Vegas!

A co-worker needed my December vacation days so I bargained for her Veterans Day week. Vacation schedules are a touchy subject in the office. It's taken way too seriously.

Coincidentally my parents were scheduled to be in Vegas that particular week and suggested I join them. Since things have been a little hectic recently, I was grateful for the opportunity to spend time with them.

They like traveling to Vegas. A lot.

I, on the other hand, had not been to the ninth island in a couple of years. My list of destinations to visit before kicking the bucket is long, and Vegas is, well, Vegas. Still, I was looking forward to the trip (& the cold weather).

It was interesting seeing my parents outside of their everyday skin. I think the biggest surprise was witnessing my somewhat conservative dad dance in his chair to "Macho Man" as he played a penny slot. It pretty much made my trip. Pics or it didn't happen!

Penny slots are hard to figure out. My general idea of them is that as long as the machine flashes lights and makes noise, it's a good thing.

Truth be told, the bonus games are what makes them rad.

Didn't meet Mr. Ellis. Maybe next trip.

While we were out & about, spotted a cool old man who was laced, and good to go at the (bus) terminal.

As we bus'ed it to the Strip (awesome way to meet people, btw), I learned that, "Science is God's test to our belief in him." Educational bus rides, Vegas haz.

One night, I somehow found myself sharing a table with a few WWII veterans who were in town for the parade. Over a pint of pumpkin spiced ale, they shared a few memories from the trenches.

I can not fathom the survival mindset they were forced into. Perspective, it silently slapped my face.

Party monster, obvs.

Requisite.

Experienced some pretty rough turbulence coming home. Wasn't so much worried about crashing, as much as trying to avoid regurgitating my dinner. Slept off the motion sickness, and woke up just in time for landing. The trip as a whole was fun. Tested my patience a little, but it was definitely worth it.

The holidays approach ... EXCITED.