Saturday, June 28, 2008

Confessions of a Former Band Geek & Nintendo Nerd

Hello fellow band geeks-in-hiding. The following video will make you proud. Oh, wait... you're not willing to admit you played the clarinet in band? (Don't worry, I wouldn't admit that either.) For the rest of you, you'll appreciate this if you've ever played video games, esp. Mario Bros & Tetris.



PS- Flutes Rule and Trumpets Drool

Thursday, June 26, 2008

A Weekend in Sin City

My initial intention in going to Las Vegas with some friends was for our mutual friends' wedding reception. Instead, it ended up being a weekend of buffets, laying out in the blazing sun, and going to a Cirque du Soleil show... oh, and we did make it to the wedding reception... a bit late. Jim and Sara have done a great job in blogging the entire experience, so I won't do it here. But I will add my two (x10) cents about my sinful ways (aka: big jackpot winnings)!

After a glutenous brunch at the Bellagio, we made our way to the nearest chairs we could find. They happened to be at the $1 slots. Oh yeah baby. The money started flowing... ok, not really. I put two crisp dollar bills in and ended up with one voucher for 20 cents. A 'normal' person wouldn't go through the hassle of redeeming a 20 cent voucher. But that was my 20 cents! Yes, I waited in line at the cashier for all of 5 minutes. The guy in front of me had just been handed a $40,000 cashier's check. Holy crap. It was my turn.

I walked up smiling and confidently slapped down my voucher in front of the cashier. She looked at me inquisitively and said, "I just have one question for you. Would you like this in cash or check?" We both were giggling uncontrollably. Who turns in a voucher for 20 cents? I responded, "Cash please! It would probably be more expensive for you to write me a check." She held up my two shiny dimes and said, "Would you like an escort with this?" I couldn't help it, I quickly replied, "As long as he comes with a briefcase and handcuffs!"

I think I made her day. She definitely made mine.

Here are few photos from our adventures... bon appetite!


Oh yes we did... We rented a minivan!


Vegas here we come!


A road trip wouldn't be complete without a #2, animal style


YAY! We finally made it!!!





Danny and Sara @ the Planet Hollywood Wedding Chapel...
ou la la!


The thug in me


Sara getting a little comfy with Sin City


In front of the Bellagio Fountains


Danny, Jeff and Jim


Sara after brunch - Proof that the Bellagio has lots of yummy food


Jeff and I after the Bellagio Buffet... I seriously wanted to die.


Just about to redeem my big winnings!


I loved these balloons @ the Bellagio


Home Sweet Home!


Baking in the Vegas sun @ the Monte Carlo pool


Matt & Gleidy - The newest LA 1st newlyweds!


Sara & Gleidy (and her incredible dress)


Danny, Matt, Jeff and Jim


Gleidy & I


KA @ the MGM Grand
(Obviously Jeff & I didn't get the gray/green memo)


Jeff, Sara & I @ The Wynn (my new favorite casino)




The closest Sara and I will come to Venice any time soon!


Sunday Brunch @ the Paris Buffet


Jeff was thirsty!


I think I was pretty sick at this point!


Jim & Cheryl dancing in Paris

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

A San Francisco Treat... or two.

I flew to San Francisco two weekends ago for Courtney's Open House. My parents met me there and I played the part of The Tour Guide for a day before wedding stuff began again. The open house was beautiful. Christian's family really put a lot of effort into making it just perfect for them. Not only did they have this open house to put together, but 6 days later they had to do it all over again for his sister. She got married last Friday! What a crazy couple of weeks this has been for all of us! As you might be able to tell, I finally have a camera of my very own!

Lombard Street- I think my mom was going to have a heart attack while my dad maneuvered his way down the "Crookedest Street in America"... in our Tahoe.





Fisherman's Wharf-My grandmother and I took a little ride around the wharf, compliments of a biker with a two-seater bench. I think she was in heaven! A visit to Pier 39 is not complete without having lunch at the infamous Boudin Sourdough Factory. Clam Chowder in a bread bowl. Yum. Does life get any better?




Alcatraz-
If you haven't been, go. It's incredibly beautiful and strangely humbling.











Ghiradelli Square- Chocolate. Need I say more?



Golden Gate Bridge- Please take note that my brother, 13+ years younger than me, is literally squeezing me to death. Very funny Cameron!



Christian & Courtney's Open House- It couldn't have been a more beautiful evening in the Bay Area. I don't know how long Courtney will let me have these funny photos of her up, so enjoy them while they last!