We were really slammed yesterday at the spa. Phyllis was needed at our sister property next door, Ed took one look at the empty schedule and decided to go home at nine AM (we didn't start filling up until 10; he's a dipshit, basically), so Jarvis and I were the only therapists on duty.
Right before lunch, Jarvis had a one-hour Swedish massage with a male client scheduled. He got the client, showed him where to go and what to do, but when Jarvis entered the room to begin the massage, he got a little surprise...
NOT SAFE FOR WORK. CLICK AT YOUR OWN RISK...
Yes, that is a dildo on top of a folded one-hundred-dollar bill. Jarvis took one look at it and whipped out his cell to take a pic. I don't know if it was just wishful thinking on the client's part, or if he was confused as to what kind of services we provide at our spa, but Jarvis took it all in stride. He explained we didn't do those things, and told the client where he could go if he had that kind of happy ending in mind. Jarvis has been around town a long time, he knows that kinda stuff.
Honestly, Jarvis has class. I'm not sure how I'd react in the same situation, but guaranteed I would NOT react with such aplomb!
Only in Vegas, I tell ya.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Graduation...
Thursday was the big day! Silver's High School Graduation (yes, I HAD to capitalize that...). She is now a proud graduate of Durango High School. W00T! The ceremony was held at the Orleans Arena, which is luckily just a few blocks from where we live...because we were seriously running late that morning. Ugh. I hate rushing, and Silver is pathologically afraid of being late for anything, so I had her breathing down my neck as I was getting ready, having to listen to her ranting about getting into trouble, etc., etc. That gets old, fast!
Anyway, I didn't think I'd get all emotional, but of course I was WRONG (what else is new?) The minute "Pomp and Circumstance" began to play and the students started entering the arena and taking their places, I had to fight back tears. Unfortunately, they kept the arena so dark, except for the stage, I wasn't able to take any good pictures of the actual ceremony. I think they do that on purpose so that the parents are forced to buy the official graduation portraits and ceremony DVDs! They only had about five million fliers scattered all around advertising these services...Money, it's all about the money!
Well, they did a fine job, nonetheless, and considering how huge the graduating class was (around 450 students, I believe), they zipped through the whole thing pretty rapidly. They started at noon, and were finished by 1:15.
I did get some pictures of Silver in her cap and gown, of course, but I waited until we were home again. Here ya go!
Congratulations, Silver! I'm very, very proud of you!
Later that day, to celebrate, we went to our favorite local Chinese restaurant, the Golden Dragon.
I decided to combine occasions, and surprised Silver with her birthday present. (Her eighteenth birthday is TODAY, and if that's not scary, I don't know what scary is!)
She received a family heirloom necklace, which has been handed down, mother to daughter, since my great-grandmother's time. It's a gold 10-Reichsmark coin from 1903, which was part of my grandmother's dowry. My great-grandmother smuggled a pouch filled with these coins, hidden in her hair (!!), when she and her family fled the Russians during World War II. My grandmother had one coin set into a pendant and started the tradition of passing it down.
I know the details aren't visible, that's due to my crappy camera and my equally crappy photography skills, but you get the general idea!
Today (actually, we should have left already!) Silver is accompanying me to the spa, where she'll be able to relax all day and likely get a massage from yours truly. Afterwards, we plan on going to the movies to see "Up"!
Hopefully it will be a spectacular day. :)
Anyway, I didn't think I'd get all emotional, but of course I was WRONG (what else is new?) The minute "Pomp and Circumstance" began to play and the students started entering the arena and taking their places, I had to fight back tears. Unfortunately, they kept the arena so dark, except for the stage, I wasn't able to take any good pictures of the actual ceremony. I think they do that on purpose so that the parents are forced to buy the official graduation portraits and ceremony DVDs! They only had about five million fliers scattered all around advertising these services...Money, it's all about the money!
Well, they did a fine job, nonetheless, and considering how huge the graduating class was (around 450 students, I believe), they zipped through the whole thing pretty rapidly. They started at noon, and were finished by 1:15.
I did get some pictures of Silver in her cap and gown, of course, but I waited until we were home again. Here ya go!
Congratulations, Silver! I'm very, very proud of you!
Later that day, to celebrate, we went to our favorite local Chinese restaurant, the Golden Dragon.
I decided to combine occasions, and surprised Silver with her birthday present. (Her eighteenth birthday is TODAY, and if that's not scary, I don't know what scary is!)
She received a family heirloom necklace, which has been handed down, mother to daughter, since my great-grandmother's time. It's a gold 10-Reichsmark coin from 1903, which was part of my grandmother's dowry. My great-grandmother smuggled a pouch filled with these coins, hidden in her hair (!!), when she and her family fled the Russians during World War II. My grandmother had one coin set into a pendant and started the tradition of passing it down.
I know the details aren't visible, that's due to my crappy camera and my equally crappy photography skills, but you get the general idea!
Today (actually, we should have left already!) Silver is accompanying me to the spa, where she'll be able to relax all day and likely get a massage from yours truly. Afterwards, we plan on going to the movies to see "Up"!
Hopefully it will be a spectacular day. :)
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
FUN!!
I worked at my chiropractor's office for the first time today and had so much fun! I'm glad I've been given this opportunity to do such a different type of massage therapy.
I did four half-hour massages, which will be my schedule from now on until the regular therapist comes back from maternity leave. I'll also, starting next week, work Thursday afternoons, doing four massages then, as well.
They told me I did a great job, so I'm looking forward to next week. :)
It doesn't hurt that the office is half a block away from my home...;)
I did four half-hour massages, which will be my schedule from now on until the regular therapist comes back from maternity leave. I'll also, starting next week, work Thursday afternoons, doing four massages then, as well.
They told me I did a great job, so I'm looking forward to next week. :)
It doesn't hurt that the office is half a block away from my home...;)
Weirdness...
Two strange occurrences today. Though I guess the second one is more of a trashy thing, not a weird thing.
First of all, one of my clients at the spa today kept his shorts on during the massage. And I don't mean UNDERshorts, either. I'm talking full-on street clothes; cargo shorts with buttons and belt loops and pockets! They came down past his knees, so I really didn't have much to massage. What's the matter with people? It's bad enough when they keep their underwear on, why the fuck would someone leave his pants on during the massage?! I've had women who wanted to leave their bras or bathing suit tops on, and I've vetoed that, but not much I can do when I drape a man's back and see he's wearing pants! By then it's too late to "fix" it.
The other weird thing I saw today was a man openly groping his female companion's boobs in the middle of the casino. It certainly made me do a double-take! Now in no way can I be mistaken for a prude, but I only approve of the mildest forms of PDA. C'mon, People! There's a time and a place for everything, but the casino floor of the New York-New York is NOT the appropriate place to be playing with a gal's fun bags, capiche? Try to muster some class. Please.
First of all, one of my clients at the spa today kept his shorts on during the massage. And I don't mean UNDERshorts, either. I'm talking full-on street clothes; cargo shorts with buttons and belt loops and pockets! They came down past his knees, so I really didn't have much to massage. What's the matter with people? It's bad enough when they keep their underwear on, why the fuck would someone leave his pants on during the massage?! I've had women who wanted to leave their bras or bathing suit tops on, and I've vetoed that, but not much I can do when I drape a man's back and see he's wearing pants! By then it's too late to "fix" it.
The other weird thing I saw today was a man openly groping his female companion's boobs in the middle of the casino. It certainly made me do a double-take! Now in no way can I be mistaken for a prude, but I only approve of the mildest forms of PDA. C'mon, People! There's a time and a place for everything, but the casino floor of the New York-New York is NOT the appropriate place to be playing with a gal's fun bags, capiche? Try to muster some class. Please.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Aprox. $200 later...
Tucker is home and WELL! Woo-HOO!!!
I'm so happy! :)
Not so happy about the bill, but that's what happens when they end up having to pull two teeth. *sigh* His upper pre-molars were exposed to the root, so they had to go. Now he's drugged to the gills, and I have seven days of antibiotics and two different painkillers to administer. Not to mention making sure he only eats the soft foods I have to give him and none of the kibble I give Harley. Oh, and preventing Harley from eating the soft foods!
He looks so miserable right now, but at least he's tucked into bed, not in a cage at the vet's.
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers, I'm sure they helped.
So, would it be tacky and unconscionable of me to put up a donation button? I've asked various people and gotten different answers from all. What do you think?
I'm so happy! :)
Not so happy about the bill, but that's what happens when they end up having to pull two teeth. *sigh* His upper pre-molars were exposed to the root, so they had to go. Now he's drugged to the gills, and I have seven days of antibiotics and two different painkillers to administer. Not to mention making sure he only eats the soft foods I have to give him and none of the kibble I give Harley. Oh, and preventing Harley from eating the soft foods!
He looks so miserable right now, but at least he's tucked into bed, not in a cage at the vet's.
Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers, I'm sure they helped.
So, would it be tacky and unconscionable of me to put up a donation button? I've asked various people and gotten different answers from all. What do you think?
Shortly...
I'll be taking Tucker to the vet for his dental cleaning. I know both dogs are going to have meltdowns, because they have MAJOR separation anxiety. From each other! They're so used to being together, 24/7, that they freak out when they are separated.
I foresee issues with this in the future...
Anyway, I'd appreciate any and all prayers/good thoughts/positive energy/crossed fingers, etc. sent our way today. I'm really worried about the anesthesia and have been trying not to think about it, unsuccessfully.
Thanks, Guys.
I'll keep you all posted when I can.
I foresee issues with this in the future...
Anyway, I'd appreciate any and all prayers/good thoughts/positive energy/crossed fingers, etc. sent our way today. I'm really worried about the anesthesia and have been trying not to think about it, unsuccessfully.
Thanks, Guys.
I'll keep you all posted when I can.
Hardcore/Backwards
Two interesting massages yesterday:
A regular client, who insists, along with his wife, that I do the massage completely backwards. (Starting face-up instead of face-down.) Honestly, it doesn't really make a difference to me, but it does throw my timing off slightly! I got to the end of the massage and still had five minutes left...but all therapists have tricks to draaaaaaaaaaw things out a bit! ;)
My last client of the day was a young man here for the WSOP (can I NEVER escape you?!), who requested a 90-minute deep tissue massage. He told me that he likes a LOT of pressure, so I lowered the table as far as it would go and really went to town on him, elbows leading the way. As I was working on his upper back, I heard a *snort*: he had fallen asleep! Talk about hardcore...anyone who can fall asleep with my elbow shoved up under his shoulder blade gets props for being tougher than the average sumo wrestler.
Other than these two clients, I had two very nice ladies, as well. One lady had never had a massage before, the other had never had a hot stone massage before, and I always love converting newbies! Tips were good, everyone was happy, including moi.
My favorite kind of day!
A regular client, who insists, along with his wife, that I do the massage completely backwards. (Starting face-up instead of face-down.) Honestly, it doesn't really make a difference to me, but it does throw my timing off slightly! I got to the end of the massage and still had five minutes left...but all therapists have tricks to draaaaaaaaaaw things out a bit! ;)
My last client of the day was a young man here for the WSOP (can I NEVER escape you?!), who requested a 90-minute deep tissue massage. He told me that he likes a LOT of pressure, so I lowered the table as far as it would go and really went to town on him, elbows leading the way. As I was working on his upper back, I heard a *snort*: he had fallen asleep! Talk about hardcore...anyone who can fall asleep with my elbow shoved up under his shoulder blade gets props for being tougher than the average sumo wrestler.
Other than these two clients, I had two very nice ladies, as well. One lady had never had a massage before, the other had never had a hot stone massage before, and I always love converting newbies! Tips were good, everyone was happy, including moi.
My favorite kind of day!
Saturday, June 06, 2009
The Consensus is:
WSOP: Christina's doin it rong.
I've gone at every time of day and night and can't seem to make very much money. A gal was checking out as I was checking in this morning, and granted she was there for ELEVEN hours (which I refuse to do), but she grossed $980! She gets half of that and the (I'm sure) copious tips she received.
I'm still convinced it's familiarity. The therapists who've been working the WSOP year after year are getting the most business. That makes perfect sense, but it doesn't exactly help me.
Oh, well. I'll keep plugging away and maybe I'll get lucky. I'd sure like to justify the fatigue I'm feeling by having a fat wallet!
I've gone at every time of day and night and can't seem to make very much money. A gal was checking out as I was checking in this morning, and granted she was there for ELEVEN hours (which I refuse to do), but she grossed $980! She gets half of that and the (I'm sure) copious tips she received.
I'm still convinced it's familiarity. The therapists who've been working the WSOP year after year are getting the most business. That makes perfect sense, but it doesn't exactly help me.
Oh, well. I'll keep plugging away and maybe I'll get lucky. I'd sure like to justify the fatigue I'm feeling by having a fat wallet!
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
So....
after the debacle that was taking my dogs to the vet's (about which I'll report more later), I was left with the choice of having Tucker's teeth cleaned by the vet on Monday, or doing nothing and having all his teeth fall out eventually. Why is this such a tough decision? Because Italian Greyhounds are notoriously sensitive to general anesthesia. They have almost no fat on them, so I guess it's difficult for the vets to dose them properly. After some discussion with the veterinarian who'll be doing the procedure, which established that yes, she's well aware of the issue and will closely monitor Tucker, I gave it the green light. Of course, this will not stop me from worrying all day on Monday...until I get that phone call saying he's all right!
Monday, June 01, 2009
And a hearty...
FUCK YOU to the asshole in the pick-up truck who thought it was a splendid idea to suddenly stop and back up so he could turn into the parking lot of the strip mall at Flamingo and Jones. If I hadn't had quick reflexes, my car would have acquired a new, vintage hood ornament! And I'd be at the ER right now, no doubt.
I saw the following license plate holder a few blocks later, which helped cool my ire:
"IF HELL FREEZES OVER I'LL SKI THERE TOO!"
It cracked me up.
I saw the following license plate holder a few blocks later, which helped cool my ire:
"IF HELL FREEZES OVER I'LL SKI THERE TOO!"
It cracked me up.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Down but not out.
Yesterday I headed over to the Rio again, to pit myself against all the other therapists vying for massage clients. After over two hours of circling, circling, like a vulture over the dying body of a wildebeest, I gave up and went home. Sheesh, do I smell? Not that anyone could distinguish my B.O. (had I any!) from the miasma already present. Am I that ugly? Too old? Boobs too small?
I know that that really has nothing to do with it. But it's hard not to feel discouraged and rejected when you see other therapists massaging people at tables you recently approached. And it's even more difficult as time passes and you see the same therapists getting services, over and over again, when you can't even manage to get one stinkin' client. I know that many of these "popular" therapists are just that: popular. They've been working at WSOP for years, and the players know them and look specifically for them. Still, doesn't change how I feel.
Well, I'm changing my game plan. Instead of heading over to the Rio at 7PM (when the tournament players break for dinner, anyway!), I'll go there in the middle of the night, say 2 or 3 AM, and work until it's time for me to go to my "real" job. Most of the other therapists will have gone home by them, and the remaining players will be tired and sore and ready for massage! Hopefully I'll be able to do some massages and make some money.
Next week I start my fourth job, but it'll only be four hours a week. I'll be filling in for my chiropractor's massage therapist who's going to be on maternity leave. I'm really looking forward to this opportunity, since I've never done massage in the chiropractic setting before. It's very different from the spa, and it'll be nice to broaden my scope and get more experience.
Seeing as I'll be moving to Texas by the end of the year/beginning of 2010, it's good that I'll have more stuff to put on my resume...;)
I know that that really has nothing to do with it. But it's hard not to feel discouraged and rejected when you see other therapists massaging people at tables you recently approached. And it's even more difficult as time passes and you see the same therapists getting services, over and over again, when you can't even manage to get one stinkin' client. I know that many of these "popular" therapists are just that: popular. They've been working at WSOP for years, and the players know them and look specifically for them. Still, doesn't change how I feel.
Well, I'm changing my game plan. Instead of heading over to the Rio at 7PM (when the tournament players break for dinner, anyway!), I'll go there in the middle of the night, say 2 or 3 AM, and work until it's time for me to go to my "real" job. Most of the other therapists will have gone home by them, and the remaining players will be tired and sore and ready for massage! Hopefully I'll be able to do some massages and make some money.
Next week I start my fourth job, but it'll only be four hours a week. I'll be filling in for my chiropractor's massage therapist who's going to be on maternity leave. I'm really looking forward to this opportunity, since I've never done massage in the chiropractic setting before. It's very different from the spa, and it'll be nice to broaden my scope and get more experience.
Seeing as I'll be moving to Texas by the end of the year/beginning of 2010, it's good that I'll have more stuff to put on my resume...;)
Saturday, May 30, 2009
A Wash.
Well, I didn't go to WSOP last night. I was getting ready, which also included drinking copious amounts of (half-caff) coffee through a straw, and ended up getting sicker than a dog. I don't know if it was the coffee, the amount of coffee, the fact that I probably swallowed too much air because of the straw, or any and all combinations thereof, but it wasn't pretty. I'll leave it at that.
I'm off to my full-time job shortly, and will be going to WSOP (I keep wanting to say, "Whassuuuuuup?") after I leave there tonight. Hopefully I'll make so much money it'll make up for not going last night. Well, as my daughter told me while convincing me to stay home last night, the World Series lasts for six weeks, I'll be okay.
I'm off to my full-time job shortly, and will be going to WSOP (I keep wanting to say, "Whassuuuuuup?") after I leave there tonight. Hopefully I'll make so much money it'll make up for not going last night. Well, as my daughter told me while convincing me to stay home last night, the World Series lasts for six weeks, I'll be okay.
Friday, May 29, 2009
First Impressions of World Series of Poker...
The smell: A combination of body odor, Red Bull, and desperation.
The sounds: The constant clickety-clickety-clack of the poker chips. It's a seriously incessant background noise. The staff announcing open chairs over the microphone. The dealers shouting, "Winner at table xyz!" The spectators talking and commenting on the games (why watch? I find it as exciting as watching paint dry. Maybe because I don't understand the games...)
The sights: Players wearing hats and/or hoods...and sunglasses indoors! Apparently famous players plastered with advertisements all over their clothing and hats. Lots of fake boobs and ankle-breaking high heels. Media all over the place (though I've never heard of the magazines/websites.) The flashes of cameras going off in my face as my client is being photographed (he was famous, or semi-famous...who knew?) Almost everyone with an MP3 player of some sort, and either earbuds or HUGE headphones.
Altogether a fascinating experience, even if I didn't make very much money. I felt like I was doing research, maybe for sociology or something! Anyway, I was told that it's always slow the first few days, and that tomorrow and Saturday will be better. I sure hope so. But I'll always be able to say that I worked at the World Series of Poker!
The sounds: The constant clickety-clickety-clack of the poker chips. It's a seriously incessant background noise. The staff announcing open chairs over the microphone. The dealers shouting, "Winner at table xyz!" The spectators talking and commenting on the games (why watch? I find it as exciting as watching paint dry. Maybe because I don't understand the games...)
The sights: Players wearing hats and/or hoods...and sunglasses indoors! Apparently famous players plastered with advertisements all over their clothing and hats. Lots of fake boobs and ankle-breaking high heels. Media all over the place (though I've never heard of the magazines/websites.) The flashes of cameras going off in my face as my client is being photographed (he was famous, or semi-famous...who knew?) Almost everyone with an MP3 player of some sort, and either earbuds or HUGE headphones.
Altogether a fascinating experience, even if I didn't make very much money. I felt like I was doing research, maybe for sociology or something! Anyway, I was told that it's always slow the first few days, and that tomorrow and Saturday will be better. I sure hope so. But I'll always be able to say that I worked at the World Series of Poker!
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Well...
in a few hours I'll be leaving for my first shift at the World Series of Poker at the Rio.
I'm a little nervous, to be honest, but I'm sure I'll be fine.
Wish me luck!
Updates sure to follow...
I'm a little nervous, to be honest, but I'm sure I'll be fine.
Wish me luck!
Updates sure to follow...
Seen in the casino...
A Las Vegas T-shirt with the following slogan:
One Casino
Two Casino
Three Casino
POOR!
Glad to see that some tourists have a bit of sense, AND a sense of humor!
One Casino
Two Casino
Three Casino
POOR!
Glad to see that some tourists have a bit of sense, AND a sense of humor!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Seriously, I'm NOT a prostitute, I'm just a working girl!
I had my orientation for the World Series of Poker last night (Oh, and THANKS, President Obama, for making me LATE!).
Naturally the orientation was at the Rio, because that's where the tournament is being held. Afterwards, I was headed back to my car to drive over to the New York-New York (part-time job, remember?), and I was talking to Silver on my cell, giving her a rundown of events. I hopped on the elevator to the parking garage as a gentleman joined me.
I mentioned to Silver that I'd probably have to leave the house at six every evening I'm working there, because it takes almost half an hour just to get from the parking garage to the venue for the tournament, then I added the apparently suggestive phrase: "This should be quite lucrative!"
My fellow elevator rider held up his palm to me and said, quite loudly, "I don't want to know!"
I was shocked, and started blurting, "But, I'm a MASSAGE TH..." He interrupted with, "I REALLY don't want to know!"
As he exited the elevator, a floor before I needed to get off, I shouted after him, "NO, NO, I'm a MASSAGE THERAPIST for the World Series of Poker!" and shook my uniform shirt, which I'd had slung over my shoulder, at him. He turned around, and as the elevator doors were closing, asked, "Oh, do you have a business card?"
*blink blink*
Naturally the orientation was at the Rio, because that's where the tournament is being held. Afterwards, I was headed back to my car to drive over to the New York-New York (part-time job, remember?), and I was talking to Silver on my cell, giving her a rundown of events. I hopped on the elevator to the parking garage as a gentleman joined me.
I mentioned to Silver that I'd probably have to leave the house at six every evening I'm working there, because it takes almost half an hour just to get from the parking garage to the venue for the tournament, then I added the apparently suggestive phrase: "This should be quite lucrative!"
My fellow elevator rider held up his palm to me and said, quite loudly, "I don't want to know!"
I was shocked, and started blurting, "But, I'm a MASSAGE TH..." He interrupted with, "I REALLY don't want to know!"
As he exited the elevator, a floor before I needed to get off, I shouted after him, "NO, NO, I'm a MASSAGE THERAPIST for the World Series of Poker!" and shook my uniform shirt, which I'd had slung over my shoulder, at him. He turned around, and as the elevator doors were closing, asked, "Oh, do you have a business card?"
*blink blink*
Amended WORST TATTOO...
I must apologize to the lady with the "cat" tattoo. She has been toppled from the dubious throne of "worst tattoo ever" by a gentleman with his WIFE'S FACE tattooed on his calf. Not only that, but it was a horrible, horrible tattoo. I mean, I met his wife, because we were doing a side-by-side massage, and I collected her from the women's spa for my male colleague, Jarvis. So obviously I got a good look at her face.
Worst. Likeness. EVAR.
Plus, the tattoo was just of her head, floating like a pumpkin in space, with her name in a ribbon above. No neck, nothing. Awful. I still shudder to think about it.
And, as I believe I've mentioned before, putting your spouse's, lover's, partner's, significant other's name, initials, face, etc. anywhere on your body, permanently, is the kiss of death to the relationship.
Then you're stuck with a painful reminder of something best forgotten.
Worst. Likeness. EVAR.
Plus, the tattoo was just of her head, floating like a pumpkin in space, with her name in a ribbon above. No neck, nothing. Awful. I still shudder to think about it.
And, as I believe I've mentioned before, putting your spouse's, lover's, partner's, significant other's name, initials, face, etc. anywhere on your body, permanently, is the kiss of death to the relationship.
Then you're stuck with a painful reminder of something best forgotten.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Worst tattoo ever...
a "cat" in the small of a lady's back. But it wasn't a whole cat, just the cat's face. With no outline, even. Or ears. So basically just the eyes, nose, mouth and whiskers.
And if that weren't bad enough, the "feline" eyes had ROUND pupils. Ugh.
And if that weren't bad enough, the "feline" eyes had ROUND pupils. Ugh.
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