Adulting, No Thanks
October 21-27, 2019
By Cait Smith
caitlin@dailydata.com
Man down
As the saying goes, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” – however, seeing as this was my first visit, I think I’m granted a pass to share this story. It’s quite comical replaying the events back in my head. Also, it’s one of those stories you have to tell someone or you’re going to burst.
I touched down in the Silver State on Oct. 10 around 2 p.m. The buildings, the neon lights, the fancy stores and that long strip all had me in awe. What did it for me was that huge ‘Las Vegas’ sign. It felt surreal seeing it all for the first time. Normally I never based things off movies, but Las Vegas is truly like the movies. The large crowds, clubs, casinos, palm trees … it was all there. My friend had warned me that when I get there, it would feel like I’m in an alternate universe. She was not lying.
All three of my nights were spent amongst others cruising the strip until 4 a.m. I tried a go at the slot machines because I wasn’t betting my bad luck in a game of Blackjack or Poker. I put a $100 in and got $100 out. And that was it for me and gambling. Too bad my travel companion didn’t follow my example. He put in about $350 and lost $350. Hate to say I told him so, but I told him so.
I focused my attention on shopping and partying … you know, the things you’re supposed to do in Vegas. On Saturday morning I shopped, dined, and shopped some more. This was all in preparation to see one of my favorite rappers who was to perform at a club later that night. My companion and I cleaned up well for the show. We even got some great photos together. But (of course there’s a but) the night turned horribly wrong when I realized I had left my ID back at the hotel. We managed to make it all the way to the front of line just to turn around and go back to retrieve my ID.
After a second Uber ride, with my ID in hand we had finally made it back to the club. It was fairly crowded, and the music was loud, but I was happy because we were an hour away from seeing one of our favorite artists. That is until something rushed over my body. I felt lightheaded, a bit woozy even. I asked my companion to take me to the bathroom for fresh air. Before we could even make it up the stairs, I fainted. I had completely blacked out. About ten minutes later, I regained consciousness. Unfortunately, because of liabilities we were kicked out of the club due to my fainting. I was hurt. Not hurt about us being kicked out but hurt with myself. I wasn’t drunk, so why did I faint? My guess was dehydration and/or over exhaustion. We didn’t even get to see the artist hit the stage. So to make up for it, I decided to treat us to White Castles (something I hadn’t had in a long time and something Arkansas should definitely get).
When Sunday came, I was sad because that meant I would have to adjust back to reality. But as I was riding on the plane, I pondered the idea of living in Las Vegas.
Nah, the slow life keeps me sane, I thought to myself.
