MEMORY -
This afternoon, while I was checking into my hotel, something about the lobby reminded me about the Venetian in Las Vegas. I think it was the colors. The Venetian was Uncle Pete's favorite hotel on the strip. Must have been his Italian background.
A few years ago, the family took a vacation to Las Vegas. We stayed at Cesar's Palace and had a complete blast. I remember giving myself a cash limit to play with on the slots. Within no time, my little gambling fund was gone! I couldn't believe how quickly I lost that money. I don't even remember much detail other than the exciting "ding ding ding" noises and select swear words that were said under my breath. Since I gave myself a limit, there would be no dipping back into the wallet for more. I remember clearly how bummed I was about losing that cash so quickly. I told Uncle Pete "Do you know what I could have done with that money on a Jenny and Uncle Pete shopping trip?" He laughed my comment off and said "But did you have fun?" I responded with "Not really .... I swore the whole time ..... don't think that was having much fun" He laughed again and slid me $20. He leaned in and said "This time, have fun"
I went on my merry way determined to not loose it this time. Within 20 mins, it was all gone! At dinner he asked me if I had a good time, I said "I lost it all AGAIN!" Just now I realize I never answered his question about having a good time. After dinner he slid me another $20 bill. He then said "take it and this time don't worry about losing it, just have fun in the process, it's all a gamble" I really didn't understand why he was wasting his money on me. I shook my head and denied the bill. He pushed it toward me and gave me a wink. I took it and lost it quickly ..... big surprise! Being the sore looser that I was, I ran up to him and said "I am never playing slots again!" He laughed again, ordered us a drink and led me to a slot machine. He said "Let's play together" I remember having so much fun!
He would pull the lever with great power and wait for lines of pictures to click in the winning position. Every time I lost, he would tell me in a funny voice "Who da looser? You da looser!" The more he drank, the funnier he began to sound! I laughed with great loudness and realized ..... I was having fun. I was loosing money, but having a blast! Pete showed me that loosing doesn't always have to be a bad thing. He was poking fun at the fact and it totally lightened things up. After our glasses were empty and wallet's cleaned out, we got up and agreed to not gamble anymore the rest of the trip yet go shopping instead. We both spent money but did NOT lose it. We spent it on something completely priceless. A fun time, with a good friend ..... mission accomplished! Who knew losing money could end up being a good time!
APPLICATION -
Today I paid some entry fees for various dance competitions. Don't know what the outcome will be, but I look forward to being out on the floor and getting my moneys worth!
REFLECTION -
Every day, life presents it's opportunities too gamble. In relationships, in the work place, in a casino, almost everywhere! Enjoy the anticipation of the unknown and do so with a good friend by your side. No matter how much you lose, you will always be a winner to the person sitting next to you!
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