On the road again-

Where is that Simple Life that Paris and Nicole were looking for? Where is the joys of coming home and making dinner? I have been on the road too much lately & I guess that it is wearing thin. But - alas the end is near. I heard from my boss last night that next week I will only be covering Northern IL & primarily focusing on Chicago. Since I live in Chicago, this means that I can pretty much be home every night! This is such welcome news--- now I can reserve travel for pleasure and fun with family and friends.

I am getting into the final stages of training for the marathon- this Saturday is my 18 mile run- wow. Yesterday I was doing a basic 45 minute run in Des Moines with 95 degree heat and humidity out the wazoo-- it was crazy. I think I sweat off like 10 pounds. It felt good that I could do it- that my body is conditioned enought ot take it.

I am sad to see the summer ending- the nights are noticably shorter now. The darkness of fall is coming upon us. I do love the splendor of fall and the changing of colors. I am reminded of good things that fall brings- like Apple picking (FUN!) I did recently find out that I have a conference this fall in Salt Lake City, Utah... now I can mark one more state off of my list of places to go.

My friends are my top priority for fall- spending time with Dawn and Missy and Megan- and apple picking with Laura.

Las Vegas-

What a rough life I endure- it was such a rough week having to travel to Las Vegas to cover a conference. It was really nice because my duties at the conference were relatively light and I had quite a bit of free time to roam and explore. I would not advise going to Las Vegas in August- too hot! Yikes.... I spent the afternoons by the pool under misters sipping vodka lemonades---- it was delightful. I did see a great show "LaReve" which is at the Wynn- very good - it combined dance, music, acrobatics, and diving. I did not realize the human body could do all those things. It was impressive to say the least. I did hit the strip some and took in the sights-- but I felt it was too hot to really do much- so I pretty much stayed around the Wynn and enjoyed the 5 star luxury that I had bee afforded. I only spent $25 gambling- and played a ton of nickel slots- it was fun-- at one point I was up to $100-- but I should have cashed out- but of course I kept going and lost it all--- at least I am only out $25 dollars. Not a bad tab for 3 days in Vegas. I would really like to come back to Vegas when it isn't so hot and I had some friends to gamble and sight see with.

I have a busy week ahead- going to Central IL- and then the follow week is Iowa- so it is time to put some more miles on the car!

Here are some Vegas shots-

Wynn Hotel-

Check out these pictures- I never want to leave.

14 Miles-

Over half way there- I ran the longest distance of my life on Saturday- and I still feel pretty good. It was a really hot and humid day- so I am hoping that the cooler temperatures of the October will make the 26 miles a bit easier. I am amazed at how doing a long run such as the 12 or 14 miles can literally take over the weekend. It seems that Saturday gets consumed with running and then the recovery from a long run.

Other than that it was a quiet weeekend -- I enjoyed going to the beach today at getting into te cool waters of lake Michigan.

Off to Las Vegas this week... please let me know any lucky numbers you want me to play