Hooliganting: That's More Like It

Hooliganting: That's More Like It: "You see, together we have this thing. You know, the thing that we all do once a week, whether we have had a good day or bad day. Whether the..."

That's More Like It

You see, together we have this thing. You know, the thing that we all do once a week, whether we have had a good day or bad day. Whether the weather is wonderful or completely dismal and hole up hibernation mode cold. There is that thing that we have been doing for years . . .. The terrible thing is that our regulars have been missing in action for a few weeks due to trips, work and other hiccups that have meant that the thing was abandoned for a bit.

However, today was the day that the stars aligned and circumstances worked that we were all together for the first time in weeks. All four of us, plus a newbie. For the first time in weeks, the kitchen table was plastered with scraps of paper, scissors, photographs in various stages of cut, glue and mounts. The tea cups were sloshed along with the wine and conversation flowed. I hadn't realized how much I had missed this.

While we get the sense that we are being productive by creating the art that is our scrapbooks, this time is so much more than the scrapbooks. It is the memories that are shared as we travel back in time. The stories are part of our selective and collective history. Having been friends for years now, we have those stories from our past and we have the stories from our shared moments.

On the cold wintery nights like tonight, there is a sense that we can relax and chat. We can vent over the trials of the day. We can celebrate fabulous achievements. There is the support of a friend whether it is needed or not. This is the thread of community that centres us and keeps us returning week after week. Sometimes, it is nice to slow down and appreciate the subleties of friendship.

I am blessed....and I know it. So to those of you in my community . . .thank you! I blow you a kiss!

Hooliganting: The Las Vegas Experience Part Two

Hooliganting: The Las Vegas Experience Part Two: "The suitcases are bulging at the seams. The garments are crushed amid souvenirs and price tags. The shoes, oh those gloriously glittery heel..."

The Las Vegas Experience Part Two

The suitcases are bulging at the seams. The garments are crushed amid souvenirs and price tags. The shoes, oh those gloriously glittery heels and sexy flats. Silks and satins are silent awaiting Christmas wrapping paper. Showers and steam rooms, slots jingling and show tickets spilling out of my purse. Vegas has been an experience and now is just a memory. I have had fun, but I have to admit that I am still not sure what the fascination is for the repeat visitation.

This is the city of mile high heels to match the mile high buildings. The dresses are as short as your memory of that last losing streak. Fashionistas brush shoulders with those that are trying to be.

Tonight had magic as I watched the Cirque show: Love. There was music and singing, dancing and aerialists. The larger than life extravaganza had energy. Paired with this was a gondola ride with the charming singer who crooned happy birthday in Italian to Ruth. The Venetian was truly a magical representation of Venice.

Earlier in the day, we were soothed by the patter of rain drops as we strolled through the outlet malls. The clanging of the cash register did nothing to restore our senses as we cheerfully handed over money for things that were not necessary but were very fun. I have the dress to eclipse every other dress I have ever had. The fit is that other side of magic - the made for you kind.

So, tomorrow I fly out in the wee hours of the morning and begin that trek for home. Here's bidding farewell to Sin City...the lights, the magic and the very tired me. Was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY. Happy Birthday Ruth.

Las Vegas on Dwellable

The Las Vegas Experience Part One

From the north you run the gauntlet of flights to get to Vegas. Fingers, toes and bones of all shapes and sizes are crossed as you brave the swirling dervish of snow that blankets the tarmac while you sit in a plane . . .hoping that you take off, wishing that you would make your connections and praying that if the first two happen, the people waiting for you aren't entirely ticked.

I got here in the end and began the experience in style. The handsome young chaufeur handed each of us a rose, and we popped the champagne into glasses as we limoed to the Mirage. The hooliganting experience has been somewhat mild mannered for Vegas, so I thought here I would touch on some of the highlights and lowlights.

Highlights:

1) Horseback riding in the hills. The calm serenity of the hills as we trekked up the cactus and yucca filled terrain on horses named Pistol and Jewel was unique. The wranglers fulfilled the crusty cowboy image and gave lots of regional information as well as feeding us a rather delightful breakfast.
2) Spa treatments on a whim. I loved the fact that we walked in and there was availability and that we could access the spa all day afterwards.
3) The lights of the city. This city lives up to its reputation of being bright and bold.
4) Walking through the Paris. This really reminds me of Paris and I really enjoyed the ambience.
5) "Seeing" O at the Bellagio. This performance had some definate moments that took your breath away.

Lowlights
1) It would have been nice to check into the hotel and have the service as expected. Computers crashed and people used it as an excuse for all sorts of hiccups.
2) Losing at the slots
3) Freezing cold hot tub on the pool deck.
4) Travelling with folk that you can't find. She is finally found but only just. . .lol.
5) Airlines airlines airlines.

So far, I am tired. It is 4 am and I am still awake. There is so much to do and no time (or people in agreement to do it all.) Off to bed...night all.

Las Vegas on Dwellable

Diversions

There I was, behind the wheel again. The tires slithered and slurped their way through the murky slush. Traffic has crawled to a standstill. My brain cells twig and tweet to each other and have me thinking . . .can I get there in time.

There would be back up the hill from downtown to deliver children to various residences before I have to be back downtown for another appointment. I had spent the afternoon delivering posters, forms, messages and children to various locations as it was and then it happened. The traffic snarled and snorted and chuckled to a thumb twiddling standstill. I sat there and listened to the great debate in the back seats. The most common theme being that the natives were "starving."

The phone rang and since nothing was on the go, I answered it. Traffic was definately growling at the other direction too. This was quite obviously a no win situation. So, I decide that dinner out it is. I call to arrange the children's transfer to be at the illustrious Boston Pizza as they have Pasta Tuesdays. The tutor that I had forgotten about decided that he wasn't feeling well and cancelled. And I turn around and suddenly remembered that I had someone else's child too. That means calling the parents to let them know that I am definately not moving, and will feed their child, and will have said child returned once it is possible to navigate the road.

I have to say that dinner was great. The children were almost delightful. I made it to the appointment on time and now I have peace and quiet. There were no additional shennanigans at all. I wonder if I can go out for dinner every Tuesday. . .

No that is not practical or affordable. But sometimes, the weather provides a diversion and I for one am very pleased with the result! Now, about that laundry . . .

And then there was calm

There is a funny sensation when the snow flies and the air freezes wee icicles to the tip of your nose. There is the fun of blowing breath rings into random aerial shapes. You can lick your fingers and draw ice pictures on the glass. Might I mention that you also have to clean said glass once you are finished. There is time to waste watching fire flies climb the logs and setting themselves free. Yes, this is the calm.

I have to say that hooliganting can be tiring. There are the rehearsals and children's activities that are brain wearing. There were brain cells there at the beginning of things....I am convinced although others might disagree. There was the visit from the cooking Nana, the cleaning Nana, the pool rustling Nana, and the coffee pot managing Nana, and the party Nana. All those Nana's are one and the same. We have short bread cookies, lemon merangue pie, casseroles, fruit salad and chicken. My kitchen is sparkly as Nana  has a permanent allergic reaction to dishwashers.

Add to that the delights of birthday parties. Children and company celebrated by ramaging the pool, play pit and sound studio. The rooms echoed to the point that when the party continued at our house, the adults soon found the antidote with whine. And wine of course. . .the favorite being "Dirty Laundry". Adult jello was supplied and Advil followed a few hours later. I have often wondered how a party just happens by accident, but I can't say I mind much.

Oh, but we weren't done yet. My brother decided to go to Vegas for the weekend and is having issues getting home after being bumped off his flight. I wonder how many more times he is going to get burned by giving up his well being for the damsel in distress. I am sure that it is highly overrated. It has cost him $$$ so far and he may or may not get home tomorrow. Aargh. The amusing part was juggling phone calls while figuring out flights and limos for my own trip. How is it that airlines take no responsibility for screwing you over? No, I am not going to think about it. Exploding hotels,delayed flights and fog . . .not going to think about it.

However, after all the business, I am loving the fact that I don't have to be anywhere. There is no where I have to drive. So . . .I wonder . . .who is up for hooliganting tonight?