Las Vegas, Nevada: Someone washed my running shoes yesterday. Someone forgot to remove my Nike+ sensor thing before placing my running shoes into the washing machine. My sensor was subsequently ruined. This little chip (pictured, right, in actual size) slips into a little carved-out hole under the arch of a Nike+ running shoe. It magically connects to a receiver attached to your iPod, nano or iPhone and works as a GPS-type device during your workout while you listen to music via the headset. When you have finished your run, you can attach your nano to your computer and the details of your workout (distance & time) are sent to your own personal page at NIKE on the internet. I realize this sounds like quite a complicated procedure, but I assure you... if I can figure it out, anyone can use the system.
Luckily, I am prepared for such laundry disasters with an spare sensor. This morning, I had to run half a mile to calibrate the new sensor - before I went for a 2.5 mile run. In the wind. Unfortunately, I did not get credit for the half-mile calibration run. Dang.
I love using this little device. I get to watch my progress and while I am running a little voice occasionally tells me how far I have run and how much farther I need to jog to complete my goal for that day. If I do something fabulous, the voice of an athlete comes on and tells me I have now completed 250 miles (Lance Armstrong told me this last week), or burned the most calories yet on a run (Tiger loves to tell me this), or Paula Radcliffe babbles gushes compliments me on how far I have run.
Still, I love that someone takes the effort to wash my running shoes.
After our runs, we prettied-up and went into The Big City to meet Cory and her friends for lunch at Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville at 2 o'clock. Cory (Mary & Steve's youngest) is a student at UNLV and works at one of the fancy hotels on the strip in guest relations.
A girl needs her annual "Cheeseburger in Paradise" and don't forget our family motto: GJMM (Give Jimmy More Money).
Cheeseburger in Paradise
And a girl needs her annual "Perfect Margarita". When I ordered the margarita this afternoon, the bartender looked at me and said, "It's really strong." I wasn't sure what to think about his comment. Did he think I was too old to handle the booze? Did I look wimpy? Was he just being polite? Was he commanded by the State of Nevada Liquor Commission to warn customers? Not sure. I have a Perfect Margarita every time we dine at Margaritaville and today was the first time I was warned. I took the risk.
Jimmy's Perfect Margarita has Margaritaville Gold and Silver Tequilas, Triple Sec, Orange Curacao and Lime Juice on the rocks. It's hard to take anything served in a plastic cup seriously though, is it? Come on, Jimmy, step it up. Think of the planet.
Cory and Ashley toast with raspberry margaritas
Whitney tried her best to eat her nachos... but after chomping away fornearly an hour, I am afraid the massive pile of nachos looked pretty
much the same as it did when the waiter delivered it to our table.
After lunch, DT snapped this photo of his luncheon dates in front of the restaurant. I guess the sun was a little bright and we are all squinting... but here we are - in Las Vegas!
Whitney, Ashley, Cory and Terry at Margaritaville Las Vegas
Dave and I spent the afternoon window shopping in the Forum Shops at Caesar's Palace and are pretty much exhausted. It has been just over a year since we have been in Las Vegas and it is practically shocking to see how many shops have closed in the Forum and how many new shops have moved in to take their place.
Until my next update, I remain, your Margaritaville correspondent.
RV Park: Oasis Las Vegas RV Resort. 30/50-amp, full hook-up paved pull-through. Cable. Wifi is $5.95 for 24-hours - ouch. Great location and full-service resort with pool, hot tub, nice bath and laundry facilities, mini golf and bocce ball. Shuttle service to the strip. Close to restaurants and shopping. Also next to I-15 and under the flight path of the Las Vegas airport. We are paying a ridiculous $50 for our "premium" site.