I never imagined I’d live in Las Vegas. Ever. Honestly, it wasn’t even a place I had on my bucket list to visit. I had this image of Las Vegas as nothing more than a row of smoke filled casinos where people came to revel in excess of all kinds–and I just assumed keep my feet in the beach sand, thank you very much. And–my image was spot on. And then some.

The Strip is quite a sight. Bright lights. People of all kinds walking up and down sidewalks turned neon by the lights above. In the summer, an intense heat magnifies everything. The sights, sounds and smells of the Strip are something to behold. There’s an undercurrent of energy that pulses through everything you do. It’s exciting for sure–and I can’t write enough about that energy. The heartbeat of Las Vegas. Everyone who visits here is on equal footing–whether you’re a millionaire cozying up to a table game or a slot machine, or the paycheck to paycheck person sitting next to them–the cards and the dice and the pull don’t discriminate. Everyone has a chance in Las Vegas.

But the images of the city that are out there are designed to make everyone believe they can be THAT person. That big winner. And while yes, you do have a chance to rub shoulders with the famous out here, you have to pay to do it. A lot. Drinks in clubs run anywhere from $10-$20. And unless you know someone who knows someone, you’re going to stand in line a long time to get in–and probably not see anyone who’s on TV. I see it all the time–people who come in town with that special black dress packed or that slick shirt, and they get here and realize they’re just like everyone else. I wonder if they leave disappointed–because except for a very select few, Las Vegas is a bright light, big attitude town–that only delivers in a big way if you have big bucks. But–it’s the potential of the “what if” that brings people in with what they’ve got, and often sends them home empty handed. It sure is fun, though.

However–Las Vegas is also a working man’s town, and this is the town I fell in love with. There are beautiful neighborhoods, and some not so beautiful ones. There are schools and high school football games and UNLV and basketball games and baseball games. There are swim teams and gyms and soccer fields and soccer moms with their minivans and honor child bumper stickers. Turn off the lights, and Las Vegas is no different than any other American city–trying to make it through.

My first Thanksgiving here, I fed the homeless. In the middle of Catholic Charities, I was surrounded by faces of people who for whatever reason–came up a little short on the success meter. But away from the lights, these people were the same faces you see on your street corner, wherever you are… just looking for a break–or dinner.

So, when you ask what’s living in Las Vegas like, away from that one strip of bright lights, it’s Anytown USA. And it’s absolutely beautiful around here–I’ll have more on that in another post. But it wasn’t a bad place to swap beach sand for desert sand for a bit. And I’ll never forget it.

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