LAST POST 4 AWHILE

Hello everyone...
Our trailer showed up today, EARLY. That is good and bad. Good: earlier start, BAD: they told us 2 to 6pm and the trucking company was told 8 to noon-that is not a good sign. Communication is key in moving.
My bro showed up and we got in a little gambling yesterday. Blackjack on the video poker wins more than at the table.
So, we are loading the truck and hopefully have a full day of fun tomorrow before the pull out on New Year's eve.
Countdown in over. Our tour here in the LV area is coming to a close. Adam and I are both sad. I will miss this place.

Love to you all..

MERRY CHRISTMAS

I hope all of you had a great Christmas. Adam and I did...we woke up and watched movies all day until we went to see Phantom of the Opera. It was really good. Adam fell asleep, but I adored it. The place was packed. It appears that Asia really likes Vegas at Christmas. It was as if we were in a foreign country.
I am now waiting to go to the airport and snag my bro. We are going to head out to the strip tonight and then get ready to move on Monday. We are going to spend the New Year at the Grand Canyon, which I am really looking forward to.

Oh, super exciting news!! My bday is in January and my man bought me a MAC powerbook. YES, rock on...I got my powerbook!!! The best thing is, Adam is computer saavy and loves to figure things out...so I will have a tutor along with a new computer (I am a rhyming fool.) Best present EVER! (besides the pearls my dad-de-oh got me for Xmas a few years ago)

I LIVE WITH A CHAMPION

To all of you who follow our blog:

Adam would like all of you to know that he is the 2008 Fantasy Football champion of his league. He won 9 in a row and took the Crown (sorry, trophy..whatever). So next time you see him, bow..curtesy and call him champion...he will love it:). I love football, but as you can tell -I am glad it is over.

Happy Holidays

I want to thank everyone for all the support this year with Adam and I's big move. We really appreciate all the well wishes. It has been a rather rough year, but hopefully things will be looking up. I gotta run to the gym. I am working all week, packing up the apt and trying to finalize PLUS work out...no easy feat.
I even decided to make cookies ( i am no baker) and realized I packed my mixer, which is ancient. I have my mom's GE 1960's mixer which I lovingly call "retro" along with my vacuum and a few other gadgets. Adam likes to call it old as dirt. So when I asked him to help me unpack boxes to find the old as dirt/retro mixer-he was not happy. Things got worse. My retro mixer blew a breaker and started smoking. This made Adam so happy I cannot repeat the loving words that escaped from his mouth. So, not to be outdone...I went over to my neighbors and borrowed hers. Which, looked just like mine...HA. It was the same color, make and within the same decade. I came home with a huge smile and said look what Monique had...Adam looked horrified. Her mixer was much better. So, I worked, worked out, baked and packed yesterday. I am unstoppable! I will tap out on the ride back.

I also did all my shopping and shipped everything. Ashley told me I was crazy and called me Martha Stewart...she is just jealous:)

OH...Bath and Body's HUGE semi annual sale starts the 27th..GO. Awesome deals.

ENCORE

A new casino is opening today. Steve Wynn is opening his new addition to the Wynn...ENCORE will be the tower right next to the Wynn. It is a shining light in this economy. He is offering discounted rooms tonight for the opening.

So....another place to stay when you come out to VEGAS!

Countdown has begun

To Christmas and to the big move...dread.
I am working everyday except Xmas this week so moving is a bit slower. We reserved the truck, it will be here on the 29th. So, Christmas day we are going to go to the strip and check out all the Christmas decorations..casinos do it up around here and we are going to go see Phantom of the opera (super excited). Then I work the 26th, the 27th Keith arrives. Moving is on the 29th and 30th and then the 31st..Keith flies out and we hit the road. We are thinking about taking the Northern route this time and stopping quite a bit along the way. We did not take our time coming out. We wanted to get here by New Years eve so this time we are taking our time. The truck is not expected back in VA till the 9th so why not enjoy some of the USA.

Merry Christmas to all of you. I am not big on the holidays so this is the best you will get from me:)

we made the news

It is not uncommon for Vegas to make the news, but for snow..shocking. Most snow ever, we beat records. They have not had snow like this since the late 60's. Henderson got 8 inches!!! It was amazing. I am working at bath and body for the holidays and the store is literally 15 minutes from my pad and it took me 1.5 hours to get home on Wednesday. All the luxury vehicles were all over the road. Kias were leaving the BMer's, Lexus' and Mercedes in the dust. It was really rather amusing to me.

We are back to normal now. In the 50's and melting.

snow again

We are expected to get 10 inches in the mountains. Since we are in a valley, we are surrounded by mountains and they are all white...it is really pretty, but COLD!

Adam is bummed, looking at all that snow and not being able to go skiing.

It came and is still hanging around

It never got out of the 40's today (44 to be exact). We also had snow/freezing rain. It is freezing!!! I do not like this weather at all-it is miserable out. My mom said VA was in the 60's today...I hope that continues to stick around..

I sent out the rest of my gifts today...madhouse. I had to go on the busiest day for the USPS.

...I am done and we are almost completely packed...

FROM BAD TO WORSE

If you have extra money to spend come to VEGAS...the casinos need you! Just saw on the news this morning that over 200 jobs have been cut from Sands Corp. (Venetian, Palazzo). They have also laid off over 1,000 construction workers who are building the Venetian hotel and casino in China. Gaming is WAY down. All the casinos are hurting and it appears that Vegas will not be "bouncing back" anytime soon.
It is a shame, but now is the time for deals. So, if you want to come get your gamble on...bring it. All the casinos are hurting so there are deals going on. They just need an influx of gamblers.

We are currently having cowboy Christmas. The rodeo is in town so there is no shortage of cowboys. They will be here until the 13th. The NFR is a huge deal here in Vegas the month of December. So, if you are looking for a cowboy..come on out to Fabulous Las Vegas, NV.

Oh, and the news said we may get some snow next week!!! I will believe it when I see it...like that whole monsoon business.

TIS THE SEASON

It is super weird for it to be Christmas season. There are decorations everywhere and the casinos are beautiful. It is in the 60's..did not get out of the 60's yesterday-chilly indeed, but not Christmas weather.
I am working at bath and body for the season and it is the same old, same old. People complaining and looking for something for nothing. It has afforded me the luxury of free boxes. I bring boxes home everyday. So the deal for anyone who is interested is this:
My brother is flying out on the 27th to help us move (bless him!). We will load the truck and then the company will come the next day and drive it all the way to the frozen tundra of VA. We will drop my bro at the airport super early on New years eve and then head out in the 4 runner headed for Virginia. Should take 3 days, but we are not in a huge rush. Adam and I are not looking forward to the weather at all, but oh well.
I am not happy about this move, but we do not have a choice. I can not find decent work out here in NV.
MOVING AGAIN, it never gets easier. This will be my 9th move since 1999. OVER IT!

End of turkey day

Adam and I headed to AZ to have Thanksgiving with the Towne's. We left the Wednesday before turkey day and it took us 11 hrs when it should take a little over 6!!! We hit an accident on the Hoover dam and then torrential downpours the entire way.
It was great to spend some time with Andy and Kate. Mr. James is super cute...he is at a great age. We had a good time..it was very chill.

We headed home on Sunday.
I am currently in moving mode. Not sure if all of you are aware, but Adam and I are making the dreaded move back east. I am currently getting price quotes and collecting boxes. Too much fun, I tell ya. I am not looking forward to it at all. Henderson did not work out...there are no jobs out this way so we have to head where the work is.
I am not happy about it, but I do not have a choice. I seriously do not miss the east coast. It is 70 here today...i am sure it is not 70 in VA.
I will have to stay a west coast girl in spirit. I will be back, I cannot stay on the east coast for the rest of my life--it is too depressing. So while everyone is getting ready for the holidays, I am getting ready for a move...

temps

We are having record breaking temperatures this week. It is 80 today and tapped out at about 81 yesterday. These are highs for this area. I say, "bring it on!" I love summer year round. I am sure the cold weather will be here soon. When we moved last December it was in the low 30's so it will come sooner or later.
I am going to go to bath and body for the holiday orientation. I used to work there for holiday so I don't expect much of a difference except less traffic due to the economy.

Adam and I are headed to Tucson to see the Towne's for Thanksgiving. We have not seen them in so long and I am anxious to meet that little one.

Oh, also--Adam is going to be an uncle again. Eric and Holly are expecting. He graduates in May and will be a JAG and then they are moving to VA. Eric received orders and he will be stationed at Quantico. I am sure you can imagine how excited Adam's mom is. She will have two grand babies living near her.

weekend

It was an uneventful weekend. We went to Valley of fire on Friday. It is a national park where they have beautiful scenery and evidence of past people who lived in the valley (pictograph's, old buildings, etc).
We are getting record temps this week for our area...80's, it is going to be beautiful.

HALLOWEEN

Okay, so the best Halloween on the books as of yet. Lorie and Em flew in on Thursday and we went Halloween shopping. It took 2 days to put these looks together. Em was not in any pics because she is Em and did not do any pics. We hit up a country bar on the 31st and were serenaded by the cast of Top Gun. Lorie had a thing for Ice man--although she kept calling him Goose. Then there was FLAVOR FLAVE...it was a lot of fun. The rest of the weekend, Em and I laid low...Halloween took it out of us.

Oh, and Em...my candle needs a "reach around." (sorry folks inside joke for the ladies).

Visiting with NOVA

While I was back in VA, I was able to attend the Melendrez pumpkin carving party. We had a great time. Laurel won with her fab carving skills. Lots of wine and catching up. I had a great time, Ladies...thank you for the great time.

Adam was jealous that I got to hang with all the boys. One thing, you can have all that weather! It was 41 degrees one morning! I could not wait to get back to the warm weather.

Back from the East

As some of you may be aware, I headed back to VA for about 14 days to help out my dearest friend Ashley. Her family had to overcome some medical issues and she needed some help with her household. I truly mean this with every ounce of honesty that i posses. The women of this world who try to work full time and run a household are super women...let's emphasize SUPER. I could not imagine doing it alone. Ash's hubby was in the hospital for awhile and she has three small children..the youngest two being approx. 11 months apart. I did what I could although it did not feel like much. Between daycare, preschool and kindergarten...my girl's days are jam packed and I have no clue how she can keep it all straight. Her daughter, Alexis was a fairy for Halloween and I had the honor of doing her hair and makeup before her big debut at the Kindergarten fall festival...isn't she beautiful? She is truly my greatest costume masterpiece. We also got to go out for a wine night and hang out with some of the girls.

I went home at a great time: I got to spend time with Ash, Al and the family. My mother got knee replacement surgery so I was able to visit with her and my friend Kelly gave birth to her first daughter so i was able to meet her while I was home. I am happy to be home. My Adam was so gracious when I arrived back in NV. I am sure he missed the full time attention that he receives all the time. I got back Wednesday and then in flew Lorie and Em for Halloween.

Plane day

I am headed back to VA today...my prayers are with my mom today who is getting knee replacement surgery and with my Big Al who is undergoing a serious surgery today as well. I will see you both soon and I am with you both today.

Adam and I went hiking on Saturday and needless to say, it was Freezing! We hit a hail storm and it was about 40 degrees up on the mountain. It was cool though, so quiet and beautiful. I am sure it will be the same back in VA.

Peace everyone and I hope to run into you while I am back east...

Weather is lovely

This weather is to die for out here. It is 76 today but with no humidity, it is a bit chilly. Tomorrow it is going to drop to the 60's...Adam and I are going to go hiking and enjoy the weather. I am getting ready for my trip. Adam has 14 days to himself...I am worried:)

A funny for the day

HALLOWEEN IN VEGAS THIS YEAR

on my soap box

Okay, so my girl Becca sent this great Utube ad for voting. Seriously, people...please vote because if you don't..you have no right to complain about the war, your BS health care, or when an illegal beaner steals your job...

Pass it on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8y1e-z1JA0

SO LONG OJ

Live news here in Vegas just said that OJ is guilty on all 12 counts. FINALLY! He was sent straight to jail awaiting sentencing. It will be mandatory jail time. Anywhere from 2 years to life.

Karma is a Beotch...isn't it?

It has been awhile

Sorry, for not writing-but there has not been much going on. My friend Tara is moving to Colorado, so I have been helping her pack all week. They are headed out today. There are a lot of people leaving the area due to major layoffs and the fact that many people have lost their houses. This whole economy thing has hit the state of NV the hardest. We have the most foreclosures than any of the other states and there continue to be major layoffs at the casinos. It appears that this will take awhile to overcome.
I am headed back to VA on the 14th for 2 weeks to stay with my BF Ashley. She has some personal issues taking place in her fam and she needs some help with the kids, etc. Since I am sooo busy, (wink), I am going to help her out. I am just so glad that I am in a position to help her--it means a lot to me. So, Adam will be solo for 2 weeks. I fly back and the next day my crazy ladies Lorie and Em will be here. I am looking forward to spending time with Ash and her family.
Plans for November are to go spend thanksgiving with the Towne's in Arizona. I also have a huge conference coming up in November and I plan to work at Bath and Body for the holiday.

Hope all is well with everyone

Weekend

I was exhausted from working this past week at the VMware convention. Scott flew in on Friday and we had a pretty low key weekend. I did not do much but I think he and Adam had a good time: the Hoover dam, some gambling, etc. This week is just all about getting back to normal: gym schedule, job searching, running errands..all the fun stuff.
Hope everyone had a good weekend

Awesome weather

The weather is so great here right now..mid 90's but with no humidity, it is perfect pool weather. I am going to be working with Manpower all week for a Virtual reality convention (geek fest) -it attracts thousands of people into Vegas so the strip will be a virtual nightmare (great pun, I know). I am working 12 and 14 hr days so bring on the overtime. Then Bloom flies in on Friday. It will be busy...

UPDATE

Lorie and Emily will be here at the end of October! Lorie is going to swing by for Halloween on her way to Hawaii and Em has to use a ticket--so she will be here as well. I am super excited and cannot wait to "hit Vegas" for Halloween with my ladies. Good times!
Hope everyone takes a few minutes out of their day to remember the tragedies that our country faced this day 7 years ago. Can you believe it has been that long? My girls and I hit up Atlanta a few weeks following for a bachelorette party. I cannot believe it was that long ago.

A little drama in the post office

I have witnessed my share of freak outs: it usually involves people having too much to drink or some sort of a language barrier, but today was a new one for me. I am patiently waiting in line to mail a package when this lady starts to yell very loudly, "I want to see your supervisor, I do pick up my mail!" Based on the one sided conversation I heard, it appears that the post office has stopped delivering to their address because the mailbox is always full and they are telling this woman that she must go to the post office to pick up her mail. She proceeds to call someone on the phone and get crazy. Then the swearing begins and she is thrown out of the post office. Yes, escorted out and told that she is in a federal building and this is a federal offense. It was quite entertaining. What was not entertaining was her young child (about 6 or 7 years old) cowering behind her, clearly embarrassed. So, that was my excitement for the day and a woman who was very under dressed at the grocery store. I am sure you can draw conclusions--let's just say there was nothing left to the imagination and she should have been escorted out.

This week

The only real thing happening this week and all over the news here is OJ is in Vegas on trial for armed robbery and kidnapping. I am sure it is a challenge to find a jury. Let's see if he gets convicted this time..
Wonder what the new saying will be? Remember, "If it doesn't fit, you must acquit!"

10 inches

Adam got 10 inches off his hair today!! It was totally his idea he just did not want to go and get it cut to a bob. I found a funky stylist in town and she did a great job..Very Anthony Kiedis/Dave Grohl. He is donating the pony tail to locks of love and in the other hand is his direct TV remote. He is in love with direct TV, now he will never want to leave the pad. Although the first 4 months HBO is free and my boys are coming back on tomorrow night!!! You know it: Vince, Drama, E, Turtle and Ari...ENTOURAGE

If you cut your hair and it is 10 inches please make a donation..great cause:

http://www.locksoflove.org/donate.html

Strip news

So, I turn on the news this am and a lady was stabbed in the lobby of Bally's at 5:00am this morning. Interesting how a person can be stabbed in a hotel lobby and the only description is, "We are looking for a black female." Well, that sure narrows it down.

We are getting Direct TV today so I am a hostage in my apt until they come with their ridiculous 6 hour window. It is football season and Adam is determined to get his Direct TV. Hope all is well out there.

Labor Day

Hey all-
Adam and I were going to go to Mt. Charleston today to do some hiking (about 30 miles from our pad) but he did not want to go hiking on his day off so we went to lunch and checked out a movie..Tropic Thunder-it was hilarious. Tom Cruise is ridiculous in the movie-you have never seen him in a role like this. I of course adored Robert Downey Jr. as the Aussie playing a black man.
We will go to Mt. Charleston at some point..it is our local ski resort. It is always 20 to 30 degrees cooler.
Have a great Labor day.

Since my man is a history buff i added an element at the bottom of the page, "this day in history." (I know, NERD).

More pics of the girls

Here are a few of my favs of the "girl's draft" I will send a link to Kodak later...

Back in NV

Hello everyone!

I had an awesome time in VA and although I was sad to leave--there is something about coming home. I have attached some photos of my time in VA. The first weekend was the fantasy football draft so there are pics of Adam and his boys. Then I moved on to the Burg and had a night out with my mom for her birthday and then Thursday night out with the girls. Friday I spent with my nieces (below is a video of Alivia blowing bubbles-she had no idea i was shooting video). If you listen closely, you can hear her little sister give her words of encouragement. Then my BFF had a birthday party and more debauchery insued.

Love you guys and I miss you already!

HOME

I have been home in VA for a week now and it has been fantastic to see everyone. Adam did his draft in NOVA with the boys and i hung out with all the crazy chicas. It was so much fun! I then hit up the Burg and have been hanging with the parents, nieces and friends.

Last night we all hit the town and it was a great time. Ash's bday party is tomorrow and then back to Vegas on Sunday.

I am ready to get back to zero humidity and west coast time:) I miss my man too.
Pictures will be posted upon return.

I have had an awesome time but miss my bed and the 100 degree heat!

HANGING WITH TORI

Poolside with Tori on Wednesday, it has been so great to see her! We went out to LAX on Wednesday night and then i took her on a Vegas casino tour...Hard Rock for lunch at the Pink Taco and then to the Venetian and the Wynn. We ended the day with cocktails at Bahama Breeze. Always great to see people from home.

I have to go pack..see you all in a day or two..

Mid week

hey..Tori has landed she is in Vegas! I am going to catch up with her tomorrow and do some pool time and then take Adam to the airport to fly back to VA.

I am happy to have someone visiting, it brings some additional sunshine. And Tori is a newbie to Vegas so it should be interesting...

Thanks to Lonie for the above pics from last years pre-season game...GO STEELERS. Check out my bro's face on the second one (beside Tori). HA!

ALPO

Okay some background to how bad the job market it out here: NV is at about 60% unemployment and in Las Vegas alone 50% of all jobs are hospitality (casinos, etc). Well, since the economy craze the casinos are not doing so well because people are not flocking to Vegas to gamble. So, the casinos are laying off. Some are hiring, but the people that are getting laid off are flocking to those positions because they have the gaming and casino experience.
I can tell you first hand it is bad. I get responses to my resume all the time and it usually is this...the job you have applied for is on hold and we will resume hiring at the first of the year, please check back with us then.
With that said, i should not be surprised what happened to me this week. I went to the post office to mail a package and as I was getting into the car..this man chased me yelling, "Hey, hey i know you have a dog!" I quickly got into the vehicle and just stared at him and yelled, "no i do not have a dog!" This guy had a case of Alpo cans and was selling dog food in the parking lot for a dollar! So, yes times are not good for me, but I have not sunk to selling dog food in the parking lot. Plus--dog food? Sell condoms or cigartettes. this is Las Vegas!

updates..

I posted some pics because Adam and i ended up going out on Sat night for a little while and he didn't want to go (hence the sad pic) but i made him!!!

I worked all week and i am glad it is over it was complete BS work and my feet are killing me. I am popping Aleeve like it is candy. Anyway I am sure Adam will be working all weekend and I am counting the days until I am home. We are both so excited...it is going to be so great to be back.

See you all soon..

Checking in...

Bloom is not coming, he called and said he was on Sunday but as of today we did not hear from him so I told Adam to call because it would be nice to know. He couldn't get the ticket straight so he is a no show. I am going to be working all weekend for the World Market Center-it is basically a huge furniture show that is open to people in the furniture business. They have these 3 huge buildings full of designer furniture where dealers, interior designers, etc. can come and shop at wholesale prices. I saw the most beautiful bedroom set for about 1,000.00. It is sold in the furniture stores for 5,000.00. So I will be spending the weekend with a bunch of buyers and international VIP's. The coolest thing is I get to attend the Rod Stewart concert on Monday night as a VIP guide (I know mom-you are jealous).

Hope everyone is doing well!

Rumor has it...

That Bloom will be headed our way at the end of the month. I hope so, Adam has been working so much that he needs a weekend of R&R. Not sure if it is definite, but that is what I am hearing.

Looking forward to seeing Tori in August and I will see all of you in a month.

IT CAME

We had torrential downpours yesterday and today...more like a thunderstorm. It is just hard in the desert since we NEVER get rain. When it rains like 3 inches in 1/2 an hour...it causes some major flooding.

Monsoon, my ass...

Where the hell is the monsoon?

All week we have been getting news reports about this monsoon rain heading our way. It is so humid (and that is rare here) and cloudy....but no monsoon. I have never been in a monsoon--I am a bit intrigued. Adam is working and I am hanging out. Such exciting lives we lead...

A Must SEE

In the valley of Elah--
We got it on Netflix. RENT IT...it was awesome.

LATEr

4th of July

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Adam's boss has a cabin in Utah so we went there for the weekend. It was 10,000 ft up in the mountains and it was beautiful. Their cabin is right in the middle of all the best places for site seeing. Best of all--3 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms, satellite TV and five 4 wheelers. It is my kind of "camping." We got up there on Friday and went 4 wheeling and then went to Brian Head for the fireworks. Brian Head is the ski resort and it is only about 3 hrs from our house. Adam is excited to hit it in the winter. It was freezing -about 38 degrees at night a far cry from our 112 weather in Vegas. On Saturday we went to Bryce Canyon and Adam and I did some hiking...it was unbelievable! I will post the pics on Kodak and there are a few here -I love the one of Adam the cowboy! On Sunday we headed home and drove through Zion National Park it is about 2.5 hrs from our pad so I think that is where we will go next. You can rent cabins and the park is huge so it takes a whole weekend to explore. The northern ridge of the Grand Canyon is up that way so that will be another spot to check out. It was nice to get out of the hot weather and to check out another state.

Sunday night we went to the Wynn to see Monty Python's Spamalot. King Arthur was played by John O'Hurley (AKA J Peterman on Seinfeld). It was HILARIOUS! It is the best show that I have seen in Vegas-hands down. I am glad we caught it before it left the Wynn. It has been on Broadway for 3 years and leaves Vegas on July 13th.

Here is some video of Bryce Canyon. Adam was a terrific camera man!

WEEKEND

Adam has been working all weekend --it has been really hot. We have not seen the worst of it yet. My friend Tara is an aesthetician and she works in a medical office. This weekend she was being trained on new lasers and needed a "model" AKA experiment piece. So, I went in and got an IPL facial. In other words--lasers all over my face and I got a skin tightening laser treatment. It was really cool. Basically the IPL brings out all the stuff that is way down in your skin--sun damage, redness, etc. It shows what your skin will look like during menopause. I had a good reaction--my freckles popped and I had some drying but other than that-my skin looks great and it is super soft. The tightening was amazing--it made laugh lines disappear and even brought the corners of my lips up. Not bad for a Ginny pig..
I think I am going to go see Sex in the City tonight--I want to go so bad and I am headed off to a boot camp class this afternoon. Not much going on... Oh, I did buy tickets today for Spamalot--it is going away on July 13th and Adam wanted to see it. NV residents get two for one tickets so we are going to see it next Sunday--it should be fun! I am sure Adam will be reciting Monty Python for the next month!

HELLO

I received the offer letter for San Diego and sadly--I am not taking it. They are going to pay for me to get out of my lease, but not to move me and the salary was too low-lower than what I was making back east. There is no way at this point in time I can pay to move again and the salary does not add up for the San Diego area.
I am a bit disappointed, but I cannot justify moving to a more expensive city to struggle. I went on another interview here in Vegas today and it went well but I will not know anything for a few weeks. I also have an interview next Wednesday so I am hoping something works out.

Thank you for all the well wishes, but looks like Southern CA is not in the cards at this time...BOO

Some exciting times

I went to San Diego yesterday for an interview with a company that is doing some dynamic things--they are starting up a new company and doing a whole new product launch. I was so blown by their energy and how quickly they have become successful--they are one of the top small companies with the quickest growth rates in the state of CA. That being said, I am now waiting on an offer package. They are aware of the terms of my lease, my moving woes and that Adam is in HVAC and is concerned about finding employment. The owner of the company picked me up from the airport and took me back so I had one on one time to discuss my fears (cost of living, Adam's occupation). He made phone calls to personal friends who own HVAC companies in the car while I was sitting there--who does that? If the offer is right--I feel strongly about taking this job. We will not go until Adam is employed and all of the boxes on our list have been checked, but it is an outrageous opportunity that I cannot pass up--if the salary meets my needs.
It has been my dream to live in Southern CA ever since I visited there back in 2000. I got off the plane and smelled the ocean and that is a fantastic feeling. The owner of the company interviewed me in jeans and a Tommy Bahama shirt--so SO CAL.
I also have an interview here on Thursday with Freeman and I have been trying to get in with them forever--the CA company knows about it so maybe that will help with the offer.

I will keep you posted, but I got the job--I just need to agree to the terms and this is always the hardest part.

WRONG

I am sorry but obviously we were told to watch on Tuesday night to get people to tune in. Adam, my parents and I were not in any of the locations shot therefore i gave wrong info. Tune in for the Vegas show and you will see us--MAYBE.
I worked the Infocom conference this past week and it went really well. The company I worked for was called Vutec and they sell screens for conference rooms, home theater, etc. It was a huge show and I saw so much cool stuff. The company is ready to give me a relocation package to come work for them as their tradeshow coordinator. They are located in south FL and there is no way I am going to go there. I lived in FL and the humidity was horrific so it was a great offer (no $$ was discussed) but i will be turning that down. I did meet another person at the show that was interested so I will be traveling to San Diego on Monday to interview with a company. I have no idea what to expect at this point but I have many demands. They will need to pay for the move, pay for me to get out of my lease and cost of living differences. San Diego is not cheap by any means. The best thing is -it feels good to have choices. I am finding that the Las Vegas area is really hard to land a good job. I have always wanted to live in Southern Cali and I may be getting my chance. Adam is on board, but between the both of us-we have many demands. They may find they cannot afford me:)

I will keep everyone posted. I am looking forward to spending a few days near the ocean.

Set your TIVO

When my parents were here we went to a taping of America's Got Talent. It airs on NBC on Tuesday night. You may catch a glimpse of Adam, my parents and I. We were sitting in the section behind the judges. Adam and I were on the end behind Piers (celebrity apprentice) about 5-6 rows back. They did two days of taping and we went the second day. I have caught some of the previews for the show and the only act we saw that they are advertising is the soldier-and he was pretty good. Some stuff was just ridiculous -like a mom and daughter whistling act--what the hell?

We also bailed half way through because we were there for over 2 hours.
Also remember-the camera adds 10lbs.

HEADED HOME

Adam wants to come home for his fantasy football draft so...we are headed home. He will be flying back on August 13th. Tori will be in Vegas so I am going to stay and hang with her. I will fly back that Friday. Megs is coming to snag me and I will hang with you crazy girls up in Fairfax that weekend (Sarah, I expect you to be at the airport with Meghean so take work off--LOL:) and then headed to the Burg.

I can't wait to see everyone so it should be a good time. Things are the same..Adam is working and I am job searching. I worked 45hrs the past 4 days so at least it is something.
We are out of food so I am headed out to spend some $$$ at the grocery store

Hot today

I got another gig through Manpower so I will be working Sunday-Thursday from 6:30am to 7:30pm so they will be long days, but I need the $$. Adam has remained busy. When the weather is in the 80's he gets off early but today was 97 and he is on call tonight and all weekend so I am sure he will be all over the place.
There has been much talk about us coming home for Adam's draft on August 16th-depending on my situation that may be a solo visit. I would love to come home but I would rather have a job so I am keeping my fingers crossed that a visit will not be an option. Adam did get off for the trip. Tori will be out here that week so I will have someone to "do Vegas" with.

Things are pretty simple here--just job searching and hanging out. Gas has reached over 4.00 so we are right up there with CA.
My Penguins lost--BOO! If I was a betting girl, I would have bet against them. Detroit has the experience and they are a better team. They looked great and they gave it their all--but I wanted to win! Don't we all?

WEEKEND

I ended my conference and could not be happier. It was a bit boring, but I need the money. Adam and I went to dinner and to see Iron Man--it was good. Although I have always had a small something for Robert Downey Jr. The plot was awesome and the super hero part is always a good thing. Adam and I have been dating for 2 years on the 23rd of May--crazy! So we celebrated with dinner and a movie. Does not seem that long ago that Demmel, Adam, Bloom and I went to the 9:30 club.

Time certainly flies by!

I also have no idea what is up with my Penguins--in true Pittsburgh fashion, they are choking at the end. The Red Wings are kickin ass.

Crazy weather

Well this past week it reached 108 degrees and then Tuesday was a freakin wind storm. We went to see KA and I thought my mom was going to be blown over in the parking lot of MGM Grand. Yesterday was torrential down pours and today was raining and a high of 63 degrees--I was freezing!
I signed up part time with Manpower and I am working my first gig this weekend-a Philippine physicians association conference. A company out of Palm Beach FL could not make it and needed a Rep. so I went through a crash course in radiology and now am the marketing POC for the weekend. Here is the great part--i am the ONLY white person in the entire conference--NO joke. Also, it is like being at the pedicure place--they talk in their language constantly so I have no clue what they are saying. The doctors speak perfect English, but then turn their back and start speaking in their native language--it is frustrating. So, I am spending my weekend with a bunch of extremely wealthy and intelligent Filipino doctors. We are talking these people own their own hospitals and cardiac care centers. I am the only round eye in the bunch!
Oh well--weather is crappy so I would be home anyway.
Hope everyone is having a great memorial day.

Busy weekend

The parents are in town so that means tourist activities. We headed to the Hoover Dam and as you can see the water level has gone down considerably--kind of scary actually. Since the Colorado River is what Las Vegas uses for their water supply.

I took mom and dad to Fremont Street (old Vegas) and I won 150.00 on the slots. My dad ended up hitting 600.00 down at Green Valley Ranch and won some cash on the Preakness. Mom played today and hit 100.00 Wheel of Fortune has been good to us:)

I took my mom to see Jersey Boys on Friday night (her mother's day present). It was a great story-she enjoyed it. We went to Red Rock on Saturday and took some pics and then ended the night with some jazz in the park....good times!

We are going to see KA (cirque show) on Tuesday night and then they catch the red eye Wed evening.

It hit 110 today and Adam is working outside--i am sure the heat will make him totally tired.

Looking forward to seeing Heather in June and Tori is headin out in August...love all the visits!

Much love

XXOO

TUNE IN

My parents are here visiting and we went to the Hoover Dam and have just been hanging out hitting up some happy hour joints and the strip. On Mother's day we took her to the Peppermill (a true Vegas diner) it has been around for over 30 years and then I got tickets to go to the taping of America's Got Talent.
Needless to say it was excruciatingly long. Tune in June 17th for the premiere and you may see Adam and I along with my parents. We had to do this thing in the beginning where we cheered when Jerry Springer threw his arms up in the air. We had to do like 4 or 5 takes and Adam just stood there doing nothing -HA. So--tune in and see if you spot us.

All in all it was pretty cool-Sharon has had some work done and the Hoff was pretty funny--they all had a TON of make up on so they didn't even look like themselves.

As promised

Here is Adam's work van with the Ken doll on the side..HAHAHAHA!!! I think it is hilarious! He really likes his job and has been going to some really ridiculous houses--huge mansions. He said they have beautiful views and awesome pools with water falls, etc.
We had a good weekend. We went to an awesome place for dinner on Saturday night..mexican meets seafood. It was the Rockin Baja Lobster cantina. Buckets of seafood for 30.00 and cold beer--can't beat it. We went to Lake Las Vegas today. It is about 20 minutes from our pad and it is a resort...absoulutely beautiful. It is a golfer's dream..a golf resort on a lake with a casino, shops and plenty of bars. My parents are coming on Thursday so we have some stuff planned: Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, Lake Las Vegas, Red Rock and of course the strip. I am taking my mom to see Jersey Boys for Mother's day so it will be a good time.

Oh, and LET's GO PENS...the RANGERS WERE SHUT OUT-WOO HOO!!

Heather is coming June 9th so I am thrilled with all the visits.

Miss all of you. 80's with a beautiful breeze all weekend...i cannot get over that I live here.

LET'S GO PENS!!

My boys pulled it out and beat the Rangers in game 2...If you know me you know I am a huge hockey fan and an even bigger Penguins fan!!! I was in love with Jagr when I was in high school. We are talking..jersey, his book, pictures of his pad in Pittsburgh (that one of my family members that I will not name snuck on his property and snapped pics)..in other words, a bit obsessed. So, you can imagine my disappointment when my fav player decided to leave Pittsburgh (which he considered his home and adored his team mates) to go to Washington for more money. Which I am happy to say he did horrible and was not worth any of the money they spent on him. I am not a Caps fan (how many Stanley Cups have they won...HA, that would be ZERO). Now Jagr is in NY and I got to watch him get spanked by his old team. Should have stayed..Jags...you would be a winner today! Oh and Straka too could be a winner today..

Oh, to help you Caps fans out..Pittsburgh has two Stanley Cups (I know you were going to check it out).

Signed..

Bitter but happy...LET'S GO PENS!

ADAM

Adam started work and he really likes it so far. He got his own van this week and spent one day working with the owner doing an install. He said that it is a small shop with about 6 technicians and he is learning a lot about the major differences in systems here vs. VA. The zero percent humidity is a huge difference. First day he rode with a guy who said his cousin just moved to Seminary Rd in Alexandria....crazy coincidence. He is working long hours and enjoying getting up every day with somewhere to go. Although today he went to work and ended up at breakfast with the guys (.99 breakfast) and did not start work until around 11am--owner included. He said everyone is pretty chill. Then after work the boys were going to see some boobs..he is fitting in just fine.

I went to an interview at Caesar's today to be an event coordinator--it looks good but the salary is so bad. Let's just say I was making the same amount when I was 22yrs old. A job is a job but good GOD!
I have also been interviewing with Freeman (large exhibit company nationwide) I have been on two interviews and they went great. Next step is panel interview and that won't happen until about first week of May, then they make a decision. The pay is awesome and so are the benefits, but I could not hear anything for a month. Caesar's should be calling in a few days. Catch 22..OF COURSE. Nothing is solid, I have yet to hear any definite answers.
It is super windy here. You know how back home we would get torrential winds and then rain. Nope-wind all day and not a drop of rain. Think sunny and 76 degrees with a constant ocean breeze. It is pretty awesome. Although it blows dust everywhere and Adam said it is hell when you are on a roof.

Oh Adam's van is one of those vans with the big ads on the side. You know with the guy painted on the side of it..HA! Picture to follow....

GYM

Ladies..
I know some of you work out at Gold's gym. They offer this kick ass (sorry for the pun) cardio kick boxing class. I took it and then took Body Pump right after it (I know nuts). Anyway, if you get a chance take it. It is an awesome workout. Think Tae Bo, but updated a little. It may also depend on your instructor mine is a little ball of fire and I love her.

Oh, and the new body pump is awesome. I did a preview class and I know most of you like body pump so you will love the new one.

...Later

BLOGGING

Hi guys! It is starting to get warm here--90's earlier this week and then the hurricane force winds came through. We had winds at upwards of 20 mph-the visibility was really bad due to all the dust. We are back to the 80's but drop pretty low at night.
I have been keeping up with my Red Cross volunteering so that helps the time pass. I also met with Manpower so I have a recruiter out there checking out the job scene. I have applied to multiple bars and restaurants, but I have been out of the game so long that they are not even hiring me. I did go on a second interview this week and it went well, next is a panel interview and then who knows the next step. I will not hear anything until the first week in May.
Adam got a job!!! He starts Monday and he is super excited. He said his new boss is great and has been in the business for 30+ years. All the vans are new and the guy was super nice. He loves the F word, Adam said there was no shortage of F bombs (i need that kind of boss).
So, things are starting to move forward with some positive news. Now I will assume role as house girlfriend--pool and gym all day and have dinner on the table in the evening. I may get used to this:)
My parents are coming out in May so that will be cool. We will be hitting up some shows, so I am super excited.
We are sorry we will miss the soiree at Heather and Josh's this weekend and a Big CONGRATS to the Hussers--they are homeowners. WOW!--all of you are getting so damn domesticated. What happened to renting in sin???
A very special birthday greeting to Alexis Thacker--she is a big five year old today. I talked to her on the phone and she sounds so grown up then she passed the phone off to Carter (my friend Courtney's little guy). It made my day to talk to the two of them-they just got out of cooking class. HA!--I love it.
Gotta go..Adam is vacuuming and this is rare so I am going to grab a beer and enjoy the scenery:) Just kidding--he does vacuum and iron!
Again, miss all of you so much.

HOUSE GUEST

Cheryl came back into town to pick up her stuff and head back to LA for good...BOO! I picked her up from the airport and then went to Tara and Mike's for a cook out (by the way Tara and Mike are moving to Denver in August). Saturday was moving day...her truck is all packed up and ready to go. We are watching B ball and drinking beers. SAD..the only people we have made connections with are leaving. Oh well, August is still awhile away.
This is kind of funny..I was at the gym the other day in a body pump class and this girl called me "buff" LOL. Tara told someone last night that I drink like a guy and can drink boys under the table. Then Cheryl called me abnormally strong for a girl while we were moving. Thank god for boobs and estrogen or I would believe I am being called a guy. AND...what is wrong with being strong and being able to drink boys under the table. I call that talent!! OH--and I had pigtails in LOL!!!
Another lazy weekend in NV...
Hope all is well with everyone

Weekend in NV

The weekend was uneventful. Got some pool time in and hit up the gym. Running trails out here are fantastic so I am hitting the trails. Adam and I hit up a movie on Saturday...Vantage Point-it was good I was glad we went to see it.
Still job hunting. I volunteered with the Red Cross today to help load their database for an upcoming fundraiser. One of my previous co-workers has a life long friend that works for Cirque so I have been corresponding with him. Keep your fingers crossed that a door opens and you know what that means...really good free tickets to all Cirque Du Soleil shows. The guy I have been talking to does the construction for their sets...how cool is that? I am hoping to get "behind the scenes" info.

Things are the same...but they have to get better, right?

Lots O updates...been too long

The girls blew into town on March 13th and blew out on the 18th. Before Adam and I left for NV we had a discussion about who was going to visit and he said, "my friends will be out way more than yours." So, we are in a bit of a competition. Lorie showed up to Vegas in a TEAM JODI shirt...it was hilarious! I LOVED IT! So they showed up around 11:30pm on the 13th and we hit up the neighborhood bar. Lorie got her fix of video poker and Jenny and I played darts until I could not take it anymore and quit. My boys Justin and Everett were in town for the construction show, so we hung out with them on Friday and went shopping. Saturday was gambling and we hit up downtown where the Romack girls had pics taken with Chippendale dancers. The girls and I went to New Orleans in 05 (before Katrina) and had a caricature taken so we decided to do another one on Fremont street. The dude made me cross eyed and we all looked crazy. So, at least the girls went home with some souvenirs. Lorie, Adam and I then headed to House of Blues at Mandalay for a night out in Vegas. Adam and Lorie were hurting on Sunday so Jenny and I hit the strip and did the wax museum, checked out the Venetian and the Wynn and ended up at BW3's for beers. St Patty's day was lunch at the Pink Taco and dinner at Benihana and the girls gambled while Adam and I headed back to the pad. All in all--it was way too short, but we packed as much as possible into a few days.

My sister in law was in town for a conference so Adam and I had dinner with her on Tuesday night and caught up on what is going on with my nieces. They are getting so big and I miss them so much.

Last weekend my friend Becca came into town so I had dinner with her on Friday at Nobu at Hard Rock.

All in All...it was a busy couple of weeks. I want to thank JT, Everett, JRO, Lorie , Anisa and Becca for the visits. I miss home and it was great to see everyone and get caught up on the going ons in Fred Vegas.

Job front:

I have had three interviews with Ameriprise Financial. I have a final interview on Tuesday. The deal with Ameriprise is this..you have to pay for your own training (2 months) and your licenses. Which the total cost is over 2K. That of course will be a problem, but I am going through the entire interview process to see if it is something I want to do.

I applied to a sales position at Freeman. The person who runs the interviews was on vaca and then on business travel so interviewing will not even start until April 1st. I applied to Green Valley Ranch for a part time cocktail waitress position at the pool. If I get called back, I have to do an audition in a bathing suit..ridiculous! I have hit an all time low. I applied with Manpower and am waiting for an appt. I am going to the Red Cross today to get my volunteer schedule.

As for Adam..he is all set with DMV. He has been dropping off applications all over town. He has met with several employers but they all want commercial experience and he does not have it. He is currently at Sears interviewing for a technician position. He has gotten some calls but most of the people are head hunters/recruiters and they don't even speak the HVAC language so when he answers questions, he said they have no idea what he is talking about. It is a bit frustrating.

I believe my next visitors will be:

April: Ashley (I am keeping my fingers crossed because I miss her desperately)

May: Mom and Dad

Well, the great news: 80 degrees with a breeze and the pool is open!!!

This place is beautiful!!