paula and Troy. It's disgusting. People throwing their money away. I simply don't understand the appeal. But this town was built on just that: empty dreams and money being thrown to the wind. I may venture on over to the Bellagio to see the water light show a bit later on and then it's off to bed. Which isn't that fun seeing as I can't sleep well without Miss B to curl up with. It's this huge king sized bed with room for many and just me in the middle of it. Sigh.

Viva Las Vegas

I am writing to you from the city of no sleep and excess--yes, I am in Vegas. Why is this so shocking? Several years ago Mistycans suggested a trip to this town which immediately solicited a two page response as to why Vegas is evil and hated. (By me of course because by the looks of it, this place is embraced by many.) Upon entering the lobby of the hotel there was a gaggle of girls recently kicked off of sorority island drunk off their ass, smoking Virginia Slims, fake tans, fake bleach blonde BIG hair brought to you by aquanet, donning clothing purchased from Forever 21. Rather than run screaming in the opposite direction, I proceeded to the check in desk and things did in fact get better from there. 1991 is the last time I was here and the landscape has certainly changed however the people have not. No big shock there. The work conference (learning how to schedule efficient and quality jelly doughnut processing with minimal resources) which brought me here in the first place starts tomorrow at 8am sharp so I highly doubt a night on the town will be taken in tonight. The hotel is off the hook however with 8 swimming pools, a huge ass spa, and lord knows what else. The rest of the evening will be spent checking out the surroundings and seeing what to occupy time with in the coming days. (I get to go home on Wednesday!) Some options--taking in Seinfeld or Rita Rugner, Blue Man Group, Cirque de Sole, and lots of other things. We shall see. It is indeed strange to have left Miss B at home and venture out solo.

Highlight of the weekend: Wine and cheese evening with the Bear in Training and his Superbear. Got to see a slide show of the Italy and France trip with commentary by both of the fellas. Plus drink yummy red wine and eat a thousand different kinds of fancy schmancy cheese on crackers and bread. That was dinner. Hee hee! A lovely evening full of wonderful conversation and giggles. Oh, and it was the first the Bear in Trainings apartment had been viewed since we helped him move in and it is FABULOUS! So well put together. What a lovely den he has created.

Off to go check out the spa and get my long run in for the week. Then maybe the pool. Ok, maybe Vegas isn't so bad, especially when the jelly doughnut factory is footing the bill. It just seems like one of those places that should have JEthan in it! JEthan, where are you and why aren't you here? People would LOVE your shoes. More updates to follow.