Becoming a Las Vegas Local

Vegas' Gem to the West

Jen Marcotte — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 17:24:00 GMT

It’s been over 3 months of living in Las Vegas! I have ventured the Strip a bit, shows, restaurants, and various activities, by no means do I believe I have even started chipping away at 1% of Las Vegas. What is my favorite Vegas venture thus far? It’s that little gem to the west. That [Rebel] red rock I hope all the locals enjoy! Red Rock Canyon.

I got an annual pass to Red Rock Canyon before the prices went up this month. However, it is still only $35 that is paid back in full! So far I have ventured there 4 times, in which I explored 3 of the 19 designated trails. Each trail contains it’s own sights, difficulties, and time allotment. The Calico trails surround the landmark red rock. My little lady, boyfriend, his brother and I all found a few hours to test our own scrambling skills on the red giant. I was very proud and quite impressed with my daughter's ability to get almost halfway to the top. However, due to a mother’s general anxiety at that point I decided it would be best to work our way down. I noticed throughout my trips many individuals picturesquely walking along the top of the mountain. Eventually, we will get there! I also noticed many climbers bolting in the rock and scaling their way up. This is also something I would love to do in the future!

My favorite hike thus far is the Ice Box Canyon. Currently, due to the snow melt and rain we had over the last few weeks, the stream is running and the end waterfall and cave is quite rewarding! (This hike maybe difficult for some that are out of shape and too young due to the scrambling.) My 10 year old little lady accomplished 99% of the hike without difficulty. Nonetheless, in order to return from the furthest point inside the cave you need to do a vertical butt slide for at least 50 feet. Therefore, she did not enter the cave. “Until your legs get longer, you stop here!”

Hiking is a great replacement for an exercise class or workout! The park provides you with trail information to assist your decisions based on your experience. Las Vegas, if you have not taken advantage of this great asset to the west, I highly recommend you heading to Red Rock Canyon with water and granola bar in hand!

Las Vegas Winter Sports

Jen Marcotte — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 19:12:00 GMT

As Las Vegans have had their fare share of rainy days this winter, a little rain can provide the opportunity to enjoy some general winter activities.

Las Vegas Skiing & Snowboarding Resort
End of Hwy 156
Open 9am-4pm Seasonal

When it rains… it snows in the mountains, which is always a plus for winter sports lovers. The Mr., Little Lady, and I ventured ourselves up the mountain a few weeks ago. Living in the upper most NW corner of Las Vegas it took us less than 30 minutes to arrive. The parking situation is less than desirable as cars line themselves along the mountain road. Therefore, with the emergency parking brake in use we walked ourselves to the resort. I signed the Little Lady up for Snow Kids. Snow Kids is an instructional skiing or snowboarding option for kids at various levels of experience. The two just for the day options are morning, 9:30 - noon, for $90 or all day, 9:30 - 3:30pm, for $125, which both include rentals. Great Deal! I figured for her first time the morning session would be good enough. The Mr. had a slight compliant in his voice when I revealed we had to be there until noon, but the complaint quickly changed to why didn’t you put her in longer after we started skiing.

Neither the Mr. or I own gear. Therefore, we had to rent it $35 each for skies and poles, plus $50 each lift tickets. The resort has 3 lifts labeled Beginner, Intermediate, and Experienced. However, I think it went from “Baby Hill” to “Does this lift stop!” I had never put on skies before but was doing quite well in the beginners area and wanted more of an incline. With the Mr.’s insinuation the next level isn’t too bad, I got on the lift. About mid-way up he revealed it was a lot harder than he was making out. Needless, to say I fell more than a few times on the way down. I noticed others that were not quite beginners, but not quite ready for this intermediately labeled slop either, attempting to make their way down. I wish there was a way that the lift could have stopped half way down the mountain for the beginner-intermediates. Hopefully, with a few more visits I’ll get it.

Around noon, all the ski schools in progress and many others stop for lunch. The grills are blowing BBQ smoke, families are laying out food for all, and people line the small bar for a little liquid warm-up. The whole set-up is quite small in scale, but I assume not many Las Vegans are huge winter sports participants. Therefore, the family like atmosphere is perfect. And, with some practice I may be able to perfect my slop skills.

Tips:
Arrive in the morning; it is less crowded.
If you find you may go more than 5x a season, but don’t want to purchase equipment, I was informed a sports shop in Summerlin rents it for $125 the whole season.

Las Vegas Ice Center
9295 West Flamingo Road

The Little Lady and I usually go ice skating a couple times a year. However, in Iowa we have the indoor and outdoor options. I have to admit outdoor in a cityscape is always better. (Yes, Iowa does have some larger buildings.)

In entering the rink, I had no direction where to pay. I went into the shop and asked, in which they took my money and gave me a wrist band for skate rental. Nonetheless, when I went to the skate area my non-visual band was not asked for and I did not see many others with it. However, most of us were wearing sweaters and jackets. It was an odd and confusing initial encounter. After getting our skates on we set off to enter the rink. Most rinks I have been to only allow helping devices for beginners at certain times so I’ve never witness what I was seeing. I felt like the world was a Benjamin Button movie x10. There was over a dozen little 3-10 year olds holding onto metal like walkers trying to get going on the ice. I definitely had a great chuckle watching youth walkers…skaters.

The ice is well maintained. However, the lack of order in the skating process makes it quite annoying. There was a few groups of advanced skaters who set-up shop in different areas to practice various maneuvers without concern of everyone else’s existence on the floor. This caused me and others moving in the unsaid skating rink counter-clock-wise circle many issues and personal great annoyance. This is the major reason I would not return. Public skate is not for lessons, but the general public to enjoy themselves, which I did not find myself doing as I was trying to avoid hitting skaters attempting small jumps.

However, the rink offers hockey, skating lessons, and parties. These options I have no experience and/or judgment on and if interested would still consider the Las Vegas Ice Center.

Northwest Vegas Sushi

Jen Marcotte — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 20:40:00 GMT

Krazy Sushi
7160 N. Durango Dr Ste 140
$$

When first moving to the Northwest, the Mr. and I thought Krazy Sushi would be our place. The reviews on the search engines seemed to be good and it was about 5 miles away. However, after two visits we thought otherwise. Krazy Sushi provides a very general sushi experience with an average dining area and sushi bar. No noteworthy mentions of ambience. The menu is similar to many sushi restaurants. They have a few extraordinary rolls the Mr. enjoyed. Krazy Sushi does have a lack of vegetarian and vegan dishes. I asked the server to point out any vegetarian dishes. She began pointing out dishes with vegetables then after seeing my face got another server to answer my question. Unfortunately, I was left with two general options. The service was pleasant and attentive during both evening visits. However, possibly due to the lack of customers, the staff seemed to be staring us down as we ate. Uncomfortable! The Mr. and I both had Japanese beer and hot sake, which are always much approved!

Food: 3/5 (Good but nothing to write home about)
Drinks: 4/5
Service: 2/5
Atmosphere: 2/5
Overall (2.5/5), I will return if I don’t feel like driving too far. However, the melancholy rating lead us to…

Sushi Loca
6181 Centennial Center Blvd
$$

Entrance on a Friday night had me feeling like I was going to a party. The dance music was bumping, the place practically full with people laughing, the hostess was hugging a young lady that entered before us. Though, the atmosphere is completely different the energy reminded me of a sushi place I went to often back in Iowa that catered to young professionals, girls night out, and mid-20 to early-40 group get together. The restaurant is very open with the sushi bar in the center. The décor is nice and bold! Though everything is possibly a little too much for evening dining, I’d prefer lower lights and the music toned down. After literally, tell myself to calm down in my head due to so much stimuli, the Little Lady, Mr., Mr.’s Lil’ Bro, and I opened the menus. WHOWA choices! After reading some roll names such as “Tastes like my Ex-Girlfriend” and “Burning Sensation” I realized the definite target audience. The two guys shared and loved about 4 or 5 different rolls. Not a complaint about one! I had an avocado roll and tofu soup, which were both great! The Little Lady had the Chicken Chow Mien. She wasn’t crazy about the sauces flavoring, but is quite picky when it comes to Japanese food. Like usual, we did Japanese beers and hot sake. With a lean back we all knew we could not do more. However, the server generously gave us a couple dishes of frozen yogurt everyone (but myself) tried.

With the first general experience, I would say this is not a family joint on the weekends, though there were other kids there. I would say Sushi Loca would accommodate an upbeat date or friends night.

(Will rate next time! Because we all have our good days and bad!)

FireFly at The Plaza

Jen Marcotte — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 19:42:00 GMT

FireFly:

Las Vegas has two FireFly locations one located on Paradise Rd and the other located in the Plaza’s 2^nd floor over looking Fremont Street. With my parents in town, who had not yet visited Fremont Street, we made reservation online in order to do dinner and see the downtown sights. The Plaza’s age shows in entering through smells, ambience, décor, and simple bathroom amenities. However, the Firefly’s dim, chic, intimate setting is a great surprise! To the left of entering is the bar area with a lounge like atmosphere. And, directly in front of entering is the general dining area which still maintains the dim lighting and has a perfect view of the Fremont experience. FireFly is a tapas restaurant with a variety of mini-gourmet creations. My Dad, Mom, Little Lady, the Mr., and I all chose 2 dishes to share amongst each other.

Favorites of each…

Dad: Filet Mignon Sliders

Mom: Stuffed Peppers

Little Lady: Veggie Empanada

Mr.: Stuffed Dates

Me (Vegan): Veggies & Lentils (Not a lot of Vegan choices, but various dishes I could alter.)

The service was great! We were well attended to and all requests were met. Other than the Plaza’s aged beginning the only downside to this trip was the mojitos. I don’t know what they were trying to pass as a mojito, but even after asking for more mint the taste was way below sub par. I’d definitely stay away from the usually yummy treat.

Over all I would highly recommend venturing downtown to enjoy the view, service, and food!

(Will rate after next visit! Because we all have our good days and bad!)

A Few from my List of Reasons ...

Jen Marcotte — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:47:00 GMT

Why I won’t be a stripper:

10. Not a fan of butt-floss (neither is my va-jay-jay)

37. prefer to live the “Class not Ass”

64. Half-naked, bloated, and bleeding once a month in front of strangers. (Do you get paid leave for “the time of the month?” If so change this to why I might be able to be a stripper.)

106. Don’t think I could find many work friends with the same goals.

127. No real reason to be proud of “Employee of the Month.”

152. Taking a shower would feel like work.

198. Take your kid to work day. No Bueno!

234. Cold dreary days are meant for clothed warmth.

Local Vegas Music: 2 Turn Tables and a Microphone... Where's it at?

Jen Marcotte — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 21:11:00 GMT

Iowa isn’t generally known for its music scene. Though, I did I have English professor say when he was over in Ireland a group of teenagers recognized where he was from due to Slipknot‘s IOWA album. I watched them open for many of bands in small venues working their way up and I’ve unknowingly until later went bowling with Cory Taylor because of friend associations. (And, I can promise you Mindrite is the next Iowa band that will be coming up.) However, they are working on it .The River Ampatheater has seen many newly loved Adult Alternative/pop bands and the DSM Music Collation has made the Art Park a music festival every 4^th of July. Granted, there is some work to do.

Nonetheless, I’ve always had a love for music. My first concert was The Rolling Stones at 5 because my parents must have had something against babysitters. As I got older, due to my sister and one friend who was dating the drummer from Bloodhound Gang, ah, Spanky, from about 12-15 I was at most concerts and shows that rolled through Des Moines, most the time chilling back stage watching groupies walk off with various band members. My best friend and I had a deep love for Goldfinger back in the day, in which at 14 we sat around googly-eyed the VIP section of the club drinking with Goldfinger and the members of The Blur. (Ain’t nothing wrong with a little ska.) As I got older… as I turned into a mother, I found myself not being able to pursue these silly adventures. Sadly, I get a little disappointed if I don’t get to talk to the band after their set. Apparently, Dave doesn’t care to tell me how it went. However, I think part of the accessibility is getting them before they are big.

Which brings me to my question, what is the Las Vegas’ local live music scene? Due to the clubs on The Strip, I am aware there are many DJs out there spinning, which I love and enjoy, but is not my focus here. I am not looking for people who already “made it” at the The Joint. And, I am not really talking about the smooth jazz players and cozy couches right now. Where are the guys who still practice in their basement? Where are the boys and girls with a guitar in hand and a rockin’ roll band? Or rap? Or Alternative? Where is the cheap, good, live music? Where did The Killers have to break through?

After a long misdirected search, I knew someone must have already began the local looking… thank you yourlocalscene.com! And, the Las Vegas Weekly I finally got to today sang, "Ask and you shall receive." With that I add, I must venture to the Spring Valley area sometime to check out The Farm, which I will report on at a later date.

Let me know Las Vegas where should I go to see the local talent? Where do you go?

CES 2010, IOWAs Oranges, and Cookies

Jen Marcotte — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:10:00 GMT

Things on my mind...

2010 International CES (Technology Tradeshow)

The place to be in Vegas this week!

The thing about Sci-fi is in a few years it is no longer fiction as Star Trek brought us cell phones, film maker’s like Lucas have pushed the production of home theatre 3D televisions. If you can envision it, it can be seen.

Things of interest…

HP looking to head out Apple’s I-tablet coming out later this month with a Slate PC
From transportation device to mobile office and entertainment center the car gets revamped
I told my mom while researching big flat screen TVs last month to replace my 10 year old television, “This technology has been out long enough I am sure something new will be along shortly. All I need is for this to last 10 years so I can wait till the new technology is affordable” … and with that comes the 3D TV war.
Didn’t think Kindle would stand alone for much longer did you? EReaders
And, of course many green technological advancements will be at display!

Cookies

I am attempting to make some tasty vegan cookies. If you have an interest in trying them out… stay tuned.

IOWA (Orange Bowl)

Yes, I did awake with a smile on my face due to IOWA’s 24-14 victory over Georgia Tech at the Orange Bowl yesterday.
Am I the only person that is confused at why the Hawkeyes only get love from the fans?
Does everyone but us forget that we were undefeated playing without key players until we lost Stanzi due to an injury? And, that up against Big Ten and Rose Bowl winner Ohio State we played with a Freshman quarter back and still gave them a run for their money.
Still think we should have been at the Rose Bowl and would have won, but I’ll take the Oranges.
At last, the IOWA and the Big Ten showed the BCS and commentary specialists throughout these weeks’ bowl games we are to be taken seriously. We’ll see if they heard us next season.
IOWA fans definitely showed up to McMullan’s as the place was packed in Black and Gold.
Go Hawks!

Little Lady's Golf Game

Jen Marcotte — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 20:11:00 GMT

The Mr. and I took the little lady to Coyote Springs “The Chase” golf course this weekend for her first taste of golf beyond putt-putt and slinging balls into the forest on my parents’ front lawn. I remember my first golfing experience I was probably 12 or so and my favorite part was the same as hers. Driving a golf cart. Now, to many of us this is a meaningless part of the golfing experience, but to a child who eyes a steering wheel every time they enter the car, it is an odd validation they can drive. She’s steered a four-wheeler and my dad’s truck, both without my consent, but my parent’s live in no-man’s land and she was sitting on my dad‘s lap. However, this is different she got her own few minutes of sitting her bum in the actual seat, putting her own foot on the pedal, and directing the wheel to where she seemed fit. Then as I drove, like the Duke’s of Hazard, as she was putting her club away she would tell me to go so she could have the jumping in small adrenaline moment. Hence, the lady had great fun golfing on a course for the first time due to the mobility factor... oh and the fact she plays better than her mom.

(On a side note: Hope to see you IOWA fans at McMullan’s to see the Hawks win tonight!)

Happy Entrance to 2010! (LV NYE Statistics)

Jen Marcotte — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 20:48:00 GMT

As most of you return back to work, I hope you had a lovely entrance to 2010! What did you do? Call me old, call me particular (or snobby), call me a bore, call me what you want, but I stayed in and enjoyed the New Year with the Mr.. Unless I am sitting in a VIP booth without drunkards knocking my drinks around, attempting to converse, getting sick in front of me, or simply blocking my ability to be mobile, I am not a huge fan of crowded chaos. Additionally, I did not start thinking about what to do until the last minute. Hence, some of my points may be in validation to how the plans ended up. Nonetheless, I enjoyed myself! Hope you did too!

Las Vegas statistics:

300,000+ in Strip and Down Town attendance guessed-a-mated by many

7 minutes of Strip fireworks at $500k (Not as cheap as Tiger) reported by Las Vegas Sun 12-31-09

82 + DUI arrests up from 73 last year as reported by the Nevada Highway Patrol

0 manslaughter

Celebrity attendance: Black-Eyed Peas, Eva Longoria, Holly Madison, John Mayer, Christina Aguilera, Nicole Richie, Paul Oakenfold, 50 Cent, plus more

Countries attendance: Equal to or greater than the Geneva Convention

½ million plus individuals aiming to participate in National Hangover Day

AND… One Happy Mayor

I haven’t made any New Year’s Resolutions to lose weight, be more awesome, or sail the Atlantic as of yet. (In relation to weight, an FYI for those following, I found my 5 lb weight gaining culprit: fries and dark rum (too many/much). I went from eating out once a month to once or twice a week and being vegan-esk this means fries are my only food choice in many restaurants. No comment on the rum. Almost all lost though, thanks for the concern... I digress.) Sometime this week, I will sit down with the little lady and we will come up with 5 goals this year, in which I will relay before 2011.

Much Love to 2009 and Welcoming 2010!

What was your Personal List for 2009?

Jen Marcotte — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:42:00 GMT

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

Jen Marcotte — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:37:00 GMT

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

Jen Marcotte — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:48:00 GMT

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

Jen Marcotte — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:31:00 GMT

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

Jen Marcotte — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:53:00 GMT

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?

Jen Marcotte — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 20:07:00 GMT

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

Jen Marcotte — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:16:00 GMT

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!

The Little Girl's Beginnings in Las Vegas

Jen Marcotte — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 22:16:00 GMT

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

Jen Marcotte — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:41:00 GMT

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?

Initial Interactions

Jen Marcotte — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 16:35:00 GMT

A business is in its details.

The first two companies I encountered moving to Las Vegas even before a local gas station were our property management company and the cable guy. Interestingly, they handled themselves completely different and the seemingly less professional individual I would gladly do business with again.

Thankfully a property management representative was at the house waiting for us on arrival in her class D sports car and teased hair. As a renter there is one basic essential expected when entering your property which is everything is clean and ready to move in. Whether or not it is initially the property management’s fault or it was a job not completed by another contractor, the end product always sits on the property management’s shoulders.

I was thoroughly disappointed in the little things that would have taken the company an extra 30 minutes to improve such as non-working light bulbs, no floor edgings were cleaned, and some areas should have been painted. It makes it a tad more irritating when we paid a move-out cleaning fee and I have to re-clean on entering. Additionally, through a supposed misunderstanding we did not have gas for 3 days. Hence, no stove/oven, hot water, and heat. Moreover, the response to these concerns went from blaming other third parties to not returning calls. There is nothing more annoying and disrespectful than a business that does not take responsibility for its own mishandlings. Granted, in hind-sight these were small complaints, I believe all concerns are valid and should be handled with the same respect.

Then there was the lovely cable guy. I saw him pull up. About 5 minutes in without a door knock, I went into the garage to throw out boxes. He, noticeably scrubby and a tad sloppy, was on the phone, in which he relayed the office was checking on him every move he made that day. “Close to the axe, huh?” I commented. His eyes got wider showing my comment to ring true. The guy was here for 4.5 hours working diligently the whole time and running around like a tubby Goofy the whole time. I continued to unpack and hang pictures and be amused by his “floppiness” we will call it. Finally, when all was said and done he made it a point that if anything was wrong to call him. Anytime. “Just don’t call the office. I'll get in trouble.”

I get it, he isn’t professional by any means. Nonetheless, I will take the truth over a clean-cut lying look any day. He may have had one quirky personality and messy appearance compared to Ms. over talking, forget my train of thought because you are staring me down and I am lying instead of being genuine, but I’d put my money on a chubby Groofy before a skinny Ms. Piggy.

The Truck and Tow to Las Vegas

Jen Marcotte — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:47:00 GMT

What you do not do in transit to Las Vegas via the Midwest… you do not drive. I should have definitely bit my check and let some grungy trucker take my belongings across state lines, as the little lady and I flew to McCarran. What is it like to drive 28 hours in 2 ½ days in a truck cab towing an SUV behind? Well, I don’t know we thank the Mr. for that one. Nonetheless, sitting beside him was completely horrid! I do not know how truckers spend hours in a confined area looking to nothing but dotted lines and a quick opportunity to stop.

Though it would have been a lovely view going through Colorado, in the beginning of the winter with truck and tow it is not ideal. Therefore, we went south, running Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada. My best lady getting her PhD in American Literature emphasis in Latino immigration literature wrote an essay paralleling the Okies journey to California. Hence, the famous route 66 has come to play in conversation, in which I now say, every moment of that journey down the highway made me thankful for how great I have it! No single-wide trailer, no 12 inoperable vehicles in my yard, no garbage lining my house, no need for gas stations to advertise “clean bathrooms,” clear water, nice smells, colors existing as is and without the remnants of red dirt. I wish my bestie luck on any route 66 journey she may venture, for I am sure it must be the peoples’ stories that would make it worth while.

12 hours here, 10 plus hours there, 5 hours later, a trucker super 8, Texas shaped waffles, a regular super 8, 20 questions, the Alphabet game, and a 4 AM wakeup call, and I am here, Las Vegas! (I will go to the Welcome Sign later to get my cordial hello.)