For many years, as our son was growing up and did not want to come with us on vacation anymore, hubby and I did not want to leave him alone for too long, so we were going on extended weekends to Vegas. Nice hotels, going to shows, and exhibits, good food, and for me playing slots with a cigarette in my other hand were all good distractions from everyday life.
As I might have said it before I do not drink much, maybe 2-3 glasses of whatever/month, if even that, so alcohol was not involved. But one day I lost more than I was comfortable (he does not gamble, he walked around while I was) and I told hubby I don’t want to go back anymore, unless there is a show we want to see that justifies being in Vegas. So we have not gone back for many years now.
But around Phoenix, there are many Casinos, we have visited through the years. So yesterday we took mom for a nice Seafood brunch buffet, and a little gambling for her name day (Mom’s name is Maria, and today is St Mary’s day).
It was my first time in a smoking environment, and I was looking around for a spot for mom to sit down, hard to be away from that (she has asthma). And look at all the faces and hands holding a cigarette. It was almost a surreal experience, an out of body experience, as I was seeing myself 5 months ago being one of them…
We did not stay long, and I am happy to report that being amongst my former “peers” had not impact afterwards. I keep thinking about the experience, and reminding myself how happy I am in the place I am today. I do not do that anymore.
