Mexico Recap

Paradiso
Our home for a week

At the airport ready to check out our resort

The giant swings at Gucamayas Bar

A pic before our last night in Mexico

Our first 'couples' trip is in the books and we had A LOT of fun. The trip was in celebration of Kristi's 30th birthday and we created so many memories and enjoyed getting away from reality. We did a jet ski and snorkel excursion, tequilla tasting, watched a Mayan dance and a fire dance, got a massage and facial and got plenty of beach time to nap, read and relax. We ate all of our dinners as a group which allowed for tasting may items from the menu, yummy food! All in all we once again ♥'ed Mexico and are already day dreaming about our next trip back

The Monster Ball

I distinctly recall my first concert experience. I think I was 13 or 14 years old. A group of friends and I were lucky enough to be escorted by my Mom to see George Strait at Arco Arena. It was an interesting night. I had just gotten glasses and accidentally left them on the car seat while I jetted out to ring the doorbell as we picked up a friend. Needless to say they were sat on and the side screw holding the frame together broke. I spent the entire concert holding the two ends of the frame together so I could see. If only we had masking tape it would have solidified my role in the "Geek Squad"
Fast forward a few years and my concert experiences have increased and included live reggae, live jazz, live pop, live country...I've been pretty lucky. However, one artist I have not been able to see....my beloved Lady GaGa. She has been in Northern California several times. The most recent time, I had a 1/2 marathon the next morning...so I sadly knew I could not attend the concert. Then there was the "Fame Kills Tour" that was cancelled AFTER I secured my tickets.

Finally my day came to see her.....

12/13/09 Bill Graham Civic Center, San Francisco, CA

As part of the opening number GaGa wore this exquisite sparkling number. Not sure if you can tell but it also had lights on it! While performing "Dance in the Dark" the stage was dark with only the lights of her gorgeous garment sparkling. I think my jaw might have hit the floor and Chris will surely tell you I squealed like a teenager as I caught the first glimpse of her heading to the stage. My eyes were like saucers..... In total GaGa made at least 6 costume changes, probably more. My head is still spinning from the pure joy I had at this concert. I didn't want it to end. Luckily the pictures and videos I took allow my to re-live those moments! My anatomical hunger is quenched by this skeleton suit. Surprisingly it is (nearly) anatomically correct at that! However, the killer with this outfit is....the shoes! I have successfully found a pair. Maybe they will be my New Year's gift to myself?!?!?
The extravaganza ended with GaGa singing two of my favorite songs. Eh, Eh (Nothing Else I Can Say) and Bad Romance. She came out with her *humongous* white shoulder jacket and promptly removed it for a midriff baring outfit.

The weekend.....

Made a little collage to share some photos from the weekend in Las Vegas. Flew in Thursday night and was surprised that a limo was waiting to take us to a brand new hotel.....Encore. For our first night Chris and I stayed at the Encore hotel and it was GORGEOUS. The theme is butterflies, so it was eerily fitting to see the butterflies and remember Gramma.

We got in a nice 5-mile run Friday morning prior to switching hotels....and yet another surprise....a one hour couples massage. We were both so refreshed and relaxed afterwards as we waited for the rest of the group to arrive.

What a whirlwind weekend it was! We checked out 2 new clubs, XS and Lavo. Liked both a lot. XS is out of this world, absolutely stunning. I would not argue if we went back to Encore and XS. I felt pretty lucky to have my girlfriends with me, who went through A LOT just to make it to my birthday. Not only that but Chris was incredible with planning this trip and sneaking little surprises in!

Best part (for me) was dancing to Lady GaGa (thanks girls for requesting it) at the stroke of midnight as April 5th turned into April 6th! Now if I can just catch up on sleep!