Your tax dollars at work {play}

Since you and I {don't even get me started on Maryland's taxes. ugh!} are paying for the free fun things to do in DC, Wolfgang and I decided it was time to hop on the metro again yesterday, and head to Smithsonian's National Zoo.

It was nice to be outside, together, and away from work. Working on Valentine's Day week/weekend is hell, when you work in a spa.

Since it is the winter, quite a few of the animals were not outside to look at because it's too cold for them, or their habitats were being renovated.  However, we were still able to see lions, and tigers, and panda bears....and some other creatures.  We decided it'd be better to come back when it's warmer.

Here are some pictures of some of the animals we saw.

Bad A's.

 The little guy on the bottom was clapping! cute.

Cutie Patutie.

A wedding and mini vaycay

At the beginning of the month, we went to Vegas to celebrate my cousin Joy's wedding!  It was a lovely occasion, and I was finally able to meet her (now) husband.  He is a great guy and I think he will be able to handle our crazy family well.

After a few days in Vegas, Wolfgang and I decided to spend a few short days in Phoenix! We had a great time relaxing in the perfect, perfect weather {think 70s, people!}. I even wore shorts and sandals one day. I could have cried.

Wolfgang's old "Marriott family" at the Camelback Inn took very good care of us for two nights, then the last night we stayed with some friends. We were both able to visit with old friends and co-workers, and quickly realized how much we missed them, and how much we miss our desert livin'. We really did have it good in Phoenix in many ways. 

Also, I was finally able to take a picture of my favorite sign!  

Isn't that great?  It's on the drive between Vegas to Phoenix. And literally, there is nothing around. There are some interesting podunk towns outside of Phoenix, and now Wolfgang and I decided that when we are feeling sorry for ourselves, we are now just going to say, "It could be worse, we could be living in Wikieup."

Hooked.

I'm not into gore.

I'm not into zombies, zombie apocalypse, or comic books.

But I'm SO into the TV show "The Walking Dead."  I'm totally hooked!  Season 3 of the show returned tonight after a grueling several weeks winter break.

Any other unlikely fans out there?

I already can't wait for next week.