vegas, baby... or not?

It seems like everyone I know is a huge Vegas fan, so I definitely feel like the odd-man-out at times, as I am not particularly enamored with the place. At the risk of seeming lame to those of my friends/colleagues that really like Vegas (who are many), here's why.

1. I don't really gamble
I have too many expensive hobbies, at least by my standards, to blow the money in a relatively short time playing a game. I like games; I really figuring them out; I especially like winning. And I love hanging out with friends. But I don't like losing money; it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I'd rather go buy a new camera lens. Or a snowboard. Or camping gear. Or spend the same amount of time and money on a shopping spree at REI.

I hung out last night with some friends from work as they tossed their money away at Craps, or as other people did it for them. It was fun. I had a great time, even though I wasn't playing, and as a result wasn't nearly as energetic or entertaining as they were. It's a great social atmosphere. Everyone's friendly and exuberant. And there's a sense of suspense that the game creates that's really addictive. It's fantastic. But I was perfectly happy still having all my cash at the end of the night.

2. Strip clubs ain't my thing
There are some things that are culturally acceptable that just aren't ok with me. This is one of those cases. It's an issue of personal integrity. There's no way I could enjoy a show like that, or even go along for the ride, and make any sort of claim to wanting to know God better. I know that God's not going to like it. And there's no way I could tell Soph that she's the only one for me, and still go. It's not that a part of me wouldn't enjoy it, quite the contrary unfortunately, but not the part of me that is the person I aspire to be.

3. I never get around to seeing the shows
Ok, so this is more a function of me coming for business conferences all the time, and has little to do with Vegas. I'd probably enjoy a lot of the shows. I just never get to go. Someday I'll come for a vacation and not for work, and will see some, and maybe I'll re-evaluate my opinion then.

On a positive note, I will say that Vegas is a great place for a business conference. Most business folks (especially tech?) are eager to come, and the facilities are fantastic. It's also a cheap flight from a lot of places. So for that, it's great.