More Vega$

I still haven't recovered from the $20 I lost (or didn't lose, I'm still not sure) when I checked in. Fortunately, I've avoided the casinos altogether, except for the period of time it takes to walk through them to get to my car or to wherever it is that I need to go in the hotel. I'm sure that it's designed that way. Somehow they think the the din of bells and beeps and cheers of table players who may have won a big hand will lure more people to place wagers where the odds are decidedly stacked against them. And you know what? They're right. They didn't build these ostentations palaces of decadence as a philanthropic endeavor. Everything here screams "We're beating you senseless", yet people keep coming.

There are some things that I like here in Vega$, and other things that I've learned to hate. For example, I like the fact that there a numerous shows that appeal to all ages. We've seen two magic shows and Tournament of Kings (much like Medieval Times). I like the fact that you can park for free at any hotel (of course...they want you to come in). I don't like the smoke filled casinos. Interestingly enough, none of the gift shops that I've checked inside casinos sell chewing gum, but cigarettes are fair game. I don't like the time share sales people. You can't go anywhere without hearing "Are you going to be here tomorrow?" or "Do you want to see a free show?" Ugghhh! Of course I'd love to see a free show, but you are making the mistake of thinking my time is "free". It isn't. And I don't want to turn my agenda over to you just so that I can save a few bucks to see a show. I like the lights. I hate the in your face promotion of sex. It's impossible to shield your children from this.

We went to Madame Tussaud's today. I've been to the one in London, and I think that it was more impressive than the one here in Vega$. Still, the girls liked it, and some (not all) of the figures were eerily realistic. I was impressed by the Extreme Magic with Dirk Arthur show. For one of the illusions he "transported" from the stage to stand on the booth right next to where we were sitting. I have no idea how he accomplished that.

We have a wedding to attend tonight, and tomorrow we will be travelling back home. That reminds me...I hate the pillows here.

First 24 Hours in Vega$

We arrived safely in Las Vegas last night at about 10:00 p.m. (local time). The flight was uneventful (thankfully). The time passed quickly thanks to a video iPod and unwatched episodes of Prison Break and 24. The longest wait seemed to be outside of the baggage claim area as we waited for the car rental shuttle to pick us up. We rented a convertible, thinking that it would be great to drive down the strip at night with the top down. However, the below 50 degree temperature frustrated those plans.

I made it through the first 24 hours without gambling. I'm not one of those who would put gambling in the category of absolutely sinful (but I admit I haven't studied it thoroughly). I think that there are some very persuasive arguments against gambling, even when can claim that it falls under liberty. One argument that I can't seem to get around is not the act of gambling per se, but rather the motive behind it. Gambling is often fueled by a covetous attitude or a discontent with God's provision. But that's a digression.

Come to think of it, I did place one small wager. I had read about something referred to as the twenty dollar trick. It's a gimmick that proponents say can give you a room upgrade for the price of a $20 bill. Supposedly, when you hand your id and credit card to the check in clerk, you fold up a $20 bill under them and ask, politely, if they have any complimentary upgrades. I've read accounts of people being put into suites using this method. I figured since I had no intention of spending any money on the casino floor, why not try to get a nicer room in Vega$.

Here's how it worked for me:

Clerk: Mr. Berryman, I have you staying through Saturday in a non smoking room with two queen beds.

Me: Yes, that's correct.

Clerk: May I have a piece of id and a credit card.

I deftly place a twenty dollar bill behind my credit card and hand it to the clerk.

Me: Here you go. I was wondering if you have any complimentary upgrades.

The clerk takes my id, credit card, and $20 bill. She puts the $20 in plain view on the counter. She then looks at my id, swipes my credit card, and punches in on the keyboard for a few minutes, looking intently on the screen. I'm wondering if she's trying to key in the code to give me a high roller suite like Tom Cruise stayed in with Dustin Hoffman in Rain Man. Then I was wondering if she went out of the hotel system altogether and was e-mailing a friend to tell him that some idiot was standing in front of her trying to use that stupid $20 bill upgrade trick again. Finally, she puts two room keys in a holder and speaks to me.

Clerk: I was able to put you in a newly refurbished room with two queen beds. That's the best we have available in non-smoking.

She then hands me my id and my credit card, but leaves the $20 bill sitting on the counter. I take the card and my license, but I don't know what to do about the lone $20 bill sitting on the counter. I really don't feel like I received an upgrade (but I hadn't seen the room yet, so I couldn't be certain). Did she expect me to take it, or was this part of the whole "upgrade dance". Frustrated and confused, I left the $20 sitting on the counter and walked to Lacey and the girls.

Lacey: Did it work?

Me: I don't know.

Lacey: You don't know? Did she take your money?

Me: I think so. I didn't see, I just kinda left it there.

Lacey: What do you mean you "left it there"? Did she say you had an upgrade?

Me (feeling stupid now): Well, not exactly.

Lacey: Well, what exactly did she say?

Me: Something about a refurbished room.

Lacey: And that's supposed to be worth $20?

Me: Well, it was only $5 a night more.

When we got to the room, it looked pretty plain (for a Vega$ room). I chalked it up as a lesson learned.




Today was busy. We went to Hoover Dam. I have to admit I was underwhelmed. It looks much more impressive in pictures than it does in person. Of course, I didn't take any of the tours to the bottom or watch any of the movies. I pretty much walked across it, looked over the edge, and said "Yep, that's a dam." I actually thought the neatest part was taking a picture of Peyton and Reagan as they were standing in both Arizona and Nevada.

We managed to do some sightseeing and shopping on the strip. Peyton and Reagan each got Build-a-bears (they had been saving for this). I was happy that they were happy, but I was hoping that they would add a Vega$ flair to their purchase (like getting the white tiger, which is only available in Vega$, or putting an Elvis jumpsuit on the animal). Peyton did name her bunny "Lexi Venetian", incorporating four letters from our hotel into the first name, and choosing another hotel for the middle name.

This evening we were able to see a magic/illusion show for a discount. For me, that was the most fun part of the trip so far. I think the girls enjoyed it, but probably not as much as Build-a-Bear or even the M&M Store.

We ended the day here in the refurbished hotel room, exhausted and ready for bed (except for me, who felt the urge to update the blog. Tomorrow is another day filled with magic and adventure.

Daddy and daughter day

Last weekend I was with Reagan all day, but we didn't get to go out as we had planned, so I promised her that this Saturday would be Daddy-Daughter day. I really didn't think much of it when I mentioned it, but it turns out that Reagan had been planning on this day all week. She even went so far as to remind Lacey that I couldn't get my hair cut because I promised her that this Saturday would be "our day, ALL DAY." She emphasized the ALL DAY.

Not that I minded. For Reagan, just going to Sam's Club and eating the samples is considered a treat. Plus she actually enjoys the day care at the gym, so I can take her to Peak while I work out. I noticed in the paper that Christian Youth Theater of Rockford was performing Seussical . I'm horrible at writing reviews, so I'll just say I really enjoyed it and the kids did a fantastic job. Reagan was thrilled. As it turns out, the performance was sold out, so I was put on stand by. I ended up getting a pair of tickets that were left at will call and we were in the third row. Reagan thought that was very cool.

As I watched the play I could easily see Peyton performing. Drama wouldn't really be a stretch for her since she makes everything seem so dramatic anyhow. I thought enough of the play to call Lacey and offer to take Peyton to the evening performance. Peyton wasn't interested (I really don't think she knew what she was missing, but I wasn't going to cajole her into letting me spend money AND miss part of the NCAA Tournament). Instead I got a picture of Reagan with a cast member and we headed home.

Both of the girls are getting to enjoy theater. I mentioned last summer when we took them to see You're a Good Man Charlie Brown in Itasca. Last month we went to see Overshadowed Productions' performance of Jacob. The play script (is that what you call it) was written by Reba Hervas. She did an excellent job of following the story without taking too many artistic liberties. I wanted to mention to her that I could almost envision a sequel to her play being done as a musical. I was curious to see how Peyton and Reagan would like a purely dramatic performance (no music and not many "light" moments). Their response was very positive about that. It was funny because when we were doing our family Bible reading in Genesis they were asking where certain parts from the play occurred. At least their paying attention. I'm sure we'll take them to see Oliver! this summer when it begins its run.

I realize that my postings have been few and far between. For my family, I promise to try to have more pictures put up soon. Next week we head to Las Vegas, so there should be plenty of photo opportunities. I'll also put an adoption update on here (and at YouBelong) soon. We've been making good progress.