Hot, hot, hot!

Yes, summer is here. Summer in Phoenix is serious stuff. There are supposedly thundershowers in the forecast for tomorrow though, so maybe we’ll catch a break. More likely however is that they will just up the humidity, which is already noticeable.

So, we’ve been enjoying the pool as usual. Well, Duke hasn’t. He is not a big fan of swimming. We wanted to make sure he knew how to get out if he ever fell in, so we’ve been tossing him in and guiding him to the steps. Now Terry and the kids just do it to annoy him I think. He is a good sport – he tolerates it but it is definitely not his favorite thing. He’s a pretty good swimmer but I don’t think he’ll be jumping in on his own anytime soon.

I got back from Vegas a few days ago, which was of course just as hot as Phoenix. We operated a conference with about 1,100 people which kept our staff really busy, but afterwards we had a little time to enjoy ourselves. I actually won $100 at the casino – that was fun!

I’ve been playing Texas Hold’Em poker though mostly on the computer since I can’t seem to scare up enough people to play “in real life”. Been teaching Justin the principles of basic poker games too – which he enjoys. Nothing like good ol’ mom teaching her son a life skill, eh? Maybe someday he’ll win the WPT or WSOP and I’ll get some cash out of the deal. Hell, the boy already aspires to be a rock star/bartender – why not add poker stud to the mix?

Speaking of Justin – his 12th birthday is just a few weeks away. Where does the time go? I can’t believe I’m a mother to him, and even worse, a 17 year old! Seems like not so long ago I myself was just 17. Of course I was a senior in high school and already driving, but I digress…

Well Justin’s home and I promised to play a few rounds of dealer’s choice with him so gotta go!

News… and not-so-newsworthy stuff too

Oh blog, I have been neglecting you. For that I am sorry. Life gets so busy, and I get caught up with a hellish work schedule, family activities and such – and then when I have a little ‘down time’ I just find other things to do. But I’ll do my best to get back on the wagon – writing is good for me, and I know there are people out there who actually enjoy reading the drivel.

Kids are out of school – and I can’t believe Justin is going into 7th grade/junior high. We got him a cell phone a few weeks ago and in one week his texts rivaled that of his 17-year-old brother’s monthly use (nearly 4,000 – how does that happen?). And yes, we do have the unlimited plan – learned that lesson a while back.

The boys aren’t doing much over the summer, but next week they’ll be in Austinfor a visit with my sisters and brother. It’s a nice way to break up their summer and get them out of the house a bit. It’s tough in Arizona with daytime highs near 105 – it’s not very conducive to hangin’ at the park. They have been enjoying the pool however.

Duke has not been enjoying the pool. He really doesn’t like to swim, but we’ve been trying to get him used to it in case he falls in, so he knows how to get to the steps and get out. It would be nice to have the dog join us for family swim time, but I don’t think that’s going to happen anytime soon.

Pretty soon I’ll be going to Vegas for work. We have a huge conference (800+ people) and I’m the registration queen for that. As with most meeting registration, there’s one day of pure hell where everyone is picking up their badges, getting their materials and sometimes arguing about whether they paid, or paid the proper rate. In this case the day will be longer than usual – working 6am to 11pm. Yes it’s ugly. After that’s over, it will be downhill at least. Toward the end of the trip we will have some free time to get out and enjoy the city a bit which I will be in total need of. We’re also going to do a site visit of the Ritz Carlton and since we’re preferred clients of theirs, we will probably get the royal treatment. That’s what I’m really looking forward to.

Ok, time to get to work – will make an effort to blog more. Hope everyone is enjoying their summer!