tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1221767017828597892024-03-12T17:27:17.165-07:00The Vegas ArgotViva Las Vagueness!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.comBlogger218125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-49044050645881361882015-04-29T09:42:00.000-07:002015-04-29T09:42:00.444-07:00Things They Don't Tell You About Moving To Vegas: You'll Forget What Dark Looks Like<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Little things are still trickling in about how different Vegas is from anywhere else. Recently I was driving home and realized how dark it was. There are no streetlights in my neighborhood, and for the first time I had to turn on the brights in my car.<br />
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I forgot how dark the world could get. Once there was supposed to be a meteor shower, and we drove out over two hours into the desert to see it. We couldn't see anything.<br />
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I had blackout curtains and considered actually covering up my windows in the bedroom with tin foil like it was Alaska in the summer time. I never got very good sleep because I could never get it dark enough to get that whole melatonin going.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-84109771512913997522015-01-28T10:00:00.000-08:002015-01-28T10:00:00.519-08:00What They Don't Tell You About Moving to Las Vegas: Your Priorities ChangeSome things you only notice once you have left. Just before Christmas I actually moved out of Las Vegas and back to my hometown of Reno. Being back here for a little bit has made me realize more of the changes that I made to myself during my 10 year Vegas run.<br />
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When I left for Vegas I was very strict about relationships. If someone cheated, it was OVER. No talking about it, nothing. It was just over. Pack your bag, get out of the house, get a divorce, even if you have been married for decades. After a couple of years in Vegas, I didn't feel like that anymore. Everyone gets away with so much that you get used to it after awhile.<br />
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I also completely lost my patience for waiting in lines. I was a local, and if I had to wait in a line for more than a few minutes I was 110% done with that club. I never even saw the inside of <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/rok-vegas-las-vegas" target="_blank">Rok Vegas</a> because they had the nerve to keep my friends and I waiting for almost an hour because Katy Perry was there. We were super pissed off, and never actually bought anything at New York New York ever again.<br />
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You are more willing to take chances you normally wouldn't, because you don't get into as much trouble. There is a lot of drinking that I would have never done if I moved to another town. There are a lot of bad priorities you fall into that you never think about until you have left. I'm just learning about all my bad habits here, and I'm sure I'll come up with more and post when I do.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-39706484599211695662015-01-20T10:00:00.000-08:002015-01-20T10:00:00.785-08:00Things They Don't Tell You About Moving to Las Vegas: The Produce Is Terrible<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This was something I didn't realize until I had started to go to the <a href="http://www.betonthefarm.com/" target="_blank">Molto Vegas/Bet On the Farm</a> Farmer's Market, but the regular grocery stores produce is from the VERY back of the truck. You will sometimes be able to find something "okay" at Winco or Smiths, but for the most part if you are going to a traditional store, then give up on finding anything decent. Sure, it all looks fine...but the taste is just not there. <br />
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Don't worry, not all hope is lost! If you can't make it to Bet On The Farm, do yourself a favor and either sign up for <a href="http://www.winderfarms.com/" target="_blank">Winder Farms</a> (the taste of the milk alone is worth it) and get the produce basket, or take a little trip out to <a href="http://www.thegilcreaseorchard.org/" target="_blank">Gilcrease Orchard</a> (the taste of the apple cider alone is worth it).<br />
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Your diet will thank you.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-42014684869826545552015-01-05T18:11:00.000-08:002015-01-05T18:11:00.166-08:00Things They Don't Tell You About Moving to Vegas: Your Clothing Style ChangesWinter is just long enough that you feel like you could never imagine how hot Summer is. Summer is just long enough that you think that Winter just doesn't exist. This vastly alters the way you shop for clothing.<br />
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I'm not talking about the way that you think about clothing, although that is a part of it. Slutty now has to go way further for you to consider it slutty. In fact, you could wear the above picture to church and I'm sure no one would bat an eye.<br />
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You start buying items with less weight to them without really noticing. Suddenly your closet is filled with items that you wouldn't pay $10 for. Items that would render you feeling absolutely naked in any other place.<br />
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If you go to a place with cooler temps, you'll over compensate and have nothing for the weather you actually have once you get there.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-16837747698091784622014-11-12T09:36:00.000-08:002014-11-12T09:36:00.843-08:00What They Don't Tell You About Vegas: TransportationBasically it is bad.<br />
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This will be the only time that I will say that Google Maps is totally incorrect. If it says that public transportation will take an hour, tack on three more hours and you'll have an idea of how long it will take to get there. Vegas is bigger than you think it is, and it takes forever to get anywhere. One time my friend took public transportation home; She traveled 14 miles in 4 hours. I'm dead serious.<br />
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Everything is so far away, walking is just not an option. When it is, you are better off just driving due to the weather. Either it is too hot, or people just assume that you are homeless. Unless you are hanging out in a park smelling good, just don't spend time outside. The only time I've walked around anywhere, it was just me and homeless people. It was so awkward that I never wanted to walk anywhere again. In fact when I was back home and someone suggested walking somewhere, I almost said "We aren't homeless, why would we walk?"<br />
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This is how out of touch Vegas makes you sometimes.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-59136511269908530362014-11-04T09:09:00.000-08:002014-11-04T09:09:00.409-08:00Things They Don't Tell You About Las Vegas: Free Parking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not only free valet (if you don't count tipping), but free self parking nearly everywhere. Even downtown if you park in a lot owned by a casino, most of them will have a place to validate it inside that casino.<br />
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Quick story: I've lived in the state all my life, and so I'm flabbergasted every time I'm faced with paying for parking. In recent years it's even tacked onto hotel charges in LA, which I think is so stupid.<br />
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About 6 years ago I went on a crazy day trip to LA with some friends. We went to Santa Monica and paid to park in a parking garage. About $10, but because it was a touristy area I just accepted it and we went about our day. Later on that evening we were meeting a friend in Hollywood, and we drove around for what seemed like forever until we found a place to park. It stated it was valet, so I drove up and started to get out of the car. The guy stopped me, then pointed me towards the back of the super tiny garage and told me to park it myself. I parked it, then he said that no, I had to back it in.<br />
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Y'all, I'm not good at backing anything in, let alone my friend's car that I wasn't used to driving. We made it work though, and finally got out of the car 100 years later. Then the valet said "Okay, now I need $20 and the keys to the car."<br />
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LA People, help me understand the logic in this. I had to park my own the car the way that HE wanted it parked, and now he was what, robbing us? Did he even work there? That is totally bullshit. I told him to go screw himself, and we parked in a residential area and just prayed that we didn't get a ticket. We didn't.<br />
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How the story would have gone in Vegas: We parked, we partied, we left happy. We didn't walk up any hills to get there, and everything went well. Put away your money and park your car for free here.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-52160866870686595442014-10-22T08:57:00.000-07:002014-10-22T08:57:00.361-07:00What They Don't Tell You About Vegas: Radio StationsAccording to Wikipedia, Las Vegas has 25 radio stations. When I first moved here 10 years ago, I went through the radio stations in my car to find the ones that I could set up as presets. I went around three times without setting up a single one.<br />
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Our radio stations suck. I got SiriusXM the next week. I never looked back, and it has always been worth the money. Get Spotify, Pandora, whatever you can....because the radio stations here are terrible.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-62985529510820226892014-10-14T10:25:00.000-07:002015-06-08T16:15:11.614-07:00What They Don't Tell You About Vegas: How Awesome Being a 24/7 Town Is<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yes, I'm sure that you know that Las Vegas is a 24 hour town. But, do you <i>really </i>know? Have you ever gone food shopping at <a href="http://wincofoods.com/" target="_blank">Winco </a>at 4 o'clock in the morning? Had a nice sit-down meal? Called a Locksmith? Had a drink at a bar? Gotten married?<br />
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It's glorious. We have a 24 hour Starbucks, AutoZone Auto parts store, and so much more. My favorite Vegas moment was finding out that if you go to the LVAC on Eastern and the 215 at 3:00 AM, you'll run into a LOT of strippers. True Story. You'll love the freedom that comes with grocery shopping in the middle of the night.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-6883470071688016512014-10-08T09:40:00.000-07:002014-10-08T09:40:00.358-07:00The Definitive Las Vegas Macaron Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The first time I saw a French Macaron was this scene, and I thought "WTF is she eating?" It looked like...Play-doh candy.<br />
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As the years went on, it seemed like macarons were only for the upper class. There was some snooty teenager I followed on tumblr that would post at least one box of macarons per week from some NYC bakery in a designer box. I started associating them with annoying people without ever having tried one.<br />
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Then I heard people I actually respect say they liked them. I started seeing more pictures. When I was in Manhattan Beach, I spotted some.<br />
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My sister and I decided it was time to try them out. We bought a Strawberry, Raspberry, Passion Fruit, Chocolate, Lemon, and Pistachio from <a href="http://mbcreamery.com/" target="_blank">Manhattan Beach Creamery</a>. The were perfectly sized for a delicate two bites, and they were nothing like I was expecting. We also had a salted caramel ice cream there that was to die for, if you ever get to MBC.<br />
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I was sold at that moment on macarons. They were moist and chewy and oh so delicious. I decided to continue on my search for the perfect macaron in Las Vegas. We have plenty of amazing places to eat, surely we had a wide variety of dessert places.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Stop #1: <a href="http://www.bonjourbakerylasvegas.com/" target="_blank">Bonjour Bakery</a></b></span></span><br />
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So, I fell in love with Bonjour Bakery the moment we walked in, because it was completely unpretentious. When the lady answered the phone, she pronounced "Bonjour" with a flat American accent, and I couldn't contain my laughter. We got this box for around $20 and I liked almost all the flavors. Lemon was my absolute favorite, but everything else was great too. I was enamored with these little candy hamburgers. Maybe there was one out there better.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stop 2. <a href="http://patisseriemanon.com/" target="_blank">Patisserie Manon</a></span></span></b><br />
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After a lunch at <a href="http://www.cantinalaredo.com/location/las-vegas/" target="_blank">Cantina Laredo</a> inside <a href="http://www.tivolivillagelv.com/" target="_blank">Tivoli Village</a> (A whole 'nother blog post), we headed over to Patisserie Manon. A little more snooty, the place was bigger than it looked on the outside. The macarons are much bigger, like Hamburgler's Jewish mother made it. Although I don't know a Jewish mother who uses that much sugar. They did have mint chocolate chip, which is my absolute favorite. However, they tasted like mint extract and cavities. I think I might have slipped into a tiny diabetic coma right after eating them. And I'm not diabetic. When we left there were a few panhandlers that asked us for change. Was I becoming the 1%?<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Stop 3. <a href="http://peridotsweets.com/" target="_blank">Peridot Sweets</a></span></span></b><br />
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Peridot is in a tiny little strip mall, and aesthetically it is really cute. The guy behind the counter was very friendly, and said that macaron making was actually very difficult. His looked almost perfect, but sadly I didn't really end up liking their flavor. I would try them again though, his customer service goes a long way.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><b>Stop 4. <a href="http://www.caesarspalace.com/restaurants/payard-pastisserie.html" target="_blank">Payard Patisserie</a></b></span></span><br />
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Final Stop! I saved this one for last because it is the most snooty of all the French Bakeries. This the same place that serves $100 cakes and was in an episode of Sex and the City, so I expected to feel completely overwhelmed. Although it was a little more subtle with the flavors, it did come in a close second. However, it was $20 for these 6, and look how many we got for the same amount at Bonjour. <br />
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I think that in the end, Bonjour was my favorite. However, I think macarons are kind of like sex and pizza; even when they are bad, they are good.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Bonus Stop: <a href="http://bouchonbakery.com/las-vegas/" target="_blank">Bouchon Bakery </a></b></span><br />
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Sadly I don't have any pictures, as I had wrapped this blog post up and had it ready to post when we happened to be inside The Venetian for something else and happened across their tiny little spot outside of the theatre. I tried a caramel and a rose flavored, and it was very yummy, but very expensive. About $10 for four.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-82275627009278280482014-09-29T10:00:00.000-07:002014-09-29T10:00:03.650-07:00Pineapple Park @pineappleparklv DOLE WHIP ALERT!Some people say that the best food at Disneyland is the Dole Whip at the Enchanted Tiki Room.<br />
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It is pretty impressive. The Dole Whip Float is an amazing piece of culinary art. It really is almost too pretty to eat. We got this on our second trip to their location inside the Boulevard Mall, because the first time they had run out of the pineapple flavor. Yes, they are that good that they ran out on their opening weekend. <br />
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When we swung by the first time, I was a little disappointed that I wasn't about to re-taste my childhood, but the owner recommended (At least I'm pretty sure he was the owner. He seemed to be running things, and was super-friendly) some other flavors.<br />
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The Neon Beast got banana, and I got raspberry. I'm not lying when I say that when I took my first bite, I was so happy that they had run out of pineapple. It was the most amazing flavor, and the NB's banana was really good. That's coming from someone who really hates banana.<br />
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It's like they made it so that it was almost too pretty to eat. Neon Beast got a blue spoon and I got a pink one. I couldn't figure out if that was for aesthetic purposes or there was a gender thing going on. As you'll notice, when we shared one we got two blue spoons, so I'm guessing it was purely for looking good.<br />
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So, this is located in Boulevard "I'm afraid to leave my car outside because it's going to get stolen" Mall. I'm still not tooooo happy with the location, but it's better than a <a href="http://m.mainstreethub.com/luvitfrozencustard" target="_blank">Luv-It Custard</a> location. According to <a href="http://vegasseven.com/2014/08/01/las-vegas-dole-whip-fans-new-place-feed-obsession/" target="_blank">this article</a>, more locations are opening soon. Huzzah!<br />
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Their social media is on point as well. Every time I posted something they answered me within minutes. Minutes! I have to have respect for that. I also really enjoy their <a href="http://instagram.com/pineappleparklv?modal=true" target="_blank">Instagram </a>feed. I suggest you drop everything you are doing now and go give them business and your stomach a great snack. Did I mention that Dole Whips are totally Vegan? Well <a href="http://www.isitvegan.com/2013/04/09/is-dole-whip-vegan/" target="_blank">THEY ARE</a>. So all you tree hugging kids have a new snack. You're welcome.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-58114133822084836532014-08-29T13:22:00.002-07:002014-08-29T13:22:41.002-07:00This Shit is Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bth9HfpKKkE/VADdM5lhGvI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/ibce4uSUTzY/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bth9HfpKKkE/VADdM5lhGvI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/ibce4uSUTzY/s1600/photo%2B1.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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My sister came to stay with us this year, and brought this amazing banana bread recipe with her. I haven't been much for cooking in Vegas because everything dries out so quickly. This banana bread however...yum! For days afterwards, as long as we kept it in a Tupperware container, it stayed just as delicious. I'm not really a foodie or cooking blog, but I had to share this recipe. I have to say now, I have no idea where she got it, and I lay no claim to it whatsoever. Here you go, Vegas-proof banana bread:<br />
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What you are going to need:<br />
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3-4 Bananas<br />
1/3 cup of melted butter<br />
1 cup of sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1 pinch of salt<br />
1 1/2 cup flour<br />
1 tsp cinnamon<br />
1 tsp cloves<br />
1 tsp nutmeg<br />
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What you are going to do:<br />
Mash up those bananas by hand or use a stand mixer if you are so lucky. Mix in the sugar until it is combined with the bananas. Then mix in the butter, vanilla, and egg.<br />
In separate bowl, mix all the remaining dry ingredients together (baking soda, salt, flour, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg)<br />
SLOWLY and a little at a time, mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients.<br />
Pour into a greased 8x8 (or close to 8x8) pan and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Check after 30 minutes with a toothpick. If the toothpick comes out of the pan clean, you are good to take it out!<br />
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Happy eating!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-63083496680746674962014-07-23T10:30:00.000-07:002014-07-23T10:30:00.916-07:00What They Don't Tell You About Vegas: What Bugs?I had been living in Las Vegas for around 6 or 7 years when I realized that not every parking lot had a broken sprinkler problem. I guess I had been living my whole life thinking that cicadas didn't exist because I never saw them.<br />
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<a href="http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-130410-cicada-invasion/ss-130410-cicada-invasion-tease.photoblog600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-130410-cicada-invasion/ss-130410-cicada-invasion-tease.photoblog600.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you have no clue what I'm talking about, watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mah26og11ms&feature=kp" target="_blank">this video</a>. I seriously thought this noise was air escaping out of a broken sprinkler head. Nope, when it gets hot cicadas get chatty here in Vegas. Although, to this day I still don't think I've ever seen one in person.<br />
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Occasionally a fly will get into a restaurant and ruin your meal. Sometimes you don't spray well enough and you find the cat playing with an almost dead cockroach on your floor. I had never seen a cockroach before moving here, and although they are a little too quick for my taste, they aren't as bad as a mouse. They are small enough to squish and go about your day, and not creepy crawly like spiders are.<br />
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All this bug talk aside, Vegas is too dry to really support a real bug and vermin population. There are no mosquitoes, mice, or rats. You hardly ever run into a bee or fly. It's something that is so awesome, that you almost forget until you go back home to visit.<br />
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A friend of a friend went to a weekend trip to Montana for a wedding. When asked how it went, he pulled up his shirt to reveal that he was totally covered in bug bites, swollen from the waist up.<br />
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Say what you will about how crappy Vegas is, but our lack of bugs is pretty freaking awesome.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-59146259865801748022014-07-16T09:00:00.000-07:002014-07-16T09:00:02.907-07:00Container Park: an Adult Playground @DTContainerPark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Now that <a href="http://downtowncontainerpark.com/" target="_blank">Container Park</a> is all filled up, I thought I'd be one of the last people to blog about it. "They" are trying to make downtown a nicer place, and I have to say that this place is a very well executed one. Once you are inside, you sort of forget about the area you are in, and it is just as comfy and cozy as Town Square on the other side of town. It also really has something for everyone in the family, which is a big switch of the regular "drink until you drop" attitude of downtown and the strip.<br />
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Ripped from Northern Nevada's Burning Man Festival is a praying mantis that shoots fire out of the antennas out front. It is larger than life and sets up the unconventional shipping container structure inside. <br />
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The shipping containers surround a very decent play area for kids, and The Tree house includes an "adult" sized slide that goes down 33 feet. I embraced my inner child and rode it. Some people said it was too rough, but clearly they just forgot how to hug the turns, as I didn't have a problem. Much like the <a href="http://www.vegasargot.com/2013/09/park-on-fremont.html" target="_blank">teeter totter at Park</a>, it was just the right kind of whimsical fun that I hope will someday define DTLV.<br />
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I both love and hate the fact that their retail options are local businesses. Love because I enjoy supporting anything local, hate because everything is severely over priced. When I go there, I save up for one drink at the bar, and hope that there is some great free music to enjoy. Lucky for me, there usually is.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-78017612174902352512014-07-02T09:00:00.000-07:002014-07-02T09:00:03.607-07:00What They Don't Tell You About Vegas: Traffic and CarsLas Vegas is a very transient town. People come and go, bringing their experiences and driving habits with them. When you take driving habits from all over the country and put it together with non-stop construction, you get some of the worst traffic issues in the country.<br />
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It's not that you have to be in traffic for hours like LA, but you might get stuck for an hour on the freeway between two exits at 9:30 at night. That delay could be due to construction, a tiny accident, or literally nothing at all.<br />
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I took this photo as a passenger a few weeks ago. This is one lane of traffic. People go wherever they want. The one on the right did not turn right at the next street. They all just kept on going, trying to outrun each other until they reached the part where the street narrows and they couldn't do this anymore. There are these type of streets all over Vegas, and I've seen people run other people off the road to be the first.<br />
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It's also a very dry climate, so when you are on the freeway you will get a lot of cracks on your windshield from larger vehicles. They'll range from ones you hear but can't see to ones that might take out your entire windshield.<br />
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Good news though! Most car insurance will cover the repairs, which only take minutes and sometimes are available at car washes. Take care of them at least once a month, because it will add up quickly and then you are stuck paying for a brand new one. It's also a good idea, while you are here, to have full coverage on your insurance. <br />
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Technically you aren't a local until you've gotten into a car accident.<br />
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Drive like you are in NASCAR and take care of those windshield dings, and you'll be just fine.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-20213256632544946702014-06-11T10:09:00.000-07:002014-07-15T16:56:32.607-07:00What They Don't Tell You About Vegas: Hard Water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As I come upon my 10 year anniversary of living in Las Vegas, I feel there are many good and bad things to share. One of the things they don't tell you that is bad is the hard water situation.<br />
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The Las Vegas Water District <a href="http://www.lvvwd.com/wq/facts_hard.html" target="_blank">doesn't find anything wrong</a> with the hard water situation. However, it does have a huge impact on how you live day to day.<br />
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First of all, it tastes so horrible it will send you running straight to the bottled water in the nearest store. You will get a Brita pitcher and think all your problems are solved. You don't stop to think about how much you use the water out of the tap and how the hard water stains are starting to ruin your life. Your Kerig machine stops working, and your glass shower door looks terrible. Your hair looks pretty bad too, and you spend more time in the shower on vacation just to get good hair days again.<br />
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Some people do the insane thing and get a water softener for their house, which is bananas expensive. I'm not even sure if they work, if someone knows I'd be happy to hear from them. I can't imagine it being worth the cost.<br />
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If I was starting all over to decide to move here, I wish someone would have told me about the hard water situation.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-91523175303391680092014-06-04T09:55:00.000-07:002014-06-09T00:25:05.661-07:00The Linq, The High Roller, The New Vegas?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been down to the Linq three times now, and I'm still not sure where to park. This is not really a tourist problem of course, so I'm sure it's one they aren't planning on solving anytime soon. As it stands now, I park at the Caesars parking garage and walk across the street.</div>
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There is much more than the High Roller to see down there. Most of the shops are kitschy and overpriced, however a few places stand out that I would go out of my way for. The <a href="http://www.caesars.com/thelinq/shops/polaroid-fotobar.html#.U46ZPrFwWK8" target="_blank">Polaroid Fotobar</a> is by far my most favorite place. Bringing back real photos is kind of awesome. I finally have photos at my desk to remind me of my family and my pets. I also really like the new cardboard-like design, as I'm less likely to damage it. It's a steal for 6 pictures at $6.00, so you'd be a fool not to get some.<br />
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<a href="http://www.caesars.com/thelinq/bars-and-nightlife/brooklyn-bowl.html?_ga=1.157238651.1926589739.1401852602#.U46jr7FwWK8" target="_blank">Brooklyn Bowl</a> is an awesome looking bar/restaurant/bowling alley/concert venue. However, it is strictly a tourist trap. I've heard that the prices are outrageous, and I didn't stick around to find out for sure. It is a very nice bathroom however.<br />
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My favorite thing at the Linq is by far <a href="http://www.sprinkles.com/" target="_blank">Sprinkles Cupcakes</a> ATM. If you haven't experienced this or even heard of it yet, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgzxHNq8Bek" target="_blank">this video</a> basically explains it all. What a time to be alive.<br />
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The cupcakes are also the best cupcakes I've ever had. I don't know how they manage to keep them so moist in this Vegas desert, but they are fantastic. If you are down there, you need to have one.<br />
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Of course, the big deal is the wheel;<br />
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There is some great 60's shag style art in the queue. You just fly past because they anticipated bigger crowds then they got, but you should stop and admire them.<br />
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Once you get there (after getting your local's discount!), it's just great views all over!<br />
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You should go at least once, it's worth the price!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-65313911493821222822014-05-14T10:00:00.000-07:002014-05-14T10:00:02.442-07:00Like a Good Neighbor...Wait, Where Are You Going?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Neon Beast and I were out a recently getting some random items from that evil mega-store. We had to go to the other evil big box store next door, so we parked in the middle and went to check out at the tire section because we are the assholes that do that sort of thing.<br />
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There was a lady in front of us that was clearly nearing the end of her pregnancy. She was trying to convince them to jump her car, which was across the street at the strip mall where she worked.<br />
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Normally I'm not one for helping other people out. I actually used to be, all the time, but Vegas hardened me. Even people I do know and do things for, I now do just to shut them up. I don't expect gratitude or thanks. Just silence. However, there is something about a poor pregnant lady walking the equivalent of like, 4 city blocks without any help.<br />
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I gave the Neon Beast a look, then approached the lady. We introduced ourselves, and offered to drive her back across the street and jump her car so she could drive it back to Big Box and get them to replace it or at least look at it.<br />
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On the way over we learned her husband was at work and about to leave before we came to help her. She called him and let him know that she was taken care of, and we learned her co-workers knew that she had a dead battery, but just left anyway. Did I mention she works at a car insurance office?<br />
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Wow. <br />
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With co-workers like those, who needs enemies? <br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-50642018518279987912014-04-30T11:15:00.000-07:002014-04-30T11:15:00.236-07:00I'm a Culture Snob: Hearst Castle Tour @HearstCastleJust before <a href="http://youtu.be/PNu_-deVemE" target="_blank">Lady Gaga made Hearst Castle</a> famous all over again, I took a trip there for my birthday.<br />
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If you don't know about Hearst Castle, or who <a href="http://hearstcastle.org/history-behind-hearst-castle/historic-people/profiles/william-randolph-hearst/" target="_blank">William Randolph Hearst</a> is (I like to call him Billy Randy Hearst for funsies), then I really don't even want to know you. Sadly there are quite a few people that asked me who he was or what Hearst Castle was when I told them that I visited. The quick answer is, he is the American Dream. The longer answer is, he just...made America. The Great Gatsby was modeled after his lifestyle. Pick up nearly any magazine today and it's most likely a Hearst Corporation. His granddaughter Patty Hearst also <a href="http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/history/famous-cases/patty-hearst-kidnapping" target="_blank">made her own headlines</a>, but that's a totally different story.<br />
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Hearst Castle, or "La Cuesta Encantada" as Billy Randy called it, is a massive estate that is halfway between San Francisco and LA. Gatsby's house was a cute summer cottage compared to this place. Hearst hired <i>Amazeballs </i>Architect <a href="http://hearstcastle.org/history-behind-hearst-castle/historic-people/profiles/julia-morgan/" target="_blank">Julia Morgan</a> to make the Castle a living museum. The whole place is an amazing work of art.<br />
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One of my favorite places in the castle is both the indoor and outdoor pool.<br />
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The Neptune Pool is the outdoor pool, done up in Greek style. A good rule of thumb for the Castle; if it looks real, then it most likely is. I'm a little jealous of Gaga, as most of the time this fence that is in the photo is up so you can't really explore as much you want to. Back in the heyday of the Castle, you would need multiple changes of clothes in a day, as you were expected to swim here in the morning, play games and horseback riding during the day, then have dinner in the big house. Then some dancing, a movie in the movie theatre inside the house with these lovely ladies;<br />
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<span style="color: black;">Or you can hang and enjoy the view:</span></div>
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The inside of the house is beautiful as well. You could just hang out in your room and enjoy the beauty;</div>
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The gold leaf tile in the Roman Pool however, is my absolute favorite part of the whole house. You can see more of the pool in Gaga's video than in person, but it is still a beautiful site.</div>
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Hard to believe, but this beautiful estate actually has something in common with the Winchester Mystery House in that it was never actually finished. The grand entrance still remains "almost" done.<br />
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I can't suggest a trip to Hearst Castle enough times. It's a piece of American history that might not be around forever.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-12977659934582958172014-04-21T14:44:00.000-07:002014-04-21T14:44:00.052-07:00Nelson Ghost TownAbout 45 minutes outside of Las Vegas, is the ghost town of Nelson. The <a href="http://www.ghosttowns.com/states/nv/nelson.html" target="_blank">official web site</a> still maintains it's geocities style design, but it is actually a pretty cool place. There are many old buildings to go and look at, although you really can only go into the super creepy gift shop. I guess it's not that creepy, but I'm just not a fan of taxidermy. <br />
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There was a big sign when we got there to check in if you were a photographer. We couldn't really find anyone to talk to in the gift shop, so we just wandered around and took pictures. Jailtime to come, I guess. We've gone a couple of times now and there is always a professional photoshoot going on, so maybe they just meant the professionals. It looked like there was a tour of some kind, but we still couldn't find anyone to get more information, so we just wandered. It was such a beautiful day both times we were there, which made for some awesome pictures. </div>
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There were tons of old cars there that were beautifully aged. A short drive away was Nelson's Landing, where some awesome cliff diving happens. <a href="http://youtu.be/_JfitV2V8TM" target="_blank">Here is a really awesome video</a> if you'd like to see people being crazy. I'm afraid of falling, so that wasn't going to be something I'd do.<br />
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For such a short drive from Vegas, it's a day trip that everyone should take at least once.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-36186989334121527622014-03-06T10:44:00.000-08:002014-03-06T10:44:00.034-08:00Judging You...Fattie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I knew that I needed to join a gym in order to continue my weight loss goals. The problem was the area I lived in was really far away from any of the mega-conglomerate LVAC. So I sucked it up and joined the Fat Gym that had just opened nearby.<br />
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You know the one I'm talking about. I'm not going to say the name, but you automatically knew the one. With their Carb and Coffee mornings and their More Carbs Night where you can bring your whole family. <br />
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When we took the initial tour, I really liked their layout, their mini Curves style section, and their "black card" area with a work out machine, hydro massage, and tanning booth. I hated their "philosophy." Where they don't judge you, where everything is touchy feely without a yoga studio, and they have an alarm that sounds if you drop the weights on the floor. Just due to the asshole alarm, I have a feeling that they are judging, just in the other direction.<br />
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I haven't gone to actually work out yet, but I guess we'll see if I'm fat enough to stay at the gym.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-37732777950296502022013-12-16T10:00:00.000-08:002013-12-16T10:00:02.459-08:00F**ing Vegas?The late night TV show well was running dry this weekend, and I saw a show on A&E called Flipping Vegas.<br />
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First of all I have to say, whomever is shooting the B roll around the city is great. That is the last good thing I can say about this show. It feels like Nascar, where all your searching for is the point where this man just finally has a heart attack or his eyeballs just pop out of his head. It is like he is determined to be the Gordan Ramsey of the Real Estate world.<br />
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He drives around in seriously ridiculous cars and talks about the potential of the Las Vegas housing market. Meanwhile he's taking on the valleys most outdated houses. When the Neon Beast and I were house hunting, we saw much worse than the two episodes of this show that I watched. Scott, this guy on the show, loses his everloving mind about every single floorboard and fixture. He works with his wife Amie, who is toted as an interior designer, but her taste is questionable...at least by him, at every turn.<br />
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This show is so bad, that when I typed "Flipping Vegas" into Google, it suggest that I wanted to search for "Flipping Vegas Fake" and there is a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Flipping-Vegas-Is-All-Fake/269601253054477" target="_blank">Facebook </a>page with 99 fans currently. 99 people thought this show was so fake they joined a Facebook page. That is some serious hate for a show that I had never heard of until this weekend when I happened upon it.<br />
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Though I'll never be a fan of this town, I would really like a reality show to come to Vegas and show something close to the real Vegas. Of course, people flaking out on plans wouldn't make much of a reality show.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-9686080168649281462013-11-25T22:55:00.000-08:002013-11-25T22:55:00.027-08:00Stop Black Thanksgiving...MaybeI'm seeing a lot of articles on <a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/22/1255378/-Which-stores-are-open-and-which-are-closed-on-Thanksgiving" target="_blank">stores that are open during Thanksgiving</a>. There is even a petition for those stores to close. It seems like the only wholesomeish holiday left is coming under fire and everyone is taking sides.<br />
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What side am I on? Well, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Sure, everyone ends up getting in a fight and by the end of the night you can't stand your family. However, this is the only time that you are all together to fight. You all get together and share a meal, something that you almost never get to do on a regular basis anymore.<br />
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My heart would be broken if Great-Aunt Mildred got up before dessert was served to go shopping instead of spend time with us. Which begs the question; who exactly is she shopping for? The people that she is leaving Thanksgiving for? She just can't give up a good deal? What is the deal with deals?<br />
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In the end, I can't entirely fault the stores for staying open. Their main goal is to make money, and if everyone's Great-Aunt Mildred is willing to show up to shop, who can fault them? In fact, according to<a href="http://finance.yahoo.com/blogs/the-exchange/here-s-the-real-reason-stores-will-open-on-thanksgiving-170735876.html" target="_blank"> this article</a>, they really need the money. It's almost sad.<br />
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However, it's also sad to make people work when they should be with their families. I've worked in customer service far longer than I should have, and they let out the crazy people for the holiday season. Those people are mean, and hateful...and really they should be at home bothering their own family. That is the way it should be.<br />
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So dearest Aunt Mildred, if you are going to leave Thanksgiving dinner to go shopping....try not to be a bitch to the employees. For me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-56530856343646955252013-11-13T11:10:00.000-08:002013-11-13T11:10:00.569-08:00An Open Letter to the Women Who Sent Her Husband to a Convenience Store for MakeupDear Women Who Etc,<br />
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I was minding my own business at CVS last night when a man approached me asking for help. For a moment I thought he was mistaking me for an employee, but as it turns out he was asking for a woman's opinion. (Side Note; I'm so glad this new pixie cut doesn't make me look like a man or butch women who knows nothing about makeup)<br />
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You sent him to the store for a compact and mascara. He was really proud of himself, he had found the compact. But you hadn't given him anything to go on in regards to the mascara except for it was around $5.00 and it came in "Black Black." It was for something tonight, and apparently you weren't available by text or phone at the moment.<br />
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He said he didn't mind if it was more than five bucks, and it was so sweet of him. He was trying so hard, but you gave him little to no information. There wasn't much I could do to help him. I did let him know that each mascara was with it's brand, and to go with the ones that say blackest black, or something like that. He was super sweet and told me thank you and he didn't mean to waste my time.<br />
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I'm not sure why you sent him to pick up your makeup, or how you managed to run out of mascara before a big party. I do know that he is super sweet to try and help you out, but don't make him do that again. At least not without the brand of mascara you want. He doesn't deserve that.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-23232819291019375182013-10-11T10:48:00.000-07:002013-10-11T10:48:00.624-07:00Sunrise at the Grand Canyon<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I like nature as much as the next girl, so I let the Neon Beast plan our overnight stay at the Grand Canyon. Due to his extreme luck, this trip took place a mere week before the government shutdown.<br />
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Because of a work meeting we had to leave late in the day, so we didn't get to our "hotel" until midnight local time. We stayed at the <a href="http://grandcanyonforever.com/" target="_blank">Grand Canyon Lodge on the North Rim in Arizona</a>. According to their stationary in the room, it was built in 1928 by the Union Pacific System.<br />
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Seeing the deer by the side of the road was fun, and it was even experiencing the first cold snap of the season, so it was snowing ever so slightly. They called this a "Forever Resort," which equaled to a literal log cabin with an apparent rodent problem.<br />
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But to be honest, the rest of the cabin was honestly charming and cute;<br />
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Neon Beast decided that it was on his bucket list to see the sun rise over the Grand Canyon. Because we got there at midnight, we had to heat up our cabin ASAP and get to bed. It was hard getting to sleep right away in a new bed, and before I knew it he was waking me up. </div>
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I didn't bother looking outside but just got on my clothes, didn't bother brushing my hair, and headed out for the 20 minute hike. It was only when we opened our door that he mentioned how dark it was. We went to the lobby to figure out what time it was locally, only to find out it's the same time as Las Vegas, and the sun wasn't going to rise for another hour. We went back to the cabin and I fell asleep. While I was asleep he saw a mouse in the other room with the bunk beds. It became clear at that moment that I <i>did not </i>like nature as much as the next girl.</div>
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We got ready and hiked out, but I chickened out partway up because it was getting too high and my phobia of someone pushing me off a cliff (no doubt brought on by someone pushing me off the high dive when I was a child) hit and I couldn't go any further.</div>
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We watched the sun rise and then went to the lodge to have breakfast. Afterwards I wasn't really comfortable with hanging out in the room with our new mouse friend, so we decided to just go ahead and check out and drive back home.<br />
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You really do only need a few minutes for the Grand Canyon. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf6R1WFfdpo" target="_blank">Chevy Chase was right.</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-122176701782859789.post-13821792519440224352013-10-02T11:10:00.000-07:002013-10-03T14:15:26.063-07:00Vegas in your 30's vs. your 20'sVegas in my 20's wasn't really all that bad. I had a couple of superficial friends with connections to clubs, and we had a good time.<br />
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If one friend flaked out, there were 3 more showing up, so who cares? There was always another friend, another club, another party.<br />
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Then I grew up. Some of the friends grew up with me, but most didn't. I got tired of people flaking out on plans, even the ones they made for the entire group. I got sick of the constant Happy Hours, so much so that I stopped drinking for a summer to make sure I hadn't turned into an alcoholic.<br />
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I never really did end up making friends at work, at least none that grew close enough to me before I left the job. I've had twice as many jobs in a decade here as I did back home in two. The job market is tough, and the friend market even tougher.<br />
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I really did think that it was going to be easy, making friends. I thought it would be mere months before the Neon Beast and I had game nights and dinner parties at our new house. Our "new house" is around 4 years old now, and we never got enough friends to have a housewarming party.<br />
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I have made one or two friends that I think I'd really miss on a day to day basis if I were to leave, but depending on the way the wind blows, that friendship could be over tomorrow.<br />
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<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/07/15/fashion/the-challenge-of-making-friends-as-an-adult.html?pagewanted=1&_r=2&" target="_blank">This article</a> from the NYTimes about making friends really hits home with me, and also points out that maybe this is not just a Vegas thing. You can really connect with someone, but life just gets in the way. It makes me worry that I didn't make enough friends in college.<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18338746786158641838noreply@blogger.com