First Wishful Wednesday!

The first Wishful Wednesday is:

'I wish' .... I could go back in time and change one decision I made, 

and it would be ____!

Remember:
1.  Copy the lovely Wishful Wednesday button and attach it to the top of your post.

 (my husband helped me delete the white background by putting it in a .png file, 

let me know if anyone has problems.)

2.  If you want to post a link under the comment section of my blog, feel free to, 

so others can see your idea and hop on over to your blog!

3.  Link it back to my blog if you'd like.

4.  Lastly, be creative with your ideas :)

**I am going to post mine early to be the guinea pig

'I wish' .... I could go back in time and change one decision I made, and it would be dating one particular fellow.  I was such a good kid growing up, got straight A's, involved in extracurricular activities, but pretty rebellious when it came to my teenage years with my family.  I of course talked back to my mother, a lot, and had a slightly strained relationship with my parents.  We all go through it at some point, right?  But, I took it to another level by dating a guy that I knew my parents didn't approve of.  He was older, way older than any guy I should have been dating in high school and college, and I definitely regret it more times than not.  There were good times and a lot of bad, but I feel remorseful for putting my family through it all for a little over three years!  They were worried about their baby girl making wrong decisions, and my dad emphasized the Law of Unintended Consequences.  My parents prayed and prayed and prayed that I would come out of this time, and I believe in an amazing God that hit me over the head at one point and said, "What are you doing!"  (That's my take on it at least by all the things that fell into my lap). There was a domino affect within my extended family, and I will never be able to explain it all or make up for it.  I am a stubborn person who likes to figure out things the hard way, and boy did I ever!  It took tough love for me to rise to the occasion and step up, but I am thankful for trials and tribulations like these.  That is hard to admit though.

As I have gotten older, and have WAY more to learn, I have realized that nothing matters more than family.  They are the only ones that will be there during the glory days, but most importantly when you fall, they are there to pick you up.  The support from my husband and family is all I care about at the end of the day ....

Although, I am the person I am today because of all this.  I am independent, hard working, and willing to take any task under my belt.  I am not scared of the things to come, but more importantly, I am taking them as God puts them in front of me.

So, would I change my decision to date this fellow, yes, because it would have saved me A LOT of heart ache!!

Wishful Wednesday at The Seattle Smith's

I get to pawn this off on the rest of you to really make this fun ....

Wishful Wednesday is supposed to be something to get us through those lovely hump days.  It may be a wish, a hope, a dream, or an aspiration -- some topics may be fun and playful and others more insightful -- but most importantly, it will give us an opportunity to get to know our fellow bloggers a little bit better, and see what makes each of us tick...

The plan is for me to post an 'I wish ...' theme every Monday evening for you fabulous ladies to post the following Wednesday.  I am a west coast girl and often blog in the evenings right before bed, so this will give you east coast girls time to get those juices flowing and be able to post sometime throughout the glorious hump day that we like to call Wednesday.

SO, what to do .....

1.  Copy the newly designed Wishful Wednesday button and 

attach it to the top of your post.

2.  If you want to post a link under the comment section of my blog, feel free to, so others can see your idea and hop on over to your blog!

3.  Link it back to my blog if you'd like.

4.  Lastly, be creative with your ideas :)

**Also, if you think of a fun themes or ideas, 

please email me and I will give you all the credit!

 Previous posts include:

Aug 2009

'I wish' .... Decision

Sept 2009

'I wish' .... Home

'I wish' .... TV Star

'I wish' .... Job

'I wish' .... Pet

Oct 2009
'I wish' .... Trait
'I wish' .... Talent
'I wish' ....Vaca
'I wish' .... Costume

Nov 2009
'I wish' .... Re-live 
'I wish' .... Chore
'I wish' .... Movie Genre  


Dec 2009
'I wish' .... Holiday Tradition
'I wish' ....Santa

Jan 2010
'I wish' ....Hair
'I wish' ....Entrepreneur
'I wish' ....Gown
'I wish' ....3 Min

Feb 2010
'I wish' ....Grammy Spotlight
'I wish' .... Novel Character's Role

Mar 2010
'I wish' ....Olympics
'I wish' ....Wedding Gown
'I wish' ....Lottery Winnings
'I wish' ....Handbag
'I wish' ....Easter Memory

Apr 2010
'I wish' ....Diet
'I wish' ....Charity
'I wish' ....Glee
'I wish' ....Youth Job

Look forward to you playing along!!

It's about time!

I am proud to say my husband and my relationship is built on a foundation of Christ!   

We  have tried many different churches after moving to Seattle ....  

We loved one church, but were a little thrown off by their belief of speaking in tongues.  We were involved with another church for about a year and volunteered as small group leaders for the junior high.  After a lot of thought, we felt led to another really small church (about 300) that we have been attending for the last year and a half, were part of a young married group, and unfortunately recently haven't felt spiritually challenged.

So, we tried this new church (about 4,000), and I couldn't be happier with the end result.

It reminds me so much of my church back home, 

and I was in awe from the second I walked in the sanctuary.

I was in tears ... both weeks during worship and felt the inspiration 

and the Lord calling this as our church home.  

I was ready to place membership immediately, 

but we are going to check things out a little more first.

We are getting involved in Groups, which change quarterly,

and it will be a great way for us to jump head first and get plugged in. 

This is what we have been missing out on!

I am really excited to embark on this new adventure at Eastlake Community Church,

and I just wish that it didn't take us three years to find.

Secret Shopping Sunday: Random Right?

I got a large handful of inquiries about secret shopping, and it makes me so happy!  

- A few people wondered how I got into secret shopping .... 

- Others wondered what companies are good ones to start out with .... 

- A few others wondered how much you get paid on majority of the shops ....

First off, I got hooked on secret shopping after my sister-in-law mentioned she had started doing it after a friend shared it with her.  We use to compete to see who could make more money each month (we view it as free money and add it to savings each month).  I love a good bargain and especially free food, who doesn't?!?  But, I instantly thought back to the good old days of my mom taking us to Captain D's and Shoney's because she was a secret shopper for these companies.  I remember vividly being so excited to go on these shops because we got to order cokes and dessert too (we didn't get to do that much since my dad is a financial planner ... I learned real quick, that money could have been used more wisely)!  Plus, it was a game for my brother and me to evaluate the servers!  Anyways, it is right up my alley, and I jumped head first instantly.

Secondly, what companies are good ones to start with?  Well, to be honest, it is different for every city.  My mom and sister-in-law do secret shopping in Dallas, and their favorite companies are completely opposite than mine.  So, I think the best thing to do is to apply for a handful of companies, and if they are not offering shops you are interested in, then start applying for others.  Also, a few companies may not be continuing to hire companies for shops since the economy is in the situation it is in, but I have not noticed too much of a difference in job opportunities.  If you live in Seattle, let me know and I would be happy to share with you my favorites.

Lastly, jobs can completely vary depending on the company and shop.  I did a shop yesterday at Check Masters.  I have never stepped foot in a facility like this, although I do realize people do, and it was an adventure for me.  I was suppose to inquire about payday loans and see what information the representative shared with me.  I was in the shop for a total of 4 minutes and was paid $20.  I did have to drive to the location, spend less than five minutes there, and an additional 5-8 minutes to enter the shop online.  So, it was absolutely worth it to me.  Although, you learn real quick which companies require a lot of additional time to enter shop information and others that only need minimal information.  I limit myself to 20 minutes for entering information online, and anything longer than that is not worth my time.  FYI  - Most shops require you to enter the results within 24 hours of completing the shop.

Hope this helps!  Feel free to email me with any other questions.

CamelBak Better Bottle

(See more colors here)

This is my little friend the CamelBak "Better Bottle" from REI,

and I carry it with me everywhere!  

Gabe and I were just sitting down to eat dinner, and he commented on me drinking out of this at the dinner table.  It's true, I drink out of it at all hours of the day.  

For example, this morning, I crammed as much ice as it would hold, and then added water to it to take with me to Crossfit.  It is so well insulated that the ice survives majority of the day, so I just have to add water to it and it is automatically extremely cold.  Later today, Gabe and I went out to the pool to read, and I of course brought my handy "Better Bottle!"  Then, after drinking from it pretty much all day, here I am on the couch blogging about how great this bottle is :)

It's oddly makes me want to drink much MORE water.  Seattle's water is so fresh and clean that I very rarely drink bottled water.  The $14 Gabe spent for hiking and camping has gone way further with me using it daily!  (He got it for himself before I pretty much stole it ...)

Don't ya love the small things in life!

Love my Thursdays

As much as I love spending the evenings with my husband ...

( especially after a long workday)

I do LOVE my Thursday nights to myself!

Gabe runs a basketball league at LA Fitness and ends up spending pretty much the entire evening at the gym for the league.  I don't know how he does it ... working 60 hour weeks and then a night at the gym filled with four hours of playing a game and reffing the rest plus working out the days in between.  He is one of the hardest working people I know, along with my Daddy of course, and I am so proud of him providing for our Smith family.  

I got a taste of his work schedule this week since I took him to/from work multiple days so he didn't have to fight traffic.  This allows us to drive in the HOV lane and fly by the standstill traffic, which also means me waking up at 6am.  That is early for me considering I need at least eight hours of sleep each night, sometimes more!  But it is worth it for me so he can sleep in a little longer and/or get home quicker in the evenings after I finish Crossfit.  

Four straight days of Crossfit and my poor little calluses on my hands are ripping.  Supposedly, I am suppose to shave them, but too nervous to do so.  Anyways ... that's probably too much information!!  Also, I am sooooo close to doing a pull-up on my own.  I started out on the thickest resistance band to help guide you with the kipping motion to make a pull-up easier.  Then, as you get stronger, you move to a smaller band making the pull-up more difficult.  I have moved down three bands, and on the smallest one before doing them on my own.  SO excited.  Something probably no one strives for, but me!!

Thankfully, this week has just flown by.  Don't get me wrong, I am so ready for tomorrow evening, but it has been go-go-go.  Another update, Gabe's cousin moved in with us this past weekend after moving to Seattle from Nashville.  We have plenty of room in our townhouse until he finds an apartment here, but it has taken some adjusting to considering it has been just the two of us for so long.  We have one TV, and we all like different shows.  We are all good sports about it, but the guys just laughed after seeing Project Runway, Rachel Zoe Project, Real Housewives, and Flipping Out on the Tivo!  Hey, I need something to watch on my relaxing Thursday evening by myself, right?

I just wanted to thank a few blogging ladies that I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know!!

Christa @ According to Christa was super sweet to share the wealth of her gazillion awards :)

                                                              

and Katie @ The Mathis' passed this one along to me!  So fun!

(I was suppose to list 10 facts, but I just did that a couple days ago, so am going to be a bad blogger and hold off!!)

Thursdays are my night, and I am so thankful for them!

It allows me to get caught up on all of my favorite blogs, relax, 

and get some things done around the house.

Have a good night ;)

Wishful Wednesday

Stay tuned next week!!

Poor Harley

You probably can't see her, but my furry angel is miserably in the middle!!

Everyday we walk outside for the purpose of Harley doing "her job."

It is so difficult for my little angel to get anything done ...

being swarmed by the entire neighborhood of kids!

They don't quite understand that the drastic and sudden movements scare my 5 lb. angel!

But, they do acknowledge she is shivering and shaking, but not enough to stop attacking her!

If only, they would stop knocking on my front door to see if Harley can play .... lol
True story!

HAPPY MONDAY!

Secret Shopping Sunday: List of Companies

Secret Shopping Sunday

I have gotten some great inquiries about secret shopping, so I thought I would give ya'll a little more information on how you can get started today!

Here is a fantastic website with more companies

than you will ever want to be involved with for secret shopping.

http://www.mymommybiz.com/mystery/companyindex.html

The way the system works ... is you apply for a company and then they will email you with opportunities in your area. Some might be next week, some might be next year, or they may not even have jobs in your area and you will never hear back from them. That is why I sat down one afternoon and applied for a handful of companies, then the next evening I had a chance while we were watching TV I would do that same, etc. It takes a little bit of time to enter in your information, but I use Google Chrome which saves a lot of the information for you. These websites will ask for your personal information, but as long as they have the MSPA logo (shown below) then you will be just fine for security purposes. The last thing you want is to be applying for a fraudulent company.

I also recommend using the same login and password if possible because it can get really confusing after being involved with so many companies. That is the other thing I like about Google Chrome because it saves your login and password on your computer so you just have to click on the website from your favorites and wha-la!

Once you apply for the company, they will send you a confirmation email that you have been accepted. That is when you can login and search using your zip code to locate current shops in your area. They will also email new posted shops to you as they come out. I luckily have a job that allows me to travel all over the city, so I often pass by a lot of these places throughout my day. I would re-evaluate a lot of the shops otherwise.

If anyone has questions, please don't hesitate to ask. Hopefully, some of you can get hooked on secret shopping and share your interesting experiences. Remember, you aren't going to get rich doing it ... Sometimes a shop will pay reimbursement for a meal and then possibly $5 or $10 in addition to compensate for the paperwork. Other times, you will be able to get free items like I showed here.

Lovely blogging ladies :)

One of my favorite blogging friends, Heather, tagged me with this fabulous award!

If you don't read her blog already, you have to add it to your list!

The two rules:

1. List 5 obsessions.

2. Pass this on to 5 people.

My current obsessions:

1. Paul Mitchell Extra Body Sculpting Mousse -- if you have fine hair, (I have always said thin, buy my hair lady said it's "fine".... ) then try this because it does wonders for me! Adds a little umph!

2. Homemade turkey quesadilla or panini -- I make this at least 4x a week for dinner in a skillet and it never gets old. Plus, it is super healthy with a wheat tortilla, pepperjack cheese, deli peppered turkey sliced really thin, and lots of pepper! I may post about this soon .... so yummy!

3. Crossfit -- I love my addicting workout regimen! It's the best and definitely a weird feeling if I am not sore somewhere! My dear friend is getting married in TWO weeks, so I am counting on CF to look my best in my little black dress! Tahoe, here we come!

4. Blogging -- I started blogging a couple times a week when I first started this thing, and now blogging a little/way more often. I have met so many people that I know I would be friends with if we lived in the same city. My husband randomly told me he may want to guest post for me soon .... Love that!!

5. House looking -- We have been waiting for the right time to buy a place in Seattle, and now are especially looking forward to buying a home within the next six months or so. We are looking for a crazy good deal since we don't need a place instantly, and we are so blessed to be able to keep adding to our house down payment fund. I am looking for a unique home that isn't cookie cutter, has already been flipped with new appliances, and a good size backyard for my furry children.

I tag these fabulous ladies:

Nicole-Lynn at Seaside Smitten

Pocket full of Pink

Nicole at La Mita Vita

The Pink Tutu

Mrs. Guru at Off the Beaten Path

Then, I got this fun lovely blog award from SassyCassie! The great thing about this blog is to recognize 15 lovely ladies!

1. Lily at Lilies and Grapes

2. Trina at Fabulously Frugalicious

3. Smile Steady

4. Heather at Step Inside

5. Kristin at Contented Me

6. Jax at The Roaring Twenties

7. Carol at Simply Smithwick

8. Megan at Tales of the Trees

9. Carol at Everyday Delights

10. Tracy at Tracy Gril

11. Kelly at Just a Girl in a City

12. Rani at La Mita Bella Vita

13. Sarah at Classy and Fabulous

14. Brittney at Running in High Heels

15. A NYC Housewife in Training

Hope everyone has a good rest of the weekend. We went and saw the new Quentin Tarantino movie this afternoon, and it was really good! Definitely recommend it, but make sure you have three hours since it's on the longer side.

Wishful Wednesday?!

We may have to play this game more often with a different weekly "I wish" theme!

What do you think about .....

"Wishful Wednesday"??

Maybe a fun little button/logo to go with it?

Anyone want to spice one up that is a graphic designer or handy with Photoshop?

I loved reading all your comments on what local celeb you would be for the day, but most of all it was fun reading them in my hotel bed at the end of a long long day. I couldn't agree with ya'll more and funny how there was a common theme among favorite celebrities.

By the way, I am so far behind on all of your posts, Google Reader is in slow motion and not really cooperating, so I will catch up and comment asap!

Also, **Let me know what you think and if you would play along!

Today, I wish I was ....

photo found here

I love Renee Zellweger (and possibly might want to be her -- don't tell!)

Maybe a little too thin in this photo, but so classy!

I love her dress, nude heels, and gorgeous orange handbag.

She has come a long way since Bridget Jones Diary in 2001.

What famous person would you want to be and why?

I will leave you with the Food Lovers

I am going to be MIA for the next couple days since I will be trapped in meetings all day downtown, but what better place than to be at the Edgewater Hotel.

If you are visiting the city and want to stay at a Seattle landmark, then this is the place! It is a mix of pacific northwest lodge and rustic feel with a mix of contemporary .... just minutes away from Pike's Market, Pioneer Square, Jimmy Hendrix Experience Music Project, Space Needle, Sympony Hall, Seahawks Stadium, Safeco Field (Mariners), Seattle Center, and more! It is truly a waterfront retreat and the only hotel on the Pier.

Who wouldn't want to stay where the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and the Rolling Stones stayed :)

The view off the balcany

I LOVE MY CITY!!!

My dear friends just started a blog .... Hop on over to check it out at Emi and Kyle Heart Food! They truly are an amazing couple who live for food and am so excited for them to join the blogging world. Show them some love with a few comments here and there!

Secret Shopping Sunday: What not to do

Secret Shopping Sunday -- (a day late)

After getting back in town from Vegas and working off of no sleep .... my brain was pretty much in la-la-land. I signed up for this secret shop at Arbys, which I have previously done at least six times before. I didn't re-read the instructions since I felt like I was familiar enough with the job and had to run out the door to make it to dine within the time frame given. I invited Gabe along to do it with me since I had to purchase two combo meals, AND, I don't eat two meals!

The requirements were to order a regular combo meal inside the restaurant, then order a regular combo meal in the drive thru, and pay with cash. The point of this shop was to determine how long it took from the time you paid for your meal to receive your meal in full as well as the quality/temperature of the product.

Piece of cake.

I walk up to the counter with Gabe and say, "I would like a #1 please." She asks, "Would you like that small, medium, or large." I freeze. She confused me since I am suppose to order a regular combo meal, but does that translate into small or medium?!?! I awkwardly pause so I can try to think back to the paperwork. It doesn't come to me quick enough, so I say medium. Then, I watch her grab the larger cup and immediately realize that I should have ordered small. Dangit. It was too late, and I didn't want to change my order since she had already given me my total. I just go with it though. I then hand her my credit card (since I always pay with credit card) and she asks if I want a receipt. I love when they give me a receipt so I don't have to ask for one. I say yes. Then, it hits me. I had to pay with cash. I even remember looking in my wallet to check to make sure I had enough cash since this is one of the few jobs where you are required to pay with cash. Ahhh are you kidding me?? I walk away in panic mode asking Gabe what to do. I asked him to ask the lady if he could refund my card so I could pay with cash instead. He said, "no way, you messed it up, you do it." Thanks Gabe!! So, I have nothing to lose, right?

I RE-walk up to the counter, after being gone just a few seconds, and oddly ask her if she would be able to credit my card back since I didn't mean to pay with that card and wanted to use cash. She happily said, "that will be no problem, I can easily void it." I create small talk to make it more casual. Whew. She was able to void it. Thank goodness. Then, as she is re-ringing me up on the register, I am thinking to myself ... how do I get a receipt without making this situation more uncomfortable!! Of course, she doesn't give me a receipt, so I have to ask for one. Awkward. What person would need a receipt for a $5 purchase at Arby's?

I was kicking myself after this secret shop wishing I hadn't been functioning on no sleep. I made Gabe eat as fast as possible to get out of dodge! Well, once I got home, I realized that I did not even have to upload the receipt for this job. I am suppose to keep it on file until I receive payment, so it's best that I have the itemized receipt, but I stressed out and didn't even have to show proof!

***It is so important to read the guidelines, re-read the guidelines, and even have your guest read the guidelines to make sure you are fully aware of the scenario, requirements, etc.

***Most companies will not reimburse you if you shop outside of the hours listed, if you do not pay with method of payment listed, or if you order wrong/additional items.

Double the Fun

Sunday was filled with two showers of two very special friends!

who doesn't love showers --

the food, sparkling juice, treats, sundresses, and the list goes on and on.

The first party was a baby shower for Cassy. Her and her husband are very good friends of ours, and Drew was actually the VERY first person my husband met here in Seattle. We have been friends ever since. They have an amazing story after being blessed with Addison after going through in vitro, then went through another set of in vitro for the second baby, .... and lastly was then blessed even more with baby #2 naturally. I believe that's a true miracle if you ask me!

A group of us

Jamie, Heather, Cassy, me, Laura, and Sheena

The Momma-to-be

I hope I am as cute as her pregnant :)

more girls ...

I think Addison looks like she could be my daughter :)

Can't wait to have a little angel of my own!

Then, I jetted straight to Becca's Bridal shower! I feel like I have known these girls forever even though it has just been a couple years. We played Fiance Fued to see who knew Becca and Lowell the best, and I was able to get a handful right. I guessed her future boy baby's name, Oliver, which she hadn't told anyone. Pretty impressive if you ask me!!!!

Emi, Marissa, Becca, Ashley, Amy, Mollie, me

I cannot wait to be part of your special day Beeks -- you are going to be a stunning bride!

Isn't this tree cute with little serving utensils hanging from it.

Emi, of course, comes up with the most creative presents!

Movie Marathon

Last night, Gabe really really wanted to see District 9 after reading all the reviews, but didn't tell me anything about it. He knows I am not a huge Sci-Fi fan, I despise scary suspense movies, and I am quite jumpy in the theatre. I am one of those people that feels like I am actually in the scene and don't do well with thrillers. After watching previews for incredibly disturbing and scary movies (which normally resemble the type of film that is about to start) ... I sternly told Gabe, "I am leaving if this is a horror film!" All in all, it was a pretty good, but maybe I would have loved it a little more if Sci-Fi was up my alley. It received a 88% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is a great website to read reviews. We rarely see a movie in the theatre or watch one at the house without looking to see what kind of score it's gotten.

The online consensus: Technically brilliant and emotionally wrenching, District 9 has action, imagination, and all the elements of a thoroughly entertaining science-fiction class.

THEN, we decided to see a double movie while we were at the theatre and saw The Ugly Truth. I hadn't heard much about this movie, but thought it would be fun to end with a chick flick so I wouldn't dream all night about aliens! Let's just say, there was one really funny scene, a few laughs here and there, but other than that it was pretty rough acting on Katherine Heigl's part and probably one to wait and see on DVD instead of the theatre. Gabe was a good sport, but I bet he will be in charge of picking the next movie we pay $10 per person for! After we came home, we pulled it up on Rotten Tomatoes, and it got a 15% ... out of 100! Oops :)

The online critic consensus: Despite the best efforts of Butler and Heigl, The Ugly Truth suffers from a weak script that relies on romantic comedy formula, with little charm or comedic payoff.

This evening, we watched State of Play. It received an 84% out of 100 on Rotten Tomatoes and was fantastic! With Russell Crowe, Ben Affleck, and Rachel McAdams - it's a must see.

The online consensus: a taut, well-acted political thriller that overcomes some unsubtle plot twists with an intelligent script and swift direction.

Any really good movies out there that I missed? I am looking forward to Time Traveler's Wife, and I still haven't seen The Proposal, which is suppose to be a cute movie.

We survived the heat - Vegas 09'

Gabe and I met my parents and brother and his wife for a few days in Vegas. We had such a great time eating tasty food, walking the strip together, and I even learned to gamble. I am really conservative and don't enjoy losing money, but I am so proud of myself for playing at the $5 blackjack table .... can't get better than having my Dad and husband as a teacher!

Here are a few (actually A LOT) from the trip. Sorry, too many to choose from.

Getting to our hotel - Paris - and dying from the serious heat. I am use to the evenings cooling off dramatically in Seattle, which did not happen in Vegas!

Day 1: Mom found the best breakfast place, La Salsa Cantina, for $3.99!!

The adventure began as we walked in and out of each hotel on the strip.

We stopped in for a treat at the M&M store

I look over to the guys getting into trouble .... and at least five people taking their picture!!

MGM Grand and the lions

I learned slots are actually fun depending on the machine.

My Grandmother wanted us to play the 25 cent slots, using 3 credits, and see if we could win big with her $20. After picking the perfect machines, we turned her money into $100 and had a blast.

105 was wayyyy too hot - gotta love the "Cool Zone" that had a mister built into the fan.

The Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden

We went to see the Cirque du Soleil show "Ka" - maybe I should be an acrobatist in my next life.

It was amazing, but "O" is hands down my favorite show.

Day 2: Mom and I shopping and looking over at the guys on their blackberrys :)

After playing craps and blackjack, we made our rounds and played roulette next.

We found this electronic version that was entertaining, but I have come to the conclusion that roulette is kind of lame.

After a day of staying in doors, we went out on the town for dinner and fun.

Dinner with the fam at Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

This place had delicious food and a cool atmosphere with loud music. Our only disappointment was them not playing 100% Buffet, which would have put Gabe in his "happy" place! I was looking forward to him proving he knows the lyrics to all 50 albums!

I have this same picture with Gabe when we were dating and went to the Jimmy Buffet's in Orlando!

at The Mirage watching the volcano show

Last evening together!

I was amazed by the people gambling their life savings away, and the willingness of others to share that they were $7,000 poorer. We were also entertained by the clumps of people stumbling into the hotel at 4am while we were waiting on our shuttle to the airport. I am definitely too old to function off of no sleep and still playing catch up from only two hours the night before. Vegas is a special place that's for sure!

It was so nice to get to spend time with my family since I don't get to see them as often living on the other side of the country. Thanks for such a pleasant trip together, lets do it again soon.

LOVE!