Vegas

I'm in Vegas, on my annual "partners' retreat" with Mark, Chas and various friends.  This is our 11th year to make the spring trip, almost always on the weekend that the NCAA basketball tournament begins.  It's a good time for us to get away, hang out together and, really, bond with each other (although that sounds a little silly).

There are many, many reasons I love Vegas.  You can wear what you want (literally anything) and nobody gives you a second glance.  It's the best place in the world to people watch.  You can stay up as late as you want or go to bed as early as you want, and it doesn't matter.  The sports books - I love the sports books.  Every single night you can eat at an amazing restaurant, if you want to.  People here, by and large, are happy and glad to be here.  Every morning when I'm here, I go for a run.  Over the years, I've established several 3, 4 and 5 mile routes.  There's nothing like getting a run in, then having a beer (or ten).  My all time favorite sushi restaurant is here.  And there's gambling, lots of gambling.  Black jack and craps (Chas can play craps forever).

My first trip here was with Jude for Valentine's Day, years and years ago.  We walked around like the tourists that we were, checking out the casinos and, really, must people watching.  It was cool.  Later, Chas and I brought Mark out for  his first trip, which was cool.  In the year since our first trip, Jude and I have been to Vegas every fall with the Foodbrothers for our annual "Summitt."  It's become my home away from home, which is sort of bizarre, when I think about it.  Still, there's no other place I travel to twice a year, every year.

I have so many memories of Vegas.  Mostly good.  Some wins at the tables or in the sports book and some bad beats.  Lots and lots of time spent with Jude, my law partners and assorted friends.  Some late nights and some early nights.  I've stayed at almost every hotel/resort here, although the Wynn is my favorite (and Jude's).  I've had some great runs and some great times.  I've  had some great meals and some great nights out with friends.  It's Vegas.