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The Answer is Always Yes
A couple weekends ago Barry and I were sitting on the couch on Saturday morning looking out our windows watching the rain come down….again. Out of nowhere Barry said the very best words to me:
“Do you want to go somewhere?”
Without hesitation I answered with a fist-pump and a ‘Yes!’. Going somewhere – anywhere, really – sounded so much more appealing than sitting on the couch and watching the rain come down while Maggie ran circles around us for what might have felt like the millionth hour.
We quickly packed our bags with the essentials, a change of clothes, swimming suits, diapers and a few snacks, and we were on the road within minutes. (Reality Check: With a dog and a kid, we really weren’t on the road in minutes, but we bustled around and were pretty quick. Alright? Alright.)
We decided to head South and sent some quick texts to Brian and Darcy, only to determine that they were busy and not ready for visitors….which nixed our initial plan in the bud. Plan B turned into finding a hotel in the Olympia/Lacey area that was pet friendly.
And this is where I emote about La Quinta. Last summer we stayed at La Quintas on our ND road trip frequently because my grandparents have points and they know exactly what they’re getting. We also stayed at La Quintas on our road trip down to CA last fall.
As much as I love a hidden, off-the-beaten-track cabinish type of place, I really love La Quinta because we know exactly what we’re getting: fresh cookies at 7 pm, a pool, a place that likes pets, a pool, breakfast, a refrigerator in our room, and….a pool.
We used that pool until we didn’t have anymore swim diapers and we bounced on the beds as if we don’t have beds at home – we pretty much had the vacation that we didn’t have in San Diego at La Quinta in 24 hours. We also discovered nearby Saint Martin’s University and wandered the beautiful campus stopping to boogie on down to the church bells every half hour.
On Sunday morning we packed our bags and headed practically straight to Brian and Darcy’s, but not before we stopped and bought half a dozen donuts at a place called The Donut King or something awesomely creative like that. We were at Brian and Darcy’s before they were home from their morning walk with Dexter and we got to send one of the best text messages ever:
“We’re at your house with donuts.”
By the time we rolled into our driveway, the skies had cleared and our minds had as well and we were ready to get down to business and get some work done. I felt as refreshed as I had been hoping to feel upon our return from SD.
Here’s what I want to remember about our quick vacation trip to La Quinta: Sometimes just going anywhere can be enough to feel like you’re going somewhere.
Garth.
I’ve learned a few things in life and one of them is this: you’re either a Garth Brooks fan or you’re not. I count myself as a fan. A huge fan. So this weekend when Barry, Chach & I went to Las Vegas to see him perform, I was extremely happy. Here’s a bit about our trip: The Good, The Bad & The Ugly.
THE GOOD:
1. Garth did not let any of us down. He was funny, engaging, and his talents were on fire! If anything, I became more of a fan. Plus, I love that he really did retire and the one stipulation that he’d come out of retirement and do this show, was that he wouldn’t have to miss any of his daughter’s day-to-day lives. Clearly he loves being a dad. Also, Trisha Yearwood was sparkly as ever!
2. I’m still me. I didn’t turn into Snookie while I was down there. There are a lot of people that look like they belong on the Jersey Shore….well, I’ve never seen The Jersey Shore, but it seemed obvious that Snookie and her crew had invaded The Strip. I had an “I love me” revelation while wandering around seeing some craziness.
3. We also got to see Cirque Du Soleil’s Le Reve, and had we not been charmed by Garth Brooks the following night, seeing Le Reve would have been the highlight of the trip. (aside from REAL sunshine!)
THE BAD:
1. We were hoping to test the pizza and ice cream shop at our hotel, but it was closed or not selling pizza each time we walked by. I think a part of Barry’s heart broke, the man loves his pizza.
2. Once wasn’t enough. I am hoping that Garth will start his big, huge tour up again in a few years and he’ll come to Seattle.
3. Barry and I clearly don’t stay up late often. We gave Chach a curfew and she only insisted we stay out one hour later. If you’re looking for crazy Las Vegas stories, we didn’t get any this trip. Sorry. (But not really sorry, because crazy Vegas stories aren’t that cool.)
THE UGLY:
1. I brought my camera, but took zero pictures. I knew if I brought it that I probably wouldn’t take any, but if I didn’t have it, Chaya & Barry would have to listen to me complain. I brought my camera home, but happened to leave my phone charger and car keys next to the hotel bible. I’m that awesome. It was ugly, very ugly.
2. I was the person at the Garth Brooks concert with binoculars glued to my face, even though we had AMAZING seats. I was dizzy with excitement and didn’t want to miss a moment. If you would have tried to ask me to move or do anything else during he concert, I would have honked your nose and asked you to shush. Thankyouverymuch.
3. We went to a buffet at our hotel (The Wynn) and it was fancy. Aside from eating too much shrimp and sushi, I had to test out the chocolate dipped ‘mallows. Just like Garth, they did not disappoint.
