Today is My Birthday!

Yes, I made it to the big 4-6! That is a picture of a Gorn at the Las Vegas Hilton's Star Trek-themed Quark's restaurant, not me! Although some days I feel like I look that way... Tomorrow I'll put up a pic of our awesome view from our hotel. We used our Restaurant.com coupon and had an awesome meal at Quark's at the Las Vegas Hilton on the last night of my 45th year...

Hey: Elvis only made it to 42. I'm four years better than Elvis...

We are in Las Vegas and are really having the time of our lives. We've economized given current realities. But when you are offered a few nights – comped – in a suite at the Paris and $400 in spending money and your flight was just $403, a $3 trip to the land of fun is hard to beat!

I credit Bob Shaw for introducing me to Vegas way back in 1994. Since then, I have spent a few days in Sin City around my birthday every year! And Vegas rewards loyalty. Our Las Vegas/Harrah's friend, Steve Opdyke, has kept us in a suite at Bally's or the Paris for the past several years and we couldn't be happier. During my very first trip to Las Vegas, the very wise Chris Golbeck told me: "The thing about Vegas is that you can have whatever you want, as long as you are willing to ask for it."

So we ask, and we get. Today is part of the Cash Bash weekend at the Paris and after we bet for a couple hours at the Paris, they'll give us $400. And then we'll dine at the Ah Sin! restaurant – our favorite restaurant on the strip. We'll devour those cashew-encrusted crab legs. Later tonight, my choice for my annual birthday show is Roseanne Barr at the Stardust. And then, when we get back to the Paris, casino host Rudy will escort us to the balcony of the Risque night club for an unforgettable view and a nightcap.

A 46th birthday to remember, to be sure!

Thanks to all who have called or emailed! I am so glad to have so many friends that your calls have cut short my gambling! :) Thanks for thinking of me!

I am happiest that I have the best birthday present ever: Mary, my partner in crime. We plan on more adventures to come, so stay tuned!

More later,



Mark