There are a couple reasons I’d never live in Las Vegas. Being from Hawaii, I’m a water gal – specifically – the ocean. Lakes kinda freak me out; another phobia directly proportional to sneaking in movies I wasn’t allowed to watch as a kid. Any time there was a lake involved, there were gruesome attacks from the murky waters. I could dig deeper in to my phobias, which range from being afraid of bees to driving on bridges, but that’s a story for another post.
So today, I’ll stick with gambling. Not a phobia, but definitely a vice I need to keep in check.
In addition to my desire to live near the ocean, another reason I’d never move to Sin City is because of ME. I know myself well enough to accept that my addiction manifests itself in many forms. Not only do I have the tendency to roll the dice with my health, I’d be living on the streets within six months if I were allowed to play the slots on a regular basis.
This isn’t to say I won’t buy a lottery ticket once in a while.
Watching the news this morning, I learned the Mega Millions Lotto is up to over 300 million. My first thought as a retired stripper, was “that’s a lot of one dollar bills”. Even after Uncle Sam takes half, that’s nothing to shake a stripper pole at.
It’s amazing – with just one purchase of a lottery ticket for a dollar, the flood gates to our minds open, and we allow ourselves to dream of a better life. No more worrying about kids’ college funds or mortgage payments. No more wondering what first class feels like. We imagine the possibilities. We dare to dream.
I plan on getting a couple tickets after work today, because I’m a sucker for The Dream. I never plan on winning, as I’m well aware of the odds. But someone is going to win. And, as long as my vices are balanced, I’m okay with losing a couple dollars in exchange for the excitement.
Of course, not everyone is excited when the lottery news hit the air waves. There’s always the realist who will remind us that we’re just throwing our hard earned dollars away. To them, I say, it’s like life – you can’t win if you don’t play.
So tell me – have you ever rolled the dice with your life and come out ahead? I’d love to hear your story.
Christine Macdonald 
Why just a few minutes ago, I called the hubby to ask him to buy a couple of tickets….we have our millions spent already….everyone in the family gets one million dollars….but thats it. Once its gone, they cannot ask for more, cause after we share our wealth, we are MOVING!! Where they cant find us!!Good Luck, maybe you and I can share the jackpot!
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I like your thinking, sister! xo
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Were you born in Hawaii?
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I lived in Hawaii from 1968 to 1996. I was born in Burlingame, but moved to Hawaii when I was two months old. Father was with American Airlines, and we moved there as a result. 🙂
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Some would say rolling out of bed and putting your feet on the floor is a roll of the dice.Seriously, I asked myself, "What do I have to lose if I stop drinking?" Then I did it and haven't looked back (well, I have help). Yeah, I know what you're talking about, and I know it's handled one day at a time.
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I bought my $5 worth of tickets this morning…we are "daring to dream" in Michigan as well. Interesting about you and lakes…I live on an Island…in the middle of a Lake! You probably wouldn't care for it, haha…but one person's phobia is another person's paradise!C, I have really enjoyed your posts lately, really good stuff!Peace Always…T
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@IT – I love that! Rolling out of bed, rolling the dice! So true!Congrats on the sober living, too. One day at a time, indeed. @Thormoo – One person's phobia is another person's paradise, I agree! Thanks for the comment love – appreciated, as always, my friend. xo
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Don't "blow" it all.
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I would have back in the 80s, on blow, that is for sure! Nice pun! xo
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The Ocean… I do love it so!Thank you for your kind words… :o)~shoes~
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Thanks RS! So happy to see you!
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… I have never been a gambler and I don't bet… BUT, when I was in Vegas on my first trip as a sparring partner I had to go to a casino to cash the check for my first week of sparring… and I had to walk past the black jack tables to get to my room..!… unfortunately, while I eventually made it back to me room, my week's pay did not..! Guess there is more to blackack than being able to count to '21'!… so, that is a 'first and last time' thing..! Getting beat up for free was not fun..!
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