random musing #1: dear las vegas

dear las vegas,

i have to be honest with you, i have a love hate relationship with you and i don't know what to make of it. i've seen you three times in the last ten weeks and i feel both sickened and revived as a result. if someone told me that i wouldn't have to see you again in a very long time, i would say that it wouldn't be too soon, but secretly, i'd be saddened by the idea.

i leave you feeling in awe and irritation because you are the only one i know who can bring out regret, thrill, desperation, lust, love, disappointment, relief, envy and a host of other twisted, complex and roller coaster emotions to the many that you greet. it is an amazing thing to see. you are the only one that can bring together in a weekend a bunch of MBAs to play poker, teachers, russian mafia, ghetto gangsters, porn stars, celebrities and computer geeks. who does that? it's the power, addiction, unadulterated gluttony and even simple old-fashion fun that you offer. are you good for me? doubtful. but i think about how many unique, crazy memories you have brought me and it's hard to think that any other place could ever do the same.

with that, i have to leave you and though regrettably, i have to say that i can't see you for a while. my mind, heart and pockets can't afford to. i mean, really, did you have to let that guy pull a straight on the river against my pocket rockets?