Training

Looks like I've been training forever to get myself in shape and I think I've done it! I'm down to a 32" waist now and still holding my weight at around 200lbs.

Life's Changes

So I find myself "travelling alone" for the first time in over 12 years as Rita and I have split. Wow even writing this is surreal. My wife and travel partner simply grew apart over the years and I decided it was time to move forward alone...although we speak daily and are friends with each other we're now living in separate countries.
I know no-one reads my blog...I just needed to write it down.

Out of the Heat

Well I've had it with the heat already...we're already hitting the mid 40s this week, (45C) today, and there's no end in sight. I've moved in from valet into the bar. Apprenticing right now , but should be bartending soon. I've been stocking and assisting the bartenders trying to get a sense of the process involved. There are no porters so we're responsible for taking deliveries, inventory control, complete prep food garnishes, liquor and gaming compliance for 100k drinks per month through a single bar...pretty hectic pace and I received just under 2 hours training as my manage felt I could "pick it up along the way". This has not helped out my fellow bartenders as I'm fairly clueless behind a bar...get me in front of one and I'm golden! The boss is stretched to his limits though and I'm quite comfortable being thrown into new positions...so it's working out. My partners have been at the property for 14 years each and they are very familiar with the crowd and the system so I feel really confident I'm going to do well here. And the women that I work with are great...all friendly, patient and understanding. I'm lovin it right now!

VP

Memorial Day Weekend

So it's almost the beginning of summer here in Vegas...effen hot already. The Memorial Day weekend should prove to busy for Las Vegas Hotels as this weekend generally marks the beginning of summer and the onslaught of the "Big Bake" as I regularly refer to it as.

The inversely revered summer marks the continuation of sunscreen, hydration and exposure concerns that begin in March. Fun days ahead!

Weight Down, Gas Up!

Wow I stepped on the scale today to see my new weight at 200 lbs (or 91k). I was thrilled having now lost 28lbs since January 3rd this year. Now I have to keep it up and keep it off. Things are good at work I find myself doing anywhere from 3-6hrs of cardio exercise 5 days a week. I've changed my diet to include more veggies, fruits and lean chicken and fish. I've also cut out red meat and most of my dairy.

I can't believe the increase in prices in gas for my car...shameful actually.

Regular is between $3.57 and $3.70 per gallon here in Vegas.

It's disheartening to see Big Oil making soooo much money off of trading on speculation versus actual increases in demand and supply - all the while this current administration does nothing to help. Sure we're scheduled to receive an "economic stimulus check" from the government but I'm sure most people will be putting the extra cash towards household bills and, you guessed it, gas costs. Most people haven't bothered to connect the dots...they're just waiting with their hands out. It's a sad state of affairs, IMHO. :-(

Back soon,

VP

Happy Birthday Dad

Hey I wanted to give a cyber shout out to my Dad and wish him a very happy birthday. He's 70 today and I hope he has a great day! My Dad's a good guy and I'm proud to have him as a father. I know he'll shy away from any big celebration but I hope he enjoys himself today.

All the best Dad, Love you and miss you.

Em

Ireland 08 Photos

Just wanted to share a few photos from my trip. Kinsale Harbor on a calm day, Myself having a pint in Dingle on St Paddy's Day, Ryan on the car ferry between Cobh and Kinsale and the three of us (Conor, Ryan and me) in The Spaniard in Kinsale.

No TV!!

So we made a rather huge decision to go with watching TV. Now I know it sounds like a lot of other New Year's resolutions but we actually cut off our cable!!! Yep no more lounging on the couch watching the tube. It's been over a week now and I'm past the novelty of it. I now find myself with a few "extra" hours everyday and am trying to fill that space with worthwhile activities. Wish me luck.

VP