4 States 9 Days

I have never traveled so much in such a short amount of time! It's one thing to go to multiple places during a trip, but it's another to have multiple trips within a short period of time.  Whew that was exhausting...but fun. I started off going into great detail about my travels, but even writing about them made me exhausted.  Plus I posted a lot about them on Facebook so it would be stuff you probably already know.  Here are some pictures to go along with the trip.

Our vacation was to Las Vegas.  We stayed at NYNY Hotel and Casino.  We have stayed at several places in Vegas but never NYNY.  It was great! We hope to eventually get to all the hotel's along the strip someday.  It will take years! We kept this trip more structured than normal.  Reservations, tickets to shows, etc.  Loved it all. Here are the highlights!

Breakfast at Il Fornaio in NYNY

Crepes!

We took a trip down memory lane and walked over to MGM Grand.  Visited our wedding chapel. Awwww.  It was fun to walk up to it and look in the window.  It made my heart flutter as I instantly remembered the feelings of getting ready inside.

We then walked back over to NYNY and had lunch where our wedding reception was, Nine Fine Irishman!  The hostess asked how many and then she guided us to our table.  As we walked into the place she started going up the stairs.  I turned and looked a Preston with a smile, then she kept going.  She took us RIGHT  to the spot of our reception! Of course it is normally a dining room with tables, so it seemed fitting that she sat us in the table exactly where we had our first dance. Awwwww again.  So cheesy.  Oh' I just realized I didn't mention that this trip was for our 3rd wedding anniversary. 

We gambled the majority of the day.  Up some, down some.  Then went to Battista's!  This was where we had our rehearsal dinner.  It's been around Vegas for over 30 years!! It's an awesome atmosphere and great food.  It's classic old school.  I recommend checking it out if you are there.  It's a Vegas dive. 

http://www.battistaslasvegas.com/

After dinner we had tickets to see O at The Bellago.  It's a cirque du soleil show and amazing!  I have never seen anything like it.  You can't take pictures of it, so I took a picture of the ceiling before the show started.  The whole production is a dream like trance.  I still can visualize the details.  I loved it. 

Ceiling of the O Theater

After the show we made our way back to NYNY by walking in and out of the casinos.  Aria, Cosmopolitan, Mandalay Bay, etc.  It was close to 4am by the time we got back to our room! I haven't stayed up that late in a long time.  Gambling will do that to you.  The next morning we slept in and enjoyed the view from our room.  The rooftop wasn't that grand, but the roller coaster against the sky was awesome.  We started off down the strip with our main goal The Mirage.

7:30pm it was showtime.  We had tickets to see Boyz II Men!  So exciting and such a small venue.  There was no rules on taking pictures so I took a couple.  I wanted to enjoy the show, but have some memories. 

The show was so good and they sang all of my favorite songs from the 90's.  It was a very small and intimate theater.  It was an early night as we had a flight at 10am the next morning that took us to Phoenix and then to Dallas.  Getting us home by 4:30pm on Sunday to prepare for the work week.  At least we thought so.  We boarded the plane and headed out.  We weren't in the air more than 40 mins when the girl in front of us said the leg of the flight Dallas was canceled.  Not delayed, straight up canceled.  It was one of those flights that we didn't  have to leave the plane.  Others got off and we continued to Dallas.  Well, once we landed they announced that it would not be going on to Dallas and that everyone had to get off.  Ugh.  We were directed to go to customer service.  With not able to change the situation we all moved like cattle to the counter.  

We stood in line over an hour and the best we could get is on a flight out of Phoenix on Monday night at 7:50pm.  Well....when life gives you a 2nd vacation!  They hooked us up in a Holiday Inn and the hotel has a free shuttle around town.  We did some research and there was a neat little district by ASU.  Mill Avenue District.  It was so fun!  We tried some local brews, ate dinner, and watched the college town come to life.

Best Torta I have EVER had. And the only Torta I have ever had.

When we realized we were stuck in Phoenix, AZ for 24 hours we joked about going to watch the Rangers play ball for their spring training.  We laughed and then slowly looked at each other and pulled out our phones.  Surprise, AZ was about 45mins away.  Preston worked on finding a ride and I worked on tickets.  Within 30mins we were set up.

I don't think we could have planned a better surprise vacation if we tried.  Total pun intended.  Surprise, AZ! We got home around 1am on Monday night, ugh.  Went to bed and then Tuesday I got up and started doing laundry.  I had another flight to catch that afternoon!  This one was for work.  Des Moines, IA.  I was so tired and exhausted, it almost made me cry when I was upgraded to first class. FINALLY I got a break.  

I then got an upgrade at the Stoney Creek Inn to the Wilderness Lodge. Oooooooo! The faux logs, fish, and forest upholstery was more than I could handle.  The room was huge and the bed was a little cloud of heaven.  I needed the rest.  If I ever have to go back to Iowa, I really do want to stay there.  It was nice. 

I came back to Dallas late Thursday night and went to work on Friday.  I hadn't been in the office since the 26th.  It felt weird, but nice to get back in the groove.  I couldn't have a job that required me to travel on a weekly basis.  Saturday I went back to the sky for a quick trip to Oklahoma.  It was a girls weekend of old high school friends.  I didn't get much pictures, but that was because we were having too much fun.  I love it when I can hang out with someone that I haven't seen in decades and it's just like it was back in the day. 

Our next adventure begins in May with Indiana and goes all the way to Germany! It's the year of travel.

I Was Runnin'

I did it.  I finished a half marathon.  It wasn't easy and it wasn't what I thought it would be.  But it was something that I would do again. There aren't any words to explain the feeling of being out there on the road by yourself for miles.  It's just you and random strangers. (and your music, perhaps some Gu or Chews)  I loved it.  When you do finish you feel so accomplished! We drove out to Ft. Worth on Saturday.  Before we checked into the hotel we did our packet pick-up! I love packet pick-up.  We get our Bibs, goodies, and T-shirts. 

My Packet Pick-Up

Preston, picking up his packet!  It is kind of far away, but I was standing in line for mine and couldn't move. He is under the Marathon sign. 

Our Bibs!  I loved that it says, "1st Time Running" on our bibs.  I felt special. 

For dinner we went to an Italian restaurant and each ordered whole wheat spaghetti with turkey meat balls.  It was fun to see all the tables around us fill up with other runners ordering the same thing.  I was starting to get nervous, yet excited at the same time.  I was actually going to do this! Preston was doing a full and he seemed cool as a cucumber! I was only doing half, I had to act professional. We went to bed early with a wake up call at 5:30am.  The race started at 7:00am with a shuttle from the hotel taking us to the starting line.  We were downstairs waiting with about 50 others at 6:15am.  I was awake and ready to go! Once we were there, there wasn't much to do besides sit around and wait. 

waiting.......

Then it was time.  I was doing this.

Corral #5

My goal was to finish.  I didn't focus that much on time.  However, I set my phone to a timer so I would run 4 mins then walk 1 min.  It worked fabulous the first 7 miles.  Then I realized I hadn't walked in awhile. Wait a minute!!  I unzipped my SpyBelt and pulled out my phone.  My app was on PAUSE!  Dang it.  I clicked resumed and started back on my course until about mile 9, then it happened again. Ugh.  At this point my feet were on fire and I could feel blisters were trying to stop me.  I started my power walking.  It gave me a chance to take some pics and reflect on life. "what do I want out of life?" "do I really hate olives?"  

Entering the Stock Yards of Ft. Worth

Hello Downtown!

I finally made it across the finish line.  In the past 2 miles I saw our neighbors and my in-laws.  It was so wonderful to see people we know cheering us on.  It was a surge of energy that I never knew I had!  They waved and clapped and I gave out hugs of happiness.  When the races are in Dallas mile 12/25 is right by our house.  We usually set up camp with a boombox playing Eye of the Tiger.  I know now the waves, smiles, and high fives we get while out there really are genuine.  Never underestimate the power of a smile.  It will encourage one to no end! 

I did it! Selfie with my medal.  Although all I see now is the very tall guy behind me with the fanny pack.  How?! I don't understand this angle.  People to my left (looking at photo) are normal size. But the guy to my right is HUGE. 

 It was now my turn to wait on Preston! Within 10 mins of me being finished I got a text from him asking if I had finished.  He knew my pace from training (or lack of) and guessed right on target! I let him know I was finished and that I was waiting along with his parents at the finish line.  We stood at the gate channel watching and cheering on those we did not know until we saw our Preston come around the corner.  There he is!!  I got so excited I ran along the gate not even caring that my right toe was bleeding.  Preston just ran his first marathon!! 

There he goes! 

Getting his water on the way to his medal. 

We Did It!

After we took a moment to sit and relax, we went back to the hotel to shower and check out.  Preston's parents suggested a restaurant in Sundance Square called Bird Cafe for a late lunch.  They got there before us and ordered an awesome appetizer.  Honey and Bread! It was perfect.  Preston dined on a Brisket Burger and I a Grilled Cheese.  We loved every minute of it.

On our way back to Dallas we were still excited on our accomplishment and stopped off at Capitol Pub.  When Preston and I first got engaged he lived off of Knox/Henderson in Dallas and we would often walk to Capitol Pub.  It was fun to go back over there on a Sunday Funday!  We had a couple of beers and people watched until it was time to go home.  I had to go to work the next day (dang it) and we both were starting to feel the soreness of what we had just done.  We did however take our medals with us everywhere that day.  Because we could. 

I can honestly say Sunday, February 23 is my 2nd favorite day ever.  It was something that we both wanted to accomplish in our lives and we did it together.  I will never forget that.  The 1st favorite day of my life is our wedding day.  Which just happens to be today!  Well, not today we got married, but 3 years ago.  The past 3 years have been amazing.  It went by so fast!  There are still awesome moments we have that bring us to tears of laughter as well as moments of shaking our heads saying, "this is sad...we need to grow up." But the best part of all it is that we are not alone.  And seriously, that is what it's all about.

Happy Anniversary Preston! You're my favorite. 

Ugh...I'm Ordering it Now.

There have been about 15 times since my last post that I wanted blog and didn't because I wanted my pictures to go along with them.  I'm going to order the cord right now.  As in, as soon as I stop posting this.  Here are some things that I have had the urge to blog about.  In no particular order:

• I started watching Downton Abbey.  I have Amazon Prime "THE BOMB" and finally started taking advantage of the streaming video option.  I really like it and have been watching it at lunch while doing cardio.  The shows are an hour so I can only watch about 40-45mins at a time.  I'm only on season 1, but it's so good!  I am going to request that Preston start calling me Lady Sherrell.  I also would like it if Ashe called me My Lady.  All in due time I'm sure.  Speaking of Ashe.....
• He got really sick a couple of weeks ago.  Like REALLY sick.  He could barely walk up the stairs and was just not himself.  It was bad enough that I had to call work and let them know that I need to take him to the vet.  Luckily for me I know a vet at the Uptown CityVet from college and knew Ashe was in great hands!  Long story short we had to give him meds and an IV for a week.  He is back to himself. Whew.
• We are going to Vegas soon.  I can't even tell you what number this is of Vegas visits.  I feel like I have gone for every occasion. New Years, Birthday, Wedding, Just Cause.  And every time we still find something new to do.  This trip we are going to see Boyz II Men!  Really excited. 
• I started working out again with the best trainer in Dallas aka my friend Jessica!  She is really good at what she does (see my current facebook profile pic, she was my wedding trainer)  I have trained with her on again off again ever since 2010.  
• I turned 34 last week! A week ago exactly.  Yeeeeeeeeeeeeah.  We celebrated by going out to eat with new and old friends on Friday.  Preston gave me a new camera which I was really excited about!  I'm waiting to use it for realz this weekend. (I'll get to that soon)  Saturday, day, was spent just the 2 of us. We went to Mi Cocina in HP Village.  It's our new favorite get away spot.  We dined on fish, guacamole, and more Mambo Taxi's to count.  After lunch Preston surprised me by taking me to one of my new admiring designer stores and bought me a purse and shoes!  I was pretty excited, although I think the Mambo Taxi's might have helped. 
• This weekend is an event that Preston and I have been looking forward too for almost 6 months!  It's Preston's 1st Full Marathon and my 1st Half Marathon (maybe).  You might remember the sad news of the Dallas Marathon being canceled in December.  After 14wks of training for that, Preston continued another (almost) 14wks of training.  It's the Ft. Worth Cowtown Marathon!  I on the other hand...stopped training...yet am still signed up to participate. ::gulp::  To Be Continue......
• Lastly, I have noticed a new theme going on in Resturants/Bars in the Uptown area.  I like to call it "Bathroom Shaming".  It's were they set the hand washing station outside of the bathroom doors.  In the public.  So you exit the bathroom and then wash your hands for all to see.  Not like in a bathroom were you walk out of the stall, wash your hands, then walk out of the bathroom.  This is you walk out of the stall, walk out the bathroom, THEN wash your hands.  I personally love it!  It forces those "none hand washers" to wash their hands.  Anyone that walks out of the bathroom and doesn't wash their hands gets the look of the whole place as "ewwwwwwwww".  The whole set up is very European in my opinion. (and my friend Karen that I discussed this with prior)  So there it is, Bathroom Shaming.

Because I really want to post a picture, I have imported this picture that has absolutely nothing to do with this post. 

• I forgot one more item.  Preston has been in Seattle for work since Tuesday.  I know some people that are married or live with their awesome partners love when this happens as they get to spread out in the bed.  I on the other hand love when this happens as I get to just pull in the garage as I please.  I didn't realize how nice it was until today as I was pulling into the garage I had to stop, reverse, and re-park on the far right hand side.  ::sigh:: I love to spread out in the garage. 

Thank you for your time, as always.  Please stay tuned and don't forget about me!  I'll be back to blogging soon. All 8 of you readers. Except for the one time I posted my pumpkin pie recipe and I had over 1,000 views.  I was famous for a second.  

I miss my phone plug in.

When I started my new job I got a new phone.  I went from an iPhone 4 to an iPhone 5.  I was pretty excited, but then the idea of change came over me and I have been struggling ever since.  The first thing that became clear to me was my case.  I had to get a new phone case. Sigh.  I'm so lazy!  Something so simple shouldn't be that hard, but it was.  So I ordered the case and once I go it, the coloring was different than it was for the 4.  It still bugs me.

Then I realized that my songs weren't there so I had to do the whole transfer thing with with iTunes.  That is a beating.  If you have ever had to do this, you know that it takes at least a hour and you have to curse at your laptop at least twice before it works.  Then not everything transfers.

After that I had the sad moment of going to place my phone on our music speaker tower that we got from Brookstone only to discover that it would not accept an iPhone 5.  I can't play music on our tower that fills our home with tunes while cooking or entertaining guest.  I'm rolling my eyes at this point.

The last and final thing that has been a victim of this change is my blog.  Right here, as I type.  Before my phone switch I had a charger by my bed and a charger by the sofa.  When I would go to bed at night I would plug in my phone and let it charge over night.  I still do as I replaced my 4 charger with my 5 charger.  I only got one charger with my phone so there is nothing by my sofa.  This is where my laziness comes into play.

So, in order for me to download photos from my phone, I have to plug it into my laptop of course.  It was easy when I had the charger by the sofa as I could just detach and attach to my laptop.  Now I have to walk up stairs, unplug from the wall by my bed, walk back downstairs, plug into my laptop, download, then remember to bring it BACK upstairs with me before I go to bed.  I know what you are thinking.....and I know...I'M LAZY.  That sounds like so much work.

Because I haven't done any of that I haven't been able to use photos in my blog and as a result, I haven't blogged.  I have had plenty of thoughts to write about!  Some juice ones too, but without photos it just doesn't have the same impact.

This week I am going to get a 2nd plug in to keep by my sofa so I can continue to do this.

THIS JUST IN: We are going to Vegas in a couple of weeks.  Preston just asked me and I said yes. Ha! I love Sunday's.

What is it like to do a Fast & Cleanse?

After being on the cruise for a week and then the holiday's in general, I had gained about 5-8lbs.  So sad.  It didn't help that I have complete stopped running.  I went from running min of 3 miles 4 times a week to zero.  I blame the change in job as it no longer gave me the easy access to the Katy Trail.  I actually had to make an effort to go work out.  That is where I failed myself. I just shook my head as I timed that.  Really there is no excuse except that I am just making excuses.  Although, my orthopedic surgeon did tell me to stop running sooo, there is that.  Preston wants me to take up biking, which I like that idea.  Need the sun to stay up a little longer so I can go for a ride when I get home from work.  Ah! Sorry about that, I totally got off subject.

Ok - so because of my poor eating and lack of exercise, I thought a fast & cleanse was in order to get my body jump started.  I picked this one:

I did a lot of research and this one looked the best.  And by research I mean I checked out Amazon.com and read a lot of reviews.  In the past I have done The South Beach diet, The Cabbage Diet, The Lemon Cleanse, and the Wine Diet. (I only recommend the wine diet if you are 23 and really poor.  This just happens, you don't plan on it.)  Ok.  So since this one was only 5 days, I thought I would start on a Saturday just in case I had a bad reaction.  No one wants that at work.  I would like to make one point very clear.  This is NOT a "quick fix" or a weight loss solver.  Every time I have done one of these less than 2 weeks diets it was to cleanse my system and what I like to call Restart the System.  I feel like it gives me a clean slate.  Yes I typically drop about 8-10lbs, once 15lbs! But the majority of it is water weight and gives me a starting point.  I do not recommend doing this if you are trying to drop a dress size for an event that weekend.  It's not real and you are only fooling yourself.  Off my disclaimer soap box. 

Here is how it went down.  Saturday morning I opened the box and set out my items.  It includes the following: Fiber powder, Super Nutrition, Liver Cleanse, Craveless, and Colon Clear.  

Everything I read online said that the fiber powder mixed with water was horrible and to use juice.  I bought the blue machine by Naked.  It was pretty good and was more like a smoothly than juice.  Plus it was all sugar free and stuff.  I was sick of it by today, day 3.  

Ewwwwwwwwww! This is what it looks like before it is mixed. 

All Mixed!

Here's Breakfast, along with the smoothly fiber drink above.

Lunch

Dinner

It has been 3 days now and I have eaten food.  I ate raw vegetables and a salad with a bunch of raw vegetables.  I just couldn't not eat for 5 days.  It's really hard.  But I'm still taking the pills and only eating basically once a day.  I do feel better, am sleeping great, and don't feel as sluggish.  Although I think it isn't appropriate to go into details, I will say that yes...I'm being "cleansed".  I wish I could say I have stayed strong and really fasted, but I would be lying.  I encourage everyone to do a cleanse at least once a year.  Doesn't matter what kind you do or if you break the rules a little. (In my opinion) The point (again in my opinion) is to stop. reflect. rid your body of toxins. and move forward making the right choices!

My next exciting step is our building at work has installed a gym!  So in a couple of weeks I can just go downstairs after work to do my cardio.  Yeah! Or at lunch, or even before work.  The possibilities are endless.