Happy Birthday Lacey Jones

It was April 6th when I sent Lacey a BBM asking her what her plans for her 30th birthday was. Since Vegas is the place where people go to celebrate occasions such as a birthday I thought for sure she had a ton of things planned. I know originally she wanted to go to 30 different places in the world for her 30th but where’s the time for that when you’re a busy model and poker pro?

I was shocked when she wrote back that she didn’t have anything big planned. I just couldn’t believe it! Forget that plan!! I got her to agree to fly to Vancouver to spend her birthday. From there it was just a matter of planning it all out. Those who know me well know that I’m an expert at the planning stuff so since getting her here was a breeze I was excited to start thinking up ideas for her.

So I came up with a 30 Things to do for your 30th Birthday List. I could’ve made it 50 or 100 things to do since Vancouver has so much to see and do. Lacey has been here lots to play poker but she never seems to get to leave Richmond, BC nor does she EVER get sunshine in the November and May months that she comes up to play. The weather wasn’t entirely cooperating during her visit (which is a shame since it was GORGEOUS leading up to the 9th) but it did manage to clear up and be sunny just in time for me to pick her up from the airport.

She flew in on the 9th which is her actual birthday. I made a call to the GM of River Rock Casino Resort to see if they could give us a deal on a hotel room. He came through with flying colors as I managed to snag one of the penthouse suites (2 bdr 3.5 bathroom) for the price of a regular room!! What a steal! The place was GORGEOUS! Full marina view, 2 HUGE bathrooms and bedrooms, a living room area, a kitchen with full refridgerator and tons of counter space. It was like a mini apartment. We were in heaven!

Once I picked her up from the airport we headed to my place to get ready and then it was off to Joe Fortes. One of my favourite places in Vancovuer to dine and my favourite rooftop patio in the city! I am a bit biased as I do get quite spoiled from knowing the boys that work at Joe Fortes over the years. I’ve been pals with them since my days at Rock 101! Now that’s going way back! It wasn’t too difficult to get “hands on” service from the boys there since my guest was Lacey. In fact it’s amazing the revolving door of cute waitors there! Usually we’re stuck staring at a bunch of hot female waitresses at most of the Vancouver hot spots. Even the chef, Chef Ryan, was hot! Certainly made for a better dining experience. Yes.. I know… I’m married.. but just cause you’re on a diet doesn’t mean you can’t check out the buffet. Besides, I was just pre-screening for my single friend. Dinner was specially made for Lacey and I by Chef Ryan. It was the most incredible meal! Frois Gras Brulee and toast points to start as well as 12 oysters on the half shell. Then the lobster tempura came out. That was to die for as well as the halibut main course. For dessert Lacey got 3 chocolate specialties and of course a candle to blow out at the end of it all.

After I took her to Bar None since a night of dancing was on the list of 30. It was okay I suppose but we both agreed after a drink that it was time to move on. We walked around the corner and walked into the Opus Hotel. It was packed in there with beautiful people and I was quickly reminded of why it is so popular. We had a blast there! Especially after Brad Booth and his gorgeous date walked in. We were just saying over dinner how nice it would’ve been to see Brad. Ask and ye shall receive cause he walked in. What a great surprise! The night ended with us taking a limo to River Rock and playing 1/2 in the cash room till they shut us down at 4am. Thanks to all the guys at our table for making it fun! We still hit the blackjack table after too and finally agreed to knock the “eat breakfast at a greasy spoon” visit off the list. By the time we sunk our heads into our cashmere beds it was past 6am. Now THAT’S a night out! (**To answer your question Gambling911 .Lacey went home with me that night)

When we woke up the next morning the sun was shining and it was warm out. Lacey and I hung out on the patio of our room for as long as we could! It was such a perfect way to start the day! We never wanted to leave that room! Unbelievably we knocked off 12 out of the 30 things in one night but there was still lots to get done before Lacey was heading back home.

I won’t give you a play by play of the next 2 days but it was a great weekend with Lacey! I took her to Granville Island, we drove along the beaches and checked out the University of BC, we went to Lynn Canyon to check out the suspension bridge and played XBOX in our PJs while still nursing our hangovers. We went to Van Dusen gardens, Queen E park, drove around streets lined with Cherry Blossoms and visited an Olympic 2010 venue. I kept Ms. Jones sooooo busy but I know she loved every minute of it. If you want to see the photos from the trip check out my flickr set.

There was one thing that I couldn’t cross off the list! Japa-dog!! I wanted us to try them together but when we went to find them on Saturday night they were nowhere in site. I even twittered in hopes of getting a Japa-dog sighting but no luck! Apparently even Seth Rogin twittered “Someone better have a Japa-dog for me when they pick me up from the airport”. Anyways.. I just checked out their website. I didn’t read the hours of operation and now realize we were too late for the Japa-dogs. They close everyday at 8pm. Next time, Lacey. It is my mission to cross that off your list!

All in all it was a great birthday weekend of celebrating. I had such a good time and I am so happy that I could make Lacey’s birthday one to remember. Since our birthdays are just over a month apart maybe we should combine the 2 for next year? Having said that… this one will be hard to beat!