11/19/24-Bucket List Item-See the Blue Man Group (Again)

I realized only in the last 10 years or so how much I love going to see production level shows.  It is one of my highlights of our trips to Las Vegas where we have seen many shows of many different types over the years.  It is also one of my favorite parts of cruising.  The fact I can go see a different show every night is something I plan my evenings around.

My history with the theatre started when I was young.  my sister and I saw a number of Broadway plays with my Grandma when we were young at the theatre downtown.  I remember seeing Annie! and Guys and Dolls.  I don't remember much about the shows specifically, but I do remember enjoying the music and singing it for days afterwards.

After Cindy and I got together we saw Phantom of the Opera.  I loved it, but don't tell Cindy that because I like to make fun of some of the songs.  We also saw Aladdin together much later.  I liked that a lot as well.

But the one show I remember most when we were on a big family trip to Orlando was Amber and I taking our kids to see the Blue Man Group.  I had my reservations, mostly because I didn't know anything about the show.  We didn't sit in the "Splash Zone" or anything but the music was great and  the visuals were great.  I think the thing I remember the most about the show is it was fun.  I think now that I know more what to expect I'd enjoy it more.

I think that's one of the reasons I hope I am able to get to Las Vegas at some point again.  I know they are at the Luxor.  And now that the Beatles Circ de Soleil show is gone (I need to find another way to get my Beatles fix), I think that The Blue Man Group is my #1 want to see in Vegas.  After The Golden Knights of course.

So that's why seeing guys in blue make up are on my bucket list.

9/13/24: Bucket List Item-Hike Tuascahn Saddle

In looking over my posts I am realizing this blog might be a little depressing and sound kinda defeatist in tone.  I do want to make it clear that at this moment I am still hoping for a victory here and am doing whatever I can to make it through this battle.

That being said I am starting a little "Bucket List" on the side of this blog somewhere that list the things I want to do if  when (that's positivity) I beat cancer.

1. Hike Tusacahn Saddle in Utah (Again).

A couple of years ago I was looking for something to engage my active lifestyle.  At least I wanted to try to be more active.  On my lovely wife's urging I made a reservation to go to Movara in Ivins, Utah in January 2022 for a week.

Movara is a fitness camp.  It is mostly an all-inclusive fitness resort.  If this were a different time it would be called a "Fat Camp."  The meals are prepared for you by a professional chef.  There is a spa on site.  Your room is cleaned daily.  Your job for the week is to participate.  The afternoon is stocked with fitness classes and a variety of workouts.  The highlight for me was the morning hikes around St. George and Snow Canyon State Park.

In that week I discovered how much I really liked hiking.  And there are endless places to hike in this part of Utah (Yes, I know that there other more famous hiking areas in Southern Utah as well).  But in those 3 or so hours we would cover miles of trails and hundreds of feet of elevation. Sometimes we'd be on rocks, Sometimes we'd be on sand.  The time passed so quickly because there was so much to see and the conversation with total strangers become friends by the end of the week.

The hiking groups are divided up by ability, and near the end of the week typically the more advanced groups do "The Saddle."  I was nervous both times when this one came up.  Its about 5mi long with 1,200ft of elevation.  Basically of of the climbing is in the first mile or so.  Looking up from the trailhead is a little intimidating.  But when you reach the top and look down the feeling of accomplishment makes it all worth it.

I want to feel that accomplishment again.  And God willing, someday I will.

Me-Looking down "The Saddle" (Jan 2023)