Song of the Day: "Put the Blame on Me"
How appropriate that song of the day is! Yes, put the blame on me that I haven't blogged in forever... the last time you heard from me, I was going to "Viva Elvis"...well, that never happened. My poor hubby ended up going to the hospital for a week (in which I did not leave his side) and we've been trying to get back on our feet ever since. Things are FINALLY getting back to normal, but unfortunately, the diet suffered... Graceland will have to wait a little longer, but never fear! I will get back on track.
On a lighter note, since we were unable to go to "Viva Elvis" the last time, my hubby was kind enough to get me tickets for my birthday this week. What a guy! So, this Thursday, barring any unforeseen circumstances, I will be sitting at "Viva Elvis", soaking up every moment. So, the "Viva Elvis" countdown is on again...can't wait!
Monday, November 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
How to Date in "Viva Las Vegas"
Song of the Day: "Viva Las Vegas"
This song of the day is always fitting since I love living here in Las Vegas. Today it is extra fitting because my hubby got us some free tickets to see "Viva Elvis" tonight! Woo hoo! I never get tired of that show and this will be the 3rd time for me. Plus, we have tickets to see it on my birthday! I'm a lucky, lucky girl!
The tally is in! I'm 2 pounds closer to Graceland so far this week. I'm losing about a pound a day, all by eating 6 meals a day of food I like. I've also had some sort of small cheat every day, so if I could have ONE day that I don't cheat, maybe I'd lose 20 pounds that day?! Maybe not that much...but so far, I'm on a good run to achieve my goal of being Memphis-bound!
I've been addicted to Elvis movies this week. I've nearly made it through the entire movie of "The Trouble with Girls" and I did watch "Viva Las Vegas" yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work. Even though some of these movies aren't very good, I'm still loving them. Why is that? They're so...wholesome...something that doesn't happen in a lot of movies today. Not only are they wholesome, you get realistic tips on how to date. For instance, Elvis takes Ann-Margret on the following date in Las Vegas:
Come on guys, now, that's a date! Maybe my hubby has a helicopter ride, water skiing and some gun slinging planned for our date tonight to "Viva Elvis"...hmmm....I'll keep you posted!
This song of the day is always fitting since I love living here in Las Vegas. Today it is extra fitting because my hubby got us some free tickets to see "Viva Elvis" tonight! Woo hoo! I never get tired of that show and this will be the 3rd time for me. Plus, we have tickets to see it on my birthday! I'm a lucky, lucky girl!
The tally is in! I'm 2 pounds closer to Graceland so far this week. I'm losing about a pound a day, all by eating 6 meals a day of food I like. I've also had some sort of small cheat every day, so if I could have ONE day that I don't cheat, maybe I'd lose 20 pounds that day?! Maybe not that much...but so far, I'm on a good run to achieve my goal of being Memphis-bound!
I've been addicted to Elvis movies this week. I've nearly made it through the entire movie of "The Trouble with Girls" and I did watch "Viva Las Vegas" yesterday morning while I was getting ready for work. Even though some of these movies aren't very good, I'm still loving them. Why is that? They're so...wholesome...something that doesn't happen in a lot of movies today. Not only are they wholesome, you get realistic tips on how to date. For instance, Elvis takes Ann-Margret on the following date in Las Vegas:
Dancing and Singing at the University of Nevada
Firing rifles at some firing range
Motorcycle riding (with some amazing stunt driving by both parties...I mean, come on, Elvis is riding with no hands here! Impressive! Ann-Margret...whatever, she's just standing there...)
Fake gun fighting at the Old Fort
A helicopter ride (in which Elvis is the pilot...delicious) and a tour of the Hoover Dam (in which Ann-Margret knows WAY too much about the Dam)
Water skiing on Lake Mead (yes, I used the shirtless shot...you're welcome!)
Back to Ann-Margret's house where even through all of that, she only needs to hang her swimsuit to dry and change clothes (REALLY? Her hair remained perfectly in place even through water skiing!) Not only that, Big E plays the piano and sings her a song at her house...
Out to a club for more singing and dancing in which Ann-Margret makes Elvis look like a dancing novice
Come on guys, now, that's a date! Maybe my hubby has a helicopter ride, water skiing and some gun slinging planned for our date tonight to "Viva Elvis"...hmmm....I'll keep you posted!
Monday, October 25, 2010
Where oh where...
Song of the Day: "Just Pretend"
This is one of my favorite Elvis songs...and it is very fitting for today. I'm going to just pretend that the last 2 weeks were just a small, small blip on my weightloss challenge and forget about them! It is difficult to "diet" when you are traveling and even more difficult when you barely understand your "diet" to begin with! I'm still trying to process what I'm supposed to eat and when, so let's just pretend the last few weeks didn't exist in the "Pounds to Graceland Challenge"! The good news is....I am still 5 pounds down from my starting weight! One tiny, tiny triumph in my goal! :)
Here's my news crawler of the last two weeks...
...got on a plane...got off a plane...stayed up way too late...hosted an event at a steakhouse and ate things that were definitely not a part of my weightloss plan...got on a plane...got off a plane...bowled a 213 in my bowling league and my team was finally happy I was on the team..slept and worked the weekend away...got on a plane...got off a plane...ate delicious seafood in Seattle...got up way too early...hosted an event at a steakhouse and ate things I shouldn't have again....got on a plane...got off a plane...hosted another event at yet another steakhouse and yet again, ate things I shouldn't have...did NOT bowl a 213, but kept my 107 average in tact and made my team wonder why I am on the team...got kissed by an Elvis impersonator and rocked the night away at Hooters...made my husband fly solo at his work function at the Venetian and then had to drive there anyway because his car wouldn't start...found out that we do know how to jump a car without exploding both engines...
Heck yes, I'm going to post that 213 score! I am the first bowler and you have to look at the 4th bowler...yep, wiped the floor with my hubby. It never happens, so when it does, I take pictures! :) And yes...our team name is "Harder & Faster" and that refers to bowling...when you're not bowling well, just bowl "harder & faster"...get your mind out of the gutter!! (pun intended)
Yes, yes, I actually did get kissed by an Elvis impersonator at the Hooters hotel. There is a new show there called "The King Lives!". It is a tribute to Elvis by Pete Wilcox. How can you resist "Older, Bolder and Gold-er"??
This is one of my favorite Elvis songs...and it is very fitting for today. I'm going to just pretend that the last 2 weeks were just a small, small blip on my weightloss challenge and forget about them! It is difficult to "diet" when you are traveling and even more difficult when you barely understand your "diet" to begin with! I'm still trying to process what I'm supposed to eat and when, so let's just pretend the last few weeks didn't exist in the "Pounds to Graceland Challenge"! The good news is....I am still 5 pounds down from my starting weight! One tiny, tiny triumph in my goal! :)
Here's my news crawler of the last two weeks...
...got on a plane...got off a plane...stayed up way too late...hosted an event at a steakhouse and ate things that were definitely not a part of my weightloss plan...got on a plane...got off a plane...bowled a 213 in my bowling league and my team was finally happy I was on the team..slept and worked the weekend away...got on a plane...got off a plane...ate delicious seafood in Seattle...got up way too early...hosted an event at a steakhouse and ate things I shouldn't have again....got on a plane...got off a plane...hosted another event at yet another steakhouse and yet again, ate things I shouldn't have...did NOT bowl a 213, but kept my 107 average in tact and made my team wonder why I am on the team...got kissed by an Elvis impersonator and rocked the night away at Hooters...made my husband fly solo at his work function at the Venetian and then had to drive there anyway because his car wouldn't start...found out that we do know how to jump a car without exploding both engines...
Heck yes, I'm going to post that 213 score! I am the first bowler and you have to look at the 4th bowler...yep, wiped the floor with my hubby. It never happens, so when it does, I take pictures! :) And yes...our team name is "Harder & Faster" and that refers to bowling...when you're not bowling well, just bowl "harder & faster"...get your mind out of the gutter!! (pun intended)
Yes, yes, I actually did get kissed by an Elvis impersonator at the Hooters hotel. There is a new show there called "The King Lives!". It is a tribute to Elvis by Pete Wilcox. How can you resist "Older, Bolder and Gold-er"??
My brother swallowed his pride and shirked the sheer embarrassment of the situation to get me tickets to the show. We were, BY FAR, the youngest people there. As a matter of fact, we shared an elevator with two other attendees of the show who were not even sure how to work an elevator...but were pleasantly dressed in velour pant suits with matching tennis balls on their walkers! Hey - it's Vegas baby! You never know what you're going to see when you head to Hooters hotel! It was actually a decent show, but I would never turn down an opportunity to hear Elvis music all night long or get a kiss from someone who sounds like and resembles Big E. It was heaven at Hooters! How do you top a weekend like that?
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
I don't even want to THINK about a world without...
SPLENDA! My day can go down the tubes first thing in the morning if I don't get a good song of the day OR if I don't have my Splenda! I'm such a sweet person and not me personally being sweet, but me loving everything that is sweet. I am a connoisseur of artificial sweetners...throw out the Sweet 'n Low, don't even hand me an Equal, if you don't have Splenda, don't talk to me. My beloved Splenda is becoming more important to me as I move into the new eating lifestyle as well. Of course, anything with sugar is outlawed, so my sweet tooth has to be soothed by something with Splenda on / in it...coffee, grapefruit, iced tea, shoe leather, it's all delicious with a tiny package of sweetness heaven sprinkled on top!
My house stash:
My personal stash, just in case Sweet 'n Low or Equal are my only options. Yes, I love my Splenda!
Okay, I know you're dying to hear how dinner in Texas went! It went well and I ended up with this:
Delightfully boring, but somewhat on my diet...full of veggies and turkey! No soda, no cookie, no chips...none of the good stuff, but I'm proud of myself! I walked for several blocks with all kinds of temptations of wine, cocktails, fried mozzarella - all my favorite things. I got a little tired and decided to do the right thing and go back to the hotel. Well, I need some beauty sleep before a LONG day tomorrow. I will do my best on my meals tomorrow, but it will be tough since I'm hosting an event at Fleming's. Keeping my eyes on the prize! Good night!
My house stash:
My personal stash, just in case Sweet 'n Low or Equal are my only options. Yes, I love my Splenda!
Okay, I know you're dying to hear how dinner in Texas went! It went well and I ended up with this:
Uh oh...is there chicken in Austin, Texas?
Song of the Day: "I Need Your Love Tonight"
This is exactly what I'm saying to all of these fine eateries that my co-worker drove me around in Austin, Texas. Don't I need a little Barbecue love? Or cocktail love? I'm pretty sure I need BOTH of those loves tonight! Oh wait...I'm not supposed to have either of those.
Here I am, madly typing away in my hotel room in Austin, Texas and worrying about what I need to do for my next meal. I'm already off track since I had a 3 hour plane flight and sat in the airport for nearly an hour. I did have my egg white and grapefruit breakfast, but what's a girl to do when she's traveling and can't take 3 Tupperware bowls worth of grilled chicken and rice?? IMPROVISE! I put some grapefruit in a bag...that's all I did! I can't even be more creative than grapefruit in a bag? Well...I had my grapefruit on the plane and here I am...in Austin, Texas....completely chickenless... I promise "on Graceland itself" that I will not have a cocktail, or a soda, or anything fried tonight...I'm going to do my best to find a salad with chicken or a piece of fish that's not cooked in butter or oil. It's my goal! I'll check in later...wish me luck!
This is exactly what I'm saying to all of these fine eateries that my co-worker drove me around in Austin, Texas. Don't I need a little Barbecue love? Or cocktail love? I'm pretty sure I need BOTH of those loves tonight! Oh wait...I'm not supposed to have either of those.
Here I am, madly typing away in my hotel room in Austin, Texas and worrying about what I need to do for my next meal. I'm already off track since I had a 3 hour plane flight and sat in the airport for nearly an hour. I did have my egg white and grapefruit breakfast, but what's a girl to do when she's traveling and can't take 3 Tupperware bowls worth of grilled chicken and rice?? IMPROVISE! I put some grapefruit in a bag...that's all I did! I can't even be more creative than grapefruit in a bag? Well...I had my grapefruit on the plane and here I am...in Austin, Texas....completely chickenless... I promise "on Graceland itself" that I will not have a cocktail, or a soda, or anything fried tonight...I'm going to do my best to find a salad with chicken or a piece of fish that's not cooked in butter or oil. It's my goal! I'll check in later...wish me luck!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Days One and Two
Song of the Day: "Girl of Mine"
Okay, so I had a small, non-diet related, meltdown the day prior to starting the new lifestyle. Hopefully this is not a sign of things to come! I apologize, in advance, to my family though if it is a sign of things to come. Thank goodness for my forgiving hubby who puts up with me!
You know when you're watching the news, or Sportscenter or pretty much anything these days and they have the abbreviated versions of interesting (and some not so interesting) stories crawling across the bottom? Here's my abbreviated "crawler" version of the last two days:
...woman goes temporarily psychotic and flips out on hubby over wall blinds...husband grills massive amounts of chicken and veggies (2 grills worth) and then has brats for dinner...wife (me) starts new diet with egg whites and grapefruit which were delicious and she wonders, "where have you been all my life?"...wife discovers that eating 6 times a day is difficult...wife already sick of eating chicken every meal...wife wants to order out for dinner...husband decides on pizza for dinner...wife begins afresh next day and two (yes 2!) pounds lighter...more chicken...more chicken...wife gets through day two without pizza or ice cream in sight!
Yes, you heard me right, I already cheated on Day 1 and I have to admit, I loved my single piece of Domino's cheesy bread and McDonald's ice cream affair! I mean come on! Look at that cone...who wouldn't want that delicious, creamy, vanilla'y', cone of goodness on a cloud?!
Elvis loved Peanut Butter and Banana sandwiches fried in a stick butter, so what? We all have our foibles! Judge me if you must, but I'm sure you've got a food foible or two...admit it!
I started afresh (a word I can't stop saying after I heard it several times in the Elvis movie "The Trouble with Girls") on Day 2 and so far, no cheating on this day, which makes for a much less interesting day! Wish me luck on Day 3 with ice cream on top (and Domino's cheesy bread...yum!).
Sunday, October 10, 2010
The Day of Reckoning!
Song of the Day: "Power of my Love" - I'm going to need all the love I can get right now!
The day has arrived! I have finally begun my journey to Graceland! The "Pounds to Graceland" challenge has commenced as I have begun the "6 week body makeover". The day was filled with making menus, grocery shopping and spending a lot of time in the produce section. I've never spent so much time in produce and I purchased things I never purchased before! Ginger root for one...thank you to Food Network by the way. All those hours of watching Food Network over the years actually paid off! I not only knew what ginger root looked like, I was able to successfully utilize it in my marinade for the pounds and pounds and pounds of chicken I will consume this week.
Here's the breakdown of my new lifestyle:
My "Body Blueprinting" revealed I am a type "B". Whatever that means exactly, I'm not sure. What it means to me is that, my body type is definitely not the cheeseburger, chips and ice cream body type I'd hoped for! There are a lot of things I can have on this plan though, a lot of things that I like!
My day will now consist of 5-6 meals:
7:00 a.m. Breakfast of egg whites and grapefruit
10:00 a.m. 2 oz of grilled chicken and 1/2 cup of pineapple and blueberries
12:30 a.m. Grilled chicken kabob with pineapple, onion, tomato and peppers on 1/2 cup brown rice
3:00 p.m. Grilled turkey with potatoes or salad
6:30 p.m. Chicken sauteed in garlic and white wine with garlic mashed potatoes
8:30 p.m. 1/2 cup of mixed berries
So, that's not too tough! All things that I like, so hopefully, I won't miss out on what I usually eat. Gotta say, gonna miss my ice cream though... :) I'll get back to you ice cream, I promise, it's just a little break away from you!
Wish me well on day 1 tomorrow!
The day has arrived! I have finally begun my journey to Graceland! The "Pounds to Graceland" challenge has commenced as I have begun the "6 week body makeover". The day was filled with making menus, grocery shopping and spending a lot of time in the produce section. I've never spent so much time in produce and I purchased things I never purchased before! Ginger root for one...thank you to Food Network by the way. All those hours of watching Food Network over the years actually paid off! I not only knew what ginger root looked like, I was able to successfully utilize it in my marinade for the pounds and pounds and pounds of chicken I will consume this week.
Here's the breakdown of my new lifestyle:
My "Body Blueprinting" revealed I am a type "B". Whatever that means exactly, I'm not sure. What it means to me is that, my body type is definitely not the cheeseburger, chips and ice cream body type I'd hoped for! There are a lot of things I can have on this plan though, a lot of things that I like!
My day will now consist of 5-6 meals:
7:00 a.m. Breakfast of egg whites and grapefruit
10:00 a.m. 2 oz of grilled chicken and 1/2 cup of pineapple and blueberries
12:30 a.m. Grilled chicken kabob with pineapple, onion, tomato and peppers on 1/2 cup brown rice
3:00 p.m. Grilled turkey with potatoes or salad
6:30 p.m. Chicken sauteed in garlic and white wine with garlic mashed potatoes
8:30 p.m. 1/2 cup of mixed berries
So, that's not too tough! All things that I like, so hopefully, I won't miss out on what I usually eat. Gotta say, gonna miss my ice cream though... :) I'll get back to you ice cream, I promise, it's just a little break away from you!
Wish me well on day 1 tomorrow!
Monday, October 4, 2010
An Even Fresher Start!
Song of the Day: Such a Night!
Okay, so, is "fresher" even a word? I had every intention of beginning the "Pounds to Graceland" challenge today, but have been set back a few days. We've been moving into a new house and just finished up yesterday (such a night!!). By "finished", I mean we got everything out of our old house. We still have an entire storage unit to unload and a ton of unpacking to do! "Pounds to Graceland" will have to wait for one more week. :( The good news is, I'm moving into a 2-story house, so I've increased my level of exercising by about 1000. It's a start! Maybe not a "fresher" start, but a start none the less. :)
Okay, so, is "fresher" even a word? I had every intention of beginning the "Pounds to Graceland" challenge today, but have been set back a few days. We've been moving into a new house and just finished up yesterday (such a night!!). By "finished", I mean we got everything out of our old house. We still have an entire storage unit to unload and a ton of unpacking to do! "Pounds to Graceland" will have to wait for one more week. :( The good news is, I'm moving into a 2-story house, so I've increased my level of exercising by about 1000. It's a start! Maybe not a "fresher" start, but a start none the less. :)
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A Fresh Start!
Song of the Day: I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell
Pounds to Graceland: 50ish
Okay, so I need a fresh start! Even though I'm sending these writings out into the universe with little to no response, I'm going to begin anew! Why the change? Well...I was snoozing away peacefully a week ago when I had my nightly ritual kick in at about 2 a.m. The dogs needed to go to the bathroom, I needed to go to the bathroom, the dogs needed to come back in, the dogs needed a treat, the dogs needed to bark and wake everyone up, the dogs needed a scolding, the dogs needed to be called into the bedroom where they proceeded to take my snoozing spot in the bed. After several unsuccessful attempts to move my 70 pound dog (who is on her back, paws in the air, just daring me to try and move her with my wimpy girl arms), I sat on the couch and flipped on the TV. Nothing on...great! Generally, my 2 a.m. TV watching consists of rerun episodes of Full House, Little House on the Prairie or a recorded episode of anything Elvis, this morning was different. I was flipping through the guide as an infomercial of "The 6 Week Body Makeover" played in the teeny, tiny upper corner of the guide menu. I'm listening to these people talk about losing 100 pounds in a year, 70 pounds in 7 months, 300 pounds in 2 years, while eating more and working out less. I'm thinking...I'm trying to get to Memphis by losing 50 pounds (which is less than I probably need to lose, but even 50 pounds seems impossible to me) and I can do it in 6 months??!! I eventually taped the commercial to show to my hubby when he was more awake, ended up waking him up anyway and he gave me the okay that I wasn't crazy and to go ahead and order (hopefully, this won't end up next to my slap chop, sham wows or Magic Bullet)...guess I like infomercials too!
Well, it came! I opened this large box 2 days ago, completed my "body blueprinting" and discovered I'm eating and dieting entirely wrong. Who knew!! I took my "before" pictures and cringed as I decided what areas really needed "sculpting". I've been reading through the entire program and trying to understand it as much as possible. I've created my menu, my grocery list and am ready to begin! Since we're moving into a new house this week and weekend, I've decided that I will officially weigh in on Monday and kick off the new program. Yes, you, out there in cyberspace, will be along for the ride. I think this will really work for me and I am actually bumping up my goal of weight loss to 70 pounds... you heard me correctly... If I achieve my 50 pounds, I'm going to Memphis, I wonder what my hubby will give me if I take off another 20 pounds?! Hmm....I'll have to think that one through!
I'll catch up with you on Monday!
Pounds to Graceland: 50ish
Okay, so I need a fresh start! Even though I'm sending these writings out into the universe with little to no response, I'm going to begin anew! Why the change? Well...I was snoozing away peacefully a week ago when I had my nightly ritual kick in at about 2 a.m. The dogs needed to go to the bathroom, I needed to go to the bathroom, the dogs needed to come back in, the dogs needed a treat, the dogs needed to bark and wake everyone up, the dogs needed a scolding, the dogs needed to be called into the bedroom where they proceeded to take my snoozing spot in the bed. After several unsuccessful attempts to move my 70 pound dog (who is on her back, paws in the air, just daring me to try and move her with my wimpy girl arms), I sat on the couch and flipped on the TV. Nothing on...great! Generally, my 2 a.m. TV watching consists of rerun episodes of Full House, Little House on the Prairie or a recorded episode of anything Elvis, this morning was different. I was flipping through the guide as an infomercial of "The 6 Week Body Makeover" played in the teeny, tiny upper corner of the guide menu. I'm listening to these people talk about losing 100 pounds in a year, 70 pounds in 7 months, 300 pounds in 2 years, while eating more and working out less. I'm thinking...I'm trying to get to Memphis by losing 50 pounds (which is less than I probably need to lose, but even 50 pounds seems impossible to me) and I can do it in 6 months??!! I eventually taped the commercial to show to my hubby when he was more awake, ended up waking him up anyway and he gave me the okay that I wasn't crazy and to go ahead and order (hopefully, this won't end up next to my slap chop, sham wows or Magic Bullet)...guess I like infomercials too!
Well, it came! I opened this large box 2 days ago, completed my "body blueprinting" and discovered I'm eating and dieting entirely wrong. Who knew!! I took my "before" pictures and cringed as I decided what areas really needed "sculpting". I've been reading through the entire program and trying to understand it as much as possible. I've created my menu, my grocery list and am ready to begin! Since we're moving into a new house this week and weekend, I've decided that I will officially weigh in on Monday and kick off the new program. Yes, you, out there in cyberspace, will be along for the ride. I think this will really work for me and I am actually bumping up my goal of weight loss to 70 pounds... you heard me correctly... If I achieve my 50 pounds, I'm going to Memphis, I wonder what my hubby will give me if I take off another 20 pounds?! Hmm....I'll have to think that one through!
I'll catch up with you on Monday!
Saturday, August 21, 2010
I Love Las Vegas!
Song of the Day: "True Love Travels on a Gravel Road"
Pounds to Graceland: Don't ask, don't tell!
It was finally "Viva Elvis" day yesterday and boy was it absolutely amazing! It has been a rough week and the song of the day really does say it all about my week. I'll keep it to myself though, but true love really does travel on a gravel road! Thank goodness I have a lot of true love in my life. :)
On the way to "Viva Elvis", we were driving down Las Vegas Boulevard and were stuck in traffic (shocking!!) in front of the Bellagio. I have seen the Bellagio fountains probably 50 or so times in my life...a lot... and every time we see it, we discuss whether or not they've done something with Elvis music. I always hope the fountain show will be Elvis, but it never is. As we were sitting there yesterday, the show came on and the song was "Viva Las Vegas"!! Can you believe that?! It was a cosmic sign from above that Big E was with us in spirit! I was so excited although the other passengers in the car with me (my in-laws and hubby) were not nearly as excited... argh...
As we entered Aria for the show, we had an immediate Elvis sighting!
Pounds to Graceland: Don't ask, don't tell!
It was finally "Viva Elvis" day yesterday and boy was it absolutely amazing! It has been a rough week and the song of the day really does say it all about my week. I'll keep it to myself though, but true love really does travel on a gravel road! Thank goodness I have a lot of true love in my life. :)
On the way to "Viva Elvis", we were driving down Las Vegas Boulevard and were stuck in traffic (shocking!!) in front of the Bellagio. I have seen the Bellagio fountains probably 50 or so times in my life...a lot... and every time we see it, we discuss whether or not they've done something with Elvis music. I always hope the fountain show will be Elvis, but it never is. As we were sitting there yesterday, the show came on and the song was "Viva Las Vegas"!! Can you believe that?! It was a cosmic sign from above that Big E was with us in spirit! I was so excited although the other passengers in the car with me (my in-laws and hubby) were not nearly as excited... argh...
As we entered Aria for the show, we had an immediate Elvis sighting!
I had to take the opportunity to kiss the king... How could you not?!
I love the two people on the right that are staring and laughing...
Yes, I'm crazy, and made my hubby take a better picture of me kissing the king! I think he likes me!
Is that Elvis?!? No...it's my hubby, but with the Big E glasses, it's tough to tell! :)
Is THAT Elvis?! Again, no, it's my father-in-law! Very handsome though!
I asked my hubby to strike an Elvis pose and this is what he came up with! Disco Elvis!! :)
We're finally here at the show!
Just enter through the "TCB" doors! (I tried to steal one of these for my house, but no luck...)
Is THAT ELVIS?!? Again, no...it's my hubby! I'm so lucky!
Me and Elvis..err..my hubby!
Just waiting for the curtain to fall!
Once it did, I never took my eyes off the stage. It's such a fantastic show! What a great ending to a crazy week! Thanks baby!
Until next time...
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Viva Elvis!
Song of the Day: "Trying to Get to You" - '68 Black-Leather Elvis Special Version
Pounds to Graceland: 45 - boo!
So, I turn on my iPod to get me through the next 4 hours of cleaning my house and what song should I hear? "Trying to Get to You!" this is one of my favorite Elvis songs and kind of fitting since I am 'trying to get to him', or at least Graceland. AND, it was the black leather Elvis version, which is just delicious (almost as much as "the package"! SO, I'll procrastinate cleaning for just another 10 minutes and write a quick entry.
What's Happening in Elvis World?
This is a big week in Elvis world...Elvis died on August 16, 1977, so this anniversary is looming... People have actually been asking me if I am in mourning... Mourning? Not really. Sad? Yes, oddly enough! I feel a little depressed. I can't help thinking about what happened in those last 24 hours of Elvis' life. I've been concentrating a lot of the 42 years prior to that day and my poor hubby is probably so sick of talking about Elvis, it's ridiculous. To cheer me up he bought me tickets to "Viva Elvis"! Yes folks, next Thursday, I will be submersed in the pure bliss that is Elvis! We have family in town, so I'm making them wear the Elvis glasses for a picture, go to Memphis BBQ for dinner and then on to the show! I'll probably make everyone take pictures of themselves and the Elvis bust too...so there should be plenty for you to be excited about seeing next week! I'm sure they are just as excited to wear the glasses, see the bust and revel in my Elvis knowledge. :) Stay tuned!!
Pounds to Graceland Challenge Update
I sucked it up and weighed in a couple of days ago and to my surprise it wasn't as bad as I though! So,we're back on the "Pounds to Graceland Challenge"! My husband agreed that if I get to within 10 pounds of my goal, he'll still buy the trip for me. Those pesky 10 pounds are always the hardest too lose, plus it gives me a little more hope that I can make it. We're tentatively planning the trip for September 2011, so I've got to get busy!
So Elvis, I'm "trying to get to you"! I can't make it to Graceland for the candlelight vigil, but hopefully, I'll be there at some point next year. :) Until next time...
Pounds to Graceland: 45 - boo!
So, I turn on my iPod to get me through the next 4 hours of cleaning my house and what song should I hear? "Trying to Get to You!" this is one of my favorite Elvis songs and kind of fitting since I am 'trying to get to him', or at least Graceland. AND, it was the black leather Elvis version, which is just delicious (almost as much as "the package"! SO, I'll procrastinate cleaning for just another 10 minutes and write a quick entry.
What's Happening in Elvis World?
This is a big week in Elvis world...Elvis died on August 16, 1977, so this anniversary is looming... People have actually been asking me if I am in mourning... Mourning? Not really. Sad? Yes, oddly enough! I feel a little depressed. I can't help thinking about what happened in those last 24 hours of Elvis' life. I've been concentrating a lot of the 42 years prior to that day and my poor hubby is probably so sick of talking about Elvis, it's ridiculous. To cheer me up he bought me tickets to "Viva Elvis"! Yes folks, next Thursday, I will be submersed in the pure bliss that is Elvis! We have family in town, so I'm making them wear the Elvis glasses for a picture, go to Memphis BBQ for dinner and then on to the show! I'll probably make everyone take pictures of themselves and the Elvis bust too...so there should be plenty for you to be excited about seeing next week! I'm sure they are just as excited to wear the glasses, see the bust and revel in my Elvis knowledge. :) Stay tuned!!
Pounds to Graceland Challenge Update
I sucked it up and weighed in a couple of days ago and to my surprise it wasn't as bad as I though! So,we're back on the "Pounds to Graceland Challenge"! My husband agreed that if I get to within 10 pounds of my goal, he'll still buy the trip for me. Those pesky 10 pounds are always the hardest too lose, plus it gives me a little more hope that I can make it. We're tentatively planning the trip for September 2011, so I've got to get busy!
So Elvis, I'm "trying to get to you"! I can't make it to Graceland for the candlelight vigil, but hopefully, I'll be there at some point next year. :) Until next time...
Monday, August 9, 2010
So what...
Song of the Day: That's Alright Mama
Pounds to Graceland: Too many!
So what, it's been over a month since my last post! That's Alright Mama! (See, I told you my song of the day fits the kind of day I will have! It's my personal Elvis-Crystal ball!) I've had a crazy month and you'll just have to forgive me for skipping out on the blog. I don't have many readers, so I'll assume I'm forgiven from both of you. :)
I've been traveling for work and then took a mini-vacation to Colorado last week. All of this traveling is NOT good on my "Pounds to Graceland" challenge, but we'll get back on the wagon now. We've been really planning this trip and I'm thinking it will happen around September 2011, so now I've got a deadline, I've got plans, I've got thousands of dollars invested in a theoretical Memphis trip, I've got to get busy!
I did a little Elvis hunting over the past month though. "Elvis hunting?!" you might ask. How would an Elvis fanatic go Elvis hunting? By going to the 2 night Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) Extravaganza on Fremont Street silly! Here are a couple of photos to show you the Elvi I was able to capture:
Pounds to Graceland: Too many!
So what, it's been over a month since my last post! That's Alright Mama! (See, I told you my song of the day fits the kind of day I will have! It's my personal Elvis-Crystal ball!) I've had a crazy month and you'll just have to forgive me for skipping out on the blog. I don't have many readers, so I'll assume I'm forgiven from both of you. :)
I've been traveling for work and then took a mini-vacation to Colorado last week. All of this traveling is NOT good on my "Pounds to Graceland" challenge, but we'll get back on the wagon now. We've been really planning this trip and I'm thinking it will happen around September 2011, so now I've got a deadline, I've got plans, I've got thousands of dollars invested in a theoretical Memphis trip, I've got to get busy!
I did a little Elvis hunting over the past month though. "Elvis hunting?!" you might ask. How would an Elvis fanatic go Elvis hunting? By going to the 2 night Elvis Tribute Artist (ETA) Extravaganza on Fremont Street silly! Here are a couple of photos to show you the Elvi I was able to capture:
An ETA kicking off the show by arriving in none other than a pink caddy! (Hear the Elvis fans screaming in the background? Oh wait...that's just me...sorry!)
Multiple Elvi on stage...a lot of white jumpsuit Elvi. I was disappointed in the lack of young, 50's Elvis, but that's okay. There's always next year.
So, how did the contest turn out? Not so well...
1) It was well over 100 degrees on Fremont Street that night.
2) I wore jeans - not smart, I know.
3) There were hundreds of people squishing in to get the best view possible (people squishing+100 degree temps = a lot of BO and general unhappiness).
4) I was one of the squishers, until I turned around and noticed there was absolutely nobody behind us...we backed up, literally a foot, were completely comfortable and could actually see better.
5) The show started nearly an hour late.
6) The quality of Elvi was just lacking overall...
All of that doesn't equal a happy Elvis fan. I'd know two notes into a song whether or not the guy was a good ETA...none of them were (in my opinion). We didn't even go the second night. The good news is that this was the first show on Fremont Street and it's expected to happen every year. As the word spreads, I'm hoping the quality Elvi will enter the show and then you'll have to beat me away with a stick!
That's it for now, I'll try and post within the next month or so...until then, keep Elvis hunting! :)
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Bowling Banquet with Big E
Song of the Day: "Let Yourself Go"
Pounds to Graceland: 43!
Okay, the song of the day is quite fitting. I've been stressed and crazy lately (just ask my hubby and co-workers) and for what...! In the end, it really doesn't matter....let yourself go... So, what happens when you let yourself go?! The bowling banquet...
I promised pictures of our recent bowling banquet. The story along with it is that I have bowled maybe 10 times in my life, so why not join a league for money! That makes complete sense doesn't it? It's a handicapped league and thank goodness...I needed it. Although I will say, the two gentlemen on our team (the expert bowlers) did not finish in the money games at the end...oh no, no, no! It was Mary and I (the non-expert bowlers) who finished 2nd in ladies doubles and myself (complete novice bowler) who finished 2nd in ladies singles! It was the greatest $18 I ever earned in my life...and yes, I earned every single dollar!
Every night of league bowling, without fail, we have a few superstitions / lucky charms that make an appearance. Jacques...our French, yellow-haired, one-shoed friend. He's been a lucky charm in bowling leagues past..Merci Jacques! We also have Elvis by our side in the form of playing cards since we play poker for strikes and spares. There is a particular card of "Blue Hawaii" Elvis that is....how should I say it...a bit revealing? It really is a work of art to be admired...we call it "The Package"! Looking at the picture below, how could you not revel in it's beauty?!
Delicious!
So, bowling season is over - now what do we do? We must celebrate our wonderful season with a few beverages, delicious food, wonderful company, a fantastic Vegas view and everyone / everything bowling must be included:
1) The bowling team - CHECK
2) "The Devil Pin" - 10 pin that I will definitely leave standing, even when I throw the most perfect ball ever! CHECK (note "devil horns" with bowling pin attached and cold beverages are being enjoyed)
3) "The Package" complete with tuxedo...even though he lost his pants somewhere and his French friend Jacques (who lost his only shoe this night - rough night for Jacques) - CHECK
See what happens when you "Let Yourself Go"! Don't think that this is the end of "The Package". It's 9 inches of Elvis that fits perfectly in my purse and allows him to participate in our everyday lives. I think you can actually hear my husband groaning right now... He's learned to live with "Big E" and even humors me a little when he makes an unexpected appearance. Got to love that man...and my hubby too! ;)
Pounds to Graceland: 43!
Okay, the song of the day is quite fitting. I've been stressed and crazy lately (just ask my hubby and co-workers) and for what...! In the end, it really doesn't matter....let yourself go... So, what happens when you let yourself go?! The bowling banquet...
I promised pictures of our recent bowling banquet. The story along with it is that I have bowled maybe 10 times in my life, so why not join a league for money! That makes complete sense doesn't it? It's a handicapped league and thank goodness...I needed it. Although I will say, the two gentlemen on our team (the expert bowlers) did not finish in the money games at the end...oh no, no, no! It was Mary and I (the non-expert bowlers) who finished 2nd in ladies doubles and myself (complete novice bowler) who finished 2nd in ladies singles! It was the greatest $18 I ever earned in my life...and yes, I earned every single dollar!
Every night of league bowling, without fail, we have a few superstitions / lucky charms that make an appearance. Jacques...our French, yellow-haired, one-shoed friend. He's been a lucky charm in bowling leagues past..Merci Jacques! We also have Elvis by our side in the form of playing cards since we play poker for strikes and spares. There is a particular card of "Blue Hawaii" Elvis that is....how should I say it...a bit revealing? It really is a work of art to be admired...we call it "The Package"! Looking at the picture below, how could you not revel in it's beauty?!
Delicious!
So, bowling season is over - now what do we do? We must celebrate our wonderful season with a few beverages, delicious food, wonderful company, a fantastic Vegas view and everyone / everything bowling must be included:
1) The bowling team - CHECK
2) "The Devil Pin" - 10 pin that I will definitely leave standing, even when I throw the most perfect ball ever! CHECK (note "devil horns" with bowling pin attached and cold beverages are being enjoyed)
4) Drinks, food and a view (dinner at Nove Italiano at the top of the Palms)! - CHECK
That's all you need for a wonderful closing bowling banquet! No, we didn't wear our devil horns in the restaurant, but Elvis and Jacques did have special seating on the table much to the dismay of some of our party. Uh oh...looks like things did get a little out of hand when we weren't looking!
Ladies of the evening honoring their men....
See what happens when you "Let Yourself Go"! Don't think that this is the end of "The Package". It's 9 inches of Elvis that fits perfectly in my purse and allows him to participate in our everyday lives. I think you can actually hear my husband groaning right now... He's learned to live with "Big E" and even humors me a little when he makes an unexpected appearance. Got to love that man...and my hubby too! ;)
Thursday, June 24, 2010
The Aftermath of the First Post
Song of the Day: "Burnin' Love"
Pounds To Graceland: 45
So, I have this "theory" that when I get in my car first thing in the morning and turn on my XM radio to the Elvis channel, the first song I hear will tell me all I need to know about my upcoming day. It gives me my entire ride to work to analyze, discuss and figure out just what kind of day I'm going to have. I think you grasp just how important this "song of the day" is! Well, today's song was "Burnin' Love" which I thought was a great sign! Me and the hubby - all in love with each other - "I feel my temperature risin'..." You catch my drift?! ...well, as my day went on, I think there was an entirely different meaning...
The Aftermath of the First Blog Post
I'm excited to start my day, eager to hear what my peeps think of the new blog and to my dismay, people are hitting me up that I didn't mention them and their support of my Elvis passion. To all of those people, I sincerely apologize! The only reason I named two people of importance yesterday was because without them listening to my story of the Elvis cutout for my bowling banquet and them mentioning I should start a blog, it would not have happened. I didn't / don't know how to blog and never thought about it. So, again, my sincerest apologies.
I was also keenly reminded that my first post titled "The first post - so much pressure!" was really no pressure at all because I have no readers! There you have it folks..."Burnin' Love" from 7 a.m. on! Ouch. Obviously I have a reader or two if I was getting harassed about the title of my post when you could only know that if you read it. I kept that to myself. :)
Pounds to Graceland
On a lighter note (pun intended) I made my adorable hubby promise me that when I reach my weight-loss goal that he will take me to Memphis! If that isn't motivation, I don't know what is! (other than posting how much weight you want to lose on a blog and wishing the number was much, much smaller.) No, I've never been to Graceland and to me, I imagine it's as close to Heaven-on-Earth as you could get. I'm already 5 pounds closer to being Memphis bound...
Stay Tuned...
Tomorrow, the real blog begins! Look forward to pictures from the bowling banquet where the aforementioned Elvis cutout made a wonderful date for his friend Jacques. Bowling banquet? Elvis Cutout? Jacques?? Just the beginning of the journey...buckle your seat belts folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Pounds To Graceland: 45
So, I have this "theory" that when I get in my car first thing in the morning and turn on my XM radio to the Elvis channel, the first song I hear will tell me all I need to know about my upcoming day. It gives me my entire ride to work to analyze, discuss and figure out just what kind of day I'm going to have. I think you grasp just how important this "song of the day" is! Well, today's song was "Burnin' Love" which I thought was a great sign! Me and the hubby - all in love with each other - "I feel my temperature risin'..." You catch my drift?! ...well, as my day went on, I think there was an entirely different meaning...
The Aftermath of the First Blog Post
I'm excited to start my day, eager to hear what my peeps think of the new blog and to my dismay, people are hitting me up that I didn't mention them and their support of my Elvis passion. To all of those people, I sincerely apologize! The only reason I named two people of importance yesterday was because without them listening to my story of the Elvis cutout for my bowling banquet and them mentioning I should start a blog, it would not have happened. I didn't / don't know how to blog and never thought about it. So, again, my sincerest apologies.
I was also keenly reminded that my first post titled "The first post - so much pressure!" was really no pressure at all because I have no readers! There you have it folks..."Burnin' Love" from 7 a.m. on! Ouch. Obviously I have a reader or two if I was getting harassed about the title of my post when you could only know that if you read it. I kept that to myself. :)
Pounds to Graceland
On a lighter note (pun intended) I made my adorable hubby promise me that when I reach my weight-loss goal that he will take me to Memphis! If that isn't motivation, I don't know what is! (other than posting how much weight you want to lose on a blog and wishing the number was much, much smaller.) No, I've never been to Graceland and to me, I imagine it's as close to Heaven-on-Earth as you could get. I'm already 5 pounds closer to being Memphis bound...
Stay Tuned...
Tomorrow, the real blog begins! Look forward to pictures from the bowling banquet where the aforementioned Elvis cutout made a wonderful date for his friend Jacques. Bowling banquet? Elvis Cutout? Jacques?? Just the beginning of the journey...buckle your seat belts folks, it's going to be a bumpy ride!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
The first post - so much pressure!
For this first post, I'm going to get a few house keeping items out of the way before we begin our journey...
Top 5 Things You Need to Start a "Life and Times" of Yourself and Elvis Blog:
1) A facsination?...no...a fixation?...no.....an obsession?!?....no...an extremly, intense passion for Elvis Presley. That's the best way I can describe it without sounding terribly odd...wait, it sounds anyway, doesn't it?!?
2) Co-workers who laugh at your Elvis stories and think that you should start an Elvis Blog! Thanks Mark and Brandon. :)
3) A willingness to make an idiot out of yourself on the internet to complete strangers as well as people you see on a daily basis about how Elvis "really does" influence your daily life! :)
4) A ridiculously understanding husband, who knows you love him dearly, but probably not as much as Elvis...and he loves you ANYWAY!
5) An open mind! Harder than it sounds, I know...ask my hubby!
FAQ / Frequent Comments
Q: How old are you?
Me: When people hear that I love Elvis, their thoughts are that Elvis is generally for an older generation. Okay, okay, so no, I wasn't even alive when Elvis died (just a year shy), but does that mean that he affects me any less? I don't think so.
Q: Do you really love Elvis?
Me: Do I really love Elvis? lol... What kind of question is that? How can you love a person without knowing them...without looking them in the eye and feeling that one-on-one connection? I wasn't even born when he was alive, how could I determine whether or not I love him?
Q: So do you really love Elvis?
Me: yes
Q: Why?
Me: Why not?
Frequent Comment: Elvis really wasn't that good of a singer...
Me: Don't talk to me.
Frequent Comment: I always liked Elvis when I was growing up. I had a chance to see him in (insert name of city here), but never made it to the concert.
Me: Don't talk to me and never talk to me again. :)
Q: Do you have an Elvis shrine?
Me: What do mean by "shrine"? Shrine no, but "collection" yes! Is it weird that my Elvis Christmas stocking is still hung by the chimney with care? I didn't think so... so no, I don't have an Elvis "shrine".
Okay, okay, now that we have the silliness out of the way, this blog is really meant to talk about my passion for Elvis in a not so velvet-Elvis-painting way. He / his music / his movies / his legacy invites it's way into my life every single day, usually in odd and humerous ways. This is just my memory album, my journey of living in "Viva" Las Vegas (sorry, I couldn't help it!) influenced by Elvis.
Enjoy!
Top 5 Things You Need to Start a "Life and Times" of Yourself and Elvis Blog:
1) A facsination?...no...a fixation?...no.....an obsession?!?....no...an extremly, intense passion for Elvis Presley. That's the best way I can describe it without sounding terribly odd...wait, it sounds anyway, doesn't it?!?
2) Co-workers who laugh at your Elvis stories and think that you should start an Elvis Blog! Thanks Mark and Brandon. :)
3) A willingness to make an idiot out of yourself on the internet to complete strangers as well as people you see on a daily basis about how Elvis "really does" influence your daily life! :)
4) A ridiculously understanding husband, who knows you love him dearly, but probably not as much as Elvis...and he loves you ANYWAY!
5) An open mind! Harder than it sounds, I know...ask my hubby!
FAQ / Frequent Comments
Q: How old are you?
Me: When people hear that I love Elvis, their thoughts are that Elvis is generally for an older generation. Okay, okay, so no, I wasn't even alive when Elvis died (just a year shy), but does that mean that he affects me any less? I don't think so.
Q: Do you really love Elvis?
Me: Do I really love Elvis? lol... What kind of question is that? How can you love a person without knowing them...without looking them in the eye and feeling that one-on-one connection? I wasn't even born when he was alive, how could I determine whether or not I love him?
Q: So do you really love Elvis?
Me: yes
Q: Why?
Me: Why not?
Frequent Comment: Elvis really wasn't that good of a singer...
Me: Don't talk to me.
Frequent Comment: I always liked Elvis when I was growing up. I had a chance to see him in (insert name of city here), but never made it to the concert.
Me: Don't talk to me and never talk to me again. :)
Q: Do you have an Elvis shrine?
Me: What do mean by "shrine"? Shrine no, but "collection" yes! Is it weird that my Elvis Christmas stocking is still hung by the chimney with care? I didn't think so... so no, I don't have an Elvis "shrine".
Okay, okay, now that we have the silliness out of the way, this blog is really meant to talk about my passion for Elvis in a not so velvet-Elvis-painting way. He / his music / his movies / his legacy invites it's way into my life every single day, usually in odd and humerous ways. This is just my memory album, my journey of living in "Viva" Las Vegas (sorry, I couldn't help it!) influenced by Elvis.
Enjoy!
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