The 2024 presidential election motivated me to have a birthday do-over

At the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater Pointe in Time Emerald Gala Today marks a week since my birthday.  Its occurrence is a tremendous blessing. Because all around us are reminders about the fragility of life. To that end, my brother, who always makes a point to celebrate me, took me to the Pittsburgh Ballet Theater's Pointe in Time Emerald Gala on November 2d. That was the beginning of my birthday celebrations. And then, on my birthday itself, I got a bit of a surprise... My actual birthday was tough. It was Election Day. And, I spent the day working polls as a part of an election protection effort. My efforts were designed to protect all voters. However, deep in my heart I love my AKA sister, Kamala Harris and I hoped for her historic victory. Then, much to my chagrin and despite my efforts—and those of thousands more—she lost. In my estimation, that loss was one of the greatest setbacks in human dignity in my lifetime.  The country elected a felon and self-proclaimed, racist, ableis

Life is but a dream...

My birthday trip to Vegas was quintessential. I flew out of Pittsburgh on November 2nd and enjoyed a first class trip to Vegas. It was a perfect beginning to a memorable trip.

Vegas was overwhelming from the moment I de-planed. Slot machines were waiting for me. Their sounds and lights beckoned me. While they were incredibly seductive, I resisted. My one goal was to see my boyfriend and to thank him for this wonderful surprise. However, it was my surprise to learn that his flight had been delayed--for an hour and a half. Since I had no idea where we were staying, I remained in the airport, inhaling the experience that is Las Vegas.

Finally the flight from Newark arrived and I noticed a well dressed woman with an enormous diamond on her hand. She was tall, slender, and had long dark hair. She was absolutely stunning. I realized that she was with a fine black man who was in incredible shape. It turns out the attractive couple was Montel Williams and his wife. Once I realized who it was I was very pleased, I had my requisite Vegas celebrity sighting! (While Montel is arguably "B" list, I also saw Babyface in the lobby of the Bellagio the next night. The combination of the two of them = "A" list, I think.)

Well, my boyfriend arrived on the flight from Newark as well. He was a little tired and slightly annoyed by the delay, but he brightened up when he saw me. That look made up for the wait. I gave him a kiss and a hug and committed to enjoying the trip.

After getting his bags, we made our way to the MGM Grand where we stayed. The next day, we walked the strip and had brunch at the buffet at the Bellagio. It was the most spectacular brunch ever. They had everything. We nearly ate ourselves sick. After recovering and doing a little gambling, my boyfriend pulled a rabbit out of his hat and scored tickets to the Cirque du Soleil show, "O". Any review will tell you that "O" is an incredible display of acrobatics, often under water. However, our show was different, my boyfriend was pulled on stage to dance with a clown! Unfortunately, cameras were not allowed. So this event is only preserved on this blog.

We jam packed more fun into the weekend than I thought was possible. A surprise trip to Vegas is truly romantic. Had I won money gambling, the trip would have have been a fairy tale. Despite my losses, as I traveled back on the red eye on Monday, it all felt like a dream.
Enhanced by Zemanta

Comments