THE VIEW FROM VEGAS

[Guest guest]

Well, gang, the weekend is over. I wasn't able to give you all updates as they happened, because my internet access went out on Thursday because of a glitch in a program I had (no longer, it is gone now). I just now was able to spend the time on the phone with tech support after finishing my taxes and getting that mailed out.

It was an awesome weekend. With so much more bf to lose, let me tell you, I am pumped to give this my all. No excuses, no wimping out. . . I AM DOING IT.

Thank you Walt for the t-shirts. Walter made up these great " power for life fitness fighters " t-shirts for us. You are a true gentleman and a great guy. Now go join Gold's so we can work out together!

, didn't get a chance to spend as much time with you as I wanted to, but let me just say -- I AM IMPRESSED. Yeah, 's pictures look great, but you have to be standing there while she flexes to get the FULL IMPACT. , you are a true inspiration. Full of energy, loving life!

Randi -- WOW, that girl is all muscle. You look fantastic! I expect to see you and wearing EAS jackets sometime soon.

TAZ, what can I say. It was great to spend time with you IRL. You are a great lady!

I too got to caress an EAS jacket this weekend. It will be mine! I did miss some activities, but I had a BLAST! Nothing can describe the energy that emanated from this group. Everywhere we went we took over.

Thursday nite a bunch of us met at the food court at the New York, New York Hotel/Casino, took pictures, ate, and got acqainted. Friday afternoon it was the Group Hug at the Luxor. You have never seen so many gorgeous people in your life. I don't just mean on the outside either.

Friday nite I took a group (about a dozen) on the Strip Tour. and his family joined us, his lovely wife and their 2 girls. is the nicest man! So beautiful inside and out. We caught all the " shows " (freebie sights) on our way up the Strip from the Luxor to Treasure Island -- the water show at the Bellagio, the exploding volcano at the Mirage, and eventually the pirate ship battle at Treasure Island. We also stopped off at the Venetian, one of the newest hotels, and gorgeous! The actualy have a canal that runs through the shopping area, with gondola rides! Beautifully done! This tour actually took the entire evening. Exhausted, I drove home and fell into bed.

Saturday, the photo shoot in front of Caesar's Palace was incredible. We took over the lawn in front of the fountains with the main entrance to Caesar's in the background. A pro photographer, a friend of (centralparkfitness at the Club) did this as a favor. (There will be a way to order copies. More info is coming on this.) Of course, we also broke up into small groups and took our own pics. When Abb Ansley showed up I just about fell over. He is as gorgeous as he looks in Body-of-Work. And funny! Hank and his lovely wife Graciella joined us as did , Vicki Mangum and many others who were runners up. There was EAS leather all over the place. I can't wait to get my film developed tomorrow!

The Banquet was indescribable. Bill didn't show in person, but Ed from EAS brought a copy of Success Stories 2 and we all watched it with tears in our eyes. So we did get to see Bill after all, as well as some of the most inspiring success stories. But to be there with the Champs and all the Winners (everyone of us) was really the highlight of the weekend. Cameras flashing all over the place. Ed gave out a copy of Bill's Power Mindset audio for everyone. He also brought prizes galore -- EAS t-shirts, caps, BOW posters ( now owns ' abs). I was given an EAS muscle shirt that looks great on me, and an autographed (by Bill) copy of BFL. I had forgotten to bring mine, so I had a book there to get autographs from my heroes. Abb, Hank, and spoke to us about their experiences with the contest, and about what Body-for-Life means to them and for all of us, as did Ed and Vicki. They were truly inspiring to listen to, to be with, and great to hug! As I sat there with Abb at my table, looking around the room (almost 100 were there for dinner), it felt like a dream come true!

Oh, the food was good, too.

I am so sorry that not everyone could make this event. It was, in a word, FANTASTIC. For those who did make it, thank you all for making this weekend one that I will never forget!

*gloe*