Vegas
It’s been 8 years since I have been to Las Vegas. A lot has changed over the years structurally, but the one thing that you can always count on is the Flashiness of the Vegas Scene. I’m not a typical Vegas lover, as I hate to lose money… so I don’t gamble, I can’t stand the smell of smoke and other substances in the air. I’m not a big drinker, so the idea of watching tons of people falling over drunk and doing stupid things, is really not my scene. However, I do enjoy the architecture of the hotels, the experience of great food in some of the best restaurants, the entertainment, spas, and the ability to people watch…which I find entertaining.
Pink
I went with a friend to see Pink perform this past weekend at Allegiant Stadium and we got to spend 2 nights in the City of Lights! Of course Pink was fantastic. She is one of the most humble individuals who shows her authenticity and isn’t afraid to be vulnerable about life, struggles, and real-life humanity. She speaks openly about her own mental health struggles and that of her family. She also is an avid supporter of all individuals and her concerts are safe places for everyone to be their authentic and beautiful selves.
I got the privilege of sitting next to an incredible man named Enrique, who was dressed in his flashy pink attire from head to toe and was almost surprised to see that my friend and I were so accepting of his presence. He said “I never know what the temperature of the people I sit next to is going to be when I show up as my gay self.” We reassured him that he was seen and accepted and we had a fabulous time belting out pink songs and dancing together. Yet I felt so sad for him that he even had to feel fear and wonder if strangers at a Pink concert would be kind to him.
Pink’s Tenacity
Pink injured her knee after the second to last song on stage and there was a pause before her final song “So What!” I knew that she wasn’t done performing, as I had seen documentaries and knew about her final flying finale where she gets hooked into a wire hoop and flies all over the ceiling of the stadium doing acrobatics. She came out on stage and yelled out “Hey guys, I could use a little help here”, and her team picked her up and moved her toward the front of the stage to get her in her flying apparatus. Then she said, “I don’t need a knee to fly!” Despite what I imagine was a significant amount of pain, she flew around the stadium with what appeared to be ease and pure joy, putting on an incredible show for her fans.
Vegas Spending
I’m absolutely amazed at the amount of money people spend in this city. Back in college we would throw 4 people in a room and drive there from Cal State Fullerton in 4 hours, play cheap slots, and drink free drinks. That is definitely not the scene today. Maybe if you’re a high roller, you might get a free drink. No, poolside drinks started at $26-40 a drink. You could accrue a bill quite fast.
Then there are the extravagant shops and all the spending. As I walked through the Bellagio I saw countless women carrying large bags from Prada, Louis Vuitton, and other high-end stores. I guess, I’ve just never been someone who cared about labels or fancy purses or jewelry. Seriously, I’d rather put that money into my backyard, travel, and experiences where I can make memories rather than flashy materialistic items. I’m not knocking those who embrace these luxury items. I guess for me it’s more about their why? Is it to impress others from a perfectionistic other’s focused place, or do they truly just love their purses? Regardless, there is a lot to see and experience when in Vegas. Yet 2 Days was about my tolerance for the experience.
Just Do You
I’ve spent years trying to really simplify my life, embrace the things that are most important in my value system, and live life from a place of authenticity. It’s not always easy to stand your ground, and it can be especially difficult when you are with people who live life differently or have significantly different views. Yet it is my passion and intention to continue to live from a place of integrity of my values and not come out of those values to fit in, or to be accepted. I just want to be my authentic self, live well with joy and happiness from the inside, and continue to embrace love for all humanity regardless of our differences.