Hmmm...

No, I have not been crying, and No, I am not high...these are my eyes after a week long battle with infection, and 2 hours spent in a smoke filled room last night.

Justin and I are not gamblers by any means, but in honor of our cousin Tifani turning 21 this week, we were invited to go down to Isle of Capri to celebrate. I found a lucky seat at one of the 2 cent slot machines and ended up breaking even. Justin headed to the roulette table, and by the end of the night, he was up $45. Nothing lost, a little gained, not a bad deal. Friday night at the Casino was packed. I noticed lots of gamblers who would greet each other by name, some who were having friendly conversations with the dealers at the tables. At least 50% of the people were smoking, and many were drinking. It was a community of addictive personalities. These people had found their niche, a place where they are accepted for the decisions they make, because no one else can stop themselves either. The casino closes at 4:00am, because of people who have told themselves "One more try, just one more try" all night long. What if the dream of "hitting the jackpot" was all you had to live for? Every day it consumes your mind, and every weekend that dream steals your time and money. I can't imagine walking into a casino with no self control, being willing to lose it all, in hopes of gaining something.

The Casino is not a place that Justin and I plan on returning to any time soon. It was entertaining and fun to be with friends. Luckily we didn't lose anything, but our opinion is that gambling just isn't smart.

What about you? What is your opinion on gambling, and how have you seen it affect the people in your life?