last trip to vegas, i hope

It's unclear whether I'll be kept on the Vegas assignment after the wedding, but this is surely my last time in Vegas till at least September 8, which is good. I've got that "burning the candle at both ends" feeling in a massive way, to the point that I'm asking coworkers to confirm whether my instincts on work issues are spot on or completely emotion-fed. Not a good place to be in.

I'm staying at the Monte Carlo and it's ok. It's louder to stay on the strip. Had a good dinner and hit the hay at 8pm to be sure I'd be up at 5am for the Red Rock trip, and I was. This time the cash register at the park gate wasn't on yet so I saved the $5 entry fee. Did the same loop as last time with a bit more zest and gusto in my step, but had that same sense of reward coming into the canyon. The smell of cedars reminded me of the hotel room in Fes (decorated in cedar). The cool air, the purple fruits on the prickly pears, the red dirt underfoot... a little much-needed sanity time. I finished the loop 4 minutes faster than last time, in 1:28.

Looking forward to flying home tomorrow. Did you wish Ben a happy 26th? His b-day was yesterday but it's never too late.