Viva Las Vegas!

The happy couple on their wedding day
(image courtesy of Simon's FB page)

Stew and I went to Vegas together for the first time years ago, and we've been back for quite a few trips since then.

This time, we were headed down to see Stew's cousin Simon and his new wife Lisa on their honeymoon! Simon and Lisa got married in England the weekend before, and since Vegas has always been on Lisa's bucket list they decided it would be the perfect honeymoon destination. And since it's just a quick two hour flight for us, we popped down for a few days to say congrats and see the sights (and get some much-needed sun).

Sometimes I'm in a photography mood, and sometimes I'm not, and for some reason on this trip I just felt like enjoying myself, rather than documenting every single moment. However, I did manage to get a few shots... Enjoy!

Hangin' on the strip with the beautiful bride.

The last time I went to Vegas the pools weren't open, so this trip we were super excited to spend quite a bit of time poolside.

Temps in the 90s the whole time we were there, and I couldn't get enough!
This cheers was for Brett and Haley, who were supposed to join us on this trip but
had to cancel at the last minute due to a death in the family...
we missed them so much!

Tropical paradise, complete with flamingos outside our hotel. I love these guys!

Cool firefighter tribute on the strip, and check out this shirt I found from my home town!

On our way to see Cirque de Soleil's Zumanity, which we've been dying to check out!
The show was absolutely FANTASTIC, definitely a must see (adults only).

Fountains at the Bellagio, obviously a Las Vegas staple.

Notice my flip flops... I would normally be wearing towering high heels in Vegas, but I got
some monster blisters on the first night so I had no choice. Sigh.

I finally made it to Fremont Street, the original Las Vegas strip! I just loved the vibe out here... super old school.
Stew and I did the Flightlinez zip line over the crowds, and then we had dinner and just wandered around,
checking out the sights and doing some cheap gambling. I liked it so much I think I would honestly consider
staying here in the future! As long as the Golden Nugget has a decent pool, of course.

Friday night we checked out the Sirens of TI show at Treasure Island, because Stew and I remembered it being really
good on our last trip. Unfortunately it seems things have changed. What was once an exciting pirate show has turned into
a dance number with moderately talented, scantily clad girls. Meh, I'd skip it.

New York New York has always been one of my favorite hotels; we really need to stay here on one of our trips.

On our way to Excalibur to see Zumanity. This was a super long walk; I always forget how long the Vegas Strip is!

And Paris, an all-time favorite. I've still never been to the night club that's halfway up the tower, but
it seems like it's always hoppin' when we walk by.

And finally, our Las Vegas home-away-from-home, the Flamingo.
Stew and I have stayed here on our past three trips, and it's always been awesome. Even though it's an older hotel, the rooms
have been renovated, the pool is nice, and the rates are cheap. They also have $5 black jack in the casino... sign me up.

We saw some shows, ate some food, did some gambling, and soaked up some much needed sunshine. I was hoping to win enough money that I wouldn't have to go back to work on Monday (or ever) but unfortunately Vegas got us again... why does the house always win?!

I can't really tell you about anything else, because, well... what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, duh. But it was a fantastic trip and we always have a fabulous time with Simon and Lisa... it's unfortunate that we live so far away from one another, but we make the best of it and see them whenever we can. Hopefully the next time will be sooner rather than later.

Cheers to the newlyweds!

Happy

Day 14, Tuesday: Ten things that make you really happy.

I haven't had time to consult with Stewart on these, so the following are ten things that make ME super happy, in no particular order:

My husband. When you get right down to it I'm just a silly, lovesick girl who completely adores her husband. I love the simple, thoughtful, day-to-day stuff he does for me, like carrying my suitcase through the airport, building bookcases in the den, and cuddling with me on the couch. Every time I see him I think how happy it makes me that we are spending our lives together. I mean come on, how can you not just adore that face?!

Our home. On our way home from the airport Sunday night I told Stew that I wasn't even bummed that our vacation was over. Because these days I'm just so excited to spend time at our new house. I dreamed about our house for so long, and even now sometimes I can't believe that we actually live there. Sometimes I just wander through the rooms with no particular purpose because it seems so unreal that it's all ours.

Family. Stew and I are lucky to both have absolutely amazing, loving, supportive families. I know a lot of people who don't get along with their parents or siblings and that makes me really sad. Our families are everything to us, and I don't know what we would do without them. We look forward to every opportunity we get to be together, and we always have an amazing time.

A good workout. Ugh... the gym. Bet you didn't think you'd see that one on this list! But really, finishing a good workout makes me super happy. If I can just force myself to take the first step and get out there and sweat, I always feel energized and rejuvenated afterward, pumped full of endorphins I desperately needed. It always makes me feel happy and good about myself.

Completing a to-do list. If you saw my post about a week ago, you already know that I am a bit of an organizational/planning freak. I absolutely love getting organized by making lists, and there's nothing better or more satisfying than completing the tasks on a list. In fact, I can't wait to finish this blog so I can cross today's post off!

Surprising someone. I absolutely love doing little things to surprise the people I care about, whether it be planning a party, sending flowers for a birthday, or mailing a card for some random holiday. I think people really appreciate these simple gestures, and we're all so busy that sometimes it's nice when on a random Tuesday afternoon you realize someone is thinking about you.

Sibling relationships. I have two amazing, gorgeous sisters and a pretty radical, handsome brother. We are separated by age and geography, but somehow manage to stay super close and always have the absolute best, most hilarious time when we're together. I don't think this is the case for every family, so I feel incredibly lucky.

Music. Good music can totally change my mood and turn me into a completely different person. I'm not picky; almost any genre will do. The best is when I'm by myself in the car and I can turn a song up really loud and sing along (even if I don't exactly know all the words). And there's nothing better than a good impromptu dance party.

Friends. Stewart and I are incredibly lucky to have a life absolutely full of amazing friends. Without these people our lives would be super dull and boring. It makes us so happy to have friends near and far who even if we don't see them often, we know that when we do we can pick up immediately right where we left off.  

A sunny day. Perhaps people in other parts of the country take this for granted, but here in Seattle a beautiful day can be fairly rare. But when the sun does decide to grace us with some warmth, it always revives my soul and puts me in an amazing mood. The Pacific Northwest is absolutely breathtaking, and I'm always reminded of that when the sun comes out.

What are some of the things that make YOU happy?

We're so sorry.

Day 13, Monday: Issue a public apology.

Dear Plants,

We're so sorry we couldn't keep you alive. I guess we didn't understand what it was you needed. We thought all those days of pouring rain during the entire month of April would keep you green and healthy. Maybe you needed better top soil, or more fertilizer, or perhaps some friendly conversation. We truly apologize for our failures as new gardeners.

For those of you still hanging in there, we're doing our best, and we hope you can forgive us for any more mistakes we make along the way.

Sincerely,

Sarah & Stewart

 

 

Miss You, Mom.

Day 12, Sunday: What do you miss?

I really miss my Momma today! It's Mother's Day and normally I would be spending the day with her, just celebrating her very existence on the earth. But this year our trip to Las Vegas (where we're spending the weekend with Stew's English cousins) got in the way. So our Mother's Day celebration will have to be postponed until next weekend.

And of course Stew's Mom is in our thoughts today, as always. I know Stew misses her like crazy, and I feel so sad that I never got the chance to meet her... because she seems pretty amazing.

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there!

A resume for Sarah and Stewart

Day 11, Saturday: Sell yourself in 10 words or less.

Honest.

Energetic.

Adventurous.

Fun-loving.

Loyal.

Intelligent.

Committed.

Realistic.

Caring.

Goofy.

by Jamie Jones Photography

 

I just had to kiss him.

Day 10, Friday: Most embarrassing moment.

I really, really liked him. We had been friends for months, and even though I said I didn't want to date him, my crush grew on a daily basis. We talked on the phone and hung out all the time. And sometimes we went out drinking. One night, we decided to go back to the bar where we first met. There was a live band, and we threw back beers and danced ourselves silly. When a slow song came on, we danced far apart, mimicking eighth graders at a school dance. We giggled like kids and I was smitten.

I had told myself I wasn't ready to date anyone again, and I was scared that if we took things further, I might ultimately lose him. But I just had to kiss him. So back at the table, in the midst of hysterical laughter, I leaned forward, ready to plant one right on his lips. But he jerked back so fast it seemed like he had been stung by a bee... And, tipsy from cheap beer and puppy love, I lost my balance, fell off my chair, and practically did a face plant in the middle of the bar. I ended up on my hands and knees on the sticky pub floor. Not my most graceful moment. I can't even remember what happened after that, I was so mortified.

Oh, he kissed me later that night of course, don't you worry. And his attempts to resist me were ultimately futile... I got him in the end. But I still haven't quite forgiven you for that moment on the floor of the bar, Stewart.

A moment

Day 9, Thursday: A moment in your day.

Up early, packing for Las Vegas! Now I just have to get through the work day and then we're off!

Don't waste your time on jealousy.

Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long. And in the end, it's only with yourself.

I stole this from Baz Luhrmann in Everybody's Free To Wear Sunscreen, which was very popular when I was in high school. It's full of amazing tidbits about life (and he's right, you really should wear sunscreen).

But I find this particular piece of advice so important because it's something I struggle with personally. I constantly compare myself to others and find things lacking. But each one of us has our own strengths and weaknesses, and it's really futile to compare ourselves to one another. Instead of wasting your energy on being jealous of someone else, spend that time on self-reflection. What is it you want to change about yourself, and why? Set goals and work on accomplishing them... turn your energies inward and work toward becoming the best version of yourself.  

Jealousy is a black, evil emotion, and it's something that's so easy to get caught up in. Don't let it suck you down!  

Afraid

Day 7, Tuesday: The thing you're most afraid of.

I'm going to briefly open up this Pandora's box and then quickly shut it again, because this is something that I rarely speak about and try to never, ever think about. I'm terrified that if I give my fears a voice, they will come true.

I am deathly afraid of losing my husband. Every time he goes to work, I try not to think about where he is and what he might be doing. But I'm afraid. Afraid that his car will careen out of control during a wet, stormy drive down Highway 18. Afraid that a building will collapse on him while he's fighting a fire. Afraid that a gun shot victim will mistake him for someone else and return fire. Afraid.

Last year, 83 firefighters died in the line of duty in the United States. That's a statistic I just don't think about. Because it makes me so afraid I can't even see or think straight.

When Stew leaves for work I kiss him goodbye and I always, always tell him I love him. And then I don't think about where he is, or what he might be doing. Because my imaginings are just too scary to consider. And I can't live without Stewart. I just can't.

Planner

Day 6, Monday: If you couldn't answer with your job, how would you answer the question, 'what do you do'?

I plan. I've always been a planner. I just can't help myself. It makes my world seem calm when things are scheduled, coordinated, and organized. I consistently manage about four different calendars and I love the sense of control this gives me. I have my work calendar for the nine-to-five stuff, my personal Google calendar which Stew and I both access, my family Google calendar which is shared for our whole family, and Stew's shift calendar so I can coordinate everything according to when he's going to be working. And somehow I am able to integrate them all seamlessly.

I generally have us booked out about six months in advance. This was the case even before I had to work within the constraints of a fire fighter's schedule. My life has always been busy, but once Stew and I combined our lives (twice the amount of friends and family!) things really got crazy. However, I thrive on the type of planning and organizational skills this requires.

When Stew got his 2013 schedule back in November, we sat down with our calendars and planned out each and every one of our summer vacations, making sure we spent equal time with both of our families and tons of our friends. It's like this all year long... We plan out holidays, birthdays, camping trips, lake house vacations, weddings, ski trips, baby showers, bachelor parties, concerts, football games... you name it, it's probably on our calendar. And that's just the weekends. During the week, we fit in happy hours, breakfast clubs, shows, concerts, book clubs... and of course the basics, like grocery shopping and the gym.

I do try not to overbook us, but it honestly seems inevitable. We just like to do a lot of stuff, with a lot of different people. And having it all planned out makes me feel in control. I'm definitely not a huge fan of spontaneity. I thrive on both long and short term planning. I love making lists and then checking things off those lists. We're always looking forward to the next adventure, and life is definitely never boring... because I've got it all planned out.

Blogger Buddy

Day 5, Sunday: Publicly profess your love and devotion for one of your blogger friends.

I went round and round with today's challenge, trying to pick one of my blogger friends to feature today. Stewart and I started this blog so our friends and family would have an easy way to keep up with our busy lives, but we've also managed to accumulate a handful of loyal readers. In fact, these people are the ones who most often express their presence here by leaving thoughtful comments, and that really means a lot!

via Everyday Delights

After a lot of thought, I decided to feature the lovely Carol from Everyday Delights. I don't even remember how I originally discovered Carol's blog, but I've been following her ever since. Like me, she is a semi-newlywed enjoying life in Seattle and beyond. Sometimes when I read about her life I feel like I'm looking through a mirror at my own... Carol and her husband love being outside, exercising, skiing, traveling... pretty much everything we like, with the exception of cooking!

When Carol posts a blog she's often talking about a place I've already gone, or somewhere I would like to go. She has a super positive attitude and always has a smile on her face. And her posts usually include beautiful photographs of the things and people she's been seeing lately. Most recently, she's been catching everyone up on her recent European adventure, and it's made me want to go back overseas so badly!

I just really enjoy how Everyday Delights truly is reflection of Carol's day-to-day life... but it's never boring! And, selfishly, I enjoy that Carol follows my blog as well and always has something sweet to say on each of my posts. Definitely stop by and say hello!

"Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate."

Day 4, Saturday: Favorite quote and why you love it.

"Maybe our mistakes are what make our fate. Without them, what would shape our lives? Perhaps if we never veered off course, we wouldn't fall in love, or have babies, or be who we are. After all, seasons change. So do cities. People come into your life and people go. But it's comforting to know the ones you love are always in your heart. And if you're very lucky, a plane ride away."

Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City

You've probably seen this quote in my posts before, so it's obviously one of my favorites. Sex and the City is one of my all-time favorite shows, and honestly it really helped define and shape who I was when I was in my 20s.

At that time in my life I definitely made a lot of mistakes. But now that I'm past that phase, I've come to realize that without those missteps, I wouldn't be who or where I am today. I needed to screw up, to get hurt, to fall down, to cry, to learn, to fight, to grow. To pick my broken self back up off the floor again and again, each time getting a little closer to the person I wanted to become. Each choice I made, whether good or bad, has helped to create this happy little life that I've built for myself.

During that same time in my life, my friendships helped define me. The ups and downs, the dramatics and hysterics, the highs and lows... all of these moments that I experienced with my girlfriends either helped to make or break those friendships. So many of them have stood strong through these ultimate tests, and I feel incredibly lucky to have those people in my life.

So many things changed for us during our 20s, and unfortunately not all of those friendships survived. But I'm so thankful for the ones that are still standing strong, and even though many of those people live far away, they are always close to my heart, and I hope they know how much they mean to me. (You guys know who you are... and you've got the love... xoxo)

Uncomfortable

Day 3, Friday: Things that make you uncomfortable.

Oh, there are so many things I could write about for this one. But let's choose just a few.

Physical Touching. I just really don't like to be touched, except by people who I am super duper comfortable with. And even then I'm just talking a quick hug goodbye. We're never going to cuddle on the couch during a movie, or hold hands as we stroll down the street. I actually cringe when people touch me. Tap me, pull me by my arm, play with my hair, pat me on the back... it's all bad. For me this is the epitome of uncomfortable, and it just plain freaks me out. I probably give super stiff hugs. And even though I consider myself a very nice, friendly, warm person, I worry that I don't come off that way. I don't think it's any sort of social anxiety... I love being around people. I just don't want them touching me. I don't even enjoy getting manicures or pedicures, but I'll sit through them for the end result (feet touching is the absolute WORST -- don't get me started on that one).

Strangers. It makes me very uncomfortable when strangers speak to me. On the bus, on the sidewalk, in the elevator... I don't like making conversation with people I don't know. It's so awkward when strangers get chatty. I don't want to talk some random guy on the bus about what book I'm reading, I don't care to discuss my workout with the person next to me at the gym, and I don't want to tell my life story to the employee at Subway. I just want to stand there quietly and wait for my sandwich. If I don't already know you or have a reason to meet you, we have nothing to say to one another. Maybe this makes me a bad person, or maybe I'm just shy, I don't know. Perhaps I do have some sort of social anxiety after all.

The Telephone. I don't think there's anything about me that annoys Stewart more than my aversion to the telephone. But I really, really dislike talking on the phone. If a call comes through and I don't recognize the number, there is absolutely no way on earth I'm going to pick it up. Speak to a stranger? I don't think so. Often, even if I know the person who is calling, I won't pick up. For inexplicable reasons, when the phone rings I am overcome with feelings of anxiety and dread, and I just can't imagine dealing with the caller at that moment. Voicemail is best. Then I usually avoid returning the call for a while, because the thought of placing said call overwhelms me. I'm really much better with texting. Somehow I manage to deal with my irrational telephone phobia at work, but I think it's simply the fear of losing my job that forces me to pick up calls. Yes, definitely social anxiety.

Hmmmm. This post has made me realize it's possible I may need some sort of therapy. Too bad that would involve speaking to a stranger... obviously unthinkable.

Wakesurfing

Day 2, Thursday: Educate us on something you know a lot about or are good at.

In honor of Saturday being opening day of boating, I thought I would use today's post to talk about something I think Stewart and I are pretty good at... Wakesurfing.

We picked it up about five or six years ago and learned quickly off the back of our good friend Brett's boat. Wakesurfing is similar to, but not the same sport as, wakeboarding. Instead, the surfer trails behind a wakeboard boat, surfing the boat's wake without being directly attached to the boat with a rope. The wake from the boat mimics the look and feel of an actual ocean wave. Wakesurfers use special boards that are very light and usually five feet or shorter.

Here is a video of me at Banks Lake when I was first learning (I apologize for the poor video quality, but I don't know how to fix it)...

And here is Stew, showing off his talents, which are obviously far superior to mine...

Wakesurfing is like anything... kind of tough to pick up, but really easy once you get the hang of it. If you ever get the opportunity, you should definitely give it a try. Yay for boating season!

They called her Stinky

Day 1, Wednesday: The story of your life in 250 words or less (or one paragraph).

Sarah

Her dad called her Stinky when she was a baby because, let’s face it, she pooped a lot. She grew up in an olive green house on Gemini Street and it was the center of her universe. Her little sister and brother were the ultimate playmates – of course they alternated between loving and hating one another. Her mom was a teacher and her dad worked retail, and every evening they all had dinner together (each food group was always represented). Commercial television was off limits, and so was swearing, and the front yard. She got good grades in school and she loved to write. She learned, laughed, loved, cried, discovered. College was a little rough, and she checked out and moved to the Islands for a while. However, it was hard to deny that she loved school, and writing, so eventually she returned to reality. She has degrees and certifications, but ironically isn't using them at her job, which she loves. As for love, she married her best friend about a year ago and they are blissfully happy in their new home. They have so many amazing people in their lives that sometimes it’s hard to make time for all of them, but they try. Her family is still the center of her universe, including her wonderful husband (and their cat). She can’t wait for all the adventures that are still ahead. It seems like the harder she works, the luckier she gets.

Stewart

He grew up in the country, in a brand new house with a pond full of fish out back, a field filled with cows, and a gorgeous German Shepherd. He's always loved animals. His mom worked at the police station and his dad was a teacher, and they loved their three boys to pieces. He saved his allowance so he could ride his bike to the corner store and buy candy. He had a mullet with beautiful brown curls at the end, and he rocked parachute pants. He was incredibly clever, smart, and athletic – He loved every sport and played soccer, baseball, and basketball. He hated to weed his mother's beautiful gardens. He lost her a few years later, and it almost destroyed him. He focused. He played. He learned. He traveled. He escaped. He graduated from college with a perfect grade point average. He moved to England and worked in finance, even though he knew he wanted to be a firefighter someday. He fell in love and his dreams began to come true. Now he fights fires for a living, and he married his best friend about a year ago. They are blissfully happy in their new home. They have so many amazing people in their lives that sometimes it’s hard to make time for all of them, but they try. He loves travel and adventure, and experiences them with his wife and their families as often as he can. And he still saves his money to buy candy.