Being Las Vegas

December 17, 2007 | 12:57AM  | maudie dot b - gmail d c | |

Vegas trips for me are about the small things. The random small events with only a few people to share them with. Those are the memories I treasure. ---BadBlood

I just now had to look at my computer calendar to verify that the Vegas gathering was a mere seven or so days ago. Each day since returning home has seemed an eternity. Vegas memories have sustained me - bringing spontaneous smiles to my lips and puzzled looks from my co-workers. I've been cheerier, energized and I've even baked some cookies.

Want to know how to cure high blood-pressure? Spend five days in Las Vegas with a menagerie of friends and ride the current. Before leaving, my blood-pressure was at an alarming high. Upon returning, it is back to its normal, near-death, low. Huzzah!

Day two in Vegas began after an unprecedented eight hours of sleep. The best decision I made this trip was to come in early. It allowed for a gradual shift into Vegas mode rather than an abrupt plunge into the frenzy, thus mitigating the anxiety I've felt in past visits. I had time to savor the moments and felt free to go with the flow.

After meeting up with Pablo and Gracie we made our way to the Bellagio, but not before running into Gary, his wife Carrie and Jordan on their way in. Gary plopped his suitcase down and pulled out photos from the Okie-Vegas gathering for Gracie and me. An unexpected and precious gift, it brought back a warm bundle of great memories. Thanks, Gary!

At the Bellagio, we hooked up with Pauly and Change at the Conservatory. More pics of the decorations were snapped as we wound our way to the cafe for brunch.

Gazing at the decorations I felt a bit of the "holiday spirit" nudge my sentiment. I had wondered whether I'd get in the spirit this year. With decorations flooding the stores and holiday music blaring even before Halloween, I was well on my way to Grinch-ville. But, as I enjoyed the decorations and looked at the friends around me, I could feel a large chunk of my cynicism begin to melt away.

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This post has been interrupted by the Blogger Big Game. I made a run for the win but, alas, wasn't able to pull it off. Congrats to Astin who was a veritable card rack the entire tourney. Lady Luck gave him her favors (the heartless bitch!) on the last had, giving him a straight to my pocket fours on the turn. It was one of the toughest heads up matches I've played to date. So, I won't be in the Tournament of Champs for a run at a trip to Aussie-land. Sniff.

A big, huge, ginormous thank you to all who sweated me and cheered me on - you were the fuel to my fire!

I'm whupped - will finish this walk down the Vegas gathering lane later!

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