My Mini Rock N Roll Vacation March 2011

It’s been 1 week now since my Mini-Me, Rock–N-Roll Vacation and I am stuck back in the real world of school runs, work, laundry, shopping, dance classes and the likes. Before it fades too much, I would just like to say “Thank You” to the Saw Doctors for providing me, once again, with an enjoyable experience and a Mighty fine time. Thursday-Hollywood My day started as usual, getting myself and Emma up, ready to head out the door to school. Only this time I didn’t stay and help out in her classroom. I gave her extra hugs and kisses, followed by a “Be good for Mamer’s and I love you”. I grabbed food and coffee from Wendy’s. I know - crap food, but if you add enough sugar to the coffee, it’s not that bad. With only a few pit stops along the way, I made it to Hollywood at around 2pm. It took a while to get to the hotel, in which time it started to rain! The Hotel Grafton was atop a hill, I don’t like driving up or down hills. I handed the car over to the valet, really the only way to park in Hollywood, and checked in. I made a brief call to Mr. Barrett per a request to let him know I had made it and took a nap. I headed to the venue around 5, just in time for sound check and caught DC as he was going in. After we hiked up 3 flights of stairs, my presence was announced to everyone by DC with a “look I found a bird”. Thanks very much! Sound check commenced, dinner eaten, and the show started. I was off duty as Merch Girl as the HOB provided that service, so I took a stool behind Tig and Keego in the sound/lighting area. It was great to see the smile on OJ’s face as they played “Indian Summer” and hear the “Thank You’s” for calling various people during their favourite songs! The evening ended with a hike down the hill to go back up the hill to have a glass of wine. Friday I met my friend Mark for lunch at the Olde King’s Head in Santa Monica. I made the mistake of going into the shop next door. If I had a cooler and lotto winnings, I would have bought one of everything in the shop. I forgot about the Easter Eggs that are produced in the UK - the lovely hollow ones filled with your favourite sweets! I managed to control myself and I walked out with only 2 bags. Lunch was lovely, Bangers and Mash, but the company was even better. I left sunny Santa Monica around 2, and once I cleared San Bernadino, sailed home. Emma was SO excited to see me and didn’t want to let go of me. I down/uploaded pics and videos and promptly went to bed. Saturday-Vegas I managed to get myself up and made the much-promised cinnamon rolls before once again heading out. This time leaving with lots of hugs & kisses for Emma & promises to be good for Regina and Olivia, my wonderful Emma minders for the next 2 days. I made Vegas by 2 and found the hotel quick enough. I was there an hour before check-in and so I took a walk to try to find the venue. I mistakenly went the wrong way and ended up on the back side of the MGM in a not-so-nice area of Vegas. I managed to get back to the hotel unscathed and ran into Niall as he was checking in as well. Room sorted and the actual venue, The Hard Rock Café location, figured out, so I once again took a nap. Well, kinda. I was watching the friendly between the US National team and Argentina. One day I will see Messi score! I was late to sound check but just in time for food. Not the best experience in that department, so Leo, Eimhin and I needed to walk it off. We were in search of who-knows-what and walked a good bit of the strip. Finally, after going up and down many people bridges by couples getting married and girls in mini-dresses and platform, high-heeled shoes, we arrived back at the venue just as AM Taxi was taking the stage. The crowd was small but enthusiastic, especially the group from Phoenix! The gig ended, the Merch sorted, and a little wine consumed. The Lads all had early flights to catch, so a low key night and early to the bed was in order. Well, except for Mr. Moran. As you all probably know by now, he managed to fall asleep at the gate and missed his flight. There has yet to be word on if he made it back OK but if he’s not at the gig in Dublin on Saturday, start worrying. Sunday I managed to not get road-ragey trying to drive home. Could they not have devised a different road system near Hoover Dam? I picked my sleeping Emma up at the Celtica concert in Sun City where some of the Championship dancers from TCA were dancing during the performance. We came home and I promptly fell asleep. What a whirlwind adventure and I’m a bit sad it’s over but plans for the Cape have already been started! So once again, I would like to thank the Lads for being so generous with their friendship, for taking care of and watching out for me, and providing a much-needed relief from my crazy life. I would also like to thank my Mum for doing the school runs for me and to Regina and Olivia for taking Em for me for the weekend.