30 New Things: Gambled in Vegas
I know, I know, it's sacrilegious to go to Vegas, sin Mecca, and not lay down a wager, but I'd been three times without ever playing a table game. The first time I went was with Red Momo. After driving through beautiful national parks and the California coast, perhaps Vegas was too bright and shiny for our blinking eyes. I think we both dropped a quarter in a slot machine and called it a day (RM: our trip is a blur, punctuated by several clear memories. Vegas falls in the blur. Please correct.) I dropped a few dollars worth of quarters into a slot machine on my second visit, but only as camouflage as Blue Grilled Cheese and I spied on GC's poker tournament. I don't really consider slot machines to be gambling because the odds are so against my favor. It's not a "gamble," it's a sure loss. I look at it as a cheap way to get free drinks and people watch. I didn't gamble at all on my third visit, even foregoing my seat at the family poker tournament. But the fourth time, buddy, the fourth time's the charm.
GC is the blackjack wizard (though he couldn't compete with my beginner's luck on this trip), so he taught me his "system" on the plane. We found a $5 table with an empty spot, so I sat down and promptly forgot all of his coaching. No matter. Coach GC hovered over my shoulder and helped out when I made bad decisions. There was another couple of beginners to my right, an old pro who was teaching the game to her sister on my left and a helpful couple at the other end of the table who also joined my coaching staff. I played for about 45 minutes, then suddenly wasn't feeling it anymore. I just simply didn't want to play, so I left the table $25.50 richer. GC took my spot and ran into some trouble. The beginner couple also busted, as did the lurker who jumped in to take their place.
Looks like I know when to fold 'em.
Here's what I've accomplished so far:
30 New Things Recap:
1. Roast a duck
2. Learn to make glass beads
3. Swim in an underground river
4. Sea-Trek
5. Touch a sea turtle
6. Make a chocolate meringue pie
7. Eat collard greens
8. Cirque du Soleil: Ka
9. Make ice cream
10. Eat lunch with a down's syndrome guy
11. Learn to post pictures on my blog
12. Wear shorts, a tank top and a thong on purpose, all day and in public
13. Join a Ladies’ Disc Golf League
14. Begin Muay Thai lessons
15. Visit a Spa and Got a Foot Massage
16. Pedicure
17. Cookie Press
18. Text Message
19. Christmas Spirit
20. UFC 79
21. Met Celebrities
22. Gambled in Vegas
Getting to Know All About You: What's your biggest gambling payoff?