Never settle for less than a fairy tale

"Now girls... I want you to make a list of the qualities and characteristics you look for in a future husband." A line I heard way too often as a teenager in Young Women's (a form of Sunday School). However, back then, I knew exactly what I wanted in a future husband. Being that I had had my eyes set on one particular boy my whole life up to that point, I wanted my future husband to be at least 6 foot tall, blond, blue eyed, has double letters in his last name, someone who played sports, someone who was nice, HOT, and knew how to spell. And, of course I had to throw in wants a temple marriage and is a return missionary just to make my young women leaders happy. There were quite a few other shallow qualities I wanted and I thought as long as the guy I marry was tall enough and hot enough, we'd be happy... FOREVER!

When I finally turned 16 and was allowed to date, I dated nearly every low life there was. I dated them 1. to make my mom mad and 2. because I lived in a place I hated at the time and didn't want to get stuck in that town forever so by dating people that I knew it wouldn't last with, I knew I would be outta there right after graduation. I went off to college, dated some more, and after a few years of college ended back in Vegas (my hometown). I went to Vegas with a few more things to add to my list of what I was looking for in a guy. I definitely DID NOT want to marry a smoker, someone who still lived at home with his parents, or someone that didn't have their own form of transportation (that means they needed their own bus pass too).

Upon moving back to Vegas, one of my really good guy friends from Podunkville, that I had a HUGE crush on in high school, told me he wanted to move to Vegas to pursue his career and to date me. I was super stoked! He moved to Vegas by summer end and we got an apartment together. Everything was perfect for the first few months. Then reality set in. Every time I thought, great, we're getting along, things would go into shambles.

Our lease was renewing and I was determined to get my own place, but after some sweet talking, I ended up signing another lease with Mr WasWonderful. I know... idiot. After another year of living with him, and losing who I was as a person, my sister showed up at the apartment, packed my stuff and took me to her house. Don't get me wrong. Mr WasWonderful is an amazing person. He truly is a genuine wonderful person, I just couldn't see myself living with him for the rest of my days.
While living with my sister (who had just gotten out of a relationship and was revamping herself), I found the little sparkle inside me that I use to have before Mr WasWonderful. [One night, for homework, I had to ask people what their best advice to me is. My moms boyfriend told me, Jess, if you don't love yourself, no one will ever be able to love you.]

My new mission was not to find someone to fall in love with, but to fall in love with myself. Journal of Love Entry 12/25/2004 Loving Yourself
A few personal goals to improve myself mentally and physically.
1. Dress Modestly
2. Be even more charitable
3. Finish School
4. Stop swearing completely
5. be more unified w/ family
6. Early to bed; Early to rise
7. Exercise
8. Eat healthier
9. Only watch, listen and read uplifting entertainment
10. Only date guys w/ high standards (that's if I dated anyone)
11. Pray more often
12. Read scriptures
13. Write in a journal
14. Observe Sunday
15. Don't spend money on unnecessary things
16. Stay w/ positive people

I started becoming active in church again, I started gaining friends again and life was finally looking up. After a few months, I was feeling great about myself and life. Now that I finally cared about myself again, I figured I would start actively dating again... that's if the demand was high enough for Jessica's. I didn't want to just date anyone though. One night I wrote down MY GUY: in my love journal. First thing was Responsible - financially, able to buy a car, house, and provide food/clothing for family, doesn't necessarily have to be a return missionary - but must possess those qualities (i.e. testimony, dealing w/ a person you hate/love, etc.), tall perfect teeth, absolutely gorgeous, beautiful smile - smiles a lot, caring, is okay with the fact that he'll have to be mine and only mine for eternity, can deal with others differences, cleans up after himself, knows the honor of serving others, has a strong testimony, likes to dance, is good at dancing, will take me on carriage rides, traditional, laughs at my jokes when they aren't funny, won't put me down. Funny how this is only the beginning. I went on for 5 pages about what I wanted in a future husband. The list continues... dresses like he just stepped out of a magazine, opens my doors, is proud of the quirky, silly, successful person I am, loves all my faults, sings great and will serenade me on occasion, helps me keep the romance alive in our relationship, plays an instrument, cooks great meals on occasion, will have great communication with me, snores, is cautious about personal hygiene, smells like a GQ magazine, has and keeps a respectable job, still looks great at 75 yrs of age, great kisser, loves to give and receive hugs, is a cuddler, understands we are all God's children and nobody is perfect, can recite movie lines with me, likes to read, wants to travel and see the world, is a BIG family man, loves children, wants at least 3, won't hit them, won't spank them, will discipline with love, will treat all our children equally, sets a great example of how a father/husband should be, non-selfish, fits in and gets along with his family, accepts my family for who and what they are, fits in and gets along with my family, reads stories with kids, plays games with kids, is fully capable of giving a father's blessing, blesses, baptizes, and confirms all of our children, will tell me I'm beautiful in the middle of giving birth, will talk to our children while they're in my belly, doesn't freak out when I scratch his back, gives foot massages,back rubs, hand massages, holds my hand whenever, wherever, whyever, keeps promises, likes-will put up with-country music, will listen to music we both like while we both are in the car, won't bring me roses because he knows I likes carnations, observative, knows my likes and dislikes, knows everything about me inside and out; if asked what my favorite color is - he'd know; favorite animal - he'd know; pet peeves - he'd know; bad habits - he'd know, likes to watch musicals, spunky, crazy, leader of his "group", will write a song or poem with my name in it, courteous driver, will shave my legs, paint my toenails, brush my hair - just for fun, helps with daily chores, flirts with me, not afraid to be a goofball, will keep bugs outside, protector, comforter, fantastic lover, will be the bigger man, makes the first moves most of the time, doesn't smoke, drink or do drugs, will go somewhere for and or with me even if he doesn't want to - just because it'll make me happy =) -, not obsessed with himself, athletic, graceful winner, not a sore loser, understands "it's just a game", spontaneous, likes the cold, friendly to animals, won't push my buttons to the point of anger, truly a genuine guy, good listener - when time is right, tidy, creative, will call at least once during the day to see how I am doing, wants me to be a stay at home wife/mother, will do crafty things with me, handyman, understand that sometimes I just want to be held and sometimes I just need to cry, is not a video game junkie, will be madly in love with me.

I always hoped I'd be that girl that would see her future husband and just know that we were meant to be together, but it took a while for me to love my loving, goofy, wonderful husband. When I first met Jason, he was just "that funny guy" that hung around the institute. I'm sure you're asking me, Jess, you and Jason don't even have kids. How do you know that he will be a good dad? He's only 27, he still has 48 more years before he's 75! My answer is, I just know. When we first started "being friends", Jason was babysitting his nephew. I would go hang out every now and then and he was so wonderful with his nephew. He wouldn't let his nephew get away with whatever he wanted and by how much his nephew loved him and wanted him to be there 24-7, I knew that Jason was a GREAT uncle. We would hang out with his friend from high school who had a baby and that little girl refused to call me anything but Jason. AND, it's sad when your friend comes to pick you up, you go about town with her little girls and when they are dropping you off, one of the little girls says, "Mom, take me back to Jason and Jessica's cause I want to hang out with Jason." Ya, I'm jealous.

Also, you are very right. I won't see Jason at the ripe age of 75 for another 48 years, but I know he will be more handsome than ever, because... well look at him!

HE'S A SEXY BEAST!

Happy Birthday Honey Bear! You are my everything!

Huge Weekend in One Tiny Blog

This is my friend Gretchen (who will probably choke me when she sees I uploaded this pic, but because I love this pic of her, I'm willing to take the beating).

We met in our ward and have been doing quite a bit together. She is my book club buddy, my sewing club buddy, my craft buddy, swimming buddy and road trippin' buddy. You may have seen her in a recent blog of when we went snowboarding.

Gretchen is an amazing person. She was born in Florida, grew up for the most part in Alaska, got pregnant in high school, gave her daughter up for adoption (which I find highly remarkable), went into the Air Force, met her husband, has two adorable little girls with him, and is a stay at home mom. (sorry if I am divulging too much to the internet world... again, you can choke me later.)

Gretchen has been a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints all her life, but her hubby has and is not a member. Chad, Gretchen's husband, supports her in all her church events so when Gretchen and I were chatting a few weeks ago when we heard the announcement of the Oquirrh Temple Open House and she said she wanted to try and go I checked with Jason and we started to make plans. I had Thursday, Friday and Saturday off, so it was a perfect weekend to go up to the temple!

We decided to stay with a friend that use to live in our ward but now lives in Morgan, UT. So, Thursday, after a few errands, Gretchen, Kaya (3), Isabel (2) (AKA Izzy) and I headed up to the Mother Land. We stopped in Fillmore to let the girls stretch their legs. It was well needed. There was a playground for them to run around on and I think they thoroughly enjoyed it. We continued north and finally arrived in Morgan around 11 pm.

The next day we got up and went to the Oquirrh Open House. What a beautiful temple. I loved being able to look across the valley and see 4 different temples. The girls were a little restless from the long trip up, and Gretchen and I were thinking it may not have been such a good idea to bring them, but they loved it! Kaya and I played a game of, "How many pictures of Jesus can we count in the temple" and Izzy just loved being small enough to run through everyone's legs. They were troopers. My favorite part of the temple would probably be the creation room. Only having been to Vegas sessions, it was an interesting change. I also loved the staircases and the chandeliers, but what girl doesn't like sparkling things?

After the temple we went to a diner called Moochie's. Gretchen had seen it on an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. Their cheesesteak sandwiches were good, but I didn't really care for the potato salad. The Dr Pepper as always was fantastic!!!

We then went North a few miles to Temple Square. Gretchen had not been to SLC before, so it was fun showing her around. They were doing some construction, and it was sticky hot, so we didn't stay too long. We did check out the Church Office Building, Joseph Smith Building, Visitor Center, Temple and the tabernacle. That was as much as the girls could handle. Kaya was extremely excited to get her very first Kaya size Book of Mormon.

After the temple we headed back to Morgan to hang out with the Butikofort's. After dinner, Lisa took us to her parents house down the road so the girls could see the horses. It was absolutely beautiful there.

The next day, Saturday, we went to Hogle Zoo. Again, hot sticky and cranky, so we could only stay so long. We then HAD to go to IKEA. I wish that place were more like Walmart where no one bothers you and you can check yourself out. I really did not care for some of the staff there. But, I got a lot of ideas for things to make around the house and also some ideas of where to shop when I'm looking for something for the house.

We then made our trip back. The girls were good troopers and Gretchen and I had a blast. What a fun girl trip.

The Carpenters like you've never heard them before...

My friend Jennifer invited Jason, my mom and I over for dinner at her house tonight. I of course accepted cause they are great cooks and it was BBQ food. (How could I say no?)

I drive us up to their house, we have a FANTASTIC meal, and then it is time to drive home. Anyone that knows Jason, or me, know that we listen to quite a variety of music. This particular evening, we were listening to KJUL, 104.7 (one of my fav's). We turned onto La Madre, maybe 2 miles from home and Superstar by the Carpenters comes on.

Mom and Jason both softly started out singing the famous words...

Long ago, and oh so far away
I fell in love with you before the second show

I looked at Jason shocked cause he actually knew the words! I knew the song, but as usual, not the right words. We turned onto Spring Falls and they were still at it...

Your guitar, it sounds so sweet and clear
But you're not really here, it's just the radio

I was totally digging this situation. I was feeling a Sweet Caroline moment coming very quickly, and as we turned onto Summer Glen, and as we drove past the house, I cranked the stereo and we belted...

DON'T YOU REMEMBER YOU TOLD ME LOVED ME BABY
YOU SAID YOU'D BE COMING BACK AGAIN THIS WAY, BABY
BABY, BABY, BABY, BABY, OH BABY
I LOVE YOU, I REALLY DO

We drove around our neighborhood til the song was over cause I was totally digging this hilarious moment. Why do I love my husband? This is one reason why. Why do I love my family? This is one reason why.

I will have the usual with a side of completely unusual, please.

Jason and I have been to the temple quite a few times in the last few months. Half the time we set up dates with other people. All the other times it's, "I'm feeling a need for the temple. Want to go?" The answer is NEVER no.

Let me tell you how our visits usually go. Jason gets off work and I want to make it to the temple by X time. We rush to get ready, we are rushing on the freeway and generally I am getting irritated, if Jason's driving, cause he loves the speed limit and I feel like, HEY! We've got somewhere to be!!! HURRY!!! Then, we are usually fumbling for our recommends, rent clothes and in we go. Calmly. We do whatever is needed, and then we leave. The last however many times we've gone, I usually am done changing before Jason. Everyone is usually done before him so we wait in one of the waiting areas for him. And, typically, he exits the men's dressing rooms about 5-15 minutes after the rest of us have. Then we go eat.

Yesterday, as I left work around 1300, I called Jason as I usually do, and told him I wanted to go to the temple. I got home about 1320 and just relaxed for a while. I really wanted to make the 1700 session, but was happy with just making it there. We took the next 4 hours getting ready to go and we got in the car to leave around 1730. Jason drove, but since we didn't have an exact time to be there and we weren't holding other people up, I think it helped me to remain calm the whole way there. He even took Charleston which didn't bother me... too much. I'm more of an Eastern to Bonanza girl cause I DESPISE CHARLESTON!!! Anyway, we got to the temple and I was feeling good. Jason was feeling good. It was just past 1800 when we arrived at the temple so we were most likely making the 1830 session. After getting inside, we went our separate ways. I sat waiting for Jason in the chapel til he rejoined me about 8 minutes later. (See, still a typical trip.)

After our session (which we got to be the WC for the first time - which helped us pay more attention), we went our separate ways yet again. The only thing I did differently from times before was make a pit stop at the restroom. That only took maybe 2 minutes. I grabbed my stuff and exited the women's side to go wait for him. Most waiting areas were pretty crowded, so I went and sat by the windows where you can see those leaving the changing rooms and those in the lobby. After sitting for about 5 minutes, I heard a lot of chatter from the lobby. I looked down to see who or what was going on and just saw a couple guys on a couch, one bald one and one that looked like John the security guy. I thought, when Jason is out we'll see what's going on. (WELL, this is when the good stuff comes). All of a sudden it registered in my head that that bald guy sitting next to John was my bald guy!!! I felt like such a dope for having to take a double take at him! I grabbed my stuff and started walking down to the lobby.

Under the dome was Jason and John on one couch, another guy in shirt and tie on the opposite couch, and a guy in a green tee, navy gym shorts, sometimes a baseball cap (depends on if he was throwing it around or not), and tennis shoes. The three shirt and tie guys were talking with this guy. At first I thought it was an investigator and they were talking to him trying to explain the church and whatnot. But, oh no. It was much more than that. I could sense that there was something slightly wrong about the situation, so I sat at the far end of the couch furthest from "David".

John had been trying for a while to get David on his way. The temple was getting ready to close and he obviously could not stay there. David had said a few things like, I don't want to go home. I walked here to get help. My mom is in a lot of pain. She has multiple sclerosis and I hate her for making me take care of her. She doesn't love me and that's why she makes me do it. John explained to him that that is why he is allowed to take care of her is because she trusts him enough to take care of her and that MUST mean that she loves him. David also was very interested in where the President was. He asked, "Where is the president?" over and over. Finally we got it narrowed down to President Monson is in Utah and that was enough info for him on that topic.

Throughout the different conversations with David, he would jump out of his seat and run towards the painting of Jesus on the wall. The one of him teaching everyone outside the city. David would run back to his seat and mimic how Jesus was sitting. No one really caught that but me, but that's prolly cause they all were concerned about everyone else's safety, including David's, and because he was acting out already, they prolly thought it was just him being him.

John got up for a minute and Jason went and sat next to David in the vacant chair next to him. They started passing notes back and forth. Jason introduced me to David as his wife, and I guess that was because David had written note to Jason asking "who is the prettiest girl in the room?" He may not have noticed, but I was the ONLY girl in the room. After a few note passings, Jason sent me out to call his mom to see what we do (she is a social worker and handles these situations a lot). I called her and she advised me that we should call 311 and get them to escort him to a shelter. Though the shelter's have closed their doors, sometimes they will let someone in if they are escorted by metro. I went back in and told Jason what she said and he got on the phone with 311. He motioned for John to come back and he went outside to talk to the dispatcher.

In the 5 seconds (which felt like 10 minutes) that Jason was walking away and John was coming over, David beckoned for me to come sit by him. I haven't been in too many of these situations, but I knew enough to stay where I was at. I asked him what he needed, and he just kept beckoning with his hand to have me come over. I pretended I didn't understand and then he made a thrusting motion at me. he then started to write something, but he saw that John had joined our circle again, he threw his head back in frustration, then started writing again. Ya, a very long 5 seconds.

Jason came back inside and sat next to David. David jumped up though and started running towards the drinking fountain. Jason and John escorted him back to his chair. They continued with notes until about 5 minutes later when the firefighter paramedics showed up. They walked in and surrounded David and there were 2 things that could've happened. 1. He could have flipped out and all of them would've been on him like defense on the carrier; or, 2. He would have completely mellowed out. Luckily David chose option number 2. Jason, after introducing himself to the paramedics, introduced David to the paramedics. The paramedics then started talking with David. Asking him if they could help him, which after a few pauses, he said, "You guys are the only ones that can help me!" A few moments later, the non firefighter paramedics showed up followed by two officers (one being my friend Garn).

The temple was closed by now so the officers tried to get him to leave. They asked him nicely quite a few times and then explained, David, you need to come with us now, or we can escort you out. He got up and started walking out just as the paramedics were bringing in a gurney. We were told we could leave, but I did not want to walk out the doors that they all just went. I HATE sexual advances, whether from sane men or crazy men, and even though I knew David would not be able to get past the 2 cops, 3 firefighting paramedics, 3 paramedics, Jason and John, I didn't want to maybe cause another scene, so I told Jason to get the car and I would be out by the street, cause I'm going out the other door.

President Stucki was there as Jason and John were going outside, and he is such a great guy. He told John that if it would help David, he would allow a blessing, so when John went outside, they already had David in the Ambulance. He came back in and let us know that it wasn't necessary and they have it under control now. Jason came back inside with Officer Crossman and they asked me about the threat David made to me. I said, it wasn't necessarily a threat as it was more a gesture. We were informed that in order to detain him, a threat needed to have been made. So, John told Officer Crossman that David told him at one time, I can't leave. If I leave, you die. The demons inside me will kill you.

That was enough to detain him. David went on his way with the paramedics, some of the cops went to David's mother's house. Yes, David said everything smelled like death. His mom also told him that he's crazy without his meds. So, we're hoping his mom is ok. And we're hoping David will get his meds.

We said good night to John, President Stucki and the last 5 remaining officers and went on our way to eat something (it was about 2215). David apparently had also made comments such as, You can't leave me alone. I can't control myself and someone could get hurt. And, TupakShakur was possessing him along with Dante Alighieri. David also had a green earth tote with him that had multiple books in it, such as a book on Joseph Smith, The complete Idiot's Guide to Creative Writing, a poetry book, and something like The Psychology of Persuasion.

Though David said he wanted help in getting back to the mormon life like it was when he was a kid when he came to do Baptisms for the Dead and stuff, he had a lot of anti mormon literature in his possession. Who knows if David is really possessed. Who knows if the demons inside him directed him to the temple to find help for his mother. Who knows if his mother is ok. I hope it all works out for him and his mother.

It seemed as if it was going to be a normal temple trip day, but oh how it turned out. I asked Jason, How is it that you beat me out of the changing rooms, and he said, I was just moving. Didn't do anything different, but it felt like he was moving quicker than normal.

Does it get any better than this???

Our weekend was one that we haven't had in a long time. My sister's birthday was last week and her friend (who has a 2 and a half year old) surprised her with a weekend trip to San Diego. So my mom offered to watch said 2 year old while they go out of town.

A year ago we watched Kyler over night. Our lives were a lot different then and Kyler was only one. I didn't despise my job yet, I just hated it. I was still on a high of being married to my best friend (we had only been married about 3 months). We had another newly wed couple living with us, Kevin and Nanci. So having Kyler overnight was not a big deal.

Our life now... Kevin and Nanci moved out. I quit my wretched job and now have a very Jessica Friendly one. I'm still on a high of being married to Jason. Mom and her big dog, that likes to bark at nearly everything, and cat who has gotten a lot more vocal lately, moved in. So, the house has been a lot louder than it was before with 2 newly wed couples. Kyler is also now 2 and a half and running around and screaming at everything. After many inquiries, I've been told, that's just what 2 year olds do. *sigh*

The last night Kyler stayed with us, as I was playing on the internet, I could hear Jason snoring in our bedroom and I could hear Kyler breathing/sleeping a few feet away from me. It was such a peaceful loving moment for me. I loved my life and relished in those few moments. I thought that the only way life could get better was if I had my own kid(s) and had my own houseful of snoring sleeping beauties and beasts.

Then the next day (today), I had the day off. I dinked around the house getting ready for the bug guy to come and have a Lia Sophia party. Jason got home about 1. Loved seeing him. My mom ran off to work about 3. Jason and I had a few hours to hang out with each other. We snuggled on our living room couch talking/chatting. Sometimes we have real important things to talk about, like the price of wasabi peas in China, and other times there are insignificant things we talk about, like Al Gore and Global Warming. Today we were talking about absolutely nothing. Then, for a moment, we were about to move on to a new topic, but we just sat there. In silence. The dog was laying on my mom's bed sleeping. The cat was outside prolly killing another bird. Even George, who is generally trying to break out of his tank, was basking in his light. It was a perfect moment. I can't remember the last time I had such a perfect moment. Yes, the night before was pretty awesome, but how often does a girl really get to indulge in listening to just her and her hubby breathe? How often do you lay there wide awake, not going to sleep and can hear his heartbeat? The last time I remember a true moment like that was over a few years ago when we first were dating and living in our apartments across town. It's nice to know that years later, you can still relish in those kinds of moments.

Sorry if this is too mooshy for some of you, but I think I needed to write this more for me than for you. To remind me that life is always going to be crazy, but those few moments you have of quiet sanity are worth the days of hectic loud insanity.

Garden Rotini Salad

We had a salad buffet potluck at our swim party the other day at my friend Gretchen's house. The night before, Gretchen and I shopped at Wally World to get ingredients for our next day feast. I had no clue what to make, so I was given the idea of pasta noodles and Italian dressing.

I knew I had some rotini at home, I had some chicken and some Parmesan cheese and all I needed was the dressing. I picked up a Kraft dressing that said Italian Dressing, but it wasn't just any Italian dressing, it was TUSCAN Italian dressing.

I cooked the noodles, cut up the Southwestern precooked chicken, and after the noodles cooled, I threw in the Parmesan. Much to my excitement, I still had some parmigiana reggiano left over from some baked ziti I made a few nights before, so I threw a handful of that in. I then drenched the noodles in the Tuscan Italian Dressing. I wasn't thinking it was that fabulous considering it was so simple and so few ingredients, but to my amazement, everyone really liked it!

I brought home what I was hoping to be my lunch the next day, but after Jason saw it and tried it, it was nearly gone before I was done getting out of the shower. =(

He asked me to make it for him last night, but I wanted to use the chicken I pulled out of the freezer earlier that was thawing all day. So, tonight I made it for him. He was stoked when I presented him with the special of tonight! I'm not sure exactly what it is about this dish that is so delicious, but it is. If you need a quick salad, dinner, or lunch... I suggest you whip this up.

Jess' GRS

1 lb Garden Rotini (cooked and chilled)
1 package of precooked southwestern chicken breasts (Foster Farms is my favorite!)
about 3/4-1 cup of grated Parmesan (not the stuff for spaghetti)
optional, about 1/4 cup of parmigiana reggiano (I can't pronounce this right, let alone spell it)
Kraft Tuscan Italian dressing to your liking

Of course you can always subtract the cheese from it. Or add more chicken or whatever. I am very much an add whatever it needs til it meets your approval.

Hope you enjoy!!!

BUMBLEBEE

March 20th was my lat day of working at a local credit union. Ever since I was 16, I have either been working part time and school full time, or school full time and working part time, or a full time job and part time job, and finally with the most recent employer, this was the first time I've decided to enjoy life so I've only had a full time job for the last 3 years (unless it was tax time and then it was full time and part time jobs).

Needless to say, that when Friday afternoon came last week, I was getting a little scared as to what I would do with my time. I already knew that there is a lot to do with the house, I can be a better wife to Jason, better sister to my siblings, better friend, better visiting teacher, go to the temple more often, and focus on my health which is in great need of attention. I started thinking that there still wouldn't be enough for me to do.

Well, when Jason got home from work today, I had heard a little rumor of Bumblebee being in Vegas. Now, I HATE going down to the strip. Reason #1 - I am no longer a teenager (You use to be able to find me down at the Bellagio walking through the Garden or watching the fountains. It is my place to revamp my chakras.) Reason #2 - I've been to most of the sites on the strip so many times I'm worn out, therefore I only go down to the strip when there is something amazing to do (like visit Santa Claus or see a new show) Reason #3 - I HATE CROWDS! 'Nuff said. When I heard about Bumblebee, this totally fit under Reason #2, THIS WAS GOING TO BE TOTALLY AMAZING!!! How could I not surprise my wonderful comic geek husband with a trip to see Bumblebee?! (Totally win some best wife ever points!!)

While he was showering I searched everywhere trying to find out where he was. I asked the person I heard the rumor from, but she wasn't responding as quickly as I'd hoped being that TODAY WAS THE LAST DAY! I called my sister thinking she might know cause she is always in the know (hello, she's a cosmetologist), but no dice. I searched the net and found that he was at the CES convention, so I called my bro in law and he said CES wasn't in town now. =( Things were looking very grim. Jason got out of the shower and I told him of the plan (ruining the surprise), and his eyes looked at me with the that is so sweet that you'd think of going to that, I'm kind of bummed that we can't go and I'm tired look.

We searched EVERYWHERE on the internet trying to find out where Bumblebee is. Finally, deltamike on Flickr saved the day. He had posted pic's from the day before on his site and I was filled with so much excitement!!!

Jason, my mom and I set out to Paris Las Vegas to see Bumblebee. We got there and as we pulled into the driveway of the Paris, there was Bumblebee in the middle of the Arc de Triomphe! I think one of the funniest moment was when we started walking through the casino on our way to see Bumblebee, Jason had to stop for a minute to check out the G.I. Joe movie posters hanging up. (Told you, comic geek - but I love it!) As we walked out to the Arc, there was Bumblebee in all his glory. He was so cool!!! We took some pics while the sun was still up and he was AMAZING! Standing as close as I could and looking over at him, I was only as tall as his knees. After taking in all that we could for a while, we walked inside, but on our way in, we came across more robots in disguise! Bumblebee was surounded by Mudflap and Skidz. Totally awesome! We then ate at a little cafe inside the Paris where they no longer had gelato (which I was totally looking forward to.) There was an intriguing cast iron tool by the booth we were sitting at and after many many moments of contemplation, Jason figured it out, it was a medieval wine corking press machine thing. Pretty cool that they had one, and even cooler that my hubby was smart enough to figure out what it is! My brother and his comic geek wife, Katie (who is also the geek that wears the bands t-shirt to their concert), met up with us and we all went out to see Bumblebee again. Katie was just as amazed as the rest of us. After hanging out for a while, chatting and picture taking, it was time to go.

Walking back through the casino I saw a cake topper that I totally wish I'd seen 14 months ago. Oh well, maybe next round (totally kidding).