My Take on it – MM3

My Take on it – MM3

My Take on it – MM3

My MM trip started a lot later on then a lot of the other attendees.

Didn’t arrive till midnight on Friday.
Good to see some of the folks I met during MM2 and some new people as well.

I’m glad I was talked into the poker tourney, it was fun, although it was a $50.00 lesson. Not a biggie. That was about all the time I spent with the gang from around here. Having BIL (brother-in-law) along, I had to give priority to him, and some of the things that he wanted to do and see as it was a long time between trips for him. 1993 was his last visit. My BIL seemed to enjoy his time in Vegas as well, and with him along I didn’t really hook up with anyone after the poker tourney except doc_al one day for some beers and a dinner at the MC Brew Pub.

Thanks Al for picking up the tab.

Didn’t have any luck this trip, and it seems the town is tightening up, at least slot wise, I didn’t play any table games except for an hour of roulette that I broke even on, BIL and I seemed to do a lot of walking, both DT and the Strip and just playing the slots.

Did a walk thru Wynn, and some of the other higher end places, spent a morning lounging at the Monte Carlo spa while BIL was looking for souvenirs for the family. He never really found anything he liked, he said it was all cheesy. I found a few nice shirts though for myself.

After reading some of the other TR’s you guys really know how to live it up. I guess with me traveling w/ a non-T2Ver, I just didn’t get in on any of the party action. I have also found that as I age my tolerance levels are dropping, so partying hard isn't high priority. I can do fine enough with the "freebies" offered when playing slots from the cocktail waitresses. :wink

Also without owning a cell phone, it's hard to keep abreast of the events that are going on or that are in the works. I am probably the only person in LV without a cell phone. I’ve just never had the need around where I live. We had one a while back and never used it…..

The red-eye out flight of Vegas is not a good idea. Having to check out at 11 am, check your bags at the bell desk and then just wander all day till midnight before the flight blows. I’d never do that again. Feels weird being there without a base (room) just to go to watch TV in or something.

Look at the new signature I have. I’m thinking’ it’s time to give LV a rest.

I've said that before, but this trip it just wore thin on me - fast.

The enthusiasm was there when I got in but it waned quick. Maybe I've just been too many times.
Even my BIL who hasn’t been since 93 was tired of it all after 3 days. Four days is plenty he said.

See Ya.

Viva Las Vegas all.



RW

 

Awww Ross, It was nice meeting you even if it was in a non sober way and only lasted 5 mintues. I hear ya about the red eye flight.. don't get me started. It always seems like a good idea to have that last full day in vegas, but when it's the last day, you really need a place to crash. I struggled through Sunday and even got a second wind right about an hour before I had to leave. Cell phones help for sure. I don't wanna see my bill when it comes but oh well. Too bad you had a dull trip.. Hopefully it'll become a blur and you'll wanna hit the town again.

I would go tonight If I could, but I'm a sucker for punishment

Carmen

 

Tokin'-

While I am not quite at the point you are yet, I can completely understand where you're coming from. Once or twice a year is great because the enthusiasm is high leading up to the big travel date but life is so much more than one or two long weekends a year, and if one's life is nothin' more than a big countdown between Vegas trips, one might consider reassessing one's life priorities and/or depth of character.

Glad you got to see the gang, and who knows? Perhaps enough ribbing (and posting) might wake the VegasJones yet again for MM4.

With highest regards, buddy-
E

 

Ross, glad to have met ya. I am starting to agree about the trips.

Jack, I also agree with your theory.

 

All I can say is, great to see you again, man.

 

Glad I had the chance to meet u Ross.
A few years back due to an emergency situation I went and bought a cell phone (pay as u go) in Vegas and have a Vegas phone #. It comes in real handy and I just have to top it up once a year to keep it active and obtain the same phone #. I had the red eye as well but asked and was given the room till I departed. It was nice to have my stuff up there and the option of going up when I wanted. Hope u change your mind and our paths cross again one day.

 

You will be back, I feel that way after most trips and in a week or two I start looking forward to my next one. It was great to meet you Ross!

 

Ross, I have five recharge words for you, buddy, five ... sound 'em out:

Four Seasons Scottsdale Troon North

Too cumbersome?

Inn at Pebble Beach

If that's too much, how 'bout three?

Loews Ventana Canyon

Still too much?

La Quinta

No?

Bandon

We all love Vegas, but there's a lot more stuff on that combo plate and eating an enchilada all the time really doesn't cut it.

 

It was a pleasure talking with you, Ross. I'm sorry to hear Vegas is losing its luster for you. I understand, though -- the tides have changed. Take some time away to experience some other travels, and Vegas will be here if and when you're ready to come back. There's plenty of gorgeous white sandy beaches and crystal clear aquamarine waters out there to explore... I'm dying to get back...

 

Ross,
I hear you and I appreciate your candor on the subject. It's kind of like that feeling of being here, but wanting to be there instead.
I've been in your shoes, especially towards the latter half of 2005, when I was on trips No. 5, 6 and 7. You've been in one casino, you've been in them all.
Vegas can really wear one down, especially on a long stay, crappy weather, a losing streak, pressing business at work, blah travel mates, etc.
I never have any problem during the warm weather months when the sun always shines and the pools are open. I love the balming effect.
The MM3 trip was a gas because it was new and different with T2Vers in the mix. It was exploration, much the same way my hiking treks are.
And as you know, one of my highlights is seeing my Bill W. buddies.

 

Dang it, Ross, I missed ya. Well, at least I got to talk to you on the phone and run up Al's phone bill :evillaugh

You know I love Vegas, but my first love is the beach!! Keep us posted on what you're up to

 

Ross,

It was great getting a chance to play some 2/4 with you. I know exactly what you mean about wanting a break. This was trip #14 for me so I'm still a few behind you. For me, four days is perfect. I've been on three day trips & wasn't ready to go and five day trips where I would've been happy leaving a day early. The hardest part for me is leaving the kids behind. That's why once a year is usually sufficient to satisfy the jones in me. Good luck with your future travels but I hope by next year you'll be ready for trip #20 cuz I'd love to hang out more than just one afternoon at a poker table.

Cheers

Ron

 

Never say Never......mind you...

Thanks for the kind words all.

I don't know why the glimmer of Vegas has faded?? I think it is just the fact that there are so many other places to see, and with me working in the travel industry, I see deals come and go all the time. Ken's golf "recharge" idea would be a thing of great interest.

I did a Florida trip w/ the family this past January to Fort Myers and we had a great time, my boys were 4 and 1.5 at the time. Trying at times, traveling with young ones, but both the bride and I said we would do it again. The kids had an absolute ball playing on the beach and wandering into the surf . My 1 yr old laughed so hard when the waves would rush up to his bum when hanging on to my hand. We lucked out as well weather-wise, it was perfect.

Maybe that's what has silenced the Vegas in me. Seeing the kids having fun and such, maybe it's family holidays that are what's right now.

We hope to do the same thing again this January and are looking at maybe an August jaunt to the Ozarks. Northern Arkansas or Southern Missouri for some fishing or something. My mom and dad wintered a few years in Arkansas and I visited once or twice. It was a nice area. And I always wanted to go back and explore. So that my be an option. I also like the "off the beaten trail" places as well. I think those places are neat to visit.

The Mrs. has mentioned visiting Elvis in Memphis, so that's on the backburner too. Eastern Canada is also a place we have looked at. New Brunswick. It is unfortunate, but it is a heck of a lot more expensive to travel in Canada, than in the USA, and that's why I like State-side travel, even with the exchange, which is minimal these days (thanks George)......:evillaugh... it is a lot better bang for your buck to do US travel. More deals and such to be had.

I told the bride that I was done with Las Vegas for a while. I'll leave it up to her as to when the return trip will happen. Some of my best LV trips were with her. She may get a Vegas-jones someday. Maybe she’d do an MM trip........ .... but for now, I'd like to explore other areas.

Who knows though, one should never close the door completely. Things change, etc.....so one should, never say never…..

I'll still come around here every so often to see what you hooligans are up to.... and offer my Vegas.



RW

 

Please do come by Ross, you are still (and will be) a part of our "family" community.

 

Just don't forget to call when you decide to visit San Diego! I'll buy the first Jaeger-Bomb!

 

Enjoyed your write-up, Ross. Sorry to hear about Vegas wearing thin--I know exactly what you mean, but I'm sure you'll get the jones back soon. You're right about four days and three nights being to long; I've done one nighters and felt sick of it by the end... hope my upcoming (and first) three-nighter goes off well.

 

First I want to say it was nice meeting you at MM3 Ross. Like everyone else I am sad to hear LV is wearing thin. I have felt that way on losing trips before.

To me, I think it helps to have something other than Vegas to focus on when in Vegas. My trip in January 2005 I had a convention for one day and golf for 2 days planned in addition to gambling. Those take up a big part of the day and you don't become burned out so quickly. In fact that trip went so well with a non-drinking travel/ golf partner, thats when I decided to try another trip with more guys for golf. That turned out to be the MM3 trip, which was 5 days with 3 days of golf. That plus the T2V gang to hang out with and BB games to watch/bet on made it my best trip ever.

Having little ones as young as yours definately plays into your burnout too. You can't help but miss them when you are gone. I used to travel for work when my son was young, and it made me really homesick. It made me smile to read your description of your little guy in the waves, thinking back 10 years or so when my son and I did the same thing.

Your on the right approach thinking about family trips for now, because you will turn around soon and your boys will be young men. Cherish your time with them at this age. If you ever go to Disney, October is a great month to go.

Marty

 

Marty,

Thanks for the kind words. Funny in a way, your statements are true about missing the kids, but prior to the trip, I found I was thinking the break from them would be nice. I guess us parents just think we need a break.

Disney is on the radar, but not for a number of years. I think we'll wait until the youngest lad is able to recall the trip, maybe 6 or 7 years from now.

It amazing how fast they do grow, and you're right on in your thinking, these are the times to cherish them, at a young innocent age.

Maybe I'll take them both to MM20 or something like that. I'll be close to 60, but that's OK

It was nice to meet you a few weeks back.

Joe - enjoy your 3 dayer. You must do a lot of whirlwind trips, if you only stay one night. My shortest trip was 3 days, but flying from the East, that's about the minimum one would want to do, in my opinion.

RW

 

Ross,

Yep, 6 0r 7 as a minimum for Disney. We had a large family vacation with grandmas and aunt and uncles at Disney when my son was 5, and did it again when he was 7. The second trip was much more fun.

Marty

 

Ross....You really got me thniking on this one.

I think Las Vegas like everything else in life is pretty much a timing thing. Plus, it really helps (for us) to have a mutual love of the city and other interests while you're there. We always go when the weather is very warm too. My wife and I love a cocktail or two but we're just not hard partiers ...anymore anyway. We used to burn er' down but the day after gets a little tuff when you're 51. Now days my Vegas trip consists of up early and enjoying a good double shot mocha (a vacation treat..too many calories on a regular basis..lol) while playing my favortite VP machine.... the casino has a totally different feel that time of morning...the calm before the storm and you can really here the good music they're playing...usually upbeat summer/at the beach/pool kind of music. After that, I wake up the bride and she heads to the pool w/ her book and coffee. I head to the gym for a mild work out.... then to the pool. We love the sun and the pool and usually hang there for about 4 hours each day. The sun and scenery can't be beat Breakfast at the pool cafe is a must. The afternoon brings a shower and then off to the casino, maybe a little shopping, then more casino and a few drinks, maybe listen to some music or dance little, then some dinner and wine and more casino till we've had enough. usually that's about 10:30 or 11.... pretty lame huh? lol But...it works for us... I can't tell you how relaxed and rested I come home from a Vegas trip. We usually catch 1 show somewhere and like to stay for about 7 nights. 7 has never been too long for us....last year we did 11 and "that was too much" . Our situation w/ kids is different too....we have 1 daughter and she's 20 and in school, so we've done all of the disney stuff and have taken a lot of kid vacations that have memories that will never ever fade or fail to bring a smile. That said.... it's now our time and I guess we are just ready for it. My jones for Vegas never seems to die...lol We took our daughter and a freind to LV when she was 19. I always said "no kids".."vegas is for adults" to me but I gave in at 19. She loved it all.... the pool in the morning and all of the excitement but they really wanted to go clubbing a bit and try a few slots. She said she didn't want to go back until she was 21 so she could see Vegas as it was meant to be...lol "kids"... you gotta luv em. That will be next year and she gets to go w/ a freind for her 21st.....I told her, "we'll pick up the hotel and air, the rest of your fun money is on you kiddo so work hard this summer.... ya gotta learn to budget your money in Las Vegas and there's no time like the present!" ahhh....another Vegas maniac is born.... My mom and dad first took us to Reno when I was only 24 and we had a ball....and so the circle of life and Las Vegas continues.

My mom and dad are 87 and 83 now and I just got back a few weeks ago from visiting them out in Wa state for a week. They can't get around well enough to travel anymmore so their Reno (they loved Reno) days are over.... but we still talk about the trips and the fun and laugh.... like the time my mom got me up at 2 to go find my dad cuz he wasn't home yet. He was 60 at the time and we were a little worried about him being alone...we were in Tahoe at the time and I found him playing slots and watching some free burlesque type show...I just laughed and put my arm around hie shoulder and said "come on pop...it's time for bed". That was the beginning of the role reversal and I realized that there would now be times that I was the parent... that was never so obvious or true as I expereinced on my visit last month.

I ramble but I guess my point is.... do what makes ya happy and make memories. I'm thankful that we have found a vacation destiny that we have so much fun at and it also brings some family memories too..... and a few memories that are not so "family oriented"...but that's all part of life too.

After all... in the memory of Dean, Frank, Sammy and Joey...I gotta be bad once in a while... Dino....