Nothing was really jumping out at me, until we were just getting ready to leave and the sales person moved a black, velvet tray to reveal a large, stunning, sterling silver Buddha ring. I had to try it on. While a little big for the ring or pointer finger on my left had, it seemed made for the middle finger. What it wasn’t made for was my wallet. Being approximately an inch long and solid, this gorgeous, hefty ring came with a heft price tag. Sadly, I gave Buddha back.

Over the next few days, however, I couldn’t stop thinking about the ring. Thoughts of it would pop into my head randomly. After three days of this, I decided to see if they would still honor the discount they had offered me over the weekend. I would then inform my family that they didn’t need to buy my any birthday presents if they just wanted to contribute to the ring, instead.

Armed with my credit card and a plan, I entered Oddemporium on a high note, which was shortly deflated as I was informed that a previous employee had been in, loved the ring, and purchased it for their girlfriend. So I spent 30 minutes looking at consolation rings, then went home empty handed, berating myself for not just purchasing the ring the first time I saw it. My girlfriend wisely stated, “If it was meant to be yours, it would still have been there.” She’s wise like that.

Time went on (ok, actually just a few weeks passed) and it was my birthday dinner. Giving presents over champagne, my brother hands over this small gift bag, mumbling something out it “not being a big deal” (he’s not one for shows of emotion). Excited to see what he got me, I gently opened the bag to discover my gorgeous, hefty Buddha ring. After a few moments of staring at it in disbelief, I burst into tears. It was the most thoughtful gift, and I was moved beyond words.

How did this come to be, you ask? Let’s rewind to the Saturday, a few week previous, when I first became enthralled. That night, my brother, his wife, and I were playing poker with our poker group, and I shared the story of the afternoon and the amazing ring I decided not to purchase. The next day, my brother and his wife went into every antique store along Broadway’s “antique row,” looking for the ring, to no avail. They had one more shop to go before they called it quits—the Oddemporium—where they found my ring, purchased it (I hope at a discount!) and kept it a secret for two weeks at poker!

I guess it was meant to be mine all along.

For anyone who knows the basics of Buddhism, you will see the irony in this story. The Second Noble Truth of Buddhism is that suffering is caused by desire and grasping. Which I was clearly demonstrating in my desire and grasping for, of all things, a Buddha ring. And while I’m fascinated by Buddha and Buddhism, I don’t regret my desire for the ring, nor the fact that it’s sitting on my finger and bringing me a little peace of mind when I reflect on it. Alas, I have a long way to go to be enlightened.

Suffering is caused by desire and grasping.

Viva Las Vegas! I know, really cliché, but really true! Chris and I spent 4 wonderful days in Sin City, celebrating our TENTH wedding anniversary. We planned it for a year, actually followed through, and had one of the best vacations ever. Maybe because the kids were back at home? 😉 For those of you interested in our fantastic trip, or if you just want to hear about a totally cool, new off-strip resort and see some fun photos, read on!

I will probably spend most of this post discussing a fabulous place called The M Resort. ((Of course it’s fabulous–it’s named after me 😉 )) I came across the resort while trolling the web looking for great Vegas deals. And a deal I got! We paid $74 a night (including Fri and Sat) and even though the resort tacks on a $25 resort fee per day, our deal actually gave us a $25-a-day hotel credit to be used anywhere in the hotel! Of course Chris and I had NO problem spending that!

The M is truly a beautiful place and we were thrilled to see $5 minimums at the craps table, and find that the six restaurants offered competitive pricing. I guess being 9 miles off the strip you have to make some concessions! We spent our first evening (Thursday) really just hanging out and enjoying being a) in Las Vegas and b) kidless! While Chris went to play in the 6:00 Hold ‘Em tourney, I was anxiously awaiting the arrival of two of my eFriends (who I am proud to call my friends now), Perpelina and Cajun Vegan.

We hung out at the Lobby Bar enjoying a pitcher of something very summer-ish and just chatting. I truly felt at ease with them both and was disappointed when the time came to say good-bye. ((I was on vacation, and they, unfortunately, were not.)) Believe it or not, our first night in Vegas ended pretty early (by Vegas standards). That 3-hour time difference is a bitch!

Good morning Friday and Happy 10^th Anniversary! Chris and I spent a leisurely morning reading in bed. Yes, reading in bed! No kids, no work, no nothing. We could do whatever the hell we wanted! After an über-delicious breakfast buffet we hit the pool. AND WHAT A POOL! I felt like I had just walked on to the set of a movie. Sweet cabanas in the middle of the pool, ivy-lined walls, gaming tables outside…it was pretty fantastic. We grabbed some chairs by the water, grabbed a few drinks ((Hey, we’re on vacation!)) and proceeded to do more of nothing!

Our anniversary dinner at Hugo’s Cellar in the Four Queens casino on Fremont street was amazing. Chris and I made our own surf ‘n turf. I ordered seafood, he ordered steak, and we chowed down. It was great enjoying a meal in a place where I’m not allowed to write on the table with my crayons. 🙂

We did make it to The Strip on Saturday thanks to The M’s free shuttle. Of course it dropped us at the Fashion Show mall and the Puma store was just calling my name. So was the iPod custom wrap cart and Sephora. 😆 It was definitely hot, but we certainly weren’t complaining. No humidity!

Chris also scored us a free dinner at The M’s Japanese steakhouse at the top of the resort by charming the pants off of the craps pit boss. We may not have come home with any money, but we certainly came home with some great memories!

Viva Las Vegas!!