I’m pretty lucky that my husband sometimes travels for work and I can occasionally take time off to go with him. That’s the case this week. Due to the new job, I don’t have any vacation time so it’s unpaid time off but I’m ready for some warm weather.
We’re staying in a pretty swank joint but neither of us are gamblers. I think it’s an oxymoron to say you’re headed to Vegas to relax but that’s exactly what we’ve got in mind.
There will be drinks poolside, a lot of walking and art museums, fountains, reading (lots of reading) and, probably, some blackjack. Most importantly there will be food. There will be amazing food. There will be ethnic food the likes of which it would normally take us a two hour drive to reach.
I don’t mind living in a small, rural community. I think I’ve actually adapted better than expected. I’ve cultivated great recipes for General Tso’s Chicken and Vegetable Samosas with Mint Chutney. I make fantastic hummus, killer chili, amazing chicken enchiladas and a solid Shrimp and Grits. The things I miss are the things I find a way to create on my own, so that I don’t miss them QUITE so much. That said, I fucking love to eat and I am STOKED about the variety I’m going to get next week.
There’s a chance we’ll take in a show (I’m leaning toward Absinthe, in case you’re interested) and I’ve already stalked the 1/2 price show sites. We’re also going to be there for the start of Restaurant Week, so I’m pretty excited about checking some places that we would otherwise probably have skipped.
I’m also kind of excited about my clothes.
I came to the realization that it’s possibly time that I cultivated some personal style. I tend toward jeans, boots and peacoat a big chunk of the year. A couple of years ago – in New Orleans, perhaps – I became enamored of scarves and the occasional hat. Thanks to my pixie resurgence, I’m steering my wardrobe toward the Audrey Hepburn stylebook. It’s been surprisingly painless, since I already have some jeans and flats. I’ve invested in some button-down shirts and a couple more scarves but my goal is to look casual and polished. I’m feeling pretty good about my chances. I suspect there will be photos.
It’s getting on in the evening and I haven’t even STARTED my laundry. I’m planning on taking at least 3 yoga classes while we’re in town so my packing is a bit out of the ordinary as it needs to include a mat. I’m considering just checking a small bag and calling it good. I’m tempting to keep it minimal, so I made a packing list and I’m interested to see how well it works out. Lifehacking with Springpad ftw!
