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Blog Entry 66 of 68 The Write Words
I hope to write about anything and everything that comes into my mind, as long as it is in good taste. I hope to communicate effectively and stimulate thought and conversation. I can't wait to get started!

Blog Url: http://denver.yourhub.com/~ErinsBlog

Reunited in Phoenix

Contributed by: Erin Di Paolo   on 7/3/2008

Most people dislike visiting Phoenix in the summer months. I love it. The hotter, the better, is my motto. Phoenix is one of my favorite places to visit, for many reasons. I love the palm trees, the heat, the fact that it is such a quick flight from Denver. And I love the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs Resort, a place I have returned to, over and over again, since I discovered it three years ago. I will continue to return because of the excellent customer service, great rates, amenities and delicious food.

Since I work for Frontier Airlines, I am blessed to travel frequently. At every opportunity, I escape from reality, if only for a few days, and live it up. My daughter, Allie and I, love to visit Phoenix together and made a pact that we would try to visit at least four times this summer. Our first trip was in early May for her birthday and our second trip was in late-June.

On a whim, I decided to invite our best friends, Lori and Faith, who moved from Denver to Peoria, Illinois, last September. Since they've been gone, we have felt a void in our lives that no one else has been able to fill. Miraculously, even at the last minute, Lori and Faith were able to join us on our trip, which turned out to be one of my best ever (this, by the way, says a lot as it was my 11th trip this year)!

Of course we stayed at the Hilton and experienced wonderful service and exceptional food. There are eight swimming pools at the resort and four restaurants, but our absolute favorite place to eat is poolside. We also enjoyed room service twice and ate at one the resort's sit-down eateries once. Every day we tried something different and every day the food was incredible.

The best part of all was the laughter and the tears, words spoken between best friends that no one else ever needs to hear or know about in order for for them to be precious and valuable. Thrown in, of course, were heated arguments among friends who do not always see eye to eye, but who always end up hugging, saying I love you -- and meaning it.

My friend, Lori, is a jewel. In many ways, she is like me, but in just as many, different. Hardly anything worries or stresses her out. She is loving and accepting. She loves to have fun and is game for just about anything I suggest, which sometimes can be a little bit on the edge. I love her daughter, Faith, as if she were my own child. She is a witty, intelligent 12 year old who loves my daughter immensely. For that, she is worth her weight in gold.

Favorite moments from this trip were late-night talks with Lori, lounging poolside and the four of us hanging out in one bed, watching The Bucket List.

I missed Lori and Faith before they even returned home to Illinois. The only thing that makes their absence bearable is the fact that Lori and all five of her kids will be visiting again next week. And thinking about our next girlfriend getaway, hopefully to Vegas in August, is another thing that lessens the pain.


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CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Erin Di Paolo

Denver , CO

Erin Di Paolo has posted 68 blog entries and 1 comment since joining on 3/18/2006. Erin Di Paolo 's average blog rating is 4.45.
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