Don't Try This At Home

BlogHer Conference '08: Are You In?

I told you Tuesday that I'm speaking at BlogHer '08 this summer. Are you coming? Let me know in the comments! Wouldn't it be great if we can meet? Oh, wait. You're confused because I had that huge tirade about how I'm introverted and bonkers, right?

I get that.

I usually am introverted. However, I spend months preparing myself for meeting the public at large. By the time I arrive at BlogHer, I am on, baby! (I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille!)

Of course, I hide in Shannon's purse during lunch and the breaks because I have to regroup and re-energize (and let's hope her purse doesn't get stolen while I'm hiding in it, mmmmkay?).

During the sessions and cocktail parties, though? Look out. Chili's in town and she needs to make some contacts/friends/laughing buddies. I actually look forward to being part of discussions and I look forward to meeting new people. More proof that I am, indeed, completely crazy.

So let me know if you're coming. I bet we'll see each other at the many gatherings. I would love it if you'd come to the panel on I'm on: FAQs for Beginning Bloggers. More than that, though, I'd love it if you'd come say hi if you see me.

Speaking of the panel, if you have some questions you think are super-important for beginning bloggers, leave those in the comments. Or, feel free to head over to Blogging Basics 101 and see if your question is already answered. If it's not, please submit it to my e-mail over there (you can find it on the Contact Us page).

So, are you coming?

Questions for You Travelers: San Francisco

I'm attending and speaking at the BlogHer '08 Conference this summer. I'm excited beyond words! I'm sharing a room with Shannon, speaking about blogging basics on Friday morning, and networking my little heart out.

I've never been to San Francisco. Although I'll be completely booked with conference doin's Thursday through Saturday evening, I am considering staying through to Monday or Tuesday. So my questions to those of you familiar with SF are

• Where can I stay cheaply and safely on Sunday and Monday nights? (I will be staying at The Westin St. Francis on Powell--should I just keep my room or move to a different, cheaper hotel?)
• Will I be safe touring the city (shopping, walking, visiting Alcatraz, etc.) by myself? It's true that I have the death look, but I'm not nearly as physically strong as the look itself.
• Is there a way to see the SF bridge and take pictures without getting killed?
• What things should I plan while I'm there?
• Where should I eat? Because, hello? I'm all about the good food. No sushi.
• What is the thing I must not miss while I'm in the Bay Area?
• Will I get clobbered if I were my John McCain badge? (Just kidding...I wanted to see if you are still with me. I won't actually wear it.)
• Anything else you can think of?

On Thursday I'm going to have a roll call for those going to the BlogHer '08 Conference. I have some other questions regarding the conference as well. Today, though, let's stick to what I can do in SF and whether I can do it safely alone. Whatcha got for me?

Who Is Going to San Francisco for BlogHer '08?

Are any of you planning on going to BlogHer '08 in San Francisco this year? If so--even if you're just thinking about it--let me know in the comments. I may be speaking (with some other great bloggers) about blogging basics. (They've asked me, I just need to respond.)

Fun for Everyone in Vegas

A few of you have asked for my low-down on Las Vegas: what to do, where to stay, what to eat. We've been a few times, but trust me when I tell you we've yet to scratch the surface. I'll tell you what I know though.

When we go to Las Vegas, we do like to play blackjack. We just don't feel the need for our entire trip to revolve around our time at the tables. In fact, this time we played blackjack a total of two hours. Yep. That's it. The rest of the time was spent doing stuff.

The Spa
I have only gone to Mandara Spa at Paris. The ginger and lime body scrub is divine. I chose the Paris (and return to it) because it didn't seem quite as New Age-y as some of the others I visited online. The people here are friendly and the spa area is quiet and relaxing. They provide a large selection of teas, water, juices, and fruit.

The Shopping
I'll admit that we used to hop a bus to the Primm Outlet Mall and it sucked. It's about 45 minutes there and back and you have to schedule your departure times (though they are pretty flexible depending on how many people are needing a ride).

Luckily, a new outlet mall has opened near downtown Las Vegas. I believe it's called The Premium Outlet Mall. They have most of the same stores as Primm and it's easier to get to. When we visited last week, most of the stores were in, but a few were still building (e.g., GAP). I think everything is scheduled to be done by this summer.

Cirque du Soleil
We've seen almost all the Cirque du Soleil shows--except O (and for some reason we aren't that interested in that one). We love them all.

We just saw Ka on this trip (at MGM) and it was great. We sat too close though. The stage and mechanics of the show are great, and from our vantage point we could see all of that. However, I don't think we got the full effect of being immersed in the show because the technology we could see was distracting. If you choose Ka, I would suggest a center section at least in the middle of the theater.

Zumanity (at New York, New York) is quite sexy and hilarious if that's your thing. Be prepared for nudity and the illusion of nudity. And 400-pound women in transparent body-stockings passing out chocolate strawberries. Husband and I are still talking about this one and we saw it at least three years ago!

If you're looking for a show and haven't seen a Cirque show, do it. They are all great.

The Hotels

The Luxor: Where we stayed in 1995 for our first anniversary. It was brand new. Instead of elevators, they have inclinators--because you're going up at an incline. Clever. Whatever. The rooms were nice and well-appointed, but that was 14 years ago and I haven't been in the hotel since then. My guess is that it could stand a remodel. Not really on the must-stay list.

New York, New York: I did not like this hotel. I thought the hallway smelled like feces. Also, because it's NY, NY the casino area is very crowded to simulate the crowds of NY. Yah. I get it. Now get away from me. The roller coaster is OK, but nothing great.

The Venetian: Careful when you walk in. Everyone is looking up and not looking where they are walking. Why? Because the entire ceiling is painted and beautiful. All rooms in this hotel have separate lounge areas. When we were here, I never stepped foot in the lounge area. The Canal Shoppes are fun to browse. I like this hotel.

Bellagio: Very nice. If you can, I suggest getting a room that faces the fountains. It's so great to look out your window and have a show that doesn't include nudie people.

THE Hotel: OK. Normally we would not have stayed at this hotel. However, we were in Wine Country and my grandmother died and we needed to get back. We couldn't get a direct flight and, GASP!, had to spend the night in LV. The only rooms available were in THE Hotel (which is part of Mandalay Bay).

Let me say that this is where the cool, young, hip, rich people stay (well, two years ago, anyway). We did not fit in, but we loved it. There are lots of LCD TVs hanging on walls. Lots of art. Separate living and sleeping areas. Two toilet areas. It's all about the pampering.

The Food
Ah. Mah. Gah. The food.

I love Aquaknox (in the Venetian), as I said. Look for the Jumbo Prawns in Caviar Sauce.

Just about every hotel has lots of little restaurants and counters. There are specialty restaurants and chains. What you eat depends on what you like. I'm pretty sure you can find anything in Las Vegas--ask your concierge.

We had the steak Oscar style at Smith & Wollensky's (across from Monte Carlo) and it was fantastic. Steak Oscar style is a filet mignon with crab meat and a sinfully delicious Bearnaise sauce. Husband and I each ordered one and we each ended up eating half. We could have split one for sure.

If you like Irish fare (or just good beer--ask for Smithwick's but say it 'Smittick's' so you don't sound like a noob), Nine Fine Irishmen (New York, New York) is the place to be. New York, New York is not one of my favorite hotels, but I do love this bar. Just about every night they have a live Irish band playing all the Irish standbys. And a little old Asian lady comes and dances every night. She's a hoot. She's not part of the band, she just likes to have a good time. She was there when we visited three years ago, and she was there last week in her fishnet stockings, purple hat, and dancing shoes (I believe she had on some clothes, too, but hey. It's Vegas. Who knows?). I would LOVE to know her life's story.

The Other Stuff

One of the hotels on the strip (Tropicana?) has both the Titanic artifacts exhibit and the Bodies exhibit. I didn't get to them, but I would have liked to.

The M&Ms store is great fun.

So is FAO Schwartz in Caesar's Forum Shops.

Help me 6 pound, 4 ounce Baby Jeebus!*

(Fast trivia fact that is completely worthless, but fascinating: race car is spelled the same forward and backward. I think that’s called a palindrome. It's probably not a true palindrome, though, because it's actually two words instead of one.)

On Thursday last week I did something I never thought I would do. I drove an Indy race car 127.25 mph (I really think I went faster than that, but I do tend to be a legend in my own mind).

Yep, that’s right. Last Thursday, I--wrecker of cars, recipient of tickets, destroyer of stop signs--drove an Indy race car at very fast speeds. Apparently 90mph (my heretofore personal top speed) is like Granny driving in the school zone and not scooting over to the right lane so people can pass.

I was not a passenger in this little escapade. I was driving. Without help. Or a passenger. I was left to my own devices and ability. Neither of which were pillars of hope.

But I did it.

I also received an official Mario Andretti driver's license. The next time I'm pulled over for doing 127 in a 55, I'll just whip that out and explain, "Officer, I'm fully licensed to drive this fast. So step off. Uh, please."

Oh,and did I mention that I completely kicked the trash of at least two of the guys who also drove that day? Bonus.

* Or whatever Will Ferrell said in Talladega Nights.

The Vegas Migraine--Now with Caviar and Shoeshine Girls

On our first night in Las Vegas we decided to eat at Aquaknox because they make the most amazing prawns with caviar sauce. My mouth waters at the thought of it. Seriously. I wait patiently between our Vegas trips because I know I will be consuming copious numbers of prawns drowned in caviar sauce.

Except they weren’t serving that particular dish on the night we wanted to eat there.

But the chef made it for me anyway (or a slightly different version--we chose to meet in the middle).

And then a migraine kicked in and I was nauseous beyond all get out. I forced down three prawns, ate some caviar--which almost made me hurl at the table.

In fact, I was looking at my plate and wondering, “If I throw up right here, how quiet can I be? And if I throw up right here, I think I’ll just fold up the tablecloth and walk it to the trash myself. I’m pretty sure they won’t mind.”

Meanwhile Husband had a concerned look on his face and asked me if I was OK. (I never did have much of a poker face. Which is why I play Black Jack.)

We paid and left because I thought I might feel better if I walked around a bit. So we walked and found a restroom. I splashed water on my face--who am I kidding? No I didn’t. I was fully made up and those of you who know me know what a big deal that is. I rarely wear makeup and I wasn’t about to ruin the makeup I was wearing by splashing it with water. I did wash my hands, though.

As we were leaving, the shoeshine girl just outside the door turned on a hairdryer and I involuntarily turned around to see what was making the noise. She turned off the hair dryer. So I said, “It is cold in here” and smiled at her because I felt like maybe my face in repose and my involuntary neck jerk may have frightened her--it’s happened. And then she started talking to me…about what a slow night it was, how it was cold, how she usually had 20 people at her stand waiting to have their shoes shined.

Husband walked off. I stayed for a minute or two chatting her up so she didn’t think I was a complete bully.

Because, you know, having a migraine and almost throwing up doesn’t mean you can’t be kind. I may see her again some day and what would she think then?

The View, The Spa, and The Brownie

On this particular trip to Las Vegas, Husband's sole goal was to play Shadow Creek Golf Course. To do that, we had to stay at an MGM property. We chose Bellagio because we love it there and because this was the view from our room:

While Husband was being whisked away by a limo to play golf at some fancy-schmancy place (he saw Michael Jordan's personal golf carts! Carolina blue with MJ on one and 23 on the other, both pimped out with stereos.), I was spa-ing.

The spa experience deserves it's own post and it will come later this week. It was better than one of my previous spa visits, but it was painful. So I rewarded myself with this (because I'm neurotic that way):

That, my friends, is a chocolate brownie with caramel and hazelnuts. Those are not claw marks or teeth marks--they are fork marks. I was actually showing some restraint and using utensils. However, I was barely able to show enough restraint to stop eating and take the picture. I think I dropped the camera trying to get the fork back to my mouth.

That silver package in the background? Zomig. Oh yeah. Travel just ain't travel unless you get a migraine. More on that tomorrow.

 

 

Photo Contest: Favorite Vacation Spot

An Island Life is hosting a photo contest. The theme is your favorite vacation spot. Feel free to go vote for me so I can buy Jane Eyre (Masterpiece Theater)--first prize is a $20 gift certificate to Amazon!.

Our favorite vacation spot is, hands down, Disney World. The moment we step foot on Disney property joy is all-encompassing.

When we arrive at the Magic Kingdom and hear the train coming and see the characters welcoming us to the park, I have been known to cry because I'm so happy to see the looks on my children's faces.

Every park at Disney World offers something special to my family for different reasons. Wild Thing loves Space Mountain, Max loves Spaceship Earth, Husband loves the fireworks, I love the family time no matter where we are (but I'm also a Haunted Mansion/Tower of Terror junkie).

In 2004 we were able to take all the grandparents with us to Disney World. This is my dad with Wild Thing. Watching the grandparents enjoy this magical place through the eyes of their grandchildren is my favorite vacation memory.

 

People of Guilder, I Blame You

I know, I know. I need to come up with another line. But, really, what says it better than that? Warning: This is one of those very annoying and even more boring posts that you would do well to miss.

I give you my To Do List:

• Kohl's: return pants that didn't fit Max. Why do I even try to find things for my children when they are not with me? It never, ever, never never works. Ever.
• Target: price portable DVD players, find little presents for St. Patrick's Day. I've already been quizzed over whether or not The Leprechaun will be able to play tricks on  us or leave us presents for not catching him if we are on the road. Attention robber-types: I have nothing of value unless you are in the market for 111 stuffed animals. In which case you'll find them all in Wild Thing's bedroom. Knock yourself out.
• Take 10 pictures around the house w/o flash as homework for photography class tonight. A lesson in futility. We all know they'll suck and I'm not sure what the point is here other than to prove to me I need more sunlight in my house.
• Stop mail delivery. So y'all who've been waiting to send me a letter? Wait a little longer.
• Make packing list and then actually pack (don't forget to round up the meds/first aid pack!). Yes I need a packing list. I also have to put clothes together in outfits so I don't miss anything. And I pack double undies for everyone. You just never know when you'll need a second pair of tighty whiteys.
• Finish two knitted purses and felt. Because I simply cannot. wait. These purses are to die for.
• Deliver final GS cookies. Kill me. Kill me. Kill me. I hereby declare I am anti-cookie sales. I'm thinking of telling Wild Thing that the Girl Scouts have totally disbanded and this is the last year for any sort of organized meetings. At any rate we are never selling anything again.
• Post Office: mail GS cookies to GiBee, mail The Prince (the book, not The Artist) to PBS requestor. BTW, have you signed up for PBS yet? Because it totally rocks.
• Mapquest directions to my dad's house. We get to see my dad's new house! We get to see my dad and his wife! Life is indeed good. Busy, but good.
• Clean out van and vacuum so we aren't totally disgusted with the disgustingness that passes for my van.
• Find someone to watch over Oscar and squeeze him and love him and call him, er, Oscar.
• A few more crafty things that I simply must do because I can't stand not to do them. I know! More stuff! At this point why does it matter?!
• Call Medco because they have completely messed up my medication-by-mail stuff. Apparently they have no idea what it's like to deal with a psycho that hasn't had her meds in a while. They are about to find out.

And that's not even my full list. I've got my country's 500th anniversary to plan, my wedding to arrange, my wife to murder, and Guilder to frame for it - I'm swamped.

WFMW: Planning A Disney World Vacation

I am in the midst of planning a trip to Disney World for December. I think I can safely say that I definitely know my way around planning this particular trip and I'm happy to share my resources with you. If you have any other questions about planning a Disney World vacay, you can e-mail me at askchilihead at gmail dot com.

• Deb’s site: It’s the be-all, end-all of DW info. Pictures, reviews, advice. Everything you need.
• DIS Boards:This is an e-mail forum where you can find tons of info. It’s a great way to stay up-to-the-minute on what’s going on in the parks and what’s working for others. It’s also a place to find out if there are any room codes being offered that can save you money. Many people actually post from DW while they’re on vacation! I would never have time for that!
• Disney Height Requirements: This is handy so there is no disappointments after waiting in line.
• MagicTrips.com: Laundry list of things to consider. I believe this site also helps with a month-by-month breakdown of what you should do when (e.g., when to make reservations for hotel, reservations for dining [called ADRs], etc.).
• Mousesavers.com: Lots of write-ups about trips and even more information on how to get things cheap! She also has a monthly e-mail newsletter you’ll find handy. She also posts whether there are any room codes being offered.
• Planning Strategy Calculator for Disney Reservations: This site will basically let you mark which restaurants/shows you want and then will help you figure out when you need to book them. Remember, you want to book your dining asap—which is 90 days from your arrival date. You usually can’t book anything until exactly 90 days out.
• The Mouse for Less: Just what it says. I haven’t used this site much. I downloaded some fun stuff for the kids to work on while en route. They have some good stuff for Epcot, if I remember correctly. And YES, EPCOT is FUN!
• Tiffany Town Cars:  You will need a way to get to your hotel from the airport. You’ll pay as much for this as for a cab, if I remember correctly. Also, their web site has a coupon. We’ve used these people before and had no problems. Check on the DIS Boards for more recent reviews; there is usually a discussion about this somewhere.
• What to Say to the Characters: Cute thread on the DIS boards about what some people have said to characters and those characters’ reactions.