What was your Personal List for 2009?
At last year’s New Year dinner with my family, my mom handed out small scrapbooks to write in 10 things each of us wanted to accomplish in 2009. As you finish off a year of lists of top songs, movies, books, moments and of people who died and made accomplishments, my mom wanted us to make our own for the year to come. I did not write down 10 deciding 5 was more reasonable for myself. My list for 2009 was as follows…
1. Go to Peru and climb Manchu Picchu (Accomplished and much rewarded)
2. Start Law School (After a discussion and understanding I have no desire to practice law, but possibly use it in two areas of career/life advancement. I decided the word “possibly” was not a strong enough push to spend over 100k on schooling quite yet. Not accomplished, but explored.)
3. Be closer to the Mr. (Accomplished as I am in Vegas.)
4. Learn conversational Spanish. (The Mr. just found his Rosetta Stone. I guess I have 3 days left to finish this one!)
5. Get my daughters photo album caught-up. (Accomplished)
My mom went in asking us to put a variety of things from as little as desired to as big. Obviously, the photo album was the least difficult and simply task-orientated, but it was years in the putting off category with the complete turn over to digital photos. Most of the year, I thought I would end up crossing out number 3 to accomplish number 2 or simply because it was not in my story, but the unknown internal reason I wrote it down seemed to resonate. And, the only reason number 1 was accomplished was a 3AM credit card purchase of a few thousand dollars, in which I gave myself the “there is no turning back now” moment.
(Did you accomplish something major you set out to do in 2009?)
Though, putting something in writing isn’t as motivating as already paying for it in my book, seeing the words and/or pictures of something you’ve been mentally eyeing is a great push. I remember reading about an approach to weight loss years ago. The author suggested putting a “X” on your refrigerator just to remind you every time you go to it you have a goal for yourself don’t ruin it. This scrapbook approach is quite similar. As my family knows, I am notorious for telling people, “Either stop talking about it or change it because I don‘t want to hear about it.” (Yeah, I am not too sympathetic.)
Therefore, if you want something in 2010, go get it, write it down if needed, put it on your mirror, frig, dashboard, put it in your words and actions. Everything you have and don’t is because you decide to let it be or not because of your fearlessness or fears because of your laziness or productivity because of your believe in yourself or not…
Now what should my 2010 scrapbook resume read?
Holiday Week Review
My week... learned and ventured…
- I am 30 years to young and 100 lbs to skinny to get any laughter out of the comedy show at the Rivera.
- Hot Sake tastes decent, cold sake still tastes like stinky feet.
- I-apps can be awfully addicting.
- I should not drink a bottle of wine when meeting new individuals and playing games. Too competitive for new people to understand my intensity is real, but momentary.
- Did the Las Vegas Review Journal seriously have a graphic of the City Center's website and point out the links as a story? Even better question, the page before, did they seriously enlarge those crap-ass pictures taken on a iPhone of clubs? What is... "Why the printed newspaper will die, Alex."
- My first Christmas without my family revealed I am going to have to start making my own Holiday traditions.
- Inglorious Bastards gets two thumbs up and a few head turns due to gruesomeness.
- The Pigeons will not leave the roof. (As I hear them now lying in my bed.)
- Sometime within the last 2 ½ weeks, I gained 5 lbs. due to food or drinks or my lack of mobility. “Lose It” app was downloaded in order to find the culprit..
- One of the young girls in St. Elizabeth Seton’s chorus completely moved me and if she deems I believe could have a wonderful singing career.
- Sunday after Christmas is apparently a sledding Holiday in some cultures.
- I like things clean. Nothing new. Just reminding.
- Enough with the 30s in the morning!
- As the Mr. revealed half of winning Scrabble is picking the right tiles… otherwise he would have not been so victorious this week....
- Albert Einstein wrote an essay, “On Science and Religion.” excited to dive into this one.
- I survived a week straight 24/7 hanging out with the Mr. without killing each other. So proud.
Hope everyone had a Great Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanza!
Weekend Review: Avatar, Blind Side, and Delta
Avatar:
Avatar came out this weekend along with half the city to watch it. The story follows former Jarhead, Jake Sully, into a scientifically produced manifestation of himself into a native creature of the land Pandora, in order to relocate the natives’ home, allowing the humans to cultivate the land’s resources. The story presents the dichotomy in the interpretation of wealth between internal oneness of nature and material accumulation of goods. The story parallels obvious modern day connections while still being a movie for all ages. I sat in front of a 4 year old who quietly watched for almost 3 hours along with the numerous adults revealing the films mass appeal. Writer, producer, and director James Cameron waited years to pull off this 3D vision with much success. I would undoubtedly recommend taking a trip to the theater for this one!
Aliante: IMAX Theater (Nice Theater! Love that you don’t have to wait in line, but can pay for the tickets on a machine if you choose. FYI if the movie has just come out arrive early. We don’t need to be making negotiations for seats a minute before it starts!)
Blind Side:
Blind Side is a film based off a book by Michael Lewis about the football star Michael Oher’s journey from a kinless, poverty-stricken teenager to adopted, wealthy star college football recruit. The positive family-orientated story is appropriate for the all. Though, it gives a little bit of a after school special feel at times and ran a little long in a few spots, the story's validity made it quite appealing. Sandra Bullock does a great job as a no nonsense southern business woman, mother, and wife. And, Quinton Aaron’s character depiction of Oher is remarkably identical to a school mate of mine, whom you couldn’t help to love and simultaneously feel hope and sympathy towards. Nice feel good movie for all!
Santa Fe: No complaints
Delta:
Oh, flying a once enjoyable experience has become an American cultural standard for horrid customer service. My daughter took her first lone flight Saturday back to Iowa to spend her break with her father, his family, and some of mine. I arrived approximately an hour and a half early because we had to wait for special services in order to properly achieve the underage lone flier status. Some of this time was taken by finding a parking spot, understandable. However, the remainder of the time was spent in a non-moving line. As time crept closer to departure, I went to a random baggage agent, whom I was told couldn’t help me originally, to explain I had been waiting for an hour and needed to get on the flight. She looked doubtful I’d make it and with the words, “May be there is another flight…” I felt my dreaded need to change from happy me and began my ridiculously unneeded fight to get my daughter on the flight, which caused my already nervous daughter to become glossy-eyed.
I have spent a decent amount of time traveling in the last 2 years, in which I would say 2/3 of the time I have experienced no problems. Nonetheless, it is due to the fact I use self-check-in and NEVER check bags. Even if I leave the country, I find away to get it all on without a problem. Nonetheless, any moment I have found myself needing any assistance whatsoever it becomes a battle, unneeded battle. For most of the problems have to do with the airline's, not just Delta, lack of organization.
As my unneeded fight to get my daughter on the flight was underway, low and behold after the agent earlier told me this lady couldn’t help me, and after this lady began her response to my problem with, “my computer cannot do ticketing just bag check-ins,” she was handing me my security pass and my daughter her ticket. I don’t blame her in anyway for lying to me, for it has happened before, which is why I knew the fight was worthwhile. I am just sick of the kindergarten like procedures airlines have making every airport trip I come into to be filled with at least 4 separate irate customers up in arms. Bad business. Period. Nonetheless, my extra 100$ fee for one-way underage assistance got her there safe for that I can be thankful.
Weekend Review: Gardens, Mystere, and Rollerskating
Bellagio’s Botanical Gardens
The Mr., my daughter and I went to checkout Bellagio’s Winter Holiday display in Bellagio’s Botanical Gardens. Complete with a over sized Christmas Tree, Rocking Horse, Snowman, and Polar Bear the display was quite lovely. I have been to Bellagio’s Gardens many times throughout the years on vacation usually as a quick run through because my vacation purposes were directed toward other types of fun. Nonetheless, for some reason I remember the Botanical Gardens being larger with more to display. Therefore, if you live a ways out from the Strip, I would include this visit in with going to a show, out to eat, shopping, etc. because it only takes a 15-20 minutes at the most to appreciate it all. Additionally, I received my first taste of tourist annoyance. Obviously, the Botanical Gardens in Des Moines, IA is not filled with randoms from around the country and world. Therefore, there are not crowds of people all flashing cameras, people asking you to take a picture, and you trying to move so you don’t ruin one. The wonder and beauty gets lost in some of that hubbub. Pictures should be allowed the first 10 minutes every ½ hour… like that would happen.
Cirque du Soleil: Mystere
Sunday evening my daughter and I went to Cirque du Soleil: Mystere. The show provides mysticism with many acrobatic moves and some comic relief characters. Overall, I would recommend the show. I was quite impressed and amazed by the strength and physical endurance these characters must perform day in and day out. If I could make any recommendations to the show it would be to replace the baby acts with something else to tie it all together and “why the large snail?” My only true problem with the experience was the few individuals sitting around me. As the girl a seat down from us took off her shoes and began rubbing her bare feet all over the seat in front of her and the women behind us continued to use their cell phones 1. After the general pre-show warning to turn it off and 2. After an usher asked them to turn it off, I have come to see respect and class are dieing cultural traits. (Entitlement not only plagues the youth.) Nonetheless, my daughter was wide-eyed looking at all the Mystere. She thoroughly enjoyed her first Las Vegas show and a cup of Ben & Jerry’s afterward!
Crystal Palace Skating Center
My daughter, the Mr., and I all went to Crystal Palace at the request of the little one to either ice skate or roller skate. After the 40 degree temperatures finally disappearing, I opted for the roller. Crystal Palace was filled with birthday parties, kids, and families. They have the traditional quads, I personally love, and optional rollerblades to rent. The atmosphere was very family friendly and as all roller rinks should be kind of dingy. (There are all more or less warehouses.) The little lady is not the best skater or close, but loves to go for some reason. Therefore, she went around in circles the whole time getting better as the time progressed. The Mr. of course fell and called it quits complaining of ankle pain or ego pain either one. (Love you!) I actually learned how to rollerskate before I learned to walk due to my mom’s second job at a rink and the lack of a babysitter. However, I haven't skated much throughout my life. Much like riding a bike, I find myself a little wobbly after returning to it but get back into the rhythm soon after. However, the best part of this whole excursion was the people watching… really just some of the adults. There were a couple dancing skaters, a regular or two, and the creepy ex-70s porn roller man who all made it worth while!
Las Vegans Pass Me the Soysage
More than one individual has looked at me with confused eyes when I told them I was having a chicken patty or spaghetti and meatballs. For I am a vegan, and they seem to believe they’ve trapped me in some lie about my diet or I am delusional. The conversation always ends with them saying, “Why don’t you just give a name to meatless meat?”
Great point! Having a chickenless chicken patty is like having kool-aidless kool-aid. Hence, water. Having meatless bacon is like having a appleless apple in the form of a jolly rancher. It’s just not meat. So why are we in the necessity to call it so? Understandable we need to work the masses into understanding soy has the ability to transform into tasty chicken patties, but it’s time to name it.
We can look to Emerson, who asks us to be our own poet in describing the world through the emotion and truth we get from what we see and simply name it. Or we can do what we have done for years, accept the matrix of language and let someone else name it.
I would like to volunteer thoughts of names or to start a discussion on a collaborative agreement. Therefore, when our grandkids read through vegan history, which will probably never occur, they will find all the meatless meat was named by Las Vegans.
Garden Burger- Keeper.
Meatless Chicken- Chickless (Chickless Patties, Chickless Strips, Cajun marinated Chickless, ect.)
Meatless Beef- Mooless (Mooless Burger, Spaghetti and Moolessballs, Mooless stuffed Peppers, ect)
Meatless Bacon- Soycon (Could you pass me a piece of soycon?)
Meatless Sausage- Soysage (I tend to enjoy MorningStar Farms soysages the most.) Really like this one!
So, what are you thinking Las Vegans?
Where Are My Neighbors?
May be I am old school, but I liked it before the wondrous cell phone when people would literally just pop by to say, “Hi!” Every house I’ve lived in has been open to it’s neighbors. The occasional house within the development would have a privacy fence, but for the most part we could tend our gardens with or without conversation with a neighbor BBQ-ing, let the kids use backyards as walk ways or baseball fields, and play with anyone’s pets or toys if asked.
May be it is my particular neighbors, may be it is city vs. suburb (even though I believe where I am located is very suburban), may be it is the cultural lean toward individuality clouding community, or may be it is just the small plots with uninviting towering brick walls surrounding everyone’s house, but I haven’t met or even seen my neighbors yet. Not that I am in desperate need to gossip everyone’s business. I am actually quite private about my life and don’t get any enjoyment discussing others. Nonetheless, I like the wave as I pass in the grocery store.
And, to me a neighbor has the same stranger watching your purse/seat concept. If I leave to go to the bathroom without telling anyone and leave my purse if it is taken it will just be taken, but if I say to the person next to me as I always do, “Could you watch my purse as I go to the bathroom? And, if someone tries to steal it hold them so I can beat’em up when I return.” Always returned with smiles and agreement. A few times an odd reply has had me saying, “Oh, you know I’ll just take it, but can you hold my seat?” Nonetheless, not knowing my neighbors makes them feel no obligation to us, our safety, and our property. Likewise, I don’t even know if I’d even leave my purse with them or take it.
When my last neighbors moved next door, I brought them cookies and introduced myself. In return, they asked me over for a drink, BBQ, or yard games, said hi every time we passed, and waved when we ran into each other. Undoubtedly, they gossiped about me to their neighbor as I found out in conversation. However, I have an astounding lack of care when people talk about me. And it was harmlessly only about my lack of dating as they did not know my boyfriend was here at the time. I’ll take a little gossip for the comfort of a community feel.
On the other hand, I am reminded of one of the main reasons my parents moved from one of our homes to 35 acres of land/forest, in which they built a secluded house. Sometimes with possibly wealth, professional power, and/or community clout a little harmless gossip can turn into something not to associate yourself with in anyway possible. But, my house is not a ½ million dollars so no need to worry about that one…yet.
May be I will have to have a 5 minute intrusion on my neighbor’s Saturday.
Winter Weather Advisory SW vs. Midwest
Not going to lie Vegas, it is quite comical to go pick up my daughter from school in the rain to see handfuls of grown men protecting themselves with mini-sized Dora the Explore, Barbie, and Hannah Montana umbrellas.
A lady stopped by my house, in looking to return to her car said with wide, astounded eyes, “It’s really, raining!”
That is it. Doesn’t rain much here, huh?
As Vegas is getting it’s version of winter, Iowa is getting pounded with what may end in over a foot of snow, strong winds, and blizzard conditions. Schools got out early, for I am still getting my daughter’s old teacher’s emails, and offices are deserted. Though, I have no desire to endure that as a whole because I know it is the beginning of 4 months of the same. The first snow is always the best especially when it means staying at home with hot chocolate watching the fluffies fall and hours of guiltless TV or movies… or even the occasional snow drinking. All Iowa service industry folk should know what I am talking about with snow drinking. A little bit of me wants just that day, to see the Christmas lights and snow and no where it go.
I do see the snow has made its way to the mountains surrounding Vegas. I am definitely hoping to try out the ski resort before the years end. I have no previous skiing experience. My father “nearly killed” my mom trying to teach her how to ski when they were dating and she refused to let him take us. To that I say, “Boo, mom. You’re kind of a chicken anyway.” (Love you!) I have attempted snowboarding somewhat successfully. Participating in either one, I will be happy to just play in the fluffies and return to the valley of a promising 50 degrees. May be picking my snow day won’t be as exciting as a unplanned surprise, but I’ll take it!
Back to the Career Board
This last Friday, I went back to the job/career drawing board I left in August. I applied for 8 jobs via the internet. Most of the jobs were off careerbuilder.com, a few from Las Vegas Weekly’s website, and one from the company's website. I am not the biggest fan of internet resume downloading because of the lack of personal interaction I believe I benefit from so well. Nonetheless, I will see if my now Las Vegas address pulls in more interest compared to the Des Moines address feeding me a quick rejection response. Later in the week, I will begin scouting for jobs that will allow me a walk-in opportunity to sell myself via myself and not a computer connection.
As mentioned before, I am applying for any and all that sparks interest in my eyes. This time around I went from Gourmet Chocolate Developer and Buyer (you all know what your Christmas presents would be) to Human Resources Training. Honestly, on paper some of these jobs I may not have a chance due to the years of experience needed. Nonetheless, I have no doubt in my skills and work ethic in providing these companies with a successful employee or I would not apply.
Meanwhile, I have been going through the teaching/substitute teaching application process. I obtained my license for both the week before I moved and started the initial process last week. One of my references contacted me Friday notifying me of forms they were filling out in relation to our previous business relationship. Therefore, after all forms are completed and in I shall move on to the interview process. Substitute Teaching is a wonderful means for me to work when needed while still searching for a more concrete job/ career move.
In relation to my previous business relationships and references, I am whole-heartedly humbled and honored I was able to be a part of some of these individual’s lives in Iowa. From prestigious well-known locals to internationally prestigious businessmen, I had the opportunity to interact with some amazing people, whom give me more praise and complaints overall. The reflection of these relationships leads me to not only an important business outlook, but also a general outlook on life, humble yourself to stand by and with anyone for the present and future retributions are more than imaginable.
The Little Girl's Beginnings in Las Vegas
I thought the little girls first trip to the Strip would be good on a Sunday afternoon providing less extravagance, if you will. Before leaving the car the trip came with a short disclaimer: Now, I don’t condone gambling, blunt nakedness without art, and some of the things you may see. Nonetheless, that is what is beautiful about our country, as long as no one is hurting anyone else we all have the right and opportunity to enjoy what we see fit... The little Ms. just smiled.
Unfortunately, it was a short lived first trip due to the brisk winds and church shoe choices. Nonetheless, we did a little mall scoping, a casino walk through, saw the exterior finish of the City Center that opened yesterday, and the Bellagio water show before calling it sore feet quits.
I am hoping to take her back in the evening for a show within a month to see the lights and a little more glam. However, I will wait till it gets a little warmer to take an all day or two exploration of what there is to offer a youngster.
Speaking of the little one, I really wanted her to guest blog on her experience in the Las Vegas school system, but she has been too busy with homework. Music to my ears! From what she has been telling me it is going quite well and she is extremely enthusiastic about all the opportunities the school she is attending offers. I am hoping she will find time to guest blog this weekend.
Additionally, she has been making a great transition! While driving yesterday, I mentioned how nice the sun looked going behind the mountains. Her reply was that it doesn’t feel out of the ordinary. Nothing so far has seemed odd. “I feel like I never lived in Iowa, but have always lived in Nevada. And, I don’t even miss anyone.” More relieving music to my ears! Granted, I understand 2-3 weeks in is usually the time when places and people start to become missed. It is wonderful she has felt that Las Vegas is her home the moment we got here.
Church Shopping Sunday: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Ya, that’s better! I have felt a little floppy the last couple days for many reasons. Couple of which are my lack of physical activity and purposeful focus. Not to say I have not been busy all day doing mundane tasks. Someone has to paint the White House. I’d just rather take a jog in the Rose Garden and live there. Anyways, over the last few years, I have become accustomed to about 2 hours or more of physical labor and the occasional jog. After 45 minutes of what I’d consider a run and what runners would consider a jog, I feel a little prettier.
Sunday, my daughter and I tried our first Las Vegas church. Growing up Catholic I always gravitate toward the place of worship for obvious reasons. Therefore, we went to the closest Catholic church in the area, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, oddly the same name as my parents’ small-town church . St. Elizabeth is very similar in size as the church I went to in West Des Moines and likewise has a connecting school. The children’s choir sang well. The sermon was done by an older priest, which usually leaves a strategically bland taste in my mouth. I hope for all Catholics sake the Church brings in new younger recruits. Life changes, cultural views change, and I think that youth in priesthood gives a great advantage to connecting the religion to everyday life and possibly some excitement. (Motivational public speaking must not have been offered in older classes.)
(Aside note, I tend to leave actual religion out of my associations with god. Though, these comments may get me in trouble with my wonderful Catholic family, I see religion as a crutch. God is everyday. The “Word of the Lord” comes from our mouths, signs, mother nature, and the all-encompassing life seemingly good, bad, and all in between. I don’t think I need to say 5 Hail Mary’s to be forgiven. All I need is to find love and give it back. Nonetheless, church is a time for me to specifically ask god a question or pray on a thought for awhile. Granted, I can do it anywhere. It is nice when there are more people gathered to give and receive that same love.)
Interestingly, the gathering that brought me to church was a little too much for me. As church started, the last minute crowd piled in and the pew became the DOT waiting area. (Of course, after Communion the individuals that were minutes late left earlier providing the last 10 minutes with breathing room.) I have never been fond of going to my Church on Christmas or Easter because of the two-day-a-year crowd that makes it feel like a shopping mall on Black Friday. Personally, I don’t understand the purpose of even going those two days if you never go? Turn on some music, read a few Bible verses, while eating crackers and sipping on wine. Needless to say, the church was a little packed this last Sunday. However, I accredit it to the mass I choose to attend being fit so perfectly in the day, allowing one to sleep-in and rise with comfort as well as have a day to get things done. I believe I shall try an earlier mass next time since I enjoyed the remainder of my initial encounter.
After mass, we went to the Strip… natural progression of events, right?
