Sunday, July 1, 2012

Britney Spears Should Give Me That Dress

I’m back from Vegas, and it did not disappoint. I have to say, I actually loved every stinking minute of it, even when I was losing at black jack or some hairy drunk person tried to pick me up at the pool. One thing I noticed on this trip, however, is how much has changed for me since I started visiting Sin City 10 years ago. In other words, these are things I notice about myself as I am getting old:

  • I have much less no tolerance for drunk people
  • I actually enjoy getting up at the ass crack of dawn to work out
  • Not to be a snob, but I can’t stay at dumpy hotels anymore. I’d rather save my money for a whole year and stay at the Wynn than go to Vegas five times a year and stay at some dive on the Strip. It’s nice to not bring back any pet bedbugs, although I know you can also get them at nice hotels.

We got a great deal for this trip through Southwest Vacations. They Wynn is not cheap, especially on a weekend, but booking our flights and lodging together actually made it somewhat affordable. Also, when we got there we found out we had $100 free in food and drink credit.

I loved Southwest before this trip, but I love it even more now. The flight attendant did the funniest safety demonstration I have ever heard in my life. It was like a stand up comedy act, including telling us that we should “wear our seatbelts low and tight around our waists, like the captain wears his Speedo.”  Free bags and efficient, friendly service also make Southwest the way to go.

The Wynn does not usually disappoint, but when we got there they put us in a room that stunk like mildew. It was 11 pm and were weren’t really in the mood for the stank. They immediately booked us into another room on the 19th floor with a great view of the golf course, the pool, and the roof. I love a good roof view.

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I am always the person who changes rooms. I usually have to do it at least once. High maintenance, I know. It took forever to make the room switch and we ended up laying around in the hallway for about an hour. I walked on my hands to pass the time. You think I’m kidding, but I’m not.

The thing that surprised me most on this trip was that Erika actually got up at 6:00 a.m. to work out with me.

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No kidding – in years past she has slept until 10 or 11 a.m. everyday. She HATES morning. HATES getting up. She told me to wake her up to run, so I jumped on her and gave her my best Shut up and Run, You Pussy speech. It worked. Shaming is a wonderful thing.

We got to the fitness center, she looked at the treadmills and said, “What are those?” WTF? You can tell she’s kind of confused. I am proud of this girl. She is training for her first half marathon at the Denver Rock and Roll in September.

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A lot of hotels in Vegas will now add on a mandatory “Resort Fee.” This covers access to the fitness center, WiFi and printing of your boarding passes. It’s $25/day. Kind of pricey, but if you use it, it’s worth it.

After our runs we would hit up the Café for some amazing pastries. My favorite was the almond croissant on the right with the powdered sugar (and for those of you who told me I was too skinny and needed to eat, ask Erika how much I eat in a given day, then shut up and mind your own business):

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We spent all day and I mean ALL day at the pool. Like from 8 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. It’s a full time job that you aren’t paid for.

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It was 108 degrees, so you either had to be in the pool or in the shade. We spent the majority of our time on the blackjack tables because they have some right by the pool. That night we hit up the Hardrock and I won a bunch of money (about $400). I fell in love with this dress Britney Spears wore in 2008. I tried to buy it with my winnings, but was shy $100,000.

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We at some late night sushi at the famous Nobu. Not cheap, but outstanding.

I am always in a hurry, but Erika is a “stop and smell the tulips” girl and I love that about her.

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By the time I got home yesterday I was delirious. For some reason my body doesn’t function well on 3 hours of sleep a night and a diet of second hand smoke and Absolut Citron. I needed a detox. I got it this morning when Ken made my ride up to Jamestown, which is 2,200 feet of climbing and an almost 40 mile round trip. Good thing vodka doesn’t smell coming out of your pores.

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What’s your favorite airline to fly? I have always loved Frontier, but lately I don’t think their service or prices are as good.

Do you workout on vacation? Do you use the fitness center or run outside? I am an outside girl. It was so hot so we did one morning at the gym, then ran the Strip early one morning. The prostitutes cheered us on.

What’s the next trip you have planned? We are headed to Florida in a couple of weeks to see my in-laws, and are going to Universal Orlando. Anyone been there?

SUAR

48 comments:

  1. We just got back from visiting family on the East Coast. Gotta LOVE SOUTHWEST. Upon landing (A VERY HARD) landing, the flight attendant came onto the speakers and said, "Welcome to Chicago. Please keep your seat belts fastened as we taxi what is left of the airplane back to the gate." :)

    While on vacation, I used both a treadmill and I used a high school track for some speed work. Not a fan of running outside in strange places where I don't know where in the world I'm going!

    Not sure where we will go next...been traveling alot (Florida this past April, Branson, MO this past May and Rhode Island/Mass this past week). I think I'm good for awhile.

    Melanie C

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  2. Love "the prostitutes cheered us on."

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    Replies
    1. Hahaha, yeah that was my favorite part. Great story!

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  3. I've never flown Southwest, I don't think they actually fly out of Canada. As for Canadian airlines, I love West Jet. Their flight attendants are always entertaining as are their pilots. For a nervous flyer like myself, it makes a world of difference.
    I always workout on vacation. I'll make an effort to get up at the butt crack of dawn to go running if we're somewhere hot and I usually will use the fitness centre as well to get a weight workout in. Gotta do something to work off the previous days blender drinks.

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    1. I am such a nervous flier too, and for some reason when everyone is nice and has a sense of humor it puts me at ease!

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  4. Almost forgot..the next trip I have planned is to NYC to run the marathon. Woot!

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  5. I did your same trip last summer! Wynn towers, strip and fitness center runs early morn, pool by day, la reve was the best show ever! You brought back many memories. You looked better in the bathing suit though;)

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  6. I'm a big fan of Westjet. Lots of fun, sort of like a Southwest only better, I'm told by people that have done both.

    I've run on vacation, and played in the water a bit but it wasn't fitness swimming. That is run outdoors. I'm like your buddy, wondering why treadmills sell. There are much less expensive and more efficient laundry racks available.

    Next scheduled trip is to Bermuda, though we might sneak in a Nova Scotia trip later this year.

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  7. Oh, and is it pervy to say you are for sure not too skinny? You look great!

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    1. Thanks Keith, appreciate the support.

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    2. As a mother of a child who just eats non-stop and never seems to gain one lb., I am not a fan of the word SKINNY! I prefer lean or slim. It's terrible that other kids tease him because he is on the lankier side. His lean DNA didn't come from me, rather my father, who at 6'4" was 175 lbs., eating all the time to gain weight. You are definitely among the lucky ones.
      As for flying, SW is great. We flew to Florida last year, and the attendant was going through the checklist of emergency precautions - he said - "if the cabin experiences a sudden loss of cabin pressure, your oxygen mask will drop down." and explained how to put it on. He further said, "if you're traveling with small children, put your mask on first and then your child's mask. If you're traveling with more than one child, pick the child with more potential to help first."
      We were horrified and laughing at the same time! They always make it interesting.
      -Amy P., Phila broad street runner who wore the SUAR shirt!

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  8. My next trip is back east to see the family and my sister return to live in the US from Europe! Can't wait! I ran the strip back in late April. No one was out but Elvis did say hello!

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  9. I went to Universal Orlando right after the Wizarding World of Harry Potter opened. It was awesome.

    I've never, ever chosen to run on a hotel treadmill and always head outside. I love checking out new towns early in the morning. However, we're going on a cruise tomorrow, and I'm guessing I'll use the treadmills. I think the circle track for four miles would get more boring than the treadmill!

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  10. Ah! You should Youtube Southwest videos - they actually make it a priority to be as funny as possible on there safety speeches. There are some gems.

    Considering I travel so much for work - I hate all airlines!

    Sounds like a blast - maybe Brit Brit should read this and send it to you for your 11th year trip to Vegas! The nice rooms in Vegas are divine - they cuddle you in coziness!

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  11. Always Southwest, never Delta. Never. Unfortunately my company uses Delta, so I'm stuck with their poor service and complete disorganization at least once a year.

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  12. I don't have a favorite airline ... it used to actually be United for a while back years ago when they were some of the first putting in more cushy features like tv screens in the seat in front of you stuff, but now all these airlines are all so troubled with money. Flying has turned into a peeve for everyone. There is no more fluff anymore :-( Unless maybe you pay a million dollars for first class. And I miss peanuts, but hey, I understand the whole allergy thing. It's just that pretzels are so dry on top of being in a dry airplane. Perhaps they need to offer out gummies? ;-) I'm flying Air Canada soon (seriously, out of the Midwest they were one of the best deals?!?!) ... first time ever with them so we'll see what happens.

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    1. That was the other thing - SW actually gave out peanuts. Haven't had those on a flight in forever.

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    2. Air Canada!!!??? Gawd. I feel for you, I really do. Prepare for the worst.

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  13. I love flying with British Airways. :) My next trip will be to Vancouver. Should be tons of fun.

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  14. Congratulations on the winnings. It's nice to go on a trip and win some fun money!

    My next trip is in 2 days, going to Portland to run the Sauvie Island Marathon on July 4th. Can't wait!

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  15. We almost always fly Southwest. My favorite safety speech: If you are flying with a small child, secure their oxygen mask first. If you are flying with more than one small child, decide who you love more now.

    I went to Universal in Orlando YEARS ago (about 8) and it was different, then, I think. I can't wait to go back and see the Wizarding World (because now I'm a Harry Potter dork, I read them with my son and am so glad I waited until he was old enough).

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  16. I LOVE your posts! You put such a bright spot in the day!

    I don't have a favorite airline but pretty much dislike them all. I'm tired of the nickle-and-diming and hurry-up-and-wait scene. For me, flying is a means to an end. Having said that, my next trip is to Missoula, MT to visit family for a few weeks. I'll miss the Missoula Marathon this year but there will be plenty of opportunities to get some trail miles in!

    And, yes, I do work out or get my training runs while on vacation ~ so far...

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  17. Glad to hear u had a nice trip..and won some nice dough! U look great btw!

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  18. I am jealous of your road riding routes! I bet all the fires in the area helped you get acclimated from smokey bar air to "fresher" CO wildfire air :)

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  19. So awesome you two had a great time :) I loved meeting Erika back in December...she is so nice and fun!

    Back when we used to do a lot of traveling, I really liked British Midland. Now it seems everyone is cranky no matter who you're flying...but maybe I get that "special" treatment because I travel with a horde of small children.

    Next trip for me...Seattle in the end of August. I think I'm flying Alaskan. No kids with me, though, so maybe they'll be nice to me!

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  20. Nobu....love love, I bet your winnings barely covered it, especially if you were drinking martini's. Love running the strip, early morning! You girls do it right, I agree all the way with savin up!

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  21. oh GIRL I love this post.
    and that dress.
    We both need to procure us one :)

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  22. I flew Southwest a couple of weeks back and got the comedy routine as well -- must be a part of their summer series -- ha. But it was entertaining.

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  23. Southwest. Or JetBlue. And now I want to stay at the Wynn for the pastries. And the poolside table games! And of course, no kids.

    The Kidless Kronicles

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  24. Jet Blue all the way. Free first bag, full size snacks, a variety of snacks that they let the passenger choose, full size dinrks, free DirectTV and on long flights movies, each seat has it's own screen. Great staff. If I could fly them everywhere I would.

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  25. Was Erica at the RnR LV? Did I meet her? She looks familiar.

    Glad you had a great time. So the Britney dress is $100,400? Damn that is expensive and does it come with a manual on how to get out of a car with your crotch showing?

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  26. I always run on vacation, and people always think I am stupid for doing so. It's a great way to see a new city. For ne, being from Vegas I love to get up and run it is always an adventure! One time, a pimp tried to pick me up ( not realizing I was way past my ho time) Another time, I was chased by a crazy woman. She looked just like a prostitute that used to come to jail here in Denver. I thought she came back to life to kill me. I ran my ass off and had a story to tell!

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  27. I love, love, love Hawaiian Airlines, but Southwest is up there too.

    If I am on a training plan at the time I take a trip, I always try to figure out a way to make it work. I scour the area hotels to find the one with the best fitness center (hopefully included in the rate) and/or pool. Since I usually travel alone, I don't run outside in strange cities.

    Going to Vegas, Utah and Nashville on an upcoming trip, in mid-training-cycle for the Maui Half Marathon in September, so definitely have some mileage to put in during those two weeks!

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  28. I live and Florida but I haven't been to Universal in a few years. I won't go anywhere near a theme park until late fall, when you don't get swass just by standing in line for hours on end.

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  29. We are in Orlando for the summer and it is seemingly peak tourist season! We are doing Universal (for the third time) in a week or so ... so I'll hit you up with the latest "MUST KNOW" tidbits :) promise!

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  30. LOVE the Southwest attendants. One flight we were taxiing FOREVER before takeoff and the gal got on and said "Now you know how we can offer such affordable fares - we drive you halfway there."

    Another time they were doing the safety thing, explaining about the seat covers/flotation devices and said something like "In the unlikely event of a water landing,{insert official explanation here} and kick, paddle, paddle; kick, paddle paddle."

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  31. I was just in Vegas this May on a weekend I had to do a long run of 10 miles, never thought I would actually do it, especially staying up so late. I found a route online that started at the MGM Grand where I was staying and went all the way around the airport. I had to do it though because had a race coming up. But I actually kinda enjoyed the new experience! The next day I did 5 in the hotel gym (very small compared to the size of the MGM, apparently not a priority for the folks who stay there).

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  32. I am late to comment, as usual. My favorite Southwest story: One time on a very bumpy flight, the attendants could not get out of their seats to serve drinks. Instead, one of them announced that the drink service would be coming through the aisles in a few seconds and to help yourself. They they pushed a case of pop down the aisle.

    I don't know if it is true or not, but whenever i think about it, it cracks me up!

    I love southwest. As a 6 footer, I can ALWAYS get an exit row seat if I get my boarding pass early. The attendants stand in the exit rows and most folks don't realize that those seats are up for grabs like any other seat, so they hesitate to sit there....I just barge my way into the row and take my spot....Ahhhhhh. :)

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