I just wrote about my trip to LV. If you read that post, I’m pretty sure you noticed I lost $1,677.00…that’s a lot of money to me. I’ve never lost that much on a trip to Vegas, ever. I’m definitely not regretting it though, because I did budget $2,300. So coming home with some cash is not too bad. Of course, I wish I could have came home with more money in my pocket then I left with, but hey that’s life. I thought it was ironic that I just wrote about being aggressive, and in essence, gambling is as aggressive as it gets. Why I do it when I know the house has the advantage? I’m not sure, but I do enjoy it. Yes, I know, I should’ve took that money and invested it instead. :/
What exactly did I lose my money on? Let me try and detail what I can remember. These are ballpark figures and some were expenses spent on my friend…Winnings in black, and losses in red.
Gaming:
- Blackjack $920.00
- Wheel of Fortune Slots – $100.00
- Video poker – $79.00
- Texas Holdem Tournament – $70.00
- 3 Card Poker – $100.00
- Texas Holdem Table – $50.00
- Craps – $90.00
- Let it Ride – $30.00
- Total loss – $1,079.00
Dining: $160.00
Entertainment: $342.00
Gifts: $60.00
Tips: $36.00
TOTAL LOSS: $1,677.00
So there you have it. Outside of my cash expenses, I did splurge a little on the rental car. I got a sports car that I’ve always wanted to buy, but probably never will because it’s so impractical. A two seater, Nissan 350Z.
I also love food. Two places I definitely recommend if you stop by sin city…The Wynn buffet and Lawry’s The Prime Rib.
The Wynn buffet has the best buffet in Las Vegas. Hands down. It is around $30-36 depending on when you go, but compared to the buffet at Bellagio, MGM, Rio, for the same price, it’s much better. Alaskan King Crab legs, pre-cut!! No mess and pictured to the right. Risotto cooked to order. And dessert…man…Creme Brulee, Cooked to order Crepes, Gelatto, Bread Pudding, Cheesecake, Mini Candied Apples.
Next comes Lawry’s The Prime Rib. Yum! I was thoroughly impressed. Maybe you’ve tried another place called The House of Prime Rib in San Francisco? Well, Lawry’s Prime rib is even better. Just no seconds. Both are excellent. Prime rib is carved and served table side from a stainless steel cart. Includes a salad, mash potatoes, and Yorkshire pudding. Priced from $28-42 for the entree.
Almost forgot about the $500 pack of cigarettes…After playing $500 at a blackjack table…where I was going up and down for awhile, I finally hit a streak that killed me. Well, I asked the pit boss for a pack of cigarettes with about $200 left in chips. She said okay, and there you have it. A $500 pack of cigarettes. By the way, I am planning another attempt at quitting very soon–probably within the next couple months. I definitely look forward to it, but I know I need to have the right mindset to have any chance of succeeding. I hope you all had a great weekend!
D
August 15, 2006 at 9:25 am
Wow, had no idea how expensive it is to smoke now. HA! You can quit, but think baby steps. With little goals you will succeed. Think of it like money. You don’t have a savings all at once, you gradually add more and more until one day hopefully you are good to go.
So, start today, not tomorrow or next week. If you normally have a pack a day, try to cut back. Want a cig now, say I’ll wait for 15 minutes then have it. Keep extending the time, and maybe by a couple of weeks you will be going 1/2 a day or long enough to push yourself the rest of the way.
Do you chew gum? This saved me, kept my mouth busy. That sounds funny. Also stir sticks and small straws from McDonalds can be good to chew on. I also did the cinnamon toothpicks.
But the best thing is to take deep cleansing breaths. Hold them for a couple seconds and release. You will be amazed at the help this is. I still do it today.
I’m rooting for you!!!
AmDollar
August 15, 2006 at 4:57 pm
Sounds like you had alot of fun in Vegas! The 350zs are fun to drive
freedumb
August 15, 2006 at 7:56 pm
D, I tried the slow quit method…it didn’t work out too well. I’ve had some success with cold turkey, but I always stumble after a few months…6 was the longest I think. I’ll try your suggestion before going cold turkey though…who knows maybe that’s the small adjustment I need to make to quit.
AmDollar, Yes I did! The Z was a blast…I only wish they rented manual transmissions…
Steven
August 16, 2006 at 2:01 pm
Well, it sounds like you had a good time anyway! It’s always nice to get away.
Net Worth 08.2006 [+$7,546.35, +3.65%] « Financial Freedumb and Brownie
June 10, 2011 at 9:22 am
[...] market going up has definitely helped my bottom line this month. I had a bunch of expenses, like my trip to Vegas and my current trip for my friend’s wedding. Not to mention Brownie’s boarding [...]