When Legendary Childhood Idols Leave Us: Remembering Ace Frehley

It’s a strange thing when someone who shaped your childhood, whose music was the soundtrack to countless memories, suddenly isn’t with us anymore. Over the past few days, there’s been a quiet sadness rippling through the community of Ace Frehley’s fans. While his health concerns were known to many, the specifics remained private. There were whispers of a stroke or a heart attack, but the definitive issue was unclear – just that our beloved "Spaceman" wasn't doing well. Then, the news came yesterday, though I didn’t get it until I woke up this morning and it hit hard.

For so many of us, growing up meant growing up with KISS. My sister had those iconic 8-tracks of Destroyer and Love Gun and that shiny silver Double Platinum album. But for us kids, Ace was the guy. His Spaceman persona wasn't just cool; it felt like it jumped right out of a cartoon, perfectly matching his laid-back personality and incredible stage presence. He was the one who made us all want to pick up a guitar.

Ace, born Paul Daniel Frehley in the Bronx, New York, in 1951, was immersed in music from a young age. His father was a church organist, and both his older brother, Charles, and sister, Nancy, were musically trained. Ace himself taught rudimentary guitar chords by playing along with his siblings' records. He had a fascination with both art and mechanics, which, along with his growing love for the guitar, helped keep him out of trouble in school and on the streets. Though he was popular for his ability to find dates for friends – earning him the nickname "Ace" – he was kicked out of several high schools before eventually earning his diploma. He got his first guitar at 14, learning from his brother and, true to his mechanical interests, tinkering with its inner workings. He picked up the guitar at 13, inspired by legends like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page and even worked as a roadie for Hendrix at 18.

In 1973, Ace co-founded KISS with Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons and Peter Criss. He became known for his distinctive, bluesy, hard-rock guitar solos, which he once described as "unorthodox" because he never took formal lessons. He penned KISS classics like "Cold Gin" and "Shock Me," and contributed to beloved tracks such as "Parasite" from Hotter Than Hell (1974) and "Getaway" from Dressed to Kill (1975).

As I got older, I somehow stumbled upon Ace’s Trouble Walkin’ album and added it to my cassette collection and played it until it practically wore out. His version of “Hide Your Heart” is still my absolute favorite, even over the KISS version!

I honestly never thought I’d see Ace play live with the band. But then, during KISS’s Farewell Tour, my friend Karen invited me to go to Knoxville with her. It was one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to. Seeing all four original members of KISS on stage, together, was pure magic. On a side note, Karen and I would hang out at the Ritz Carlton in Buckhead during the band’s Southeast leg of that tour, just hoping for a glimpse of them. Gene, Paul, Peter and Ace were all incredibly kind. Doc, their manager, would even give us a heads-up if the guys had a rough night, which was our cue to respectfully leave before they came in. Karen even baked Gene cookies (which Ace claimed for himself!) and a cake for Ace. It was such a cool experience and a reminder that these "rock gods" were just as human as us. Walking away with those incredible memories is something I’ll never forget.

After his initial departure from KISS, Ace embarked on a successful solo career. His 1978 self-titled solo album, released while still a member of KISS, featured the top 40 hit "New York Groove". He continued to release solo albums, including Frehley's Comet (1987), Second Sighting (1988), Trouble Walkin' (1989), and Anomaly (2009), which reached No. 27 on the Billboard 200 chart. His later works include Space Invader (2014), Origins Vol. 1 (2016), Spaceman (2018), Origins Vol. 2 (2020), and 10,000 Volts (2024). He also made guest appearances on albums by other artists, showcasing his versatile guitar skills.

Ace briefly ventured into acting with the low-budget crime thriller Remedy (2005). In 2014, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a co-founder and original lead guitarist of KISS. Guitar World recognized him in the Top 15 of its "100 Greatest Heavy Metal Guitarists of All Time".

I’ve kept up with Ace over the years, collecting his solo albums and even an album by his touring band, Rock City Music Co., which featured my friend Jeanne’s boyfriend, Ryan Spencer Cook.

Hearing the news of Ace’s passing this morning left me with a profound sadness. It’s not just for the loss of a person whose music was such a huge part of my childhood and who gave me incredible memories in my adult life, but also for his family, friends and bandmates. My heart truly goes out to everyone whose lives he touched and who are now feeling this immense loss. He was a true original, a "Spaceman" who left an indelible mark on rock and roll, inspiring countless musicians like Slash, Tom Morello, John 5 and Mike McCready of Pearl Jam.

Ace Frehley also shared his story in his New York Times bestselling memoir, No Regrets. For fans looking to dive deeper into his world and the history of KISS, other great books include KISS and Sell: The Starchild, the Demon, an American Icon and a Story of Loving Too Much by C.K. Lendt, and Kiss: Behind the Mask – The Official Authorized Biography by David Leaf and Ken Sharp.

It’s hard to say goodbye to our childhood idols, but their music and the memories they created live on forever.

Pac-Man Fever: A Nostalgic Dive into the Classic Game's Legacy

Today, I want to share a nostalgic trip down memory lane, celebrating one of the most iconic video games of all time—Pac-Man. Whether you were an arcade aficionado or a casual player, Pac-Man has left an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. So, let’s dive into this fun and engaging story about Pac-Man fever!

I was too young to fully appreciate the release of Pac-Man, but my sister was all about it. She had Pac-Man fever for years, playing the game on consoles in front of TG&Y, at Pizza Hut, and at her friend Laura Moon’s house. When we finally got our own Atari 2600, she would play Pac-Man all night long during weekends and holidays. While I appreciate the game, it moves a bit too fast for me. I’d be lying if I said I made it past the 5th board. Ms. Pac-Man, while I love her, has only seen me reach the 4th board. I’m more of a Tetris fan, but Pac-Man still holds a special place in my heart.

Decades after its debut, the sights and sounds of game designer Toru Iwatani's legendary creation, Pac-Man, still represent the golden age of video games for many. But Pac-Man has been embraced by subsequent generations, too, and it remains one of the few arcade games from that era you might still run into at arcades, bars, pizza places, amusement parks, skating rinks, and bowling alleys. Pac-Man didn’t become an immediate hit when Namco launched it as Puckman in Japan on May 22, 1980. But once Midway Games started distributing it in North America on October 10, 1980, the craze took off. Within its first year, the game grossed more than $1 billion in quarters. Throughout 1981-82, millions of people caught Pac-Man fever—so much so that Buckner & Garcia's novelty song "Pac-Man Fever" became a gold record, spending three weeks on Billboard's Top 10 in early '82.

As one of the first identifiable and marketable characters in video game history, the lovably cute Pac-Man appeared in many other pop-culture arenas. He graced apparel, had his own breakfast cereal, starred in a Saturday morning animated series from 1982-83, and even had a brief cameo in Disney's original Tron film. By 1982, Pac-Man also had a sequel—Ms. Pac-Man, which many consider even better than the original. Ms. Pac-Man introduced a new ghost, Sue, alongside the familiar ghosts Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde. Each ghost had unique behaviors that added depth to the gameplay. Blinky, the red ghost, is the most aggressive and speeds up as more dots are eaten. Pinky, the pink ghost, tries to ambush Pac-Man by moving to a position in front of him. Inky, the cyan ghost, has unpredictable behavior that combines elements of Blinky's and Pinky's strategies. Clyde, the orange ghost, moves randomly, making him less dangerous but more confusing.

Pac-Man's influence on the video game industry cannot be overstated. It launched the maze chase game genre, was the first video game with power-ups, and was among the earliest games to feature cutscenes. The game's other beloved characters—Blinky, Pinky, Inky, and Clyde, the ghosts who relentlessly pursue or are pursued by Pac-Man—were designed with early artificial intelligence.

By the time the Atari 2600 version of Pac-Man was hurriedly released to poor reviews in 1982, Pac-Man fever—and the golden age of video games—was nearing its end. The video game market would crash the following year. However, in 1981, Pac-Man was first bundled with the Atari 2600 console. This move significantly boosted the sales of the Atari 2600, attracting more buyers despite the game's mixed reviews due to its poor adaptation. But 40 years later, Pac-Man remains not only an indelible symbol of that era but also one of its few enduring survivors. For Pac-Man, it will never be "Game Over." Pac-Man wasn't just an arcade phenomenon; it also made its way onto various consoles, computers, and handheld devices. The Atari 2600 version might have received poor reviews, but it was just the beginning. Pac-Man has since appeared on countless platforms, bringing its iconic gameplay to new generations.

Some notable versions and spinoffs include Ms. Pac-Man Maze Madness, a 3D platformer released in 2000 for multiple platforms, including the Nintendo 64. In this game, Ms. Pac-Man navigates through various mazes, collecting items and avoiding ghosts. The game features a mix of classic Pac-Man gameplay with new elements, such as power-ups and mini-games. Terry and I spent countless hours playing Ms. Pac-Man Maze Madness on our PlayStation. It was a blast navigating through the mazes and chasing those pesky ghosts.

There were various handheld versions of Pac-Man. The MGA Handheld Series, launched in 1992 by Micro Games of America (later MGA Entertainment), includes numerous models of handheld LCD games based on the original Pac-Man and Ms. Pac-Man arcade games. The gameplay varies slightly across models, with some featuring nonlinear maze layouts and unique "Energy Fruits" that act like Power Pellets. The Nelsonic Pac-Man Watches, released in the early 1980s, were essentially miniature handheld games that could be worn on the wrist. Coleco also released a series of table-top versions of Pac-Man, which were essentially handheld games with a larger screen and more robust controls.

The console versions of Pac-Man varied in quality and gameplay. The Atari 2600 was one of the earliest home console versions, released in 1981. Despite its popularity, it's often criticized for its poor adaptation of the arcade game. The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) version, released in 1984, is more faithful to the original arcade game, with improved graphics and gameplay. Game Boy and Game Boy Color versions brought Pac-Man to the portable gaming scene, with the Game Boy Color version featuring enhanced graphics and additional features. The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) version, released in 1993, includes updated graphics and additional gameplay elements. The Nintendo 64 version, released in 2000, includes Ms. Pac-Man Maze Madness, a 3D platformer that features Ms. Pac-Man as the main character.

Here are some interesting facts about Pac-Man. Thought to be the highest-grossing video game of all time, Pac-Man's inflation-adjusted intake is estimated at about $12 billion in total revenue. The release dates for Pac-Man are May 22, 1980, in Japan, and October 10, 1980, in North America. There are 256 boards in Pac-Man, and the highest possible score is 3,333,360, known to have been achieved by eight people.

Pac-Man's success spawned numerous spinoffs for consoles, computers, and handheld devices, but the notable arcade spinoffs include Ms. Pac-Man (1982), Pac-Man Plus (1982), Super Pac-Man (1982), Baby Pac-Man (1982, video game/pinball hybrid), Professor Pac-Man (1983), Jr. Pac & Pal (1983), Jr. Pac-Man (1983), Pac-Land (1984), and Pac-Mania (1987).

I hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and reminiscing about the iconic Pac-Man. If you have similar stories or memories of your own, please share them in the comments below. Your feedback and shared experiences help build a wonderful community. If you'd like to support this effort, your contributions are greatly appreciated. Even small gestures of support mean a lot as we continue this journey of storytelling and connection. Thank you! ❤️

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The Ever-Shifting Sands of Tech: A Nostalgic Look (and a Question for 2025)

Hey there, fellow tech enthusiasts and digital wanderers! I want to take a little trip down memory lane, a journey through the ever-shifting sands of technology that have shaped our lives. I’ve always been a bit of an early adopter or so I’ve been told, when it comes to gadgets and electronics. And honestly, it’s been a wild ride! Over the past few decades, we’ve witnessed an incredible transformation: TVs, stereos, appliances, computers, and game systems have shrunk from bulky furniture pieces to sleek plastic and aluminum devices that fit in the palm of your hand. With this rapid evolution, expectations for new tech seem to accelerate just as quickly. It’s almost like we blink, and suddenly, yesterday’s cutting-edge is today’s antique.

While some upgrades I embrace readily, others I just can't bring myself to abandon. If I had my way, we'd still be seeing new Atari 2600s and Nintendo Entertainment Systems rolling off the production line, with all the classic games readily available. Imagine a world where portable cassette players, CD players (remember those?), and even advanced minidisc players were still thriving, untouched by the rise of smartphones and streaming services. A few years ago, I pulled out my old Philips Touchscreen CD player and earbuds from my messenger bag, and a teenager looked at me with an expression of pure bewilderment, like I'd just unearthed an 8-track player. Have we really moved so fast that even an MP3-capable CD player is considered an archaeological artifact? It certainly felt that way in that moment!

It's tempting to jump on the latest bandwagon, like those who eagerly queue up for a brand-new iPhone and I certainly wouldn't say no if one magically appeared in my hands. But I get used to something, and it takes a bit for me to switch over to a new device. I held onto my LG phone for a couple of years after they stopped updating it, simply because Samsung was the only game in the Android world that had the features I expected and had grown accustomed to. Many years ago, I remember visiting my family, and my young nephew, looking at my old Creative Zen Touch MP3 player in wonder, asked why it was "so thick." My answer? "Because it has a 40GB hard drive, just like a mini-computer!" Perhaps the fact that I love retro and nostalgic things is one of the reasons that I don’t always feel the urge to upgrade to the latest and greatest. There's a comfort in the familiar, a charm in the slightly outdated.

My gaming journey also speaks to this sentiment. I only upgraded my purple Game Boy Color to a pink Game Boy Advance to finally play the classic NES Castlevania, a game I'd always wanted to conquer. Then, thanks to a break-in years ago, my beloved pink GBA, which was one of my absolute favorite Christmas presents from Terry, was stolen, forcing an "upgrade" to a blue Game Boy Advance SP. And honestly, at this point in time, I don’t really care for it because the original GBA fit my hands perfectly. Why did I not switch to a Nintendo DS Lite? Because my cherished Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA games are my favorites, and the DS primarily focused on its own library and GBA titles. I watched the PSP and Nintendo Switch come out, and as much as they seemed tempting, especially since the PSP has an incredible Pinball game (Pinball Arcade) on it, I just couldn’t justify buying another handheld console that I would play mostly Tetris on, which I could easily do on my GBA. Recently, I did buy an amazing handheld featuring emulated ROMs from consoles like Atari 2600, NES, GBA, GB, GBC, Super Nintendo, a few PSP, and a ton of other consoles I’ve never really played. It’s the best of both worlds, a true testament to the enduring appeal of classic games.

This brings me to my central question for 2025: Is it truly necessary to have something slightly larger than the size of a bar of soap to manage your entire life and keep you entertained? Or do you, like me, sometimes feel a little awkward using what's considered "outdated" tech in public? I’d love to hear your thoughts and stories in the comments below. What tech do you stubbornly hold onto? What’s your most cherished retro gadget? Let’s keep the conversation going, and if you enjoyed this little trip down memory lane, consider supporting my passion for sharing these stories. Every little bit helps keep the retro tech dreams alive!

Vegas Baby, Vegas: My Wild Ride with Wrestling Legends and Lucky Slots

Slots in the Las Vegas Airport

Hey everyone! Remember how I hinted about a super special, low-key trip a few months back? Well, once I arrived where I was going, the secret was out! Aside from Terry and my amazing friend Jeanne (who played Hollywood in GLOW, by the way!), only a handful of folks knew I was headed to Las Vegas for the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion. It was a first for me – even though I’m a CAC member, I never really thought I’d actually go. For those of you wondering, the Cauliflower Alley Club (CAC) is this incredible nonprofit organization. It's not a wrestling promotion, but more like a tight-knit community that gives back to the professional wrestlers, boxers and combat sports figures who’ve given us decades of entertainment inside the ring. Think of it as an organization that celebrates these legends and helps them out when needed!

Our second gate but not our plane

The CAC events are usually packed with cool seminars, chances to meet tons of wrestlers (and grab their awesome merch!), plus photo ops. And of course, there are always some epic banquet dinners and other happenings that make it a truly memorable experience. The reunion was held right in the heart of downtown Las Vegas at the Plaza Hotel and Casino, which faces Fremont Street, just across from Circa and the Golden Nugget. It was such a trip sharing a room with Jeanne; if you’d told 12-year-old me that I’d be rooming with Hollywood in Vegas, I would have laughed you out of the room! But seriously, when Jeanne invited me, it was an offer I just couldn’t refuse. Plus, the fact that I fly for practically free sealed the deal!

Finally in the air

My flight was booked using my all-you-can-fly pass with Frontier Airlines. Now, I know Frontier is pretty barebones, but honestly, I don't mind budget airlines as long as they get me safely from point A to point B. That's the most important thing for me! For months, I meticulously planned my personal items bag – if you fly budget, you know the drill! Fitting everything you need in a “personal item bag” that measures 14"x18"x 8" which basically fits the bill for my favorite Swiss Gear backpack. I am absolutely not about paying for overhead bin space if I don't have to and I learned back in my homeless days how to make the most of the space in whatever bag I am carrying at the time, whether it was a backpack or a fanny pack. Good news though, I’m now gold status with Frontier, ***hello to picking my own seat, free carry-on and boarding zone 1*** so that's a few less things to worry about!

Ronnie Gossett and myself in row 12

I hadn't been back to Vegas since the mid-1990s, so this trip felt like a return to a place I once considered home. I was super excited to see how the Strip had changed. While a few hotels from the '90s were still around, many of the classics I remembered were gone. The Riviera, for instance, which was demolished years ago, is still just a vacant lot. It was a little sad to see the original home of GLOW completely gone. Even some hotel names have changed, like the Las Vegas Hilton is now the Westgate. Personally, I’ve always preferred downtown Vegas over the Strip; it just has that classic Vegas vibe and you don’t feel like you’re walking for an eternity to get from one hotel to another. The Plaza, Golden Gate, Golden Nugget and many others are still there. Binion's Horseshoe is now simply Binion’s. It’s familiar, yet different – Vegas is always evolving!

Heading to the hotel in the Uber

Our hotel pool

You guys know I work in the airport and we have our own dedicated security lanes as well as access to alternate entrances for those of us who have higher clearance but when we travel, we do have to go through regular security, or global priority which is why I always carry my badge when I travel, in addition to the discounts I get from any of the Avolta/Dufry/HMS Host/Hudson locations anywhere in the world. Employee perks are always a plus!!!

Ashley Cartier & Royal Hawaiian

The view from our hotel room, I loved looking out and seeing this!!

My flight experience, as I mentioned, was on my all-you-can-fly pass and I did splurge a bit to pick an exit row seat. I'm one of those people who shows up hours before a flight because I know how gate changes can happen. This flight was a prime example of gate change drama! If you fly Frontier in Atlanta, be prepared for a bit of a walk because aside from 3 dedicated gates at the very end of the E concourse, their flights never depart or arrive anywhere near the centerpoint of the concourses. It was supposed to leave from concourse D, but shortly after I arrived, the app updated to concourse C. Then, just before our boarding time, the gate changed again to the one right next to where an entire planeload of people were waiting. I told a lady next to me we were lucky it changed to a closeby gate, but as I said it, the gate changed again to E4! I literally bolted from C6, hopped on the plane train and booked it to E4. I was the first one to make it to the gate, with other passengers trailing a few minutes behind me. And then I saw it: no plane at the gate. GREAT, I thought, this means a delay.

Hollywood's CAC Merch Table

As the crowd of passengers started arriving and noticing the empty gate, I mentioned to someone that I was just trying to get to a wrestling convention and hoped the only drama would be among the wrestlers. As luck would have it, it was Shooter Ronnie Gossett, who was headed to the very same place! When the plane finally arrived and unloaded, the boarding process began. I was in Zone 2, which is fine by me – I'm okay with not being the first to board, unlike some people who are always in a mad rush, as if they don’t have assigned seats! When I got to my window seat in the exit row, Ronnie was in the same row! We chatted a bit about who we knew would be at the convention. He knows way more people than I do; most of my wrestling knowledge comes from 1980s and 1990s WWF and, of course, GLOW. Once everyone was seated and the doors closed, there was yet another delay for a medical emergency – I think a passenger was having a panic attack. They reopened the doors, she left the plane, and then the doors closed again, and we were finally on our way to Vegas!

Hollywood working her magic at CAC!!!

I doubled my money with Casper!!!

I had originally planned to take the bus downtown from the airport since it’s the cheapest option, especially since my friend Ry aka “Stig” was at work. But since Ronnie was there, I opted for an Uber to get us both to the Plaza. Once we arrived, I went straight to the convention area to meet up with Jeanne, grab my key and take my stuff up to the room. I hung out with Jeanne while she worked her table; she's truly a pro, so good with both fans and other wrestlers. Later, we headed to the pool area where there was a pool party for the wrestlers going on. We didn't swim because our evening plan was to meet up with her friend Stephen at Circa, have dinner at an Asian restaurant there and then do some gambling. Stephen is a whiz with the slot machines, he really knows his stuff. Unfortunately, I started feeling a bit ill at dinner, so I excused myself and headed back to our room. Jeanne came back a few hours later and I was already in bed. We chatted for a little while, and once my meds kicked in, anything we talked about until I fell asleep is a complete mystery! I think the intense heat might have been a factor. When I was in Vegas in the '90s, I was there during the cooler months. This dry heat, at 113 degrees, feels like walking through the same heat you feel when you open an oven door and lean over to pull out something you’ve been baking.

Daisy and me

The next morning, I woke up feeling much better. Jeanne was still asleep, so I snuck out to grab coffee and doughnuts from Pinkbox. Almost $50 for a dozen and they were ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!! We had a full day ahead of us, with lots planned: from Jeanne working her table in the meet-and-greet area to heading to Fashion Show Mall to get her hair done for the awards banquet and then off to see the Scorpions at Planet Hollywood. She invited me to see the Scorpions with her and her friend Kristi, but I really wanted to hang around Fremont and do a little gambling for some videos that Terry had requested. He gave me specific directions and strategies that he’d seen other YouTubers doing for their videos. I’d never really done video slots before; I used to play the old coin-operated ones, so the new ones seemed a bit intimidating. I decided I’d wait until Wednesday when Jeanne could guide me. This afternoon, I came face to face with a few GLOW girls I hadn’t spoken to in years. I knew they’d be there, but they had no clue I was and didn’t recognize me at first! It’s funny how the hairpieces I wear now make me look a bit different. Anyway, I spoke to Roxy Astor, Ashley Cartier and Sunny on our way out to the Fashion Show. The one GLOW girl who didn't know I was there at that point was Daisy. My friend Sammi Z invited me to go see a midget wrestling event that was going on after the banquet. I know that’s not the PC way to say it but that’s what they call it, so don’t judge me. I am a huge fan of people with short stature and if you have ever witnessed a wrestling event featuring little people, you would absolutely love it. Once Jeanne left for the Scorpions, I sent Daisy a text asking how things were. She answered back and asked what I was up to and I told her I was just hanging in the hotel before heading out to the midget wrestling at The Nerd. I think she was shocked I was there! We met at one of the bars on Fremont. Daisy, Roxy and I walked to The Nerd just in time for the start of the show. I showed them both the concept and some of the artwork for my book, because you know I am super proud of it and excited that it’s almost complete! I started feeling a little overheated in the bar again and walked down Fremont by myself, not that it was any cooler outside, until I got a text from Jeanne telling me that David McLane was at The Nerd. REALLY? This is the second time that David, by coincidence, was in the same place as me and the GLOW girls. He wasn’t in town for CAC but for other business. David is a super nice guy. I’ve actually had really good experiences with the men of GLOW that I’ve met so far: David, Johnny C, Steve Blance and the paramedics Ron and Scott. Once I meet Matt Cimber, Benny Diamond and Tony Cimber (aka Nature Boy!), I will have met all of the living men of GLOW… though I love the ladies, I have a deep respect for everyone who was involved in the production.

Micro Wrestling @ The Nerd

An assortment of amazingness

Love the Pinkbox Atmosphere

Jeanne and I rode back to the hotel with her friend Kristi, and we went to bed, ready to get up early. She had to work her table one more day, and I had to catch my flight back home that same night, so I really needed to make the most of my remaining time. While she was getting her makeup done for the final banquet, I went downstairs to the casino to attempt to get the video footage Terry wanted me to get. As luck would have it, Ashley Cartier was down there and she walked me through the basics of the machines. She even filmed me at the Casper slot machine! I chose Casper because that’s the name of the main character in my book, so I felt in my bones he would bring me some luck. I have a very addictive personality, so I knew I needed to budget myself with a low amount, otherwise I could easily drain my bank account chasing a jackpot. I had $100, and my plan was to play $20 in each machine. Once that $20 was spent, I'd move to another machine. If I made over 25% of the $20 I put into the machine, I'd cash out and move to another. This strategy paid off! Within just $60, I cashed out at $154. Not bad for a novice, right? Of course, I played the other $40 and lost it, but that was OK – technically, I was still $54 ahead of what I put into the machines. I know some people love gambling, but it’s just not really my thing. I’m just cautious when it comes to spending money. It was fun though!

Daisy and David McLane

I had one more order of business before I left: I needed to see my childhood friend “Stig.” He came to the hotel, picked me up and as we took the scenic route down the Strip to the airport, we thought about going to the indoor park at Circus Circus but ended up at the Pinball Hall of Fame, which was really cool. Both of us LOVE playing pinball! We only spent 30 minutes there before he dropped me off at the airport. While I waited for my plane, I popped into a few of the Hudson stores, the company I work for. They have better food options than we do, though I guess the grass is always greener.

Roxy Astor, me and Sunny

During my trip, I met some truly iconic figures: Brian Blair, Jimmy Hart, Bushwhacker Luke and author Kurt Nielsen. From GLOW, I met the Royal Hawaiian as well as Scott the Paramedic. I also got to chat with Malia Hosaka, Andrew Anderson and Missy Hyatt. Funny story: I actually walked right past Susie Spirit from GLOW and didn’t even realize it was her at first! And get this, Greg Valentine, who isn’t really known to be the most fanfriendly person, said hi to me as I passed, nodded and said, “Good afternoon, how are you?” Must be my southern charm, lol. I’m not one of those people who will intrude on someone’s personal space or privacy; I’m good at reading the room and I’m always aware of my surroundings.

Hollywood will always be my #1 girl!!!

The flight back was, let's just say, an interesting experience. While in the boarding line, an Indian woman who was with her husband started pushing me to the side with her elbow before edging her way in front of me, leaving her husband standing behind me. I had to put her in her place and give her a reality check. I don’t care about cutting in line because we have assigned seats, but she was touching a person who doesn’t like to be touched by strangers and disregarding someone’s personal space. She thought I was rude, but I am on my best behavior in the airport setting. If we were outside security, it would have been a whole different story.

Royal Hawaiian and me

My flight, which Ronnie Gossett was also on, pulled out of the gate and then did a complete turnaround and went back to another gate. The captain announced they couldn’t get one of the computers to restart and needed someone to come on board to restart it. That’s reassuring for a 4-hour flight, right? We were supposed to depart at 10:30 PM Las Vegas time and arrive in Atlanta at 5:30 AM Atlanta time. They first said a 15-minute delay, which turned into 30 minutes, then 45 minutes and I looked out my window to see two guys working on something under the wing. We were delayed about an hour and a half. As annoying as it is, I would prefer a delay to get a potential problem fixed than a complete deplane and scramble to get onto another plane. The other passengers seemed to not understand the concept of patience and were making scenes of their own. I just put my earbuds in and zoned out. Once we took off, we made it back to Atlanta around 7:30 AM. I got to my house at 8:00 AM, took a shower and went to bed. Got up for dinner and went back to bed to be up at 3:30 AM for work Friday morning.

The mechanics replacing a part, not restarting the computer

It was a truly great trip! I enjoyed my time with Jeanne as well as the short time I had with Stig. I actually lost 2 pounds while I was there, which is wild! Aside from a little bit of the Asian fusion food, doughnuts and pizza, I didn’t really eat, which is odd for me. Something about the heat kept me disinterested in taking advantage of the deals on prime rib, steak and lobster…or the White Castles that are always a bit of a fun experience…but definitely not ahead of a 4-hour flight.
So there you have it, my Vegas wrestling adventure in a nutshell! What are your thoughts on meeting childhood heroes or those crazy airport moments? Have you ever had a chance encounter with someone famous? Let me know in the comments below!

A Paw-some Dream: When Rusty Visited Me

Have you ever had a dream so vivid, so real, that it lingered with you all day, pulling at your heartstrings and making you smile even when you didn't know why? Well, that happened to me last night and it brought back a flood of memories about a very special boy named Rusty. He was more than just a dog; he was my heart dog, my buddy, my shadow and even now, years after he crossed the rainbow bridge, he still finds ways to visit me.

Prince Rusty Ladd Fitzgerald

It started in an old amusement park, the kind with creaky rides and a certain nostalgic charm. I was just wandering, taking it all in, when suddenly, I felt a familiar bump on my leg. That cold, wet nose, that gentle nudge—there was no mistaking it. Rusty! He came barreling up from behind me and my heart absolutely soared. It was just like old times, that immediate connection, that pure joy.

Terry loving on Rusty

Thinking back to when Terry and I first met, pets weren't really on his radar. But I've always been a dog person, and for one of my birthdays, we went to the pound. I remember falling head over heels for this adorable little chow/lab mix. We were so excited, ready to bring him home, but then, the universe had other plans. Our apartment manager, without a single word to any of the residents, suddenly decided pets were a no-go. Can you imagine? I was absolutely crushed. But you know what? That disappointment turned into determination. I got us out of that lease faster than you can say "woof," and we found a much more pet-friendly, and frankly, a lot cleaner, place.

Terry giving baby Rusty a bit of love and a good brushing

Terry knew how much a dog would mean to me, even if he wasn't entirely convinced he needed one himself at the time. So, one day, I saw an ad in the paper for Scottish Terrier puppies. Not too far away, either! My amazing friend Melanie drove us over to this guy's house – Craig was his name. He had three little boy puppies. One was a handsome grey brindle, another a striking copper-colored brindle and then there was the solid black one with just a tiny dab of white on his chin. The brindle boys were feisty, all wiggles and snaps, but when I picked up that black boy, he just melted into my arms and gave me the sweetest, sloppiest kisses. I was instantly, hopelessly in love. When I put him down, the other two were still wrestling and snapping at Terry's legs, and without a moment's hesitation, that little black fella ran right up and broke up the ruckus, fighting them off like a tiny, furry superhero. It was like he knew, right then and there, that he'd found his forever daddies. Terry, who had been a bit hesitant, looked down and saw the black little boy standing between his legs and protecting him from his brindle brothers, knowing it was the perfect way into his heart. Terry just looked at Craig and said, "Is a check okay?" And that, my friends, was the day Rusty officially joined our family.

Rusty getting some love from me

He was just eight weeks old when he came home with us, and let me tell you, he was not potty trained. So, our first stop was Petsmart, where we went a little wild. Crate, dog bed, every toy imaginable, puppy food – the whole nine yards. It was close to Christmas, so our tree was already up. Rusty wasn't really bothered by it, though sometimes you'd find him snoozing peacefully underneath. We were pretty good about catching him before he had accidents, but you know how puppies are. It was all part of the learning curve for him to understand that outside was the place for business. We got on a pretty good schedule; Terry worked days and I worked nights, so there was always someone around for our little guy, giving him some much-needed routine.

If I fell asleep, Rusty was there to protect me

We even played that silly game, the one where Terry would be at one end of the living room and I'd be at the other, calling Rusty to see who he loved the most. Of course, whoever had a treat hiding in their pocket usually won that round! But truly, he loved us both fiercely and equally.

Our friend Nathan trying to get Rusty to do the "Scotty" pose.

Rusty fit in every home we had. We moved a few times – from our early days in Buckhead to our two apartments in Smyrna, then North Springs and Dunwoody, and finally, our house south of the airport. He never seemed to mind wherever we landed, as long as he was with us. I never, ever took his presence for granted. If I was on my computer, he was either in my lap, or in a chair pulled right up next to mine, his head resting on my knee. I spent a lot of time playing online games and recording music back then, and if my voice wasn't quite right, I swear Rusty would give me this look, this knowing gaze, that let me know he felt it too. He really was my buddy.

Me cuddling baby Rusty

Now, Rusty didn't have many bad habits, but there were a couple of quirks. He absolutely loved eating toilet paper, there were times where Terry and I would walk out the front door to go somewhere and almost immediately walk back into the house because we had forgotten something, to find Rusty making his way across the living room from the direction of the bathroom looking guilty...with a trail of toilet paper from the bathroom door leading up to the roll. And don't even get me started on the bathroom garbage. He'd dive in for q-tips! It took me a good minute to figure out why his poop was suddenly so colorful – it was the colored sticks from the q-tips! We also quickly learned to keep dirty socks and underwear far, far out of his reach. If we weren't looking, he'd snag them and go straight for the sweaty parts. I'll never forget coming home from work one day to find my favorite pair of Grinch boxers...crotchless. Poor guy had bright green and yellow poop for a couple of days after that!

We didn't dress him up often but when we did, he was a good sport.

Rusty was quirky, as most Scotties are, but he wasn't your typical terrier. He was incredibly well-behaved. Going back to the potty training, he was completely housetrained within his first year with us. Any accidents after that were entirely our fault, and he was merciful enough to only do it on the kitchen or bathroom floor, where there was no carpet to ruin. He was wonderful with strangers and kids alike, always ready with a lick and a kiss, never a snap, bite or growl. Even if I playfully pretended to eat his food, putting my head down next to his bowl, he'd gently move to the side and wait patiently until I was "done" before resuming his meal. He slept in our bed every single night, a furry little shadow moving from my side to Terry's throughout the night. And oh, how he LOVED popcorn! But we always knew when one of us had given him popcornl because we'd wake up in the middle of the night to him heaving. We had mere seconds to react, or we'd be spending the rest of the night washing our comforter, all thanks to Rusty's intense intolerance to popcorn. He loved it, but it just made him throw up.

Rusty's "PLACE" on the back of our couch.

After Rusty, I desperately wanted another dog, but Terry, being a bit stubborn, just wasn't ready. Then, when my mom passed away, I brought her cat, Callie, back with me. I didn't even tell Terry! Callie was a trip, a truly cantankerous kitty, but she worked her way into our hearts with her sassy charm. We had her for five months, until she, too, got sick. We discovered she had an aggressive form of cancer, and we had to make that heartbreaking decision again.

Rusty posing for the camera.

So, when Rusty appeared in my dream last night, in that old amusement park and then it morphed into this crazy huge laundromat with a tanning bed and a skating rink – I mean, how wild is that?! – I was so impressed with this bizarre business, but my absolute focus remained on Rusty. He seemed so happy to see me and that happiness was definitely mutual. Then, sadly, my alarm blared at 3:35 AM, calling me to work and my precious time with Rusty was abruptly cut short. I've been thinking about that dream all day and I just had to share the story of Rusty and his sweet little visit to my dream.

Rusty just after his first surgery for bladder stones.

Rusty loved watching TV.

Rusty was, and always will be, my heart dog. If Rusty's story touched your heart, I'd love to hear your own memories of a beloved pet in the comments below. Every share helps keep these special bonds alive and if you feel inclined to support more stories like Rusty's, any contribution, big or small, would be deeply appreciated.