I promise I will post longer once I get on break but I wanted to make a quick entry about my trip to Vegas to see my good friend Julia Graves (formerly Sister Graves of Indiana fame).  The weather tried its best to ruin the trip, but it did not prevail (it even snowed for the first time in like 30 years!).  We didn’t do anything to exciting- christmas shopping, crafts, watching movies etc- but it was a welcome break from the craziness of work, which I will go into in a bit.  The highlight of the trip as far as touristing events was going to Mamma Mia at the Mandalay Bay Resort.  It was snowing the night of the show but Julia did some intrepid Vegas driving and we made it.  I loved the movie and the stage version did not disapoint.  The movie is pretty much a frame for frame depiction of the stage show.  I think there is only one song missing in the movie.  It was a lot of fun.  Anytime I can go to a broadway show it is a highlight of the year for me, whether it be in New York or not (hopefully I can get to NYC soon but for now Vegas will have to do).

Some other fun stuff that we did included going to her 24 hour fitness for a jacuzzi soak, going to the Forgotten Carols with the composer Michael McClane performing and finally watching the Dark Knight (which I must be crazy but I really didn’t care for- too violent for my taste.  Spent most of the movie with my eyes closed. I guess I am just a wimp that way).  Anyway, it was a fun trip and I enjoyed everything we did and all the time reminiscing and talking about life lessons.  Julia- you owe me now! I hope to see you in Utah soon!

Here are some pictures from my trip:

It was a fun trip but boy was I knocked back into reality quick.  For starters I spent 2 and 1/2 hours on my plane coming home from Vegas waiting for it to be deiced and I am afraid that was fortuitous of things to come.  We have been working at a madkneck pace to get everything done for our new fourth vacation rental ready for occupants on Tuesday.  It has been a ton of moving, lifting, cleaning, assembling, shopping and driving.   I will be so relieved when Tuesday has come and gone and it will feel so good to have everything finished.  At this point there still feels like so much that needs to be done.  It is kind of overwhelming. I wish I could be calm and relaxed like my coworker and uncle Jim Richards.  He hasn’t come unglued once (or at least he does it in private!).  It was super nice of him to pick up the slack for me while I was in Vegas and while I am going to California for Christmas.  I am so grateful I have someone reliable to depend on and work with each day.  It is such a blessing.  I don’t mean to sound melodramatic but my whole body hurts.  You can really tell that I need to get in better shape because I probably shouldn’t be in this sore from working on my feet 2 days straight and lifting, cleaning and other activities; nevertheless, I am that tired and sore.  At least it will feel darn good to have it finished and to know we did a job well done.  I am greatly looking forward to that moment.  I will update after Christmas in California!  Merry Christmas everyone!