I rarely read a book in a series if the second one isn't out. I try to hold off because I know how mad at myself I will be in the end when I can't jump right into the second book. This year I broke that rule and it came back to bite me in the end with Article 5. The second book, Breaking Point, was still a long way away from being released. Thankfully there are awesome websites like Boekie's Book Reviews having a contest for me to win a copy of Breaking Point. I figured, if I shared with all of you, and one of you won, you would nice enough to share. So go and enter! and if you haven't read Article 5, you should.

Here is where you go to enter:
http://www.boekiesbookreviews.com/2012/10/breaking-point-by-kristen-simmons.html

My new running buddy. This beautiful girl is my brothers dog, Sydney. She's the sweetest and most well-behaved. I just adore her. She's got a little wolf in her which is great when I go for a run. It encourages people to stay away. 

I took a few days off of taking pictures while I adjusted to being back. Since I cut my time in Vegas short (for good reason), things have been a bit chaotic. My house is still not finished so I am now staying with my brother and sister-in-law. While I was at my house, I was helping box up some stuff to put away so the painters could come in and paint all of the interiors. I came across this photo of my brother and I from 1987. I was 5 and my brother was 8. Back when my hair was blonde and my eyes were blue. (I think my hair is still blonde, but the black hair dye makes it hard to tell)

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Adrienne, Steve, and Cat at Dargan's after Nancy's memorial. It was a beautiful service, and I am really glad I made it in time. Adrienne is such an amazingly strong girl, and she is surrounded by great friends. It was nice to see many of my other Santa Barbara friends that I have not seen in a long time. Nancy will be missed, but the 2 kids she brought into this world are bright and beautiful people, and I know she was so proud to be their mom. 

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This is only part of what it took for Sue and I to get ready last night. Now it is time to pack it all up. Adrienne's mom's memorial is tomorrow morning and I intend to be there. I got some text messages from Adrienne that tell me I need to be there. I can't leave Vegas until tonight. It will take all night to get to Los Angeles, and hopefully I will be able to get to Santa Barbara by 9am. 

Erik, Myself, and Jackson out again. I feel like I will be leaving soon. I can't stop thinking about how much I want to see Adrienne and be there for her even if she doesn't need me. I would rather be there and have her not need me than not being there when she needs me.

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This photo is from the Fremont Street Experience. On a very serious note, yesterday my best friend, Adrienne, called me and told me her mom had unexpectedly passed away. I am thinking about going back to California so I can be there for Adrienne even though she insists that she's okay. I feel useless here. Sue, Erik, and Jackson are being incredible, and they wanted to take me out. 

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The Luxor Hotel and Casino. Even after all these years I think it looks so cool.

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The license plate reads: TARDIS3. I wonder if that means this tiny Smart car is bigger on the inside?

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It's not just the name of the street, it is also an accurate description of the weather!

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Jackson, Sue's boyfriend, has moved out to Vegas! It's fun having him here. Here we are heading back to the house after having dinner with Sue's parents who are visiting. Jackson is driving, and you can see the Mandalay Bay in the background.

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Stink is a nerd.

Today Sue and I were able to check out my friend Brendan's hotel. This hotel is owned by his father and it is also his NASCAR sponsor! It is the only place I real gambled because I figured even if I lost, the money would kind of go to supporting Brendan. I ended up walking out with a little bit more money than I walked in with. Thanks, B!