Park City Getaway

Yesterday, some friends and I went to Park City for a girls’ night out.  Actually, it was more of a girls’ couple of days out since we stayed the night there too.  Debbie’s parents have a timeshare there and we were able to stay in a double room for a great deal, especially since we were dividing the cost between us.

The nine of us ate at a not-so-good restaurant on Main Street.  We were trying to find something that all of us would enjoy and that wasn’t too expensive.  Unfortunately, in Park City, there isn’t a lot of inexpensive, good restaurants to choose from.  And, most of the inexpensive restaurants are fast food joints and we definitely didn’t want fast food.  However, even though the food wasn’t spectacular, the company was awesome and I’d eat there again if I was with the same friends.

Dinner in Park City

After dinner, we went back to the hotel.  We were planning on playing some games, but we ended up just enjoying each other’s company by talking and taking pictures with my computer.  We laughed a lot and had a ton of fun.  Around 10:30 pm, Christie and Emily went home because they had other plans.  The rest of us stayed up until around 2:30 am talking and having a good time.

Rachel and Me Debbie and Me Tawnya and Me

Christie, Me, and Sue Cami, Me, and Emily Me and Jamie

Today, we went shopping at the outlet stores.  I didn’t get anything and neither did anyone else really.  I guess it was between seasons and there wasn’t much to choose from.  Plus, I’m really anti-buying clothes right now.  I don’t want to buy something I’ll only wear for a little bit.  Corey thinks I should because I can’t keep wearing clothes that are too big for me.  Maybe, once my pants won’t stay up, I’ll go buy some new clothes.

It was so much fun to spend the evening and day with my friends.  I’m so lucky to have them in my life.  And, the trip was a much needed break from reality.

Children’s Book Festival

A few of my friends and I went to the library today for the annual Children’s Book Festival.  They have a ton of, usually local, authors come.  The authors spend time with their fans in classes and also take the time to sign books.

This year, Shannon Hale attended.  I just started reading The Goose Girl on Wednesday so I wanted to have her sign my book.  She’s very sweet and funny.  I’m glad I had the chance to meet her.  Too bad I couldn’t say anything about her books because I haven’t actually finished any of them yet. If she attends again next year, maybe I can say something a little more profound.

Meeting Shannon Hale

Brandon Mull and Brandon Sanderson were there too.  I’ve heard a lot of good things about Brandon Mull’s Fablehaven series and I wish I owned a copy and had read them so I could’ve had him sign my books.  I’ve also heard a lot of good things about Brandon Sanderson’s Mistborn series and, again, I wish I owned a copy and had read them already. Hopefully, they’ll attend next year since they’re local.

I also had the chance to meet an up and coming author Karey Shane.  Her book, Secret Speakers and the Search for Selador’s Gate, will be published in September.  The book has already won Textnovel.com’s Reader’s Choice Award.  Since I love fantasy, I’m excited to check it out this September.

It was a lot of fun and I’m glad I decided to go.  I enjoy meeting new authors and telling them how much I enjoy their books and how much they add to my joy of reading.  It’s also a lot of fun to share these experiences with such good friends and fellow book addicts!

Meeting an Author

As I stated in my review of Freshman for President, my friends and I invited Ally Condie to come to one of our parties.  Our party took place last Friday and it was a lot of fun!

My friends Debbie and Rachel planned the party and did a great job.  It was fun to have everything decked out in red, white, and blue.  We ate yummy baked potatoes and had ice cream (rainbow sherbet and frozen yogurt) for dessert.  (Rainbow sherbet makes a couple of appearances in the book.)

Ally was very sweet and funny.  We really enjoyed having her at our party.  We asked her a couple of questions about Freshman for President, but most of our questions dealt with the writing process and how she gets inspiration, etc.

After Ally left, we talked about other books we’ve read and gave recommendations to each other.  My “to read” list went from 731 books to 751 books!

A Birthday Celebration Among Friends

Last night, I went out with some of my friends.  Debbie, Sue, Christie, Kayla, Rachael, and I all have birthdays in April.  Last year, we went to The Mayan to celebrate together and we had so much fun.  We wanted to do something together again this year.  Unfortunately, Rachael moved to California in March so she couldn’t join us. However, Kayla’s sister Shauna, who’s visiting from Texas, joined us.

Iggy's Sports GrillThis year, we decided to go to Iggy’s Sports Grill.  It’s a very popular restaurant in Utah and the food’s very yummy. To be somewhat healthy, I had coconut shrimp and tilapia with steamed vegetables and rice pilaf.  Then, for dessert, I had an apple torte with vanilla ice cream, which wasn’t very healthy at all.  But, I figured, since it was my birthday, I was allowed a little treat. We’ll see what it does to my weight loss on Tuesday.

Even though the food was excellent, the company was better.  I love hanging out with these women.  They’re so fabulous and I’m very lucky to have them as friends.  We always have a good time together and end up overstaying our welcome wherever we go.

All in all, we had a great evening and I can’t wait to celebrate our birthdays together next year.  Happy birthday girls!

The Deadwood Saloon Welcomes SLTA

Yesterday, I went to my first “Murder Mystery” party with my friends.  Since we get together almost every month, we thought it might be fun to do one of these parties.  I was really excited to dress up.

Through the Looking Glass Jenni aka Sheriff Sam

My friends Nancy, Lori, and Shauna put together a great party.  They bought tin plates and bowls to eat off of.  Speaking of which, we ate yummy chili taco salads.  The decorations were awesome!  It looked like we were in a real “fake” saloon and everyone looked great in their costume. We had so much fun that we want to do it again next year.

The Group The Group

An excerpt from the October 20, 1874 issue of the Deadwood Gazette:

With the 1st Annual Poker Tournament in town here, there has been a sweltering of visitors and residents milling around town this week.  As the tournament dwindles down, the anticipation for the celebration party only grows.  The party is planned to take place tonight at the Deadwood Saloon, Friday, October 20, 1874.  The party is planned to reward the prize money to the winner and to celebrate the success of the tournament.  Many of the visitors as well as the locals will be in attendance.

Little did we know, there would be much more than a party!  The winner of the tournament, Mitch Maverick, was in for a very rude awakening sleeping.

The cast of characters:

Harry and Henrietta High-Stakes (Owners of Deadwood Saloon) Sally Star and Taffy Garrett (Saloon Girls) Montgomery, Elizabeth, and Minnie Money

Banker Bob and Bonnie Gambling Jack and Anna Belle The Murderer and the Victim

Holly Hickok, Clay Coldwell, Mitch Maverick, and Gambling Jack (Poker Tournament Players) Marshal Dalton, Black Barbara, Jesse Wales, and Sheriff Sam

When we posed for pictures, we realized the two outlaws (Black Barbara and Jesse Wales) were both pregnant.  We thought this was rather funny.

Christie (aka Harry High-Stakes) was the only one who guessed the murderer, other than the murderer himself.  Kimberly (aka Sally Star) got the award for being best dressed.  Cami (aka Taffy Garrett) got the award for best actress and Rachel (aka Gambling Jack) got the award for best actor.  Jamie (aka Jesse Wales) got the award for richest character, meaning she blackmailed, swindled, stole, and bribed the most people during the party.