#28: Read 100 Books

I love to read, but I have a hard time picking books for myself. I usually read based on recommendations. These recommendations can come from anywhere. I believe this one came from Amazon based on past purchases and searches.

This time I read The Lion, the lamb, the hunted.

A journalist investigates the 30-year-old kidnapping and murder of a kid. And of course there are twists and turns along the way. I liked this book, but I thought the end was predictable. Usually when I think I have figured out how a book will end there is a curve ball in there that I was not expecting. But that did not happen here, which was a little disappointing. It was still a good read, but I think it could have been better.

#27 and #28: Books

I recently read a non-crime book and a crime book. Balance. I will read books based on recommendations from strangers, internet friends, co-workers (except I will not be reading 50 shades of porn), anyone. The Night Circus was one of those recommendations. When I first read the insert, I thought it was going to be the Hunger Games set in a circus. Not at all. This is a fantastical, magical book about two young magicians dueling with the circus at as their setting. But they don't know who each other is and they don't know how a winner is determined. The description and settings and details make this a very enjoyable read.

While reading The Night Circus, I was also reading The Consultant, book two of the Barry/McCall series by Claude Bouchard. You definitely must read The Vigilante first. And I have said repeatedly how I love a series, especially when it is good.

#27: Read 50 Non-Crime Books

I have been away from this blog for a while. I have had a lot going on. Mostly bad, but I am trying to turn a new leaf. I have been reading though. I read 4 non-crime related books in a row. That is big for me.

First I read Shantaram. This book was recommended several times by several different people. And sorry, now I can remember none of those people specifically. But I am definitely one to try a book that has several recommendations. Even if it is not in the genre I normally read. And again, I am glad I did. Shantaram is the story of an escaped convict from Australia that flees to India in an attempt to recreate his life. I read this book on my Kindle and just recently found out this book is over 900 pages. I was wondering what was taking me so long to finish it. If you read the reviews on this book they are all over the place. Some people, like the ones that recommended it to me, say its the best book they have ever read or at least the best book they read last year. Others hated it. I loved the descriptions of India and Mumbai and other travelled places. It definitely makes me want to travel there. But I could have done without about 300 pages of this book...and it would still have been a long book. This is a memoir written like a novel. I definitely was wrapped up in all the characters and their lives as I read this one.

After finishing this book I decided to read something a little different. Something I could hopefully breeze through. I was skeptical about whether or not I would like this next book. I thought maybe I would put it down after the first page. I read my first young adult book as an adult. And I liked it. Loved it. I read The Hunger Games.

I don't really think I need to give this book any explanation. If you have not heard of this book I think you have been living under a rock. But much to my surprise this book was a surprise. I actually read it in a day. Yes, one day. I was home on a weekend doing nothing and decided to start reading it. And I could not put it down. It was so good that as soon as I finished I instantly downloaded Book 2, Catching Fire, on my Kindle and started reading that. And then after reading that, I went straight to Book 3, The Mockingjay. I read the entire series in 5 days. I don't think I have ever done that before. If you have not read these books, I strongly recommend. I even got the Hubs to go see the movie and even without reading the books he really enjoyed it and wanted to know what happened in the rest of the series.

#27 and #28: Read Books

I have not updated my 101 in 1001 in a while. But that does not mean that I haven't been doing anything. I HAVE been reading. And I love getting suggestions from people on a book to read in a genre I have never read before and absolutely loving that book. This has happened to me recently. I know want to read more...Historical Fiction. Didn't even know this was a type of book. Crazy I know.

Anywho, here is what I have been reading lately.

In September, an online book club I am in decided to read a book related to September 11 given that is was the 10 year anniversary. 102 Minutes: The Untold Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers was selected.

The story was written from the perspective of people inside the towers. This account was taken from survivors, 911 calls, cell phone calls to loved ones. While this was not the best book ever written, I am really glad I read it. It was definitely hard to get through and very sad, but well worth it.

After reading this I needed something light. Well, light for me anyway. So I read the latest from one of my go to authors Kathy Reichs, Temperance Brennan novels. Flash and Bones is the 14th book in the series. It was not my favorite, but was an easy read. It was also sans the love interest that I like so that was a bit of a let down. However, I know I will read the next book when it comes out.

Then I went on to another favorite, the Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben. Live Wire is book #10. I know I have mentioned before that I love a series. A lot from past books is tied together here. I think there is going to be a spin-off or there may already be one. It was ok, but I think sometimes people lose their edge in a book series.

Off of recommendations from some internet friends I read the next two books. I thoroughly enjoyed each.

Still Alice is the story of a Harvard professor who is diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's. This story was so engulfing. I could not put it down. I was reading this book long after I should have gone to bed for the night. There were some touching moments in this book. You couldn't help but relate it to your own life.

Next I read Empress Orchid. I loved this book. This is the historical fiction I mentioned before and as much as I am not a history fan, I loved this. It is a wonderful story of one of the minor concubines of the Emperor of China. If you liked Memoirs of a Geisha, you will like this as well. I cannot wait to read another book in this genre.

So since September I have read 5 books. I have a long list of others I cannot wait to get through. Thank God for the library.

#27: Read 50 Non-Crime Books

With Death as a narrator, this book was wonderful, dark, and moving. Set in Germany during the Nazi regime, The Book Thief tells the story of Liesel a nine-year-old girl during the time. You follow her as she lives and steals. It really was a great book.

#27: Read 50 Non-crime books

Battle Hymn of a Tiger Mom by Amy Chua

I first heard of this book on a message board I frequent. There was an article in the New York Times (I think?) comparing Chinese mothers to Western (American) mothers and child rearing. I have no children, but the Hubs and I often discuss how we would raise our hypothetical children. You know how it is. You see a child doing something you would never let your child do or watching/listening to something you would never let child. Yep, we are those people.

The Hubs and I are also have a lot of criticisms of how we see children raised today. The "everyone gets a trophy" mentality makes me want to puke. The sense of entitlement. Well, despite how I think I would be with my kids, I am no Amy Chua. To quote a friend, "that woman is a beast." It all starts on the first page as she lists the things that her daughters could not do.

I will admit I got some pointers and I saw some sides of crazy I don't think I would want to venture to. But it was a good read.

#23: Take an activity class not related to Grad School

The Hubs and I needed to restart Date Night. When you are married, you can get into a routine and sometimes you need to remind yourself that a good marriage takes a little effort. So I was on a quest to find something fun for us to do. I mean, I love going to dinner, but I wanted something a little different.

What did I find...A couples cooking class.

We went to Culinaire and had so much fun. It was a seafood class and we got to make 3 different seafood dishes that we had never had before AND we did it together. We both had a great time and we got to take the recipes home.

Chilled Thai Crab Salad in Endive

Seafood Stew with Garlic Toast

Salmon En Papillotte with Creamed Leeks and Couscous

Vegetarian Chili in the Crockpot

The Hubs and I are trying to get fit. We did a "diet" called the Fat Smash Diet. I discussed it on my other blog. Part of it lead to us eating a lot of beans. And I mean a lot. Well, I got tired of lima beans and was trying to find something different. So I went on the search for a vegetarian chili recipe in the crock pot.

I wanted the recipe to be as healthy as possible and made from dried beans. I was surprised that it was hard to find a recipe that was made from dried beans and not canned. After searching and searching, I found 2 recipes that I modified to come up with my recipe. I am sorry, but I do not remember where I got these recipes.

Vegetarian Chili in the Crock pot

Ingredients

• ~ 1.5 cups pinto beans (dried)
• ~ 1 cup kidney beans (dried)
• ~ 1/2 - 1 cup kidney beans (dried)
• 32. oz vegetable broth
• water
• 28 oz. crushed or diced tomatoes
• 7 oz. can chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
• red/yellow/orange pepper (diced)
• 1/2 - 1 onion
• 2 - 3 carrots
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 16 oz. frozen sweet corn
• salt (as desired)
• shredded cheese, sour cream, chives to garnish (if desired)

Directions:

1. Rinse dried beans thoroughly.
2. Place beans in a container. Completely cover with water and soak beans overnight (at least 8 hours).
3. Rinse beans until water runs clear.
4. Place beans in crock pot.
5. Put 32 oz. of vegetable broth on beans. If beans are not completely covered with liquid, add water until they are. Add salt if desired.
6. Cook on high for 3 hours.
7. Meanwhile, chop onions, carrots, and peppers and set aside.
8. After 3 hours, add diced tomatoes and all diced veggies.
9. Add liquid from can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Depending on desired hotness and chipotle peppers. (I like mine rather mild so I only add 1 pepper. If you like yours really hot, I recommend blending the entire can into a puree and then adding to crock pot.)
10. Add salt if desired.
11. Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours. Until beans are soft.
12. When almost done (last hour), add frozen carrots.
13. Season to taste with salt.

Verdict: The Hubs and I love this recipe. You can eat it alone or put it over brown rice. It is very yummy. I made this when we were doing the Fat Smash Diet and we were on a limited diet. I also use all organic ingredients from the beans to the veggies. I usually cook this overnight. About 3 hours before I go to bed, I will start the beans. Right before bed I will add the rest of the ingredients. The Hubs gets up for work about an hour before me and he will add the corn. When I get up I turn the crock pot off and the meals is done. This will last us an entire week. Delicious. And this recipe is easily customizable. You can add whatever veggies you like. You can add potatoes. You can do whatever you want.

28: Read 100 Books

I have read 2 books in the past month. Both crime related. I seem to fly through this type of book. Even when I am exhausted I keep reading.

First I read Chosen to Die. This was given to be by a co-worker when I was still reading The Count of Monte Cristo. When I fiiinally finished that book I hoped right on to this one. This is what I consider my light reading. Ha ha.

The day I finished this book I jumped right in to Patricia Conwell's Port Mortuary. It is the 18th book in the Kay Scarpetta series. I absolutely love a series. I think I have mentioned that before.



Oh. And can I say I am really loving the library. While I love my Kindle I am trying to be more money conscious. I can request the book at the library and go pick it up. Free and easy.

I love reading.

#28: Read 100 Books

I debated on whether or not to classify this book as crime or non-crime. I decided to count it as crime. Really it is a classic, but definitely crime and revenge based.

I finally read The Count of Monte Cristo. I never read this in school. It was always on the list of optional/select the book. Seeing as it is a million pages and I always procrastinated I never was able to read it. I read things like "Snow Goose" or something like that because it was less than 100 pages. Well, I finally decided to tackle this book. I really liked it. It was a million pages and due to work obligations and life it took me for.ev.er to read, but I finally made it through.

It was even better because I never watched any of the movies on the book, so I really did not know what would happen. I also like that it as real literature. Language has been "dumbed down" as I have gotten older and to read a classic, literature book was...refreshing. It makes me want to read more classics.

On to my next book.

Helllooooo World

Hello Blog World.

Wow. I have been away for a while. Part of that is I have been really busy. Another part is laziness. Another part, the biggest part, is that I have not completed much of my 101 in 1001.

But, at last, I have completed some tasks and every day I will be posting about what I have completed.

If you started a 101 in 1001, how are you doing with it? I know for me it is hard to stay motivated.

#22: Make 10 New Recipes

The Hubs and I decided that we needed to try new foods and flavors. So I suggested we try recipes from different areas of the world. We decided to start with Asia and had Asian Week. I made 2 recipes based off of that idea.

Recipe 1

Pan Seared Shrimp with Soba noodles and Broccoli

source Proceed with Caution

Ingredients:

For the Shrimp

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (I used EVOO)
• 1 1/2 pounds of shrimp (21/25 count), peeled and deveined
• 1/4 teaspoon table salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper flakes
• 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
• 2 teaspoons water
• 2 scallions, sliced thin

8-12 ounces of Soba noodles, cooked and drained

2 cups of broccoli

Directions:

1. Combine sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. (Double if pairing with noodles)
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet over high heat until smoking. Meanwhile, toss shrimp, salt, red pepper, and sugar together in a bowl. Add half the shrimp to pan in single layer and cook until spotty brown and edges turn pink, about 1 minute. Remove pan from heat; Using tongs, flip shrimp and toss until all but very center of shrimp is opaque, about 30 seconds. Transfer shrimp to large plate. Repeat with remaining oil and shrimp. After second batch has stood off heat, return first batch to skillet along with sauce mixture and toss to combine. Cover skillet and let stand until shrimp are cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes.
3. Add cooked soba noodles and broccoli along with remaining sauce. Toss to combine, then serve.

Verdict:

We absolutely loved this recipe. The flavor was wonderful. On top of that it was exceptionally easy to make. Plus these are ingredients we usually have in the house. Definitely getting added to the recipe rotation.

Recipe 2

Kung Pao Shrimp

source Men's Health Magazine

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 5 small dried chillies or 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (I only used 1/2 tsp., but I don't like it too hot)
• 6 scallions chopped, save the greens for garnish
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
• 1 large red pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 pound medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup roasted, unsalted peanuts. plus more chopped for garnish

Directions:

1. Combine soy sauce, orange juice, vinegar, cornstarch, and sugar in bowl. Set aside.
2. Place a wok or large pan over high heat and add oil. When oil is lightly smoking, toss in chillies, scallion whites, garlic, and ginger.
3. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, until fragrant, but not browned or burnt. Add bell peppers and cook for another minute, stirring constantly with spatula. Then add shrimp and peanuts, and cook until shrimp turns pink, about 3 minutes.
4. Stir in the sauce and cook just long enough for it to thicken and form a light sheen around shrimp and vegetables, about 30 seconds.
5. Serve over a scoop of brown rice, sprinkled with chopped scallion tops and peanuts.

Verdict:

Another yummy dish. This one was selected by the Hubs and we both loved it. Very easy to make and we love the flavors. Also uses ingredients we have in the house regularly. I did add some (did not measure) hoisin sauce because we like the sweeter flavor.

#27: Read 50 Non-Crime Books

Room by Emma Donoghue

To 5-year-old Jack, Room is his entire world. It is all he knows. Any more than that gives the book away, but think Jaycee Dugard. This book was really good. I will admit the first 60 pages were a little hard to get through, but after that I could not put it down. It was just a little hard reading the book from the perspective of a 5-year-old. But actually that makes the book what it is. I highly recommend.

Tons of 101 in 1001 Updates

Completed

22. I have completed and exceeded making 10 new recipes. And can I tell you the Hubs and I love both of these recipes and I have made them a couple of times. Blog posts on both to follow.

29. I FINISHED GRAD SCHOOL. I am so excited about this. It is really a huge accomplishment for me. And I did really well in the program. Now I just have to focus on finding a job career related to my field. I am working on that.

46. I (We) sent Christmas cards this year. They were made by my wonderful "sister-in-law". We have gotten so many compliments on them. You can check out her wonderful creations on her blog The Life of Me. You will not be disappointed. She is fabulous.

88. I bought a pair of boots that I love. I have been searching and searching for a pair of tall boots that could actually fit my thick legs. Well I finally found some on Shoes.com. They were not crazy expensive, but they are what I really wanted. And on top of that they were 15% off, with free shipping, AND i got a 12% rebate from MrRebates.com. I am in love.

92. I did Karaoke. My family has HUGE Christmases. The past two years our entertainment has been karaoke. I rocked out to So What by Pink with 2 of my cousins and my 2-year-old goddaughter. And yes she thinks she knows the words. It was so fun.

Working On

27. I read another non-crime related book and it was wonderful. I could not put it down. Separate post to follow.

30. I watched the documentary King Corn with the companion piece Big River. Wow. More to come on this too.

31. Now that I have finished school, I am working on learning all the countries in Africa and being able to accurately label them on a map.

And that is what I have been doing.

#22: Make 10 New Recipes

I made another great recipe from the food blog The Way the Cookie Crumbles. This time it was a wonderful, flavorful pasta. Honestly, I cannot go wrong with selections from this blog. If you are in need of ideas make sure you check it out.

Taco Pasta Salad (serves 8-10)
source The Way the Cookie Crumbles

Ingredients:

• 1 pound wagon wheel pasta (I used whole wheat bowtie pasta)
  
• salt


• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen corn (organic)


• 1½ cups salsa (organic)


• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed (organic)


• 2 medium tomatoes, diced


• ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro


• 8 ounces (2 cups) shredded cheddar cheese


• 3-4 tablespoons lime juice


• 1 large (or 2 small) avocado, peeled, seeded, and diced


• 1 tablespoon cumin


• 2 teaspoon chili powder


• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper


• 2 garlic cloves, minced


• ¼ cup olive oil
  

Directions:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package directions. Drain; stir the frozen corn into the pasta to cool the pasta and defrost the corn. Stir the salsa into the pasta and corn, then add the beans, tomatoes, cilantro, and cheese.

Squeeze the lime juice into a small bowl and add the avocado; stir to coat the avocado. Remove the avocado from the lime juice and stir it into the pasta mixture. Add the spices, garlic, and ½ teaspoon salt to the lime juice, then slowly whisk in the oil. Stir the dressing into the salad. Serve immediately or chill for up to 1 day (longer if you don’t add the avocado).

Verdict:

OMG. This was so good. I am really thankful to because I did not pay attention to how much this made. If the Hubs didn't like it, there was no way I would have been able to eat it all by myself. But that did not happen. He loved it and I did too. It was so much I was going to take some to my mom so it would not go bad. But I never got a chance. The Hubs was eating the leftovers everyday. That never happens. It was so good I have already given the recipe to 6 other people (I did not take credit for this recipe). One person already tried it and they loved it as well. You will not regret making this wonderful meal.

#28: Read 100 Books

I have been a bad blogger. Well, for this blog anyway. I have been plugging away at my green blog and I hope you all will check it out. Journey to Green. I will try to be over here more, but with the other blog, my last semester of grad school starting Monday, trying to stick to going to the gym 3 times a week, and everything else I have going on; it might be tough.

But on to my 101 in 1001.

I have actually read 2 books. I finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series. I really enjoyed the entire series. I am even more excited that they are making a movie. I have the Swedish version on my Netflix queue and should be getting that any day now.

I plowed through the rest of the series The Girl who Played with Fire and The Girl who Kicked the Hornet's Nest. I could not wait to see how it ended. Really, this is a must read series. I just hope the movie does it justice.

#89: Legg Mason Tennis Classic

This week the Hubs and I went to the Legg Mason Tennis Classic (LMTC). For those of you that don't know I am a HUGE tennis fan. Let's say that again, HUGE. And this was my first time ever seeing tennis live. We got tickets for Monday night not knowing who was going to play that day. We got to see James Blake practice and play, unfortunately he lost. And we got to see Fernando Verdasco. Ok, can I say damn good looking by the way. That was the highlight of Monday though. The other single's players we saw I was not familiar with. We did get to see a doubles match with Baghdatis and Wawrinka, but I am not a doubles tennis follower.

Highlights of Day 1

The real highlight of Day 1. While watching James Blake practice, he hit a pop ball into the stands. And I got it. How did that happen? Well, it was coming straight for my head.

Me: OMG. This ball is going to hit me in my head and all these people are going to see. (this is what I was thinking)

I put up my hand and just try to block my face. The ball hits my hand and bounces on the ground in front of me. I grab it and put it in my purse.

The Hubs: You should have caught that.

Yep, that what I got from the Hubs. Um. All I was thinking about was not being bashed in the head by an out of control tennis ball.

Anyway, we had SO much fun that day AND the announcer kept talking about who was playing the next, that we decided to buy tickets right then for the next day. Woo hoo.

So, on Day 2 of my LMTC experience I got to see Andy Roddick, John Isner (who I think I have a crush on), and the Bryan brothers who were not playing that day, but received an award for being the winningest doubles tennis team in the whole history of tennis. Ok, seriously, I was like a kid in a candy store.

Ok. I have to explain my crush on John Isner, and yes this started before his marathon match at Wimbledon. So anyway, he is like 6 feet forever and I have a thing for tall guys, but on top of that he does this thing before he serves where he bounces the tennis ball through his legs like it is a basketball. And I don't know why but I love it. It is something like this.

Can you even see that? Well, anyway that is the extent of my crush. Besides, he is a baby.

Okay, so I got to fulfill a dream that I have had forever and the Hubs who is not a tennis fan at all enjoyed himself. He said it was better to see live than on tv. Whatever, it is great no matter what.

And we decided that next year we are getting tickets again. And now I want to see more professional tennis. I think I am more hooked now than I was before. Yes, a monster has been created.

#22: Make 10 New Recipes

Marinated Pan-Fried Salmon

source Jenn Cuisine

I think this is the first recipe I have made from Jenn Cuisine. I love her blog, but sometimes her recipes seem a little out of my league. But, I kept looking at this recipe for weeks and finally decided to try it.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
• 1/4 cup sweet chile sauce
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons minced chives
• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons canola oil (I used extra virgin olive oil)

Directions:

In a bowl whisk together the marinade ingredients, then pour into a sealable plastic bag. Add salmon fillets to bag. Squeeze out all air and seal the bag. Push the marinade around to cover both fillets.

Let marinate for 20 minutes.

Heat skillet on medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil to pan. Cook fillets a couple of minutes on each side, until done to your satisfaction. (I like mine cooked all the way through, some like a little pink in the middle). The marinade will caramelize will cooking.

Serve on top of a bed of lettuce, or accompany with your favorite veggies.

Verdict: This was delicious. I don't cook with sesame that often, so when the Hubs walked in the door and smelled the marinade he says what is that weird smell? I was thinking, great. Waste of my time. But, it wasn't. We both loved this recipe. In fact, I am making this again tonight and I will be doing probably 6 fillets. So definitely getting added to the list of recipes.

Hope you enjoy this recipe too.

Side note: I also cooked some rice to go with this and it was great.

Other blog plug... I started a new blog about going green. I hope you all will check it out. Journey to Green.

Vegas Baby!!

The Hubs and I and another couple went to Vegas for a week. (Who does that?!) Yes, a whole week. We stayed in a time share just off the strip. I had never been to Vegas before and the Hubs had only been once for a trade show, so really, this was our first experience.

Neither one of us a gamblers, so we did not really know what to expect.

So we left Friday the 9th for our trip. We do not fly that often, so I cannot say we usually fly XYZ company, but this time we flew with Delta and I must say, never again (well, unless the price is too good). We were supposed to leave BWI at 530pm EST and connect to our flight in Memphis and be in Vegas at 850pm PST. Well due to weather in Altanta we left over an hour late. So for that hour we were stuck on the plane. All they kept saying was they were rerouting. So there were like 11 different connecting flights in Memphis that were missed by various passenger. We were stuck in Memphis for the night. We got vouchers for new flights, hotel, and food. The flight and hotel I was cool about, but Delta gave us $6 each for 2 meals. What the hell were we supposed to eat for $6 each? So we stayed at the Radisson for the night and ate there for dinner and breakfast, which both sucked and was not covered by the $6. The room was fine and they had Sleep Number beds which were nice to try out.

The best part of the holdover was the next day when we got to fly first class from Memphis to Vegas. First Class baby, yeah. Having never flown first class before, let me just say this is the way to fly. To bad I can't afford it.

So finally Saturday morning we made it to Vegas. We did so much I cannot remember it all. We went to the pool, I got a tan, we went clubbing, gambling, to shows, to Nevada's only vineyard, had fabulous meals, and did A LOT of walking. I even had to go shopping and by some walkable shoes that were not tennis shoes. Oh yeah, I even went to the gym.

I was also able to check of some of the items on my 101 in 1001.

15. Go to Vegas

18. Go to a Vineyard

19. Actually take Pictures during my travels

31. Eat at 10 new restaurants

97. See Cirque du Soleil

Some photos:

Various Hotels

We went to Serendipity the Ice Cream Shoppe. I tried to go to the New York location when we were there, but it was an 1.5 hour wait and that was not worth it to me. They are famous for their Frozen Hot Chocolate and if you ever get a chance to try one I highly recommend it. I meant to take a pic of the one we got, but since I always forget to take pics...I forgot. We did get a shot of someone else's though.

We got to see the water show at the Bellagio.

We went to a Winery. Yes, Nevada, the middle of the desert, has one winery. It is about 1 hour north of Las Vegas. The proprietor is so friendly and funny and they do complimentary tastings. I have never been to one that did not cost some money. It is never a lot, but it has always cost something. Many of their wines are made from grapes for nearby states, because it is a desert. But they do have a small vineyard and they do make some wines there. I think this is the first year they have been able to harvest the grapes and make a sellable product. They also have a wonderful restaurant that has some of the best lobster bisque I have ever tasted. If you ever go to Vegas, take a couple of hours and drive to Pahrump Winery. It is worth the trip.

We also had an opportunity to see an NBA summer league game and it so happens that the Wizards were playing. We got to see the #1 draft pick John Wall in action. We also saw some of the other players walking through the hotels and playing in the casinos. I didn't know who they were, but the Hubs did.

We saw Cirque du Soleil, something I have been dying to do for years. You cannot take pics inside, but you have got to go. We saw KA at MGM Grand. Even the Hubs was in awe. The martial arts is amazing and it has a story line that can be followed. We only got to see one show on this trip, but it was so worth it. And our seats were fantastic.

We rode on the gondolas in the Venetian, but those pics sucked. We went to Studio54 in MGM Grand. And we ate at some amazing restaurants, but they deserve a post of their own. We ate at RM Seafood and StripSteak both in Mandalay Bay. Plus we had coupons that we got from restaurant.com.

I think we walked through every hotel/casino on the strip. My dogs were barking at the end of the day. I definitely needed the extra days off from work when we got back. But I definitely needed this vacation and I enjoyed it immensely.