Thursday, August 03, 2006

Thursday 13 v. 21

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Thirteen of My Favorite Vegas Stories (So Far)
Since I'm heading to Vegas for Labor Day weekend with my friend Irish, I thought I'd take a look back at why I love this crazy city so much.
  1. Men In Black Penny Slots: Frank the dog sings "And now we're back, from outer space" and we got to play the bonus games and pick who we thought the aliens were. Oh, and to get to this bonus game, you had to hit three of the "neuralizers" (you know, the blinky things that alter your memory after you've seen an alien) in a row. Except someone didn't UAT this game, because the neuralizers looked like, well, a certain part of the male anatomy. We would yell out "Woo Hoo! The tri-peni bonus" and get strange looks.
  2. Star Wars Penny Slots: Who doesn't want to play a game that has a "Death Star Bonus" and has the movie playing on the machine? (Yum, young Harrison Ford). Irish always wins big money (for penny slots) when she plays. This year, it's gonna be MY year!
  3. "Jello" Days at the Spa: Every time we go, we get some spa treatments. The first year, we invented the term "jello'ed", as in, "I feel all jello'ed now."
  4. Cheesecake Factory: I don't know what they put in these cheesecake slices, but our first trip, we got some cheesecake to go, which we ate in our room. We got the giggles so bad that we were both snorting and I couldn't breathe. That's the best kind of laughing.
  5. Riding the Inclinator, While Buzzed, at the Luxor: You can't take an elevator up the side of a pyramid, so you take an INCLINATOR. Which is an elevator that goes kind of sideways. It's a weird ride when sober. When slightly inebriated, it's like a carnival ride.
  6. The "Foot Touching Incident": 80s night at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay became a yearly tradition (until last year. It seems the HOB isn't so popular anymore). My favorite time is when Irish, who doesn't like her feet touched anyway, had a guy take off her shoe and massage her foot in an effort to hit on her.
  7. The Food: OMG! Vegas has possibly the best food in the universe. For my birthday year 1, we ate at Prime in Bellagio. YUM! Last year (and a repeat visit this year) was Emeril's Delmonico at the Venetian. YUM YUM. A great little Italian place at the Stratosphere. Oh man, I'm hungry.
  8. The "Camera Drama": On our first trip to Vegas, I managed to leave my camera in a cab. I didn't care so much about the camera, but I wanted the PICTURES inside it. There much mad cab-company calling, (always get the cab company and number) but alas, no camera for me. Which set off number 9 . . .
  9. The "Vegas Sign Controversy": I wanted a photo of me and the Vegas sign. So we took a cab to the end of the strip, and took some photos while the cab sat with its blinkers on in the middle of the road. But then the camera was stolen. I bought a disposable camera, and we did the whole thing again that night. But when I got home, the pictures were bad (only the sign and my reflective shoes showed up). So last year we went AGAIN and I finally got some good photos. I think Irish was ready to kill me over that darn sign. :)
  10. Kung Pow Chicken!:There's another penny slot game which we don't know the name of, but whenever we see it, we yell Kung Pow Chicken! (It's a Chinese Menu game).
  11. Flavored Oxygen: It fascinates me. Everywhere in Vegas there are these oxygen bars. You get choose your "flavor" and then stick the thing in your nose (like you would in a hostpital) and inhale for a set length of time. Only in Vegas.
  12. Rides for Crazy People: We've ridden the roller coaster on top of the Stratosphere, which was death-defying enough (all you see is the Strip and the big drop to get there). The Stratosphere also has a see-saw ride that goes OVER THE SIDE of the hotel, Then they have some swings that go round and round, that hangs OVER THE SIDE of the hotel.
  13. The Wave Pool at Mandalay Bay: We've only been able to afford one night at Mandalay Bay (it was REALLY nice), but while we were there, we got to play in the wave pool. We'd body surf to the edge, "jump" the waves, etc. It was so much fun! They also have a "lazy river" where you rent an innertube (we "borrowed" one that wasn't being used) and just float around on the 2mph current. Best pool so far that we've tried. Mandalay Bay is also where all the hot men hang out. So we always spend some eye candy time there. :)

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82 comments:

FRIDAY'S CHILD said...

I'm first! I haven't heard any of those vega stories you listed down. They seem to be good titles.
My TT13 is up too.

Tink said...

I want to go to Vegas!!! And I will, one day... ;-)

Zeus said...

I would like to hear more about the Kung Pao Chicken. It sounded delicious! It sounds like you had some crazy times in Vegas, but I hope you realize, you never needed to tell us because according to the commercials, all of those secrets would have stayed there forever. You're very brave, Carmen!

My TT is also up. Happy Thursday!

Ladybug Crossing said...

I really need to take a trip to Vegas and not vicariously on the travel channel...
LBC

Anthony said...

How about The Hooker Hand-Outs? Maybe it doesn't happen to girls, but I love the guys on the sidewalk handing out the hooker ads (near the Bellagio, if I recall).

The theme is, "Here, you throw this away!" They should just take the nearby helicopter ride and drop them like leaflets all over the Boulevard.

Kung Pow!

Anonymous said...

while theres LOTS to say about this list- I'll just say I hate getting my feet touched too. I would NOT BE HAPPY to get a foot massage from a stranger!!

Anonymous said...

dude, you have to go to Hart & Hunt!ngton Tattoo and get a p!cture of you w!th D!zzle! D!d I say that already?

!it's in the Palms Cas!no Resort :-)

My fr!end, Maureen has a t!me share there so we're th!nking of going in October to see C!rque du Sole!l's Beatles show.

Kelly Curtis said...

Sounds like a fun place;)

Thanks for visiting my TT - I hope you'll enter a post in the Pass the Torch contest!

Trish Ess said...

LOL - Now *I* can't wait for you to go... just so we can hear more funny stories! :)

Darla said...

What a great vacation! My daughter's boyfriend just got back from Vegas--I'll have to see if he recognizes any of your 13. :)

Anonymous said...

Great post! Reading your stories make me want to go to Vegas for a vacation! LOL at the Black Penny slots. And all that great food - WOW! Just reading about it made me hungry. And that pool at Mandalay Bay sounds incredible. When I used to go to water parks as a little kid I always used to love the "lazy rivers".

The Tempest said...

Man all I did in Vegas was get married.

I think we need to go back!

My T13 is up too.

Knitting Maniac said...

I am ALLL for the young Harrison Ford. Mmmmmmmm.....

Heather Smith said...

I've never been to Vegas. I'd like to go someday! I gave you a shoutout on one of my 13's! Have a good one!

Shannon said...

Love Vegas. I was a Cheesecake Factory virgin until I went to Vegas. Now they're opening one up here in the fall... Watch out.

Maribeth said...

Sign me up for the cheesecake!

Tanya said...

Flavoured oxygen. Mmmmm hmmmm....

I've gotta go see the real Vegas some time.

Happy Thursday.

*~*Michelle*~* said...

The first time we went to Vegas we did everything wrong -- gambled 24/7, saw only a handful of shows and came home with EXACTLY enough money to get our car out of the parking garage.

We have learned to do things so much different. Have a great time -- Vegas is awesome!

My Thursday Thirteen is up!

Happy Thursday!

angela said...

Because I am a total coward, I would probably be aftraid to innhale anything that wasn't given to me by a doctor.

That foot story was hilarious...who knows where his feet had been...gross..

Natsthename said...

If I ever go to Vegas, I'll print this 13 and stick to it! But I'll probably just EAT! (since you said the food is great!)

Kukka-Maria said...

Your Vegas memories brought back a couple of my own (well, my "agent's"):

• Harley Davidson Cafe has the best...THE BEST macaroni and cheese. Gotta love that comfort food!

• Family Feud slots are a helluva lot of fun! "Survey says..."

• The last time I was there, they were filming "Divas Live" at the MGM. We knew the airing time and planned to head over there early to stargaze on the red carpet (not because we were attending the show, but because we are celebrity whores). Naive as can be (and from Eastern Standard Time), we didn't realize that in order for it to air...LIVE...at 8p EST, it had to be filmed at 6p Mountain. We were stoked as we got ready, then right before we left to go down there, I spoke on the phone with someone at home who said, "The show has aired and is done already! What are you expecting to see at this point?" Awwwwww...crap. Naive or stupid? You be the judge!

Anonymous said...

We went to Vegas years ago....I would so not do those rides. I love to play slots. DH lots tons of money thinking he could play black jack.

You make it sound like so much fun, I want to go back.

Kimmy said...

Never been to Vegas, but sounds like you really enjoy yourself!
What I wouldn't give to have Cheesecake Factory cheesecake and to be "jello'ed"!!!
Happy T13!

Anonymous said...

Bummer on the camera, I would hate that....haven't been to Vegas before!
Thanks for stopping by.

Shannon said...

Hey, it's Frank on MIB. It was the inspiration for our dog's name.

I've never heard of oxybars. That is so weird.

With you on the cheesecake thing. Feeling you here. Channelling the food. Hey, it's better than actually eating it myself, right?

Lindsey said...

Oh my gosh, there's a Star Wars slot?!?!?! I would sooooooo be there!!!

Happy TT!

Domestic CEO said...

You make Vegas sound so fun!!!

Anonymous said...

I love Vegas too! Not as much of a gambler (lack of expertise) & more of an observer, but love the drinks & food! I loved Prime at Bellagio & Delmonico at Venetian. Even the pool-side cafe at the Venetian is overseen by Wolfgang Puck! First class!

Anonymous said...

Oooh we could swap Vegas stories. I have hundreds, lol. Great list and Happy TT!

-R- said...

I'm glad you have so much fun there! I saw those oxygen bars when we were there, but scented oxygen just didn't appeal to me.

Jennfactor 10 said...

Take ME, Take ME! We went to Vegas for the first time last year, and we are SOOO ready to go back!

Anonymous said...

Cool! I can't wait until my kids are grown and I'm divorced so I can go ENJOY a trip to Las Vegas.

Deb @ Sugarfused said...

I've never been to Vegas but I'd love to go. You really do make it sound like so much fun but I don't know if I could stand the crowds!

MaR said...

Never been to Vegas...and Mr Mar's aunt lives right outside the city. Maybe one of these years. Sounds like an exciting place! Happy TT :)
I want some of that cheesecake!

Ash said...

Take me with you!

Anonymous said...

OMG!!!!! Can I come too????? I'm all green of envy - except for #12, I'll skip that part.

Some day, we'll go to Vegas, I'm sure of that, but I wish it were possible sooner...

Mr Lifecruiser wants to play in the VSOP, so he want it too. Bad.

*dreaming*

Anonymous said...

Oh, and did you HAVE to mention the food...??!!! Now you've woken up the hungry monster and I'm off to a tremendous kitchen raid....

Mr Lifecruiser better watch out or I'll even eat him!

*lol with my BIG monster mouth*

Laura said...

i remember a similar experience with # 5.
have fun in vegas!
thanks for visiting my tt.

Dane Bramage said...

Great list. Remember; What happens in Vegas, stays on your record for seven years, or something like that. Thanks for stopping by my T13.

Anonymous said...

Oh that sounds so fun!!!

I just went to Tunica the first time and I think I have become addicted and they don't have near the interesting games it sounds that Vegas does. I HAVE to go!!!!

Leanne said...

Mandalay Bay sounds like where we just went for our daughter's bday! The lazy river and wave pool were NICE.

The chachingy noises though - I had my fill working for the riverboat casinos here for 5 years. No more ding ding dings for me! LOL

Minerva Jane said...

Great list. Never spent more than 2 days in Vegas but would love to go. Have fun1

YellowRose said...

I'd enjoy everyting except those "Crazy rides, for crazy people!!" No thank you!!!

Slot machines, now that's my thing!! LOL

Happy Thursday!

GreekGoddess said...

Seemed all Greek to me.. but mighty interesting..are you gonna take me with you?? puhhleeeeze?

Renee Nefe said...

I feel like such a vegas virgin 'cuz other than the food, I haven't done any of that.

Dh said the inclinator was cool, but since we were not guests...no ride for me. :( Maybe next time.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have way too much fun in Vegas. ;) I've only been to Vegas twice. Once for my wedding and once for my best friend's wedding. I was pregnant with twins at her wedding so no roller coasters or alcohol for me. But we still had fun.

Don said...

Carmen,
It looks like you and Irish have got the 'Vegas' trip down. Good luck at Mandalay Bay.

If you make it to Niagra Falls you've got to do the Maid of the Mist!

Your 13 is always tops.

Froggie Mama said...

YAY!! I can finally leave a comment! This is my 3rd attempt! Crazy!

I am really excited about going to Vegas, too. Of course, since we are going with a group of people - it's harder to do your *own* thing, but it'll still be fun! :) This will be my 3rd trip there!

And I've already told my hubby that I want a pic of me with the Vegas Sign, too! ha! :) I don't know why we didn't do that when we got married! Me with my wedding dress on in front of the sign would've been PERFECT!! ha!

I'll definitely have to keep your list in mind when I go! Can't wait to hear about your fun stories when you get back! :)

Unknown said...

LOL on the feeling like jello after a spa treatment...Sounds like heaven to me!Carmen,your TT is making me really hungry....Two of my favorite foods...Cheesecake and Kung Poa Chicken!
Have a great Thursday!

Bellezza said...

I can tell with your great adventurous spirit you'll probably get to Russia before I do! I can't say Las Vegas is one of my favorite places, being somewhat of an introvert, but you do make it sound exciting. Thanks for stopping by Dolce Bellezza today.

Becky said...

ahhhh **what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas** LOL..my uncle lives in Vegas and we ALMOST had orders there..one day I will go ..

Unknown said...

Ah man, I am having Vegas Flashbakcs now. I had so much fun when I went and really want to go back.

Melli said...

WHEN (not if) I finally get to Vegas I am definately going to remember the Inclinator ... and Mandolay Bay! And perhaps I'll stop and pick up Penny on the way to Mandolay!

Meira{FB} said...

I've never been, but now I wanna go. Someday I have to watch spaceballs so I can get the gone to plaid.

Come visit me! I'm so sad wendy's blogroll stopped. Miss all the visitors.

-tnchick- said...

You know what's sad? I've been to Vegas but couldn't write 13 things like this, about it

the lizness said...

those rides give me the heebeejeebees just reading about them.

Anonymous said...

I was just in Vegas and I am rolling at these.

Anonymous said...

oh and next time you go if you like chinese food, eat at CHINCHIN in the New Yrk. THE BEST chinese chicken salad,EVER!!!

Crayonsetc said...

Oh, I am so in for #3!!! Vegas is just too hot for me!!

Happy TT!!!

Lisa said...

I just love Vegas! I really liked the men in black slots too, how funny! You have made me want to return now. Soon, very soon! Have a great T13

Kendra said...

I love it! I live in Vegas and haven't done half of those things! I guess I'm sheltered. Great list!

Scone said...

Vegas is not one of my favorite places to go, but I still end up there occasionally anyway because my folks live there. You know you're in Vegas when... most of the "maxi pads" are made to go under thong panties.

Thanks very much, I'll be here all week.

Raggedy said...

Good list!
I wanna go tooooo!!!!!!

My TT is up

Lynn said...

I think I would have to be pretty sober on the Inclinator...from the sounds of it I would lose everthing:-( Sounds like a fun time though....hope it's great!

My TT is up also.

Unknown said...

I agree, so much to love about Vegas especially the food!

The maxalt--for me, at least--has been a godsend; before the doctor prescribed it, nothing could stop the migraines once they'd begun. One danger--that I found out about after taking 18 tablets in the course of two weeks--the reason it works so well is because the tabs nearly stop the blood flow from your heart. (Which is why the instructions are very strict when it comes to only taking two tabs w/in a 24 hr period). Take too many in too short of a time span, and one could literally cause their heart to stop and drop dead. As long as you don't excede the maximum rule, you'll be fine. Hope they work for you too.

WendyWings said...

Never been to Vegas, I have friends who keep trying to convince me to go but meh lol.
BTW Audition results are finally posted !!

Anonymous said...

Wow, it sounds like you have a great time! I would love the pool and just relaxing....eye candy wouldn't be bad either! lol Thanks for visiting my TT!

Beckadoodles said...

Great list! I agree about the food too! And Cheesecake Factory...Holy Cow that's the stuff baby!
I'm hoping to talk the hubby into a trip back for our anni next spring, we went for our tenth (3 years ago) and I can't wait to go back! But who's complaining...I'm in Hawaii hahaha(and there is a Cheesecake Factory in Waikiki!! yumyum)

Lisa said...

What a wild child! :) I've never been to vegas. Wanna take me next time?

Thanks for stopping by Snarkypants!

Anonymous said...

Ooh, Vegas-I want to go too!

Margaret said...

Be sure not to toss cookies on the Inclinator! (sp?) Have a great trip to Vegas. -Margie

Anonymous said...

Hi Carmen Great list, i have been wanting to come to the US and especially visit Las Vagas!

Samantha said...

*day dreaming* I wanna go to Vegas! Congrats on bein one of the winners at Wendys!!

Anonymous said...

I've never been to Vegas, but I want to now!! Congrats on the casting!

Melli said...

ACK! Oh my goodness! So WHERE is the STAR??? ThE FAMOUS star! I must have an autograph! Oh, I just must! Has anyone seen her? Where IS she? Can she sign my handbag? And my shoes? Oh, and my ink pen! Can she sign my inkpen? LOL!

How EXCITING Carmen! You ARE a STAR dahling! And youuu are MAHVELOUS!

Anonymous said...

I have never been there, but after reading your TT, I think I need to put it on my do-before-I-Die list... :)

Anonymous said...

I think I had a 2 hour layover in Vegas, once... Not enough time to do anything, sadly! Have fun!

Anonymous said...

I'd LOVE to go there someday!

Irish Church Lady :) said...

That was a fun read! Jelloing, the inclinator while buzzed, Vegas sign incident. LMAO Looks like you've had a lot of great times in Vegas. I've only been once when I attended a conference (last year actually). We stayed at the Bellagio which was wonderful! I love playing the poker slot machines. Makes me feel that there's less of an element of chance because I have to decide which cards to hold. Just curious, isn't that a long way for you to travel for a weekend?

Changed by His Love said...

Thanks for visiting my TT! Oh Vegas...I have never been there, but heard so darn much about it. I hope you have a great time and can't wait to hear all about it when you return.

Amy The Black said...

Oh, Man! Would I love to go to Vegas again! It's my "happy place". You know, the place go to to when you're in pain or labor. I hear the slots and I feel much better!

Anonymous said...

Wow! Have fun.