Busy Being Tara

Claim Jumper

Hotel checkout was at 11:00 a.m., so we woke up around 8:30 a.m. to get ready for the day and finish packing.

We met up with Meghan, Rebecca, and Laura for some food. The restaurant we had been hoping to try all weekend didn’t open until 4:00 p.m., so we decided to go to Claim Jumper instead.

I had never been there before, so I ordered a blood orange mimosa and the chicken pot pie. I have to say, it was the biggest pot pie I’ve ever had, and it was absolutely delicious!

Golden Nugget Slot Machines

After brunch, we decided to spend a little time at the casino before heading to the airport. We played for about an hour and a half, and I only lost $50, which honestly isn’t too bad. At one point, I was actually ahead, but then I got a little too confident and thought I could win even more. As usual, the casino had other plans! Meghan, Eryn, and I actually met years ago while working at a casino, and in our twenties, we spent plenty of time gambling. These days, though, we’re a little older, a little wiser, and the excitement of chasing jackpots just doesn’t have quite the same appeal it once did.

Las Vegas Airport

After we finished gambling, we found a place to sit, ordered some appetizers and drinks, and relaxed while we waited for our flights. Since Tracey’s flight was the first to depart, we all decided to head to the airport together and spend a little extra time before saying goodbye. Tracey and I were both flying Southwest, while Meghan, Eryn, Rebecca, and Laura were all on the same Alaska Airlines flight. We stayed together at the Southwest gate, chatting and reminiscing about the weekend until it was time for the Alaska crew to head to their gate. Before long, it was time for Tracey to board as well.

My flight was the last one to leave, though thankfully it wasn’t too much later than everyone else’s. As I sat waiting to board, I found myself reflecting on what a fun weekend it had been. It was filled with laughter, friendship, sunshine, good food, and plenty of memories that will make me smile for years to come.

By the time I finally made it home, it was nearly 1:00 AM. I was completely exhausted and crawled into bed almost immediately. Unfortunately, there was no sleeping in the next morning; I had to get up early to take my car to the shop before heading to work. It was a rough start after such a busy weekend, but the trip was absolutely worth it.