Albuquerque

Derek and I went on a mini-vacation this past weekend to Albuquerque, New Mexico.  No, Albuquerque would not be my first choice for a vacation; however, Derek had a conference there starting Monday.  Therefore, we flew up on Saturday and played before all his conferences started.  He got to play golf on Monday and I had a spa treatment.  The conference was at the Sandia Resort & Casino.  It was a beautiful hotel, and I actually did relax.  I caught up on some reading that didn't involve words that rhyme, and Derek and I actually went to the movies.  We saw Hunger Games.  It was great even though neither Derek or I have read the book.  I do have some general observations regarding New Mexico:

1)  Just because you are known for your chillies doesn't mean you have to flavor every type of food with either a green chili sauce or red;

2)  People over 70 really love the casino;

3)  If you are homeless please do not do any of the following
   a)  Run up to a car as soon as it parks and start banging on the window;
   b)  Start begging for money before the occupants of said car can actually open the door to get out;
   c)  Start telling me how hungry you are with a beer in your hand;
   d)  Start telling me what domination of money ($10.00)  would really help you out; and
    e)  As soon as we tell you we don't have any cash, particularly the domination you want give us a go to          hell look and start running to the next car that just pulled up in the parking lot.

4)   The jewelry you are selling at all the stores and boutiques should not be marked up by 160% just because a Native American made it; and

5)  To the ass on the crowded plane on the way back.  I can forgive you for not helping me put my bag in the overhead bin because I guess you were too busy just staring at me struggling to do it myself.  However, when you refused to move your jacket that you laid in the overhead bin, I have to admit I got pleasure out of asking you if it was your jacket before I crammed my bag on top of it.  I hope it didn't get too wrinkled. 


Other than the complete jerk on the plane the trip was really good.  Derek and I needed some time away just to ourselves.  Although I missed Payton, I think it did the entire family some good to get away.