My memory is going.

Last week I was trying to remember all of my March Madness trips over the years and it was a disaster. Wow, my memory was shot. And since we didn't take a lot of pictures (except for one picture of Ty doing the "Suck It" thing with his arms outside of the MGM), I don't have a lot of things to go off of. Even Eric and Lee couldn't put it all together. And while Laura added some good insight she too is blanking on a couple of years. I think Laura came up with a great idea of creating a Wikipedia page dedicated to our trips so we can look back years from now to remember. So onto the timeline:


1997- First trip out to Vegas. Stayed at the newly opened Monte Carlo. I roomed with Jeff, Michele, and Niki Topper. I remember coming back late one night hammered and taking off my patch and slapping it on Niki's forehead. Chuck joined us, where he got me hooked on roulette and taught me how to gamble on a budget of $50 a day. Nogle was there as well and taught me that it was ok to drink beer out of a bag out by the pool. And we discovered the lazy river that had shards of glass in it. Oh and I went out to the Hover Dam.
1998- I know I went, but can't remember anything.
1999-Laura's first year. Stayed at the MGM. I took Amy with me and roomed with Lee and Bridget. I remember being overwhelmed at the size of the MGM casino.
2000-No idea.
2001-Terps final 4 year. I know that I was out there since I won a bet on the over for combined points and rebounds for Lonny Baxter. No idea who I roomed with. Laura advised that Kerri, Alicia and Licia were out there that year. Wiz and Leland rented a van to drive out to California for the MD game. Year of fateful Cheetahs trip.
2002-Terps National Championship. I think I roomed with Blondie and Eric. Maybe? I can't really remember. This is the start of the Robbie and Ghettor years where there was a lot of poker and drinking.
2003 - Per Laua- "Butler County/Drew Nicholas/broken glasses trip. This was my first time out there with Eric and the trip was right after we started bombing in Iraq. I remember fighting with Eric for weeks via email about the war following this trip. Also fought the don't-pass infidels at craps." Ah yes, the vaunted don't pass line issue.
2004- Think I went out with Sooz, her sister, one of her friend Amanda, and a guy from work, Scott Jenks. First time I drove out to Vegas and got pulled over with open containers in the car and apparently I was driving on a suspended license. And the cop was totally cool and said if one of the two girls in the car has a valid drivers license and can pass a sobriety test, I'll let you off. I am forever indebted to Sooz's sister for coming through in the clutch and passing that test!!!!
2005-Another Robbie/Ghettor year. No idea what went on. I think this is where I played poker with Robbie for 24 straight hours.
2006 - The year that I averaged a vegas trip per month. Stayed at the Monte. Brought Carol. Don's first trip out. Probably the best dinner ever at the Mesa Grill as I was introduced to Blue Cheese stuffed olives, credit card roulette, Wiz's ability to bet on anything like the waitress's hometown and age, and Don's food and wine choices. I look back at this trip as one of the all time greats. Even during the calm times there were still memorable moments like at the McDonalds when I left to go to the bathroom and Don asked Carol, "Why are you with him?" I will never forget Don, never forget.
2007- No where to go but down after 2006. This trip resulted in Lee writing a 10,000 word post and started the UN commission on who can come on the trips. I do remember how much fun we had at the Nugget playing Pai Gow outside by the pool and then noodles afterwards.
2008-Palazzo- Micah provided us the greatest story ever. Found that we can have fun outside of a casino by watching women's college basketball together in a cabana. Oh and we discovered a little game called UTH.
2009-Palazzo- Easter in Vegas. Jay and Laura's triumphant return! Pai Gow Tiles! Ira and the child molester! Pastrami sandwiches. 14 hour sessions at the UTH table. My first trip where I came home with almost my entire budget. Lee got me sick. Asshole.