In Death We Find Strength

"You guys are the Andersons. You'll get through all of this by using your music!" ~ Katie D.

In a time, when a family cannot possibly comprehend a death, they are somehow able to come together, and smile through their tears, through the very music that has always held them together as a family. I sat in awe this weekend as I watched my family heal before my very eyes as they played their hearts to the sounds of Black Sabbath, Pat Bennetar, and Lynard Skynard.

They may never truly heal from what has happened, and they may never be able to truly understand any of it...but the Andersons will forever have music to guide them. It's the cornerstone of our entire family.

...our late dear Annie would have agreed.

So *cheers* to music, and that it does for the world every day. Some people pop pills, some down alcohol, us Andersons....we sing, we dance, we jam our little hearts out. It is definitley something to smile about.

Rest in Peace Aunt Annie

Vegas 2006

I’ve been trying for the past couple of days to find the right way to describe my trip to Las Vegas this weekend and I’m finding myself at a loss of words. What I have been able to pull from my four days there is this:

- I took lots of drunken PICTURES.

- It was HOT. 110, can’t stay out in the sun for more than 10 minutes at a time HOT! I loved it!!!!

- I still can’t believe I had to fly on the day when the alleged terrorist plot was stopped and travel was in return delayed and a bit chaotic. Way to add to my already tremendous fear of flying!!

- Bally's was the best place for us to stay. Innexpensive, and right on the strip

- Front of the Line passes are the way to go if you plan on going to the hot clubs. Even if you paid to be on it, it’s still fun to walk to the front of the massive line and say “I’m on the list”.

- Everyone in their lifetime needs to experience Ghostbar. Even if you only stay long enough for a few martinis and to learn a new phrase: “Silly Hot”.

- Looking hot and being brought up to the VIP room at RAIN nightclub is reason enough to have a big ego for the evening…especially when it’s accompanied by free vodka drinks!

- Vegas boasts some of the most fabulous clubs, and fabulously nice people! Apparently everyone that visits either comes from California…or Oshkosh, WI.

- I still have dreams about the gorgeous Go-Go dancers at Studio 54.

- I HATED Coyotee Ugly and hated Harrah’s even more!

- Travel the strip by city bus. It’s cheaper, and much more entertaining!

- Nickel slots suck. Can anyone even win anything on those?

- Three nights out and two full hot days is enough to make you crave your own bed and the cooler weather of Wisconsin. I had a blast, but was ready to come home.