So…I just put together a whole post about the trip to San Diego and Vegas and then Lost the whole thing, so let’s see if I can recreate it out of sheer anger….

The trip out west was sort of a weird one, but then again, I and my family can be a bit weird sometimes. It was originally intended to be a surprise trip to see my aunt on her 60th birthday, arranged by my cuz and his wife. Now, the interesting thing was that my uncle had passed away the weekend before 9/11, and due to an airline cancellation, we never managed to make it out for the funeral. So, the past year and change have been pretty hard, and my aunt decided that she wanted to have her family come out for my uncle’s unveiling. We didn’t want to spoil the surprise and tell her we were already coming out, but eventually my folks caved and let her know that they were coming, although Jen and I remained a surprise.

We got out there on Saturday afternoon, to some pretty hot weather: @ 100 degrees. After relaxing with the family and catching up for a bit, we all had dinner at a great place called Craftsteak (a bit pricey, but awesome). The next day was my aunt’s birthday party at my cousins house, where we got to play with my little cousins, the dogs and enjoy his new house. That night, Jen and I went out on the town, winning big on the Wheel of Fortune slots and using the money to get dinner at Emeril’s, play more games and have a grand old time. The next morning, we had the service and were off to San Diego shortly thereafter.

Once in Cali, we were met by 75 degree weather, and the beautiful San Diego sunset overlooking the cliffs. We relaxed for a while, took a tour, and met up with friends for Chris’s Birthday down in Old town San Diego. Joey and Nicole (neither of whom have I seen in a couple of years) came down to meet us, and we engaged in many margueritas y cervezas before heading into this saloon down the way. Once we got there, Chris was forced to do “Man Shots” Jackass style, consisting of Tequila, preceeded by a snort of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice in the eye. Delicious…..OUCH! All in all, good times.

The next morning, we awoke to the UN Bombing in Baghdad, had pancakes and lay out on the beach. Then it was goodbye friends, hello vegas. During our last night, we checked out the new Cirque du Soleil (spelling?) show at New York/New York, called ZUMANITY. So cool. I love that town.

I made it back for two brutal days at work, and then a relaxing weekend. One of the nicest we’ve had all summer. Yesterday capped it all off with Lo’s 32nd Birthday down at the beachhouse, with fabulous food, friends, music and decor. Check out the pics here.

Now, its time for bed. Goodnight.