Some people get mad, some get angry, some ride bulls. None is inducive to solving any relationship ills.

Fifteen whole days away. Sheesh. If ever someone needed a vacation, it would be me. I had so much going on during my hiatus. I probably should have kept a journal. (I know most of you were keeping up with me on twitter).

First for Christmas, was meeting HG’s family in western Ohio. I failed at an after Christmas (mens-only, apparently) ping-pong competition, but reigned at air hockey (OK, HG beats me at everything because I told him I get more pissed when someone lets me win). Then we spent a weekend in Michigan at the “lake house” about an hour outside Detroit. First, a Mexican dinner at Sagebrush Cantina in a really cute part of town and then a dinner that I still crave (wish I wrote down the name of the restaurant – something & Mauer, I think?) — chicken tossed with fettuccine in cream sauce with Michigan bing cherries and green beans… and nuts too. My mouth still waters. Such a great dish.

Upon arrival to Phoenix, we checked into the Camelback Inn — such a gorgeous place spread out between Camelback and Mummy mountains — then did some grocery shopping, and continued over to visit my sisters and brother (in town from Cali, yeah!). Coming into a vacation with a well-rounded home-cooked meal was awesome. Thanks, Adge & Jess!

New Year’s Eve, after burning in the sun (yes for unseasonably warm temperatures!) we had dinner in Scottsdale at Bungalow on the PATIO , then spent the midnight portion partying at the W Hotel (where the hookers and douchebags came out to play). I felt like we waited in line for everything — drinks, to get outside, to get inside, to go piss… *sigh* big city, go. The DJs were good, and it was fantastic being able to  party outside with my old Lakewood roommate and her friends. The Scottsdale Chicks were hot, and I cock-blocked one of my old roommate’s friends by hitting on “his girl.” (She has apparently given up women, but that night I could’ve changed her mind. Awesome). It was fun sharing two midnight kisses — one for the EST midnight and one for non-daylight-savings time — both with HG, pervs.

New Year’s Day hangover wasn’t too bad; I spent another day receiving color (red) poolside. Later that night, we met up with another couple at the Valley Ho super cool retro cocktail lounge, then dinner at Cowboy Ciao. I tried the Cabon (a rooster without his balls, from what the waiter tells me) — I wasn’t ultimately impressed with the “chicken,” but the tiny kielbasas scattered around my plate were awesome. And because we all shared in a few plates of appetizers, I was able to try a few other dishes as well — spare ribs were DELICIOUS!  I couldn’t eat the legendary chopped salad because it had salmon in it. The carpaccio was very, very good.

Afterward, we cheesily spent two hours singing karaoke in a private room at Geisha Go-Go where we all became hilariously drunk. To then when I became angry at Saddle Ranch later that evening, and rode a bull to somehow pretend like nothing mattered. That’s not destructive, right?

Next day (I think it’s Friday now?), I had little bit worse than a hangover. And spent most of my day in bed. And working from my resort room. HG went out and hiked, and I was jealous that I couldn’t join him on Mummy Mountain. I had to shape up quick for our sunset horseback riding at Cave Creek park. It was so relaxing (and not-so-much romantic) and fun. HG was behind me on his horse, and I just smiled every time I looked back at him.  After grabbing some Wendy’s for a requisite “I can finally eat after puking all day” quick meal, we met up with my sisters again for a night of Trivial Pursuit. Again… I did not win.

I really should have taken notes because I cannot remember what in the world I did on Saturday — I know HG golfed. I think my sisters and niece came out to visit me at the resort and hang by the pool. That night, we went to Canal for dinner. It was really fun that HG had friends (couples) out in AZ as well. We did an appetizer share again, and the waiter brought out the grilled cheese and tomato bisque (which was awesome), the corn cakes (very meh — but everyone else seemed to love them) and the Thai rolls (that I could not eat). I had the roasted chicken and artichoke lasagna for dinner, which was wonderful.

After dinner, as a group, we decided on a Scottsdale party crawl — first, taking us to Bungalow once again. As we walked into our second location – -Martini Ranch (which was cool like five years ago) — for whatever reason, we decided to stay and do bottle service. The bar crawl did not commence. Even though the place was super cheesy, the music was good, there were hot (half-naked) chicks dancing on poles and we had our own place to sit and enjoy. Strange thing about bottle service in AZ — they lock up the bottles so that you cannot pour your own drinks. Obviously, I hate this because you still get just a lame one-ounce pour of vodka. Then have to wait for the cocktail waitress to return when you’re thirsty. This place had only one working toilet for women (annoying), which allowed for completely random conversations with strangers. Then, while I was dancing (apparently by myself) an Asian couple sandwiched me on the dancefloor. Weird.

Sunday. I’m at a loss. We had pizza delivered some time overnight after the cabbie dropped us off. I think we mostly laid around and watched football. We went to a quick lunch at Fox Sports, where I totally pigged out on bar food. Then we spent a night in the hot tub/pool area. This may or may not have been where my heart completely collapsed. Just saying. It may have had something to do with the heat. From the hot tub, assholes.

Then, Monday, of course, the Fiesta Bowl. We had to check out this day too, which was sad as the realization of our vacation time ending was overwhelming. But we bottled up all our excess “room liquor” and drove off for the Glendale complex for a little OSU tailgating. We arrived in time to join the Buckeye pep rally at Westgate (I think was what the place was called). Afterward, hung out at one of the bars, then to the game! HG had some awesome seats — right about the 15 yard line (two rows behind Super Fan). And yes, plain and clear view for that really shitty touchdown from Texas. *sigh*

We stayed with my sister for our last night in Phoenix. It was bittersweet. I was really excited to spend so much time with my family (and have more family meet HG) while I was in town — on top of all the other plans that HG & I had. Oh, too funny when I introduced him to my sister, she goes, “Hey HG!” and he was all confused. OK, so maybe he knows, but doesn’t read my blog.

I’m back, bitches. Giddily happy, content, loved liked and spiritually balanced. Up next, resolutions upgrade from last year and my intentions for 2009.

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