My 2009 Vegas New Year's Resolutions didn't get far

In January 2009, I made a list of my New Year's Resolutions (as they applied to all things Vegas) to see how many I could accomplish during the year. I knew I had two trips planned, but I was hoping for a third one in October. Sadly, that third trip is not to be, so I'm reviewing my 2009 Vegas Resolutions now to see what I was able to accomplish.

Visit Encore - I got this done on the very first day of my March trip. We checked in and headed over to the extremely RED casino. It was very pretty, but I felt very claustrophobic in there for some reason. I prefer Wynn, but some people prefer Encore.

Attend the LV4E Mega Meet in July - I was the co-organizer of this first big event for the LasVegas4Ever website, and it was a great success and a lot of fun to boot. I made some new friends that I've "known" online, and we're hoping to plan an even more successful 'Mega Meet II' some time in 2010.

See LOVE again - This was such a great show the first time I saw it that I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see it again this year. I got a 40% discount from The Mirage and opted for a higher seat this time (I was in the 5th row the first time I saw it), and I don't think there's a bad seat in the place. I'm looking forward to seeing it yet again next year!

Watch at least 20 Bellagio fountain shows - You'd think this would be hard to do, but I spent a lot of time in that area during my July trip and I was able to do it quite easily. I love watching the fountains day or night, from inside the Bellagio or from a perch right outside along the railing, or even across the street from the patio of Mon Ami Gabi. I saw it each way on this trip. It will continue to be on my list of things to do as long as it exists.

See Big Elvis perform again - Sadly, I didn't get to do this on either trip. In March I let my mom decide where to go each day (since it was her birthday trip and I'm nice that way), and I over-planned my July trip and was just too tired to get myself over to Bill's on my last day as I had planned.

Watch the revamped Mirage volcano eruption - I totally forgot about this while I was in the area. It was closed part of the time during my March trip for some minor repairs (which is weird, since it had just opened), and I didn't even think about it in July. The thing is, now it erupts on the hour instead of at 15- or 30-minute intervals, so I would've had to get the time just right. Oh, well. It didn't happen.

Visit the Bellagio Conservatory on each trip - Like the fountains, this will remain at the top of my list as long as it's there. I did it in March by myself (mom didn't want to walk over) and I took my time and visited again while I was staying at Bellagio in July. The sights and smells of the displays are always intoxicating and relaxing to me.

Go up the Eiffel Tower at night - I had the opportunity to do this in July, but I didn't do it because of the massive over planning I did on that trip. I've been up right before dusk, and I'd love to stay and take some photos after dark to add to my ever-growing collection. Next time...

Eat at Peppermill -This restaurant is at the top of many Vegas visitors' lists as a Vegas icon that has great food to accompany the seriously old school atmosphere. I was hoping to finally get there in July, but once again the over-planning made me lose my way on my list. They have huge portions, too, so I'd really be better off taking someone with me to share when I finally get to visit this Vegas institution.

Play Sigma Derby at MGM - I didn't get to do this, either, but it was not for a lack of trying on either trip. Since MGM has the only remaining Sigma Derby game on the Strip (and possibly in Vegas), it is usually very crowded and hard to find a seat. The four different times I passed the game found it full to the brim with lots of on-lookers waiting for a seat of their own.

Stay at one new hotel - I surpassed this one by staying at TWO new hotels. I stayed at both Paris and Bellagio during my July trip, and I loved both of them. I'm looking forward to staying at both of these beautiful hotels again in the future, but I'm also hoping to stay at some other "new" hotels (to me), as well.

Eat at Mon Ami Gabi once on each trip - We had my mom's birthday dinner there in March and shared some wonderful entrees and desserts (so we could try more things), and I had breakfast there in July with Mike and Doris. I can't wait to try breakfast again, but any meal at MAG is fine by me!

Try a new drink at each casino - I only tried two new drinks this year: Bailey's and hot chocolate at Harrah's, which is decadent and somewhat addicting if you like both ingredients (and you can get it anywhere, not just Harrah's), and the delicious pineapple mojitos at Wynn. I failed at accomplishing this goal for one big reason: I don't drink as much when I travel solo, so I didn't really stop and think about having something new when I was alone in July. In March I stuck with lots of Bailey's and hot chocolate because it was so GOOD! Maybe next time, right?

Try Penazzi at Harrah's - I was intending to try this with my mom and cousin in March, but we opted to have dinner elsewhere. My July trip was already packed full of meal options, so I didn't even consider it then.

Try the pistachio gelato at Harrah's Flavors Buffet - I was intending to have the Flavors Buffet during my July trip but got a chance to try Trevi at Caesars and went with that, instead. It's not like I won't eat at Harrah's Flavors Buffet again, though, as it's one of the best values in Vegas. Maybe going in for breakfast right before the changeover to lunch? You never know.

Now I'll have to work on my list of 2010 Vegas Resolutions to post in January. I'm planning one trip for sure in early June, and I have another one that is a very good possibility in April. I can't rule out a short birthday trip in October, either, since I really missed celebrating my birthday in Vegas like I've done for the past few years. One, two, or three trips...who's to know how many Vegas trips I'll end up with in 2010? Whatever happens