And the 'big' winner is...

On a recent "research" trip to Las Vegas with the girls, someone said (and I’m almost sure it wasn’t me), "Why are some winners the biggest losers?" Then the taxi dropped us off at the Bellagio where we enjoyed a wonderful dinner and a few cocktails. Later, I tried to remember the context of the comment...why it was said. For some reason (perhaps the cocktails), I couldn't remember, nor could any of my friends. This bothered me, as I remember thinking at the time that it would make a great article. As we tried to recreate the original conversation on the ride back to our hotel, the cab driver came to the rescue. Not with our original sentiment, but with one that's certainly worth sharing.

This driver was unique in many ways, foremost being that he is a native Las Vegan. This could mean that he restricts himself to a diet of Mexican vegan food, but it actually means that he was born and lived his entire life in Las Vegas. I put his age at about 65, and his spirit at about 25. He was outgoing, funny and went along with my "dialogue with the cabbie" game eagerly. Having traveled on business (real business) to Las Vegas quite often, I've encountered some nasty cab drivers and been victim to the "take the longest (or slowest) route possible" technique that some drivers employ. Many years ago, to circumvent this, I created my "dialogue with the cabbie" routine. As I get into the cab, I say "hello" to the driver as enthusiastically as possible. If I get a response (even a grunt will do), I then ask where he or she is from, as Vegas cab drivers are rarely from Las Vegas. If my question goes off well, I ask "Who is the most famous person you've ever driven for?" I've heard some amazing stories through the years. About mobsters, actors…politicians, and one time about a mobster actor politician. After the cabbie shares a story (or two), and if time allows, I follow-up with "Who was your favorite fare of the rich and famous." Then, of course, I ask about the least favorite. Once befriended, it's my experience that the driver usually takes the high road....and time flies by. Some day I will probably compile my “cabbie” stories in a book, but for now, just let me say that this particular driver was in rare form - and he later said that we were his favorite fare...even though we were neither rich, nor famous.

(Note: If you're thinking of trying my "dialogue with the cabbie" routine, here’s a tip, and yes, the pun is intended. If you don't get anywhere with the first two questions, try this: Point to the photo of the cab driver on his or her permit, which is always less flattering than even a driver's license photo (it’s true), and ask who it is. When they say that it's him (or her), say that it looks more like their father (or mother). Works like a charm for me - but only in Vegas.)

Anyway, as our driver entertained us with stories about his (and others') celebrity fares throughout the years, he wove in and out of traffic with ease. He must have heard us talking about winners being losers as we climbed into his cab, because he followed this theme. He was so entertaining that I actually asked him to take us on the longest route…which was still too short and worth the extra 15-bucks. He talked about the days of Frank, Sammy and Dean. But we also heard about Liberace, Adam West (Batman), Celine Dion and Martha Stewart. His point was simple. He's encountered many A-list celebrities. Some talked to him and others ignored him. Some seemed happy, and others not so much. But none were as happy as the Midwest couples who came to Vegas for their thirtieth, fortieth, or fiftieth wedding anniversaries - with but a few hundred dollars in their wallets (and usually much less when they headed back home). He talked about driving these couples to the airport, and how they would laugh about their experience - even if they had lost. And how they would cuddle and kiss like newlyweds as he retrieved their luggage from the trunk. These mom and pops, unlike most of his celebrity fares, invariably gave him a nice tip and wished him well as they headed back to Anywhere, USA. They were the big winners in his book, and not because of the big fat tip that they could hardly afford. They were winners because they knew what winning was all about. They may have lost at the tables, or in the slots, and perhaps they were never destined for fame or fortune, but they never "lost" their perspective. They knew that winning big was just a state of mind.

As the girls and I headed up to our suite later, I started to miss this little man whom I’d just met. I wondered why. Then I realized that he was real. An everyday, ordinary joe. Just like those comfortable little anniversary couples, he was a real person - who was actually happy with what he had. He didn’t spend every day searching for more than he needed. He took time to enjoy what he had - and to appreciate his good fortune, however modest it might be.

Thanks to our charming little cab driver, this "girl's" trip was enlightening for us all. As we settled into our room for the evening, we started talking about these anniversary couples...and their values. Again, I'm not sure who started, but one by one, we made some personal resolutions. One friend, who has plenty of financial resources (but not as much as she used to) decided that it was time for her husband to finally retire. They won't be able to travel as much as in years past, their budget will be a little tight, and they won't be able to do as much for their children and grandchildren as they do now. But right then and there, this friend decided that it was more important to spend her golden years with her husband, no matter where they were, or what they were doing. And I do believe she meant it. Another friend, who has battled with a kitchen designer for months, trying to design a kitchen like no other, decided that it was more important to design a kitchen that she liked, not one that would impress others, or break the bank. Just a nice, functional kitchen (with a working oven, please) that she can fill with good food, good friends and good times. Me, I found some much needed peace. I decided that if my readers here (all of you) are the only people who ever appreciate my work, and if I never earn another cent with my musings, than I am still a very lucky person, indeed.

As we all said goodnight, and climbed into our way too expensive (even if they were comped) beds, I made a mental note to self. “Self,” I said, “You hit the jackpot this weekend. Don’t ever forget this…and don’t gamble it away.”

Now, I just need to explain to my husband why this funny little man might be coming to dinner next month…and staying over. I can always say it’s research, but I think I’ll let him figure it out for himself. I feel pretty confident that he’ll understand…after that first, enthusiastic “hello.”

Viva Las Vegas baby! Here's to the big winners: Those little anniversary couples everywhere...and you and me!

Dedicated to Su-Z-Q...here's to more time with your man! And to "Ms. Cox" for telling.

© 2006 Teresa G. Franta