freesia39

We just informally get gifts for everyone, but nothing too crazy - we're a team of 9 (and soon to be 10!) I usually try to do something a little extra for the three (soon to be four) that report directly to me. Still trying to think of ideas for this year - I thought maybe of personalized notebooks for everyone this year.

Heck, if we're asking for dream items, I'd want a crew like on "Below Deck" (which I have never seen a full episode of, just bits and pieces) but the crew cook, clean, plan excursions, etc.

I almost feel like we could create some poetry out of these words. Or at least a word cloud.

one house, please.

mobs, insanity, i'm-at-home-not-freezing-to-death.

L'shana tova! I want to make a challah this weekend (I know, should have been the last two days) but this will be my first attempt in the round, if I have time!

There's plenty to do for kids in Vegas as well, so keep that in mind. I mean Circus Circus has an amusement park and the midway, New York New York has a roller coaster and midway too (or used to, not sure if they still do) and Excalibur feels more geared towards families.

That's good! What did you wind up doing?

The gymnastics fan in me says it kinda looks like hand grips for the bars without the finger holes part. I'm not sure - hand restraints?

My issue with the actual LV monorail is that it isn't very convenient. It runs from the Linq (well the convention center, but if you're not going to a convention, no one goes there) to the MGM. You still have to walk a mile (especially inside MGM) to get to anywhere else and it doesn't stop at every hotel. It's a fun ride, but I didn't find it very useful, other than getting me to MGM grand quickly when I would stay at the other end of the strip. (my preference is the Wynn.) It also runs behind the Linq-MGM grand, not down the middle of the strip like it should (such a wasted opportunity, I swear) so if you want to visit the hotels on the other side of the Strip (Mandalay all the way North to Resorts World) you need to cross the street. There is a tram from Excalibur to Mandalay that runs on a semi-regular basis. there is also a little tram that runs from the Crystal Shoppes to Aria. The nice thing about Vegas is the pedestrian bridges OVER the strip in many locations - you do not have to wait for traffic lights. Except if you're crossing the street from the Mirage to the Venetian. Seriously. I hate that intersection. As for hotels that connect - Planet Hollywood/Paris/Bally's connects, all indoors. Caesars is it's own huge super hotel, but you can go out over the pedestrian walkway, walk into Bellagio, which will connect to Vdara, which is a short outdoors walk to Aria. From there you can go to the Crystal Shoppes and also check out the Cosmopolitan. And of course, Mandalay/Luxor/Excalibur connect via their tram.

The Strat is wayyyy out there - it's at the very North End of the strip. They do have some of the things you can do at the top if you're interested, but if you want to see the rest of the hotels, you will need to take an uber/lyft/taxi or take the Deuce - it's a 24 hour bus that runs up and down the strip, and also goes to Downtown. https://rtcws.rtcsnv.com/routepdf/deuce.pdfIt will take you to the South outlets - it will not take you to the North outlets (which I personally like better, as they have a better selection of stores, but the South is indoors.) Since you're near Circus Circus at the Strat (kinda) everyone loves their Steakhouse there - very classic steakhouse style. Another steakhouse I keep seeing videos pop up for (they're probably doing a publicity push) is Oscar's Steakhouse in the Plaza Hotel in Downtown LV. Apparently, very good drinks as well. Next time (I hope!) check Vdara - their rooms are suite style and larger, and have kitchens in them as well, and have a great central location. Buses in LV: https://www.rtcsnv.com/ways-to-travel/schedules-maps/ If you are renting a car, be prepared to pay for parking at some hotels. If you had any ideas of what you want to do or want thoughts on restaurants, definitely let me know! Remember the really popular places will need reservations which may be difficult to get. I know you're going next month, so you might not have enough time, but play the MyVegas game on Facebook. You "gamble" fake money (you can also pay to buy extra coins but I"m not into it) and you earn LPs (loyalty points) that you can spend on things in Vegas - discounts at some restaurants, tickets to attractions, free drinks, etc. Worth a shot to see what you can get in a short period of time. Read the restrictions on the awards before you redeem for them to make sure they are valid the dates you go.

First, where are you staying? 1. The heat - it's a dry heat. If you're used to humidity, so even if it's 110 outside, it's almost tolerable. The heat just feels like it is more intense when it's dry, but I prefer the dry heat to ANY kind of humidity. Dry heat is perfect if it has to be 100 outside. It CAN get humid - if there are remnants of tropical storms from the Gulf of Mexico passing through, which can happen occasionally in the summer. Bring a hat, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, don't go outside during the hottest parts of the day if you can avoid it. It's even hot at night. Just be aware and keep hydrating. Wear light clothing if you can, and wear comfy shoes if you're going to do a lot of walking. 2. Cash - depends on how much gambling you want to do. Yes, ATM fees can be outrageous in the casino, so if you must take out cash, take out a large amount at once, but be careful traveling with that much cash. If you're looking for lower limit tables, it will NOT be on the strip (i.e. $5 blackjack) - you will need to go to the not as fancy hotels (I don't even know if Circus Circus even has limits that low anymore) - so you'll be heading to Downtown Vegas or even the casinos at Stateline/Primm/Jean. For slots, you'll be fine - there are tons of penny slots, although truthfully one spin on those is usually at least 50 cents if you want to play every single odds possible. I only have cash to gamble - I use credit cards for everything else. Cash is also good to have for tips - if you tip the valet, the person helping you with bags, etc. 3. Things you must do/see - I recommend walking through every casino - they all have something to see. (well except vdara, but they don't have a casino.) There's plenty of shopping, and plenty of window shopping, so things will meet your budget. All hotels have a gift shop with kitschy Vegas stuff as well, if you want that, but my favorite store for that stuff is the ABC Stores (it's a Hawaii chain) because it's not as overpriced AND they sell Hawaiian snacks! Bellagio - gorgeous conservatory and the fountain show as mentioned. Caesars - walk through the casino but go to the Forum Shops to see the fountain and the kitschy fountain of the gods animatronic (if it's working) Paris - I've been up the Eiffel Tower. It's fine with a nice view, not 100% sure it's worth the cost. Resorts World - BRAND NEW! Venetian - walk through the Grand Canal Shoppes, watch people on gondolas. They have a nice display in the shoppes to take a photo. Mirage - nice stuff inside, but I REALLY enjoy Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden, where their lions and tigers live. It's really nice. When Siegfried was alive, he would frequently be there - I met him once there! Highlight of that trip. They also have a volcano outside that goes off every so often. Mandalay Bay - has an aquarium. I only go there if I can get free tickets, but if you can get BOGO tickets, it's not as bad. It's just so small and Mandalay is SO far south of all the other hotels. Luxor - if you want to check out the pyramid and Egyptian theming. MGM - just massive. Not as much theming. Excalibur - I mean, to walk through, sure, but otherwise, not a huge fan. New York New York - I appreciate the dedication to NY theming inside. Also has the M&M store there. Wynn - has a lovely area with a carousel and hot air balloon that look like they're made of flowers (I suspect the ones on the actual items are fake as they haven't changed in years but the flowers on the ground are real.) A big component of Vegas is nightlife and pool life. If the pool charges a fee to enter, it's for young people to be seen. If you just want to lounge by the pool, see if there is a less, uh, "hip" place to lounge. I'm too old for this so I disregard all of it. If I do go to a pool, I'd like somewhere chill, and an umbrella. Splurge for a cabana if you want to stay there all day. 4. COVID - look I'll be realistic. This variant is spreading like wildfire, and people in Vegas are trying to have a good time and may not take proper precautions. Roughly half of Clark County in Vegas is vaccinated; I don't trust anyone unless I actually know you wouldn't lie about your vaccination status. Bring masks, wear them. I know it'll be hot and it may be uncomfortable, but it's probably safer. Even outdoors. There are so many people, and delta is more transmissable at close distance and shorter periods of exposure. Eat outdoors if you can (Mon Ami Gabi in Paris has a lovely outdoor dining area) or scope out the restaurant and see how close you sit to others and determine how comfortable you are to eat inside. There is a really nice outdoor food area outside of NYNY, where Shake Shack is, and near T-Mobile arena. Other things to do: 1. Check out the shows - see if they've reopened and if any are interesting. You can go to the half price tickets booths to see if you can get discounted tickets. 2. EAT. There are so many great restaurants in Vegas. I know a lot of people are surprised by the price (coming from LA/SF Bay Area, I'm not as shocked) for some of the nicer restaurants, or even basic restaurants (looking at like $20ish per entree) in the hotels, so just be mindful. I just encourage you to try these restaurants and not limit yourself to chains (outside of In-n-out if you've never been) (so I know Denny's, IHOP, White Castle, etc is tempting due to their price point) but it's an opportunity to try some amazing dining. The Cosmopolitan has several famous restaurants and chefs that have smaller restaurants that aren't as intimidating to sit down and eat. Eataly at Park MGM is also a nice food hall. Try the Malaysian/Singapore style food court at Resorts World. There are also amazing restaurants off strip as well - the LV Chinatown has been growing with amazing food options. Of course, there's always buffets. Wicked Spoon is highly regarded and not crazy expensive. Bacchanal at Vegas is amazing, and also really expensive (you need reservations at the moment.) 3. SHOP. There are two outlet malls in Vegas, one at the Northern End, and one at the Southern end. You need a car to get there. If you are not renting a car, take an uber or a taxi. All the shopping areas have the generic stores you see back at home - but probably just a bigger version of it. Uber/Lyft: beware, these are expensive nowadays because of limited drivers due to COVID and overall wage issues. Sometimes it is cheaper to take a taxi. Hotels have dedicated taxi and rideshare areas - you will need to go there to pick up your uber/lyft or grab a taxi. Please tip generously if you can - many of the employees are just barely getting back to normalcy in regards to occupancy and overall capacity. It has been a difficult year. If you are comped any meals, please tip on the full value of the entire meal, not just what you're paying. A youtube channel I like to watch is All You Can Vegas - he goes to a lot of restaurants in Vegas, so you can get an idea of the food if there is a restaurant that catches your eye. Let me know if you have any specific questions, happy to help.

Have you ever been? Are you looking for things to do, places to eat, or how to not catch COVID from the crowds that are there?

I bought a knife but it wasn't a prime day sale. BTW, those cuisinart knives that are always on sale at Best Buy, etc? They are garbage. I bought a set because it was cheap and I thought "hey, backup knives." Yeah they're barely backup knives. I chipped my kyocera ceramic knife (RIP) and had to bring out these knives to cut up vegetables, potatoes, etc. They are barely sharp, not very useful, they are too heavy, and one of the knives had a terrible blade size to handle ratio - as I would push the knife down to cut through something, my hand would start hitting the cutting board - and I have small hands! The only knife worth it so far has been the bread knife. If I paid 13 dollars for that knife alone, I probably overpaid considering other knives I could get, but good grief. I'm going to demote these knives to whacking through chicken bones (since that is not recommended for ceramic knives.)

Just to weigh in on vanilla extract chat, one of my co-workers gave us her homemade vanilla extract. It's amazing - way better than what I was buying in the store (I stopped buying McCormacks, was buying it from Trader Joe's since they were a slightly better price.) Enjoy your extract!

You will need to start the return in your Amazon account. You will receive a QR code - you can access it either in your Amazon app or through your email - bring that QR code with you to Kohl's along with the item (You do not need to pack it up in a shipping box.) They will scan the QR code and take the item... and give you a coupon to shop that day in Kohl's. You will then receive an email that your item was dropped off and the refund will be processed when they receive the item, although I've received it faster before. This is the same process if you return at Whole Foods, FYI.

Severe to extreme drought here! It barely rained this winter.

Enjoy your trip to San Francisco (hint: call it by the full name, or The City, abbreviations are not appreciated) - there are some amazing restaurants I hope you will be able to try, even if it's a takeout version or outside dining version (indoor dining is open on a very limited basis.) Parking sucks in the visitor areas for the Golden Gate Bridge, so just don't go on a weekend (Fort Point kinda included.)

In case you didn't want to read the article: 1. Amazon exceeded earnings expectations and the stock went zoooooom. 2. Prime Day will be sometime in June.

This allergy season is awful.

WE ARE THE MIGHTY BRUINS. I cannot believe we're in the Final Four.

All warm weather aside here on the coasts, I hope those of you affected by this cold spell in the middle of the country are "weathering" through it. Always fun to see my former California counterparts that now live in Texas dealing with snow and sub freezing temps.

Happy year of the metal ox. The second animal in the chinese zodiac, legend says the emperor wanted 12 animals to be his heavenly guards, and a race was arranged. The winner of the race was the rat, who hopped on the ox, and when they reached the palace, hopped off and won the race. (there are many different versions, but they usually involve a river and always the rat using the ox to win.) Have a happy and prosperous new year.

Ooooh that's a super early announcement. Let's see if they stick to it as we get closer to the end of the year.

Happy New Year! First day back at work after our extended winter close, and slack is down!