StripSteak

I feel like our second day in Vegas actually was broken up into three parts, the spa, dinner and the Michael Jackson show.

we clean up pretty well

I'll give you a quick rundown of our evening meal at StripSteak, in the Mandalay Bay. I reviewed the menu out front was going to get a simple burger or maybe small steak. Nope, when in Vegas, you go big or go home.

dinner is served

My friends and I started the meal like we started every other one, with delicious beverages...martinis!

I was peer pressured into getting the Japanese A5 wagyu. I had no idea what I was eating, but it must be good since there was no price listed beside it on the menu. It just said "MP" which means "market price". Well, that night the market price was a cool $205.00. You only live once...so pass the plate!

Sheila opted to add some grilled foie gras to her steak, but I had no intention of eating duck liver. So, Nani and I decided to split a half a lobster tail.

I realize this may seem over the top, but it was an awesome evening with my friends I've known for over 30 years. Never has a three hour dinner passed so quickly. Under normal circumstances we could have stayed there all night, but we had a Cirque show to see.

Japanese A5 wagyu

just wanted a hint of lobster

the menu said "bacon marmalade" of course I ordered it

Cheers!!

Spa Day at the MGM

Yes, the Vegas adventure continues...Day 2 seemed like our more jam packed day of the trip. Well, me waking up around 10:30 AM didn't help, but hey...it's a vacation!

After I finally dragged my butt out of bed, Sheila and I headed to the MGM food court to grab a quick bite to eat before our spa appointment. I grabbed a breakfast sandwich from 'wichcraft, then it was time to head down to the MGM Grand Spa and Health Club. We checked in and changed into our robes and slippers. This was my second time to visit the MGM Spa and since we weren't that pressed for time on this visit, it was much more relaxing.

I almost fell asleep on the couch before I was called back for my 50 minute Swedish massage. I was still pretty tired from all the traveling and the massage was so relaxing, I wanted to pass out on the table. I probably could have spent all day there. It's nice to be pampered. Big shout out to Casey for making it all possible!!

Up next, the manicure and pedicure. Prior to last week, I had only had 2 manicures and 1 pedicure in my life. Now, I think they need to become a habit. Glenda, my nail technician, was amazing. She was super sweet and we were chatting like old friends. Not to mention she did a fabulous job on my barely there toe nails.

painted piggies

football season hasn't started, thus my claws

Sheila & I finished up first and continued to lounge & watch ESPN

We didn't want to leave, but had reservations for dinner & a show

It's been 10 years since we've had a reunion in Vegas...

...and since we've been friends for almost 30 years, it seemed like a fitting place to hang for a week.

Since I grew up in small private schools, it's not surprising that I still have friends from childhood. The older I get, the more awesome I think it is...we should all be so blessed to have lifelong friends. However, in this case, they're more like family.

Sheila & my friend's dad, Mr. Malama landed in Vegas first. I got in about 2 hours later. Mr. Malama didn't want to walk outside for lunch, so Sheila and I left him at the Texas Hold'em table. There's another story about that later.

Our first stop, Sugar Factory at the Paris Hotel. A friend of mine was there a few months ago and I saw her photo of the chicken & waffles. And once I saw there was bacon in the waffles, my lunch decision turned into a no-brainer. We also got milkshakes since we wanted to pace ourselves with the adult beverages.

Sheila got the strawberry milkshake, I got the red velvet one. Did I mention there were chunks of red velvet cake in the shake? Holy cow, it was fabulous!!

Chicken & "bacon" waffles

Shake me!

After lunch, Sheila and I headed over to the Bellagio for a quick peek around the conservatory. There was a bird theme and since I'm not a fan of birds, we didn't stay long.

Cheese!!

Penguins outside of Minus 5

Has it really been 20 years...

....since we graduated from the eighth grade and began our high school adventure?

How many people do you know and still talk to from 1993? Would it be weird that 2 of my trips this year were to visit two of these old classmates? I never realized how small our classes were back then and with the power of social media, it's much easier to reconnect and catch up with old friends.

That being said, there is a reunion in the works. Yes, an eighth grade class reunion. We had one a few years ago, but some yahoo, (who shall remain nameless) planned it the same weekend as the Super Bowl. Come on man, with Peyton Manning playing, it was no contest.

But I've promised the same yahoo's I'll be back for the next one....

St. Edward School, Class of 1993

I adore my army of minions

The donut or the hole?

About to hit the wall...

I made the mistake of looking at my planner today. Yes, I still use a paper planner and I probably always will. I have this thing with making lists and crossing things off as they are completed. I also have a desk calendar at my office. This helps me see the bigger picture. And yes, I use colored markers to write all over that one. Bright colors make me happy and keep my attention.

Here's what I noticed today. My Saturday's are pretty much booked till 2014. This kind of makes me sad. Sometimes I like to be lazy and just relax on a Saturday. I don't like to be on the go so much. I also realized I double booked myself on my only "free" Saturday in August.

Just thinking about all the stuff coming up makes me want to crawl into a ball and pull the covers over my head.

That being said, I have another mini-vacation to pack for...will it ever end?