That’s right, readers! This week, your very own Mary is off to Las Vegas, Nevada. The City of Lights, to some…the City of Sin, to others…but for me? The City of Semi-Professional Pool!
My husband, Dale and I, play pool with the American Poolplayers Association (APA), regularly competing in local and regional tournaments. At our most recent regional tournament, I didn’t make it to the finals, but Dale got all the way to the final bracket, going undefeated after his first match. After an intense, nail-biting final game (that I couldn’t watch, I was so nervous!), Dale came from behind by five balls to win! So, we’re off to Vegas! Dale will play in the National APA Championships, and if he wins, he’ll receive $10,000, and the title of champion for the year. It’s a big gamble, but I sure do hope he wins!
As for me? I don’t really gamble. If I’m going to part with a stack of money, I’d rather it go to charity. When I do gamble, I set a hard limit – taking a few bills to the casino with me and leaving the rest in my hotel room. Every once in a while, I win just enough to make me think that maybe gambling is a good idea. One time, I won $200. But, that’s how they get you. In the words of that wise sage Kenny Rogers, “You’ve got to know when to walk away and know when to run….”
I think the best plan of action is to just stay as far away from the casinos as possible. It’s hard – they hit you with the slot machines as you de-plane in the Vegas airport – but there are plenty of other things to do: great restaurants, shows, shopping, and as suggested by my friends, taking the zip-line over Freemont Street.
I’m passing on that one. I’d prefer not to be the overweight lady on the 5’o’clock news who got stuck on a zip-line with my butt illuminated by the neon lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Just sayin’…. Instead, I’ll be on a hotel balcony with a cocktail in one hand, my phone in the other, filming as my friends try zip-lining. That’s a much smarter bet!
If I play my cards right, and Dale lines up his shots, I’ll take home a nice, relaxed attitude, ten thousand big ones, and several photos and videos of my friends screaming as they soar over Freemont Street. Sounds like a jackpot to me!
Happy Monday,
~Mary
