Nicole asked me to describe Las Vegas in one word. For anyone who has traveled to this action-packed city, you might agree that her request is near impossible. After making jokes about it being Asian-infused, bankrupt, and completely insane... I think the one word I would use to describe it is "alive". From the shows to the casinos to the bright lights to the magnificent buildings to the people of all different walks of life.... the city is ALIVE. I made a comment to Firas when we arrived that the casinos were much different than I expected. I suppose I had Oceans 11 in my mind when I pictured them all being luxurious, decorated in gold, and filled with 
people in tuxedos and formal gowns. I was relieved that it wasn't quite that pretentious. It would have been even more intimidating for me. The casinos were filled with average people like me, mostly older, a few younger, a handful of bachelor and bachelorette parties, brides and grooms, plenty of white-haired elderpals, one too many people suffering a midlife crisis, and the list goes on. Like I said earlier, all walks of life. We stayed at the Monte Carlo and it was a blast. I tried my hand at Blackjack, Let it Ride, the Wheel, and one (hundred) too many slot machines. I wouldn't say that luck was on my side, but I wasn't completely unfortunate. Firas had been to 
Vegas twice before, so it was nice to have a personal guide who had an idea of the city's "must see" features. After six hours of traveling on Friday night, we rallied like rockstars and made our way to a club called "Tryst" at the Wynn Hotel and Casino. What a sight. I thought I had witnessed the craziest club scene in Miami, but Las Vegas took the cake. People were there to par-tay. I'm not sure how people our age can party when one drink costs $14, but they certainly find a way, especially if they end up being married by Elvis at the end of the night. At a place like that, drinks aren't even necessary with the pulsating music, vibrant decor, crowded dance floor, and highly entertaining guests in attendance. We also visited Ghostbar, the rooftop lounge at the Palms, and I felt like a celebrity. It was chilly and extremely windy, but that didn't stop us from dancing outside on the rooftop patio which overlooked the wild city that is Las Vegas. It was such a cool experience. We also made sure to visit the Bellagio Fountain, the lions at the MGM, the high-roller shops at Cesar's Palace, the Eiffel Tower, and almost all of the other casinos for a game or two. The hotels were so beautifully decorated; I was in awe by the time I stepped foot into most of the lobbies. The city 
was surprisingly clean and the weather was wonderful. We had such a good trip, athough I will say that three nights is more than enough time to spend in this city. By the time I was suggesting I charge meals to my credit card so that Firas could give me cash, we knew it was time to go. Ha ha.... you think I'm kidding.... but overall, one of the most fun trips I've ever taken, and it helped to have such a great companion to travel with. And lastly, I would like to pat myself on the back for not slipping in the overused line of, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas". For once, I am resisting the urge to be a complete cornball.
the flight home to Virginia, I was glad to be on a small plane. That meant less people, less noise, and an easier time getting off the plane. In terms of the person sitting beside me, I'm forever hopeful for a friendly person who says hello, puts on their headphones, and falls asleep. I've never been much of a Social Sally on planes. I've been lucky before with this exact description of my ideal neighbor, once or twice. However, Santa granted me a man who mumbled things to himself and giggled randomly throughout the entire plane ride. At first, I thought he was on his Bluetooth having a conversation with somebody on the other end. I thought it was a weird conversation to start with, but it became even stranger when he took out his earphones and continued to speak. He mumbled to me about the two of us being in the row with no window and no reclining seats followed by a sarcastic, "Happy Holidays". I responded awkwardly with, "Oh, lucky us!"and I guess that wasn't enough of a response as he continued to mumble to himself for the remainder of the 2 1/2 hour plane ride. Oh, lucky me. 
I missed them both very much, especially on Christmas morning, but it was just good to be back home with Mom and Dad. I was surprised with many great gifts and was ecstatic to see meatloaf (my favorite) on the table for Christmas Eve dinner and snow on the ground Christmas morning. We headed to the Johnsons' home for their annual Christmas Day Open House, and I was so excited to see Meredith! We caught up on my previous life in Richmond that she picked up where I left off, and that makes me so happy. We enjoyed Mr. Johnson's famous clam chowder, Mrs. Johnson's delicious potato casserole, and as always, a lot of laughs. Mom, Dad, and I headed to D.C. the day after Christmas where I was so excited to 
see Nicole, Tony, Nana, and all of my aunts, uncles, and most of my cousins! I'm so thankful for an extended family that values time spent together. I remember being younger and friends asking me, "So you actually hang out with your cousins? You're friends with them?" I couldn't imagine it any other way, to be honest. We spent our entire vacations producing plays, swimming, writing musicals, seeking out adventure, and occasionally getting into trouble. I've always considered myself lucky in that regard. My favorite part of everybody getting together is the stories they share. My stomach was sore the next morning from laughing so hard. From feeding Kevin Dillon a dirt burger, to the "breaking into" their school gym, to the woman trying to return used underwear to Sears while my dad was working, to the infamous Stedge car stories... I hope I'm able to share even half the number of stories that my parents, aunts, and uncles do with my children, nieces, and nephews. 
