<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/desertbotanical/4172311621/sizes/m/in/photostream/"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2648" title="4172311621_f21e59a772" src="http://www.diaryofalatebloomer.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/4172311621_f21e59a772-300x200.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /></a>Are there things in your life that you've always wanted to try but you put off to "next year" for whatever reason? </p>

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<p>Since I moved to my fair city in '95, I have wanted to go to the <a href="http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias" target="_blank"><strong>Desert Botanical Garden's Las Noches de las Luminarias</strong></a>.   Some years I missed the boat and they sold out.  Some years I couldn't find anyone interested in accompanying me.  Some years I found my schedule too full and procrastinated with "next year". </p>

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<p>Well...this is the year of Carpe Diem-ing!  I found a friend who wanted to go, and I committed to purchasing a ticket online.  No excuses this year. </p>

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<p>And then the airlines stranded my friend in a city far, far away.  Who wants to go to an EVENT alone???  I've dined alone and even seen shows on my own all over the U.S. and Canada, but attend a  HOLIDAY EVENT alone?  Ugh.  I was going to suck it up and do it in the spirit of this blog, but...</p>

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<p>Svennykins swooped in and saved the day as my Escort/Knight in Shining Armor.  Thanks, Svenny!</p>

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<p>After a monumental traffic jam, limited parking, and Svenny swearing like a truck driver from the stress, we arrived to an enchanting setting of twinkling lights and EIGHT THOUSAND handlit luminaria bags.  The scenery had a sedating effect on Svenny, and he promptly chilled out.  :-)</p>

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<p>This is an evening like no other.  If you live in my fair city, you must go. <strong> </strong><a href="http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions/las-noches-de-las-luminarias" target="_blank"><strong>Buy your tickets online NOW</strong> </a>as they sell out before the weekend.  Las Noches de las Luminarias runs December 16th - 30th, but is closed the 24th and 25th. </p>

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<p>Here are my tips for a Luminarias Night to Remember: </p>

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<ol>
	<li>The event is from 5:30 - 9:30.  Since Svenny and I are under the age of 65, we thought it was perfectly acceptable to show up at a more reasonable time of 7 p.m.  Mistake!  Go at 5:30 to avoid the traffic, park, and have time to enjoy the multitude of musical talent postioned all throughout the garden.  </li>
	<li>EAT BEFORE YOU GO!  Desert Botanical Garden rocks on so many levels, but they are in dire need of a new caterer.  If you are o.k. with mediocre food (i.e., not a foo, then donworry't .  But somehow this caterer even managed to screw up the hot cocoa and whipped cream. HOW is that possible???</li>
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