Confessions from Vegas.

1. We always check out the posh hotels. The Wynn blew our minds this time.
2. We miss Christi Hitch. It was great to go shopping and strolling with her.
3. We came specifically to see Bloc Party. It was worth every penny.
4. We stood in the 2nd row so I could see Russell and his guitar pedals.
5. We just missed our chance to meet Zach Braff and the cast of Scrubs. Rats!
6. We stuffed ourselves at two buffets--one for dinner, the other for breakfast.
7. We love hanging out at Vegas pools--especially if there is a lazy river.
8. We always eat a burger at In-N-Out in Vegas. They’re greasy, but delicious.
9. We really enjoyed our sleek room in the MGM Grand’s West Wing.
10. We lost money for the first time on this trip. Down $70 total.

{Click the above image to see it larger...}

Back safe and sound.

We are back from Vegas, fully rocked and sun-soaked. Of course, it was wet and cold when we returned. Ugh! Pics and more up tomorrow (I hope).

Did I mention that Bloc Party rocked? ;)

Going to Vegas, baby.

So totally excited because we're going to Vegas today! Friday night, we're checking out Bloc Party with Go Team! at the Hard Rock Hotel. Overall, it should be a lovely mix of swirly guitars, In-n-out burgers, and 80+ degree weather to boot. Woo!

Easy Street In-Stores.

This week we were lucky enough to get two terrific, and free, in-store performances at the always kickin' Easy Street Records. On Saturday, it was Brit-neo-shoegazers South playing acoustic. Today, in lieu of seeing them tomorrow night, we were treated to one of our current faves, Editors, in full-on band mode. What made it an especially fine event, however, was that we were stationed in the used vinyl behind this choice release. We were charmed by the fact that Herman Brood chose to not only hold a bouquet, but also a Bluebee. Note the preferred spelling of "nutz".

My own version of Michael Daubs.

Yesterday, a friend in Indy emailed to tell me she has a new neighbor. Apparently, my doppelganger moved in next door--with hair, glasses, and a decorating style that matches my own. The very thought of it freaks me out. I'm wondering if she's as Europe-addicted, music-crazed, or high strung as me. I've seen her before... when I was at Ball State as a freshman in college. I walked past a classroom, looked in, and saw myself sitting there. It was downright creepy.

Cut to today's lunch break: Typically, I sit in the newspaper cafeteria alone working on the day's sudoku puzzle. Oddly enough, a curly-haired 20-something usually sits directly across from me doing the same (but with the crossword). Not missing a beat, he came to sit down today and couldn't find his puzzle. I was finished, so I offered him mine.

That's when it clicked. This is the Seattle version of Michael Daubs. I had noticed his looks were quite similar, but today, his voice, laugh, and mannerisms matched that of our pseudo-Canadian friend. I somehow doubt I'll chat with him further to find out if he's as silly, plays drums, or has a wife named Wendy, though. ;)

Cold chills, people. Cold chills.

This is so west coast.

So, it was *finally* gorgeous yesterday. Super warm with an amazingly clear sky, and people out everywhere. We spent our evening watching the sunset from nearby Alki Beach. Each time we're there, I'm a broken record, repeating how awesome it is. Last night's trip was reminiscent of the Italian passeggiata--an pre-dinner ritual where an entire community strolls along a village's main thoroughfare to visit with neighbors. The Alki version involved groups flying kites, cooking out, enjoying bonfires, and just hanging out. I think we're looking forward to what summer in Seattle has to offer...

{... more photos in the post below ...}

Scenes from Alki.

Here comes the sun.

Just like us, our little slug also enjoys a good sunbeam.
Pics of our evening at the beach coming tomorrow... aah.

Birthday boy.

This fuzzy, grumpy little guy turns eight years old this month. Where has the time gone, Bluebee?

That orb in the sky.

Aah, it's 8:00 pm and it's still fairly light out. Lovin' that. Now, if the temperature would only start acting like it's spring!

Seattle Housing.

We're constantly complaining about it, but this article really underscores the high housing prices in the Seattle area. The author set out to find the cheapest house in the city. The answer: for $125,500 you can be the proud owner of this burned-out junkheap in the worst part of Seattle.

The tulip bunny has been here.

No Easter bunny for us this year, all uprooted and replanted in Seattle. We drove an hour north of the city today to check out the tulip fields instead. The number of tulips was impressive, but of course, I was envisioning the Netherlands, so it didn't quite match my expectations. We saw many varieties with amusing names that were new to us, such as the Abba, Fabio, and Ninja. The place was lousy with daffodil fields, too. All very pretty, just not Holland...

{See photos below}

Tulips, tulips everywhere.

It won't stop raining.

Darn it. I just want the spring-like weather back.

A bun is in the oven.

Now that she is officially out of her first trimester, I can share the news. My sister is pregnant! Being a mom is her true calling and I know she'll be great at it. The baby arrives this fall. =)

{Erika, shown above with her fiance, Greg}

Overheard.

Harvey Pekar, of American Splendor fame, just wrote a new comic based on the work of Michael Malice. Michael's stuff is documented on his hee-larious site, Overheard in New York. It's a must-read.

It's official.

We are fully addicted to skiing. We might look like nerds in our big goggles, but man, it's just too fun! It's hard to believe, but I can actually see something positive about winter now.

Home movies.

Since Shawn's sister and nephew are visiting, we just watched a bunch of old home movies. They were too cute... Shawn looks the same now as he did at 17. We finished up by watching a clip of Shawn's 30th birthday. So many of our friends and family were there... all people we love and miss. Really made me want to end this vacation and move home.