Dazzled
While attending a conference in Las Vegas, it was clear to me that just about anything goes. The dazzling bright lights, glitz and bling makes it easy to get distracted; I am not a gambler by nature, but when in Rome…….!
The small group I went with ended up at a different hotel that was connected to mine by a casino. The first day we had some free time and planned on meeting for lunch near the pool, but I wanted to do a little exploring and I ended up at the casino. Having little to no gambling experience, it was a bit overwhelming. I noticed a slot machine that was flashing and sparkling more than the others…….the sign read……Diamond something or another. I sat down, and other than pushing buttons, I was not sure there was any method to the madness.
I put in my $20 and started pushing buttons, but it wasn’t clear to me on what constituted a win. I continued pushing the buttons as I watched my money dwindle……..then all of a sudden I hear a machine that is blaring and practically yelling…..I look up and it’s mine……..it’s so noisy I look around to see if anyone is noticing. It’s loudly announcing I have ten, and then another five free spins. At this point I have no control over the machine.
This goes on for what seems like forever, and I am a bit embarrassed by the noise as people start noticing; it finally stops and see I have won a little money, so I decide I’ll only spin a few more times. The next thing I know it’s happening all over……as it draws everyone’s attention again…….UGH! I want it to end, at the same time I don’t want it to stop…….”Come on baby…..bring it on home!” As it settles down again, the machines around me fill in and everyone is hoping their games follow suit. After the third time it happens, I take my winnings and head to lunch……I was up by $13…….WOO-HOO!
Having the casino in between our group meant I was passing through often, and figured I had my winnings to burn so when I had a few minutes I would play. As you would guess, I lost it all and then some. Instead of being up by $13, I was down by $50. I came to my senses and fought the urge to gamble more away.
Since I am not a gambler, I was surprised at how easily I became sidetracked at the thought of winning it big. I became greedy, and instead of taking my small winnings and calling it a day, I watched it dwindle to nothing. I am not against taking chances, but want to be cautious on what is real and what is not. Glitter can be deceiving and most likely not as shiny as it first appears. The next time you’re dazzled by sparkle, fight the urge……..be grateful for what you do have, in the end you’ll be thankful you did.
xoxox…..Sheryl