So much to catch up on in the blog. I’m traveling for work which means missing Rob a ridiculous amount, running in gym hotel as often as possible, attending a conference, attending events, working online in between things, getting in some new restaurants and a bit of shopping.

So here are some of the highlights from this week.

I had some great classes at the conference.

It’s the whole point of the trip and I do have to say I learned some new things and feel energized to get back to my work efforts.

I got in workouts at the MGM Grand gym.

MGM Grand has a Cardio Room that is not a part of the SPA gym. It’s included in the hotel package that came with the conference reservation, so I didn’t have to spend any money each day to work out. I could have went out on the strip for some miles in the AM, but I didn’t have anyone to go with and I think it would have been only worth it to have someone to run with early AM before classes, so I stuck to the treadmill. Some days I was able to get in a run in the morning and evening. One challenge is Vegas gyms typically don’t open until 6am. And most close around 6pm-8pm. That makes it very challenging to get in workouts around other events like classes. It’s like people in Vegas hotels don’t want to workout early or late, I can’t see why not. 😉 Actually it caught me off guard because I was at least expecting the gyms to be available via hotel swipe 24/7, like most places in other cities. It seems like security cameras to keep an eye on things and a card swipe would make it handy for people to choose their hours to workout that fit their schedule.

Me and Jo after I got registered for the conference. The weather wasn’t good Sunday, but I had to work on a report anyways so I was stuck inside most of the afternoon anyways.

I rode the NY NY roller coaster.

After dinner with our friends Jo and Larry and their friend Dave, Jo and I took a ride on the NY NY roller coaster. It was a blast and you get a unique look at the strip and the Statue of Liberty from the coaster. I love that Jo is up for adventure anytime. Even when we were all dressed up she suggested we go.

Us at Broadway Burger Bar in NY NY.

I had the steak salad.

I got to see the Palms and Ghostbar.

We had a work event at Little Buddha which included some delish passed appetizers.

Afterward we went up to check out the amazing view from Ghostbar. It was perfect because it was a Monday night so there was really no one there but event people so it was super chill.

If you haven’t been to Ghostbar, definitely check it out. It’s a great view of the city.

I got caught up with people I haven’t seen at work in ages.

Our company is huge and that means that when you move on to other work assignments you can go a long time without seeing previous teammates. It was nice to get to have breakfast, lunch and dinners with co-workers and catch up on what they have been up to. Our friends Bob and Larry are into SCUBA diving. Rob and I have Advanced and Technical Certifications that we would need to get renewed, but we’ve dove in Jamaica and Turks and Caicos. Getting to hear about their trips all over the world make me itchy to get back out (into warm water dives of course).

One of our lunch meet ups was at Red, White and Blue at Mandalay Bay. I had the lobster cobb salad, with no bacon and no dressing.

We also ate at Wicked Spoon in the Cosmopolitan. I’m not a fan of buffets, but this one was so exceptional that it’s worth trying. The food is little bites of some amazing chef crafted dishes that I can’t do justice writing about.  I got a couple pictures in the Cosmopolitan on the way to the restaurant.

Crystals drip down three floors, surrounding a bar and lounge area.

The famous large shoes. I got pictures in a couple on the floor of Wicked Spoon.

Some other note worthy eats was Fleur in Mandalay Bay.

Tuna taco appetizer with serrano, cilantro, and avocado cream.

The halibut with braised leek, grilled scallion, and sweet corn.

I was able to get in a bit of shopping.

Oh yeah baby! I can’t go to Vegas and not hit up my favorite store, Louis Vuitton! I got this sweet purse. Perfect for the times when I need just my phone, wallet and lipgloss and that’s it.

I also picked up a new wallet for Rob, his first LV. 🙂

The event party included a concert with OK Go!, train and Pete Wentz DJing!!

The event party was held at the M Resort off the Las Vegas strip.

Ok Go!

train

Rob and I have always wanted to see train in concert so this was a real treat!

Pat extended “She’s on Fire” with a country rendition for part of the song.

Then he asked for ladies to join him on stage to finish out the song. About 30-40 women got on stage. I was one of the first and Pat hands me a shirt and says “quick put this on”. Turns out it’s a t-shirt that says “trainette”. He says normally he is only allowed 7 women or so on stage, but he goes with it and has us all shout where we are from at the same time.

Then he has us all dance for a bit to the song, I stayed near the back, no need to shake my money maker up there. Then he had us sing the rest of the song. Pat moved around the stage so much and my phone camera wouldn’t cooperate as I tried to get pictures. Pat holding out the microphone for us to sing.

My trainette t-shirt. The had was an event hat they gave out to attendees.

The band was very nice and Pat even announced to the crowd that they would be around hanging out after the show. During the show he even took people’s cameras and took pictures of himself with them.

After the show we made our way to Pete Wentz DJ Booth that was propped up on scaffolding high above the crowd. After his portion he only did a couple pictures before security escorted him away. I was able to get a picture and thank him for coming out.

I was happy to get to do some new things on this trip to Vegas. I hope next time to see the Bellagio fountain show. Three trips to Vegas and I’ve yet to see the show. Also, there are other restaurants I am excited to try. Rob and I hope to be back later this year so we will check off some more items on the Vegas list. 🙂