They don’t call it Sin City for nothin’

10th Anniversary

Three cheers for vacations!

Jay and I are headed off for a few days away, sans kids, to celebrate 11 years of him putting up with me (In the legally binding sort of way, at least.  Altogether, he’s actually put up with me far longer than that.)

Our destination?  Las Vegas, baby!  (Thus, the retro Vegas look for this month’s theme.)

Las Vegas is, without a doubt, one of my favorite places… ever.  Before we had kids, we used to jet off to Vegas 3 or 4 times a year.  While that habit has obviously gone by the wayside since the munchkins came along, every year, we still manage to make an annual pilgrimage (usually coinciding with our anniversary) to Sin City.

Speaking of which… I’ve often wondered where the term “Sin City” came from.  I could probably Google it, but I’m just too lazy.  Personally, I’m thinking it has something to do with the seven deadly sins.  ‘Cause Vegas pretty much covers them all.

Here’s my take on why I think they call it “Sin City”:

Pride, otherwise known as Vanity

I know it’s not good for you, but I love getting a tan.  There’s also something to be said about returning from vacation bronzed and glowing, and making my co-workers jealous.

Unfortunately, I tend to forget about the fact that I live in Oregon and, even with my naturally darker complexion, my poor skin hasn’t seen the light of day for months.  That and the fact that it doesn’t take long to fry while sunbathing in 110 degree weather.

And so, my efforts to get a good tan in Vegas often produce something like this:

Not exactly the summer glow I was going for.

Envy

Vegas always reminds me of our carefree pre-child days.  It also makes me a tad bit envious of the time in our lives when sleeping in until noon, flying off to Vegas on a whim, or staying out late without regard for a babysitter was the norm.

Of course, after about 24 hours, I usually start to really miss the kids and we begin talking about them non-stop.  And then, I start to envy all of the families I see walking around on the strip.

Gluttony

Five words for you:  All-you-can-eat-buffet.

Also?  You are the devil, shrimp cocktail.  The devil.  And that’s all I have to say about that.

Lust

You know that saying, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas”?  Well, it is simply not true.  I know, because I have two kids to disprove that little slogan.

Our anniversary is in July.  Both of my kids’ due dates were in March.  You do the math.

Anger

Slot machines are my nemesis.  They beckon to me, with their flashy lights, catchy jingles and allure of winning a few nickles.

Damn you, one-armed-bandits.   And that’s all I have to say about that.

Avarice, aka Greed or Covetousness

I’m not greedy.  As much as I love the slot machines, I’m not expecting or looking to win big when I play them.  Granted, winning a million bucks in one pull would be absolutely gravy, but I’m not kidding myself.

If I get my money back, I feel like I’ve won.  In actuality, this rarely happens.

And still, I can’t help by feel a little covetousness when I see someone winning a big jackpot.  Especially when it’s at a machine I just got up from.

Sloth

Sleeping in until 8 (yes, for us, that is sleeping in).  Drinking margaritas by the pool.  Eating quiet, leisurely dinners without having to cut up someone else’s food.

Sounds pretty sloth-like to me.  And heavenly.

I can’t wait.