Slim's moving to Vegas thread

oh

it is pretty telling (and not unique) that someone with all these amazing experiences and who has met so many famous people and had amazing photos and made so much money then finds themself dealing with depression and anxiety. maybe there is more to life.

thanks for sharing your story, hope your mental health rebounds back and I imagine that you are back on the prowl. looking forward to reading more.

If it helps (I know it doesn’t[emoji23]) I went through almost exactly the same thing with crypto. I started investing 2017 and rode the crash down to almost zero the next year only to say this was not my thing and selling everything. That year, before the crash, my brother sold his company for a decent amount of money and I convinced him to buy crypto. He ended up investing $100 000 into BTC and various alt coins and then forgetting about it completely for 6 years. I called him one day last year and asked him if he had sold and he said no he had completely forgotten and yeah that turned into well over 7 figures $.

This has been my experience with crypto, to a point where my friend literally times his buys and sells based on my buys and sells. It is GUARANTEED that if I ever buy crypto it crashes 20-50% the next day and if I sell it will pump to infinity the next day. Doesn’t matter if I hold for 1 day or 1 year

PLEEEZE don't buy any for awhile.

actually the opposite please! I've got none right now and have a lot of $$ that could go towards it when the next dip happens

Yeah, I used to wonder how people like Robin Williams or Chris Cornell could be depressed enough to commit suicide when they were set for life financially, but I kind of understand it now when you reach highs like that you will never reach again.

Slim,

Good to hear from you again. Hope you're able to be well out in Vegas.

GL, Slim. Hang in there, you'll be just fine.

Seems like most people start these M.2Vegas threads with not nearly enough funds, hoping to play poker for a living, hit it big or whatever. Not the case with me, as you guys on here like to call it... my "liferoll" was good to go, plenty of cash to be comfortable out there. I was transferring with my job, gonna be working full time, so most would say I had a good as chance of making it out there as any... except for the homesick factor... which for me had to be as big as factor as it could be for anyone.
My living situation was kinda still up in the air. I had told a friend I'll refer to as "T" that I would be living with her. She was a nurse that worked long hours, wanted a roommate to help watch her young dog more than anything.

I loved dogs and loved boxers. Her dog had just turned a year old and I had watched her since she was a pup on instagram. I was really looking forward to having a dog around... but after being tempted with another spot that seemed to be a much better area and other factors, I still wasn't 100% on it. I was also tempted to live alone, get an apartment within walking distance of the strip, so it was all still up in the air at the time til almost the last minute. It was an extremely hard decision, very hard... but I went with T, the girl with the boxer because I had promised her I wouldn't back out, kept my word.
When I returned from my Vegas super bowl trip I was supposed to work 3 more weeks at my job, have a month off before I started the job in Vegas.
I had visited the branch in Vegas during the super bowl trip, signed all the paper work (which cost quite a bit) to transfer. If I were to back out at this point, it would be a**holish, but part of me was still contemplating it. None of my friends believed I was gonna go through with it, but I think I was about 90% sure myself. I had been making a pros and cons list of moving there for over a year that I actually just found at my Mom's house the other day. It was very detailed with Pros as simple as being able to eat In and Out burger, some cons being just as simple. I do think the deciding pro on that pros list was "I will know". I knew if I didn't make the move now, I never would and I will have never moved/have lived anywhere else. A significant pro on that list I had always dreamed about was the drive across America. I love road trips and it would be one like no other. I had dreamt about that drive as long as I had dreamt about moving to Vegas. I stayed up many nights excited about that trip, researched to see all I could along the way. I was especially looking forward to seeing all the history of route 66. Driving from NC to Vegas, the initial leg had a choice of 2 routes that took the same amount of time. One was through Nashville, TN. the other through Atlanta GA. I had visited both previously, liked Nashville way better so decided to go that way. I wanted to leave on March 5 but Scotty McCreery (the prince and pride of Garner, who I had wagered and won very big on when he won American Idol) was playing in Nashville March 14 so I left the options open to wait a week... which with my procrastination, I'm sure I would have. This is significant because if I had, covid would have shut everything down, and no way I was moving to Vegas with it shut down. If I had waited, none of it would have happened. As fate would have it, at the last minute one of my lifelong best friends randomly purchased a truck for his business in Atlanta. He needed to pick it up March 6, so I said ride with me, I'll go through Atlanta, we'll have some fun and you can drive it back. My buddy was depending on me so there was no procrastinating.

As detailed as the Pros and Cons list was and as much as I looked forward to the drive across America, I was about to experience something even better. The thing that caught me completely by surprise and made for some of the most beautiful moments and the most tears shed in my life... were the goodbyes. Apologies in advance for writing so much about this. Not exactly the good stuff of a M2Vegas thread, but it was a big deal to me. Please bear with me if you will. I promise it gets better.
There were several sets of goodbyes... I don't go to church or anything but I do believe in God. I'm not trying to get anyone to believe like I do or preach. To each his own. I'm just telling my story. Goodbye is a term derived from "God be with you" the goodbyes I was about to experience were some of the most memorable, tear inducing moments of my life. I've never been one to cry, probably haven't cried since my Mom's dog died many years ago... but I was about to do a lot of crying.

The first goodbyes were at my last day of work. So many wished me luck and it was obvious they were genuinely sad to see me go.
There was one co-worker I had worked with daily my entire career and was very close to. Neither of us are even close to being gay or anything (Seinfeld disclaimer... not that there's anything wrong with that) just to clarify... Over the past year or so his health declined significantly and he was battling cancer. I was afraid this was the last time I would see him. I wrote him a hand written letter... again, we are both far from gay (insert Seinfeld disclaimer)

I guess it meant a lot to him. He texted this and I just went back in my phone and found it

There was another coworker who WAS extremely gay. He was flamboyant to say the least, worked in the office of a blue collar business. He dealt with many "tough guys" that wouldn't speak to him, stayed as far away as they could because of all his flamboyancy. He would always say "They're so mean to me" I kinda felt bad for him, so I always made a point to be nice to him. He didn't help matters by coming in on Monday's talking about what he did on the pool table of the local gay bar over the weekend... it grossed a lot of people out. He had a good sense of humor though and I always cut up with him, tried to be nice to him. I'm a quote lover and most days, I would write inspiring quotes and stuff on paperwork I had to turn into him because he seemed to enjoy it and didn't have many friends. I'm very secure with my sexuality and a jokester, so my last day, I wrote him this

They said he posted that by his desk permanently and everyone read it... probably a good thing I moved away lol. He has since passed away.
The poor guy had a very tough life... and as I look at this from over 5 years ago... as silly as it was, I'm really glad I wrote it

I'll never forget walking out of the office that day. Whether I lasted years or weeks out in Vegas I had no plans to come back to that job at home. I had seen so many walk out of there for the last time after getting fired or whatnot, disgruntled and disappointed. Very few... hardly anyone that I could recall, walked out of that place for the last time with a smile on their face. When I just knew I was gonna retire with millions in crypto, I had always looked forward to walking out of that place with a smile on my face, walking out of that door for the last time being a multi millionaire.....
Walking out with that "million dollar smile" I dreamt of for so long never happened, but the smile I was walking out with was priceless. After all the depression, I was walking out happy, full of excitement and hope. It was such a great, indescribable feeling... I'll never forget it.

In the parking lot a co-worker was by his car waiting on me. He was a very bitter, condescending know it all, lonely dude who never gave anyone a compliment or nice sentiment what so ever. Not many there cared for him, but I would always try my best to be nice to him, tried to help him overcome his social awkwardness/a**holishness. I don't think I had ever even seen him shake anyone's hand. I put out my hand to say goodbye. He looked at me, said "I'm gonna miss you Jim" he didn't shake my hand, he gave me a big heartfelt hug. He was teary eyed as he watched me get in my car. As much as this guy always tried to come off like an arrogant di**, it was obvious he was gonna miss me. He stood there still and watched me pull out of the parking lot. As I made the U turn and drove back by him, I rolled down the window and yelled like Ric Flair "Woooooo" I'm out of here for the last time and I'm headed to the liquor store!!! looking like this guy

I was beeping the horn repetitively as he watched me leave and had a very rare smile on his face. One of sadness I was leaving, and one of happiness for me. I'll never forget that

I've never been one to make a big deal out of my birthday, never wanted there to be a fuss about me or whatever, so I wasn't too big on having a going away party or anything...but it would be a good excuse to get my friends together, see everyone before I left. It was only a week away so I sent a group text to several of my best friends for the heck of it. Over half of them had commitments already so I gave up on that idea. They all thought I'd be back home soon anyways

However, I got to drinking late the Thursday before the last Saturday I would be in town, said screw it. Drinking leads to bad decisions way more often than good, but this was one time I was glad I got to drinkin and made that decision. I wanted to see everyone before I left so I drunkenly made up one of those facebook invite parties

It was less than 44 hours notice so I didn't expect much of a turnout. With a lot of my best friends having prior commitments, I was hoping for about 10-15 of us, 20 hopefully. I planned it at the Garner hometown bar we frequented often. That bar is Garner. My buddy painted an awesome mural on the wall there with many notable Garner folks. Scotty McCreery is center stage of course.

Quick side story as I'm thinking of it. in the depressing year of 2019 when all hopes of retiring at an early age with millions were gone, I remember talking to an old friend at this bar one evening. She was considered by many to be the prettiest girl in town growing up and even still maybe. I never had a thing for her at all though because she had dated one of my best friends for many years, actually it's the guy that would be riding with me to Atlanta. After they broke up, she dated and married one of the Carolina Hurricanes hockey players. He didn't sign a big initial contract but had a great rookie year. When he signed his next contract, they would be certainly set for life. However, he took a horrific hit and was never the same. It eventually ended his career. I don't think anyone cares, so I'll go ahead and say if you're curious. YouTube search "Shane Willis hit"

She was still married to Shane. I remember seeing her being chauffeured around at celebrity golf tournaments and such... now here she was just normal like the rest of us. I told her she's the only one I knew that could relate to what I went through. She gave me some of the simplest, but relevant advice I want to share on here. Take it day by day, and appreciate the little things... like that morning cup of coffee and such. I talked to her for a couple hours and it helped me a lot. Shane came and picked her up that night so I talked to him a little. I was thinking how hard it must be for this guy who should be worth 30 million minimum, if a guy didn't clean his clock in the last meaningless 11 seconds of a game one night. What I went through is nothing compared to him and he still made a great life for himself.

Anyways, there was a lot of history at this bar and it was the perfect place to have the going away gathering. Saturdays were always empty though, the partying crowd would go into Raleigh, so I wasn't expecting too much excitement. I was expecting a quiet evening with some good conversations with a select few about old memories we had made in that bar and growing up, nothing crazy. Little did I know some of the greatest memories were about to be made. People I knew just kept coming and coming, I was shocked at how many kept piling into that small bar. I would see people walking in I hadn't seen since high school over and over come through that door and be crazy excited every time. Everyone was shocked about the turnout, seeing friends they haven't seen in many, many years.

Hard core liberals, hard core republicans, all getting along lol

I never want things to be about me but not everyone knew each other, the "question how do you know Slim" was asked a lot to people that hadn't met. Every answer seemed to include a compliment about me being a great friend that was beyond flattering. All night I had a smile on my face, whether it was a smile from laughter or being proud to have such great people boasting about how great of a friend I was... I was smiling non stop. Later on, I found out two of my best friends from different stages in life were talking. One is a very nervous guy, the other very confident. The nervous friend and I still hung out on a regular basis and he was worried. He asked the confident guy "What do you think he's gonna do out there?" The confident friend replied "He's gonna shine"
With everyone telling me how horrible of an idea this was, I really thought a lot of what he said.

Such a big turnout had me more humbled than I had ever been. There were several friends there that had fell out with each other, hadn't spoken for over a decade that mended differences that night. That made me feel really good, the whole night was just amazing. So many people showed up that the bar ran out of many beers and liquors. Usually, the owner would have to pay a band big to get a crowd half that size. Almost everyone had a tab of $200 or more. The owner told me thank you so much for having this here. She also said "and all your friends are so nice, I can't believe they've drank this much without any fights"... and with no exaggeration whatsoever... the moment I heard her say the letter S in fights, I heard bottles and a furniture getting broken from someone throwing a guy we call "The One Man Show" across a table. Several instances occured after that but nothing awful. Hate it happened but it was all pretty hilarious.

This was very late, wasn't near all the people that were there at one point. Seems like there were at least 80 different people there that came and left through the night. Maybe even 100. Sitting here now after all these years I can't get over how flattering it was.

Growing up I was an arrogant, aggravating, loudmouth people got tired of very quick. I was never popular in high school... In a school just like a high school movie where popularity was everything. My brother was one of the most beloved people in the town and I was always self-conscious about that. My brother was better looking than I was, much better at basketball and whatnot. I thought that's why he was so popular. I tried to be popular by trying to be a little smarta** or something... to no avail. I think around my senior year I grew up a bit, stopped all that, just started being genuinely nice and was very blessed to make some really great friends. I certainly can't boast about many virtues I have, but I do I've tried to be as selfless and as good of a friend as anyone can be. I will say the term "nice guys finish last" has come to relevance for me all too often. I've gotten screwed over more ways than you can think of by helping people too much, loaning money out I'll never see again(lost all too many friends like that), just being too nice/soft. One time a girl in Vegas told me "nice guys finish last first, but first last" I always attributed that to when you go see the man upstairs and all... but on my last night out in the town I loved so much, all these friends made me feel like I was finishing first...last on that last evening out in town.

I loved that town and the people in it like Peter loved the Lord... for it to be exemplified how much it loved me back... I just can't explain what it meant to me. Crazy that I would move away from a home like this... but I heard a quote in a movie once "Heaven is made up of the people and the places we love during our lifetime" Garner and everyone in it will always be heaven to me... but I needed to make my heaven bigger.

I always said the night in Vegas I hung with Johnny Drama was the coolest night of my life... yet it was topped by a regular ole night in Garner due to the best friends anyone could be blessed with. The only way to describe it was like Jimmy Stewart at the end of It's a Wonderful Life. I had been through horrific depression, lost a fortune, just wanted to give up... but in one night at the local bar, my friends showed me how wonderful life was. I was no longer a millionaire... but just like George Bailey from It's a Wonderful Life, my friends made me feel like "the richest man in town". It was the most heartwarming, humbling night of my life. I will never forget it

The next night, the couple that I refer to as my 2nd parents had a small cookout. Everyone talked about the party the night before like they were talking about the Super Bowl the day after, everything that happened. I found out several wagers were made about how long before I would move back home and they were serious about it. It was March, wagers made on me spanned from being back as soon as Memorial day and no later than Christmas. One guy there that didn't grow up with us, known us for about 5 years said "man I was giving you until Labor Day but after seeing all the friends you are leaving, I'm giving you 6 weeks"
Someone I call "my 2nd Mom" (who is younger than me) was one that didn't want me to move away, thought it was a horrible idea, but she had written this on her chalkboard

I loved that chalkboard, was always upset if it didn't have an updated quote. That was a few nights before my departure. When I started to leave that night, she looked at me almost ready to tear up and said "Is this it?" I thought for a sec and said no, their daughter had gone to bed and I didn't say goodbye to her... so I'd have to come back to do that.
The night before I was to leave for Vegas I stopped by their house to give/replace a bottle of whiskey to her husband and to say bye... and to get in one last game of trivial pursuit with their daughter (she had kids questions)

While I was on the way, a couple friends called and wanted to stop in and say bye. I asked my "2nd Dad" if it was cool if they stopped just for a minute. He said no, it's a school night. I said come on, please... he said "They're gonna be here til 1:30 am, I know it... but fine". Sure enough we were up til 1:30 and drank the whole bottle of whiskey I brought. It was worth it though, had a great time. I'll never forget it.

-side note... back in early 2017 I had hid a thumb drive with 20 bitcoin (worth well over 2 million now) on top of those cabinets in the pic, said I was gonna leave it there for at least 5 years. Long, pathetic story on my behalf what happened to that 😞

When everyone left and it was time for the goodbye, my 2nd mom was getting emotional. She really was like my Mom. She knew how I would get drunk in Vegas, give away money, let people take advantage of me and whatnot. She was on me all the time about every friend I made in Vegas, wanted to know all about them, asked if I gave them huge tips, paid their dinner tabs, etc. The overprotectiveness about that and many other things would get on my nerves but I definitely appreciated and loved her for being so concerned about me. Her house was a beautiful area and always so fun

I was over there all the time. I would have worn out my welcome with 99% of most people but she put up with me. In 2018 during the crypto crash I was particularly a handful being all depressed and worried, getting ridiculously drunk over there, being aggravating. I don't know what I would have done during that time if not for her family. While I know I would never kill myself... she had a family member that had done so and she was always worried about me doing the same, witnessing my depression. I know there were many times she didn't want me over there but she welcomed me out of concern and love. I don't know how I would have made it through all that if not for her family. I know for sure I would have never had the courage to follow through with my dream of moving to Vegas without her family. When it was time for goodbye, her husband knew she needed a moment so he said bye and went to bed.
I'll never forget her standing in the kitchen with her teared-up eyes when it was time to say goodbye. For probably the 5th time in a week, I started crying harder than I ever had before. I hugged her and told her thank you so much for letting me be part of her family. As I was pulling out of the driveway, I received a text message. I had thought her husband had went straight to bed being so late, but while we were saying bye, he was writing me this

He's one of the smartest and best guys I know. I know 100% if not for encouragement, I would not be making this move. He had witnessed all my depression daily and he was probably the only person who completely understood why I needed to make this move. Everyone thought I was moving to go live in "sin city" but he knew I needed change... a new life. Out of all the wagers made by friends how long it would be before I moved back, he gave me til Christmas which was the longest. He grew up in Ohio and moved to North Carolina on a whim. I always remembered how he said the day he left Ohio, his car loaded with everything he owned... it was the scariest and most exciting moment of his life... that always stuck with me.

I barely slept that night. I had been so excited for probably the past 2 weeks I hadn't slept much any night. I was also hungover as crap. I asked my buddy riding with me to Atlanta could we delay it a day and he said no, if you do that, you're gonna keep on putting it off, let's go. I was at my Mom's house, laying in bed, hungover, just wanting to stay there... seriously contemplating delaying or even canceling this trip. I remember continually playing a scene from Shawshank Redemption. I try not to cuss, definitely don't ever say GD, but when Morgan Freeman says "Get busy living or get busy dying... that's God da** right" I think it's perfectly said.

After about the 12th time I played that short clip, I got up and showered, finished packing my car til I couldn't fit anything else in it.
After all these memorable and beautiful goodbyes, it was time for the hardest one of all... my Mom. I had always been close to her and saw her every day. My Dad was a real piece of crap. A man who loved himself more than he loved his family. My Dad worked out of state, made six figures way back when not many made six figures... but he was a degenerate and blew everything he had gambling. He was there for Christmas and 2 months out of the Summer... and those 2 months sucked, he was more of a burden for my Mom than any help. My Mom raised 3 boys on her own while teaching at a junior college. With my Dad's income, we should have been better off than almost anyone I knew... but because he loved himself more than he loved his family, my Mom had to penny pinch (to say the least) and had a really hard life.
With the way I gamble, you could obviously say "the apple didn't fall from the tree" but I always tried to not be like my Dad in life. He was a real jerk with horrible manners, never tipped much at all, etc. That's why I have always tried to have the best manners I can, always tip decently... and ridiculously when I get to drinking. Maybe one of the reasons I never got married is because I said I never wanted a wife unless I found someone I loved more than I love myself... or maybe/probably no woman will put up with me lol.

Leaving my Mom after her being so good to me and my brothers was the hardest thing I would ever do. I only was able to do it because she had seen what I went through and knew I needed to do this. She wanted me to for my sake. My Mom was so sad that day, I felt horrible leaving her. However, I was glad to get a call just before it was time to go from my childhood best friend that she always loved. He said "you haven't left yet? Good, there's something I wanted to give you before you go" I said cool, I have something I found, I wanna give to you. When he got there, I had found an old toy I had that was nostalgic for both of us. Still in the box and was fairly valuable. I gave it to him and he said wow, kinda shocked. He said well, this isn't nearly as cool as what you gave me but here, and gave me an old monopoly piece we played with growing up for many years from the time we were 5 years old

It was the piece his Mom always played Monopoly with. She had saved it from her Monopoly game when she was a kid, it had to be over 70 years old. His Mom was nice enough to play Monopoly with us often and it was always very important for her to be that shoe. His Mom was one of the nicest people I have ever known. Now that I have the perspective as an adult, I don't know how in the world she put up with me so much, as aggravating of kid as I was. She was such a sweet lady.
His Mom had passed away recently and it was obvious that shoe meant a lot to him. When he handed it to me, he said I know my Mom would want you have this for good luck on your travels. Once again, I've never been one to cry... (even though I have a tear going down my face while I'm writing this) but I started crying to an embarrassing level. For the 6th time in a week, I was crying harder than I ever have. We had been friends since we were 5 but I don't think we have ever hugged. I hugged him if for no other reason so he wouldn't see me cry so hard. I said that's way cooler than what I gave you. Thank you

Once again... I will never forget it

When it was time to walk out that back door for the last time, I'll never forget the sadness on my Mom's face. Her dog was with her, a chihuahua. One of the most arrogant, meanest chihuahuas you could imagine
He would never let you love on him or pet him. Whenever I would be at that back door about to leave and say "bye" to him, he would be pi**ed that I was leaving. The arrogant little sh** would growl, bark and go after me

When I said "bye Pete" I was expecting Cujo to come after me like he was on amphetamines. However, this time it was like he knew it. I had never seen the little guy so humble in his life. He walked up to me slowly with his head down, picked his head up when he got to me, looked at me real sad and let me pet him. If that wasn't enough to get me teared up again already, it was time for the last and hardest "Goodbye" to my Mom. I wrote this down and stuck it on her fridge.

I told her don't worry, I was gonna call every day and said something I would always say to her whenever I went on a trip... "I'll be right back"
I had seen a quote a while back and it's the only way to describe the look on her face that day

I set a new crying record for the 7th time in a week and walked out the door.

I got into the car and the moment felt surreal. I was about to do what I had dreamed of, often daily for 15 years. In 2011 I watched a Tom Hanks movie called Larry Crowne. The movie is crap but there is one scene where Larry Crowne moved away from where he thought he would spend the rest of his life. I would watch that particular scene often.

Tom Hanks is such a great actor. His look when seeing the rear view...

Then this when he's looking forward... couldn't describe me more accurately in this moment.
During that scene they played a song by Tom Petty I had never heard before

btw, if you give it a listen, be sure to play the no.3 remix. The original mix isn't good.
After I heard that song and had watched Tom Hanks in that moving scene many times, I would play this song often when riding in the car, dreaming of leaving Garner and moving to Vegas. The lyrics were spot on for me and my situation...

Some days are diamonds
Some days are rocks
Some doors are open
Some roads are blocked
Sundowns are golden
Then fade away
And if I never do nothing
I'm coming back some day
Cause you got a heart so big
It could crush this town
And I can't hold out forever
Even walls fall down
And all around your island
There's a barricade
It keeps out the danger
It holds in the pain
These last lines I listed were all too true for me
I was about to drive through the "barricade" that covered the "island" of Garner and I was terrified. Spot on to what my "2nd Dad" had said, it was the scariest and most exciting moment of my life. I cued the Walls no.3 song ready to play, put the car in drive... then sat there a second and put it back in park. I sat there for 4 or 5 minutes just grasping the moment and even seriously contemplated turning the car off, saying forget this whole move for a second or two. Finally, I put it back in drive, hit play on the song and pulled out of the driveway.
For the 8th time in a week, I was setting another hardest cry record again. It wasn't a boo hoo cry... my face was motionless

but the tears were falling harder than they ever had. I have never cried tears quite like that before and I don't think many people ever do in their life. The usual route would have had me go straight to the highway, wouldn't have seen much of Garner... but because I was picking up my friend, the route took me straight through the entire small town that I loved so much. I was driving more swiftly than usual while the silent tears were flooding my face... but it seemed like slow motion as I rode through that town with my life passing before my eyes. All the memories growing up as a kid and an adult... it was an emotional moment for me to finally leave this place to say the least.
Sounds corny playing that song and all, but I had dreamt of doing this every time I heard that song for 9 years... and after all the goodbyes, it was way more of a dramatic moment than I ever could have imagined... again, I will never forget it.

I tried my best to get it together, hide the emotions before I got to my buddy's house. When I got there, his father pulled up right after I did. His dad was a really good guy. Greatly respected around the community, held an important political office. He had been way more of a dad to me than my own dad.
He was as nice as anyone you could meet, rarely said anything negative about anything... but like everyone else I knew, he thought this was a horrible idea for me. He said so you're actually moving to Vegas? I said yeah, but I'm not gonna go crazy out there. I have a friend there that holds my ATM card so I don't get to drinkin and get stupid. He had his head down a little and when I said that, he kinda looked up at me with a half smile... we both knew I was full of crap 🙁

I'm gonna stop for now and I know I'm bad at procrastinating with updates but I'm gonna try my best to finish this. This particular update was full of boring, personal mushy mess but I promise I'm getting to the good stuff. I had always looked forward to the drive across America and it more than exceeded expectations. I would say it was the best trip of my life but it wasn't a trip, it was a journey, a once in a lifetime journey... that I'll never forget. I promise the stories get more entertaining after this.

If for some reason I don't wind up finishing this soon, I hope my story even up to this point alone can help anyone that's depressed or ever feels like giving up. I didn't mention all the details of why I was depressed. Being a "momentary multi millionaire" obviously had a lot to do with it, but there was so much more that made me really bad off... but I got over it when I didn't think there was any way in the world I could.
NC State basketball coach Jim Valvano said it best in one of the greatest speeches of all time

Ironic that NC State was where I was supposed to graduate from... but I gave up haha
Thanks for reading- Slim

2 +2 legend Arthur Bach is back and moving to Vegas.

Is this real-life?

This is so insanely selfish of you. You are going over to someones house to say goodbye for a few and you beg them to let you have more friends over? WTF.

Well, I guess I need a 3rd Dad then. Thanks for looking out and obliging 😀

Read it all

Thanks for sharing, Slim!!

I feel like i've seen this same post a few times over the years always with a lot of the exact same pictures, I could just be getting old and crazy (most likely) but i swear i've seen those pics and this thread on here before never with an ending if i recall.

You are correct, he recycles.

TY sir, i knew i remembered that pic of MJ and that restaurant pic with Johnny Drama before.

Well aren't you just always full of love 😃

I've done many TRs but it's been over 5 years. This is obviously my first M2Vegas thread. Just posting old pics to give some context for people not familiar.
All the pics from here on will be new. I promise by the time I'm finished with all this, it will be such a unique story even the ever so cheerful Pope might even give me a compliment 😀

My buddy and I left his house and we were headed to Atlanta. I was really glad he was riding along for that first leg. It was tough leaving home and having him along for the initial part helped tremendously. He was a few years older and always been sort of a big brother to me. I had met him at my first job when I was 16 and we had always been close friends since. He did life like you were supposed to. He started a successful business at a fairly young age. Had a beautiful, intelligent wife that he stayed married and faithful to, 2 great kids. Far cry from how my life turned out lol.
It was about a 6 hour ride to Atlanta and rained most of the way there. I took a pic when "Have you ever seen the Rain" popped up on Pandora because it certainly fit the theme. It poured down most of the way.

Ordinarily it would have been a pretty depressing start to this trip but since my buddy was with me, we had some really good conversations. We talked a lot about the old days, how our lives turned out and all. We discussed how simple little things left to chance made such a difference in our lives. How if we had never met, I would have never wound up at the job I had been at my whole life. How he would have never met his wife, etc. Made for a memorable ride for what would otherwise been depressing if I were alone. I may have even turned back, went home if he wasn't there lol.
We were supposed to get an early start that day, see some spots in Atlanta like the World of Coke but ran late due to my hungover procrastinating. By the time we got to Atlanta it was past 8:00pm. We were downtown and it looked pretty rough after dark. We were supposed to get a hotel in downtown Atlanta but I had things like a brick of 2 dollar bills

and a ton of other things in my car. Someone breaking into it would hit the jackpot of a lifetime. I didn't feel comfortable parking anywhere in Atlanta after getting a glimpse of that city at night. We decided to drive about 30 more minutes to where he was purchasing the work truck and spend the night there. The first leg and Atlanta were pretty uneventful to say the least... but I remember it fondly because my good buddy was with me, had some great conversations.
When I dropped him off at the dealership, it got a little more exciting... and scary. I was on my own and I was really gonna do this.
It was a whole other, memorable moment for me now that I was doing this alone. I cued up another song when I started off...
Another movie scene with a great song I often watched and always thought about when I imagined going on this journey was from Django Unchained. Such a great scene

https://youtu.be/C64ulH6lTAw?si=_ewvaw5x...

With this also, the lyrics were spot on

Moving me down the highway
Rolling me down the highway
Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

I had watched that scene many times thinking about going on this journey... but not until all the recent goodbyes did this particular part mean so much to me. Christopher Walz is such a great actor. The way he does that double take at Django, being so proud of Django's newfound confidence is good stuff. Nothing could exemplify the way my buddy riding along that first leg and many others were confident, proud, and happy for me that I was finally doing this.

In that scene, Django takes the old saddle off his horse and throws on a nice new one. This was symbolic for me because besides gambling... I was always smart with money. I never spent more than 5k on a car, never bought anything I couldn't pay cash for, always drove a piece of crap. When I was a momentary millionaire, I was driving a piece of crap. My friends convinced me to get a new car, even though I would rather keep that money invested. I bought a Lexus, pretty much paid for it with bitcoin... and hated doing it. Obviously now, if that money had stayed in bitcoin I could get a Lamborghini now 🙁 Regardless, I had a decent car for this journey.
While the addy is kicking and to make up for all the mushy boring stuff earlier, I might as well tell this story.
My buddy in NC owned a big farm and had a crazy driveway that was more fun than any roller coaster when driving down it. We all would fly down it in our cars all the time, it was pretty exhilarating. The farmer always boasted about he had the speed record of 70mph going down that driveway. When I got that Lexus which was way faster than any car I had ever owned... I was determined to break his record... and I lost control. He got it all on video. The stoned, redneck farmer's commentary was the funniest thing about the video. One day I wanna start a youtube channel and monetize it, capitalize off all the viral worthy videos I've been saving for many years. For now, I'll just post screenshots.

The new speed record was 75... but I was lucky to be alive.
This happened late Summer 2018 when I was down 15-20lbs from the anxiety. This little mishap sure didn't help it.
What a fun day that ended up being 😐

By the time I finish this thread, I should have a youtube channel up with this video and a ton of others I've been saving for many years. Some could be viral worthy. I would appreciate all you subscribing when I finally get it going please 🙂
Anyways...
I'm obviously a movie guy. When looking into all the sites I wanted to see along the way, I noticed the crossroads and the house from the movie Cast Away were in Texas. It would be just a 30 minute detour so I wanted to go.

I always loved that movie. All too many aspects of it hit home with my depression, before and after all the crypto mess. I related to it a lot ever since it came out and watched it plenty through the years. Just before I left my Mom's, I had found Wilson the volleyball I had gotten many years ago. Figured he would make the pics cooler.

The stuffed Mickey toy I was bringing for my best friend in Vegas I always referred to as "Mickey Mouse". Her dog had eaten the previous one I gave her and this guy was a replacement. I hadn't lost my mind or anything (arguably), just buckled em up for fun and pics. Found this next pic in an old TR

I might as well explain who "Mickey" is, as eventually she plays a major part in this whole story.
Took some screenshots from an old TR from way back

Her former manager can write a lot better and give her character more justice than me. Her Mom kept this from a long time ago

My destination that day was Catoosa, Oklahoma to spend the night and visit the Hard Rock casino, 750 mile drive. Since the decision to take the Atlanta route was last minute, I hadn't looked much into the sites to be seen on the way to Catoosa. I figured there was nothing worthwhile.
When planning this trip I had downloaded many podcasts to listen to, but I was so excited, I only wanted to listen to music and be happy/giddy the whole drive. This was really something for me since there were times I was so depressed I didn't even enjoy music. During the severe depression, I would just listen to podcasts or nothing at all, ride in silence. Now here I was so happy and excited I was doing the opposite. I had come a long way. I kept getting calls from friends along the drive and spent a lot of time talking during the drive. Many friends were talking about what all happened at the party days earlier and also excited for me, wondering how I was doing. I distinctly remember I was about to stop and get gas when a friend called so I kept on driving instead. That call ended up being one of fate because after we hung up, I stopped at the next exit.
When I was at the gas station, I asked if there was anything cool to see in this town. In an accent more southern than mine, a guy said real slowly "Weeeeell, EEEElvis was born down the road dere/dar" or however a deep southerner pronounces the word "there" I had no idea I had ran up on some great sightseeing

Humble beginnings to say the least. Imagine everyone in a neighborhood of houses the size of walk in closets, having to use the same outhouse... and there I was ready to give up hope because I wasn't a multi-millionaire. Seeing things like that always helps me with perspective.

I drove into downtown Tupelo, Mississippi and checked it out. Btw, if you haven't seen the netflix 3 part series "Kings of Tupelo" you should give it a gander.
I went to Tupelo hardware store where history was made, Elvis bought his first guitar. I figured he was always a talented musician or whatever, planned on getting a guitar, being a singer all along. I had no idea so much history was left to so much chance.

The X is where Elvis stood when he purchased the guitar

I, like many others, stood on the X. When I stood where that fateful decision that changed history was made, I thought about the fateful decisions I would soon have in front of me myself. I said a quick prayer asking to help me make the right ones.

I hate to get off subject, and again... to each his own... but my personal opinion is that whether there is a God or not, prayer works. I'm not saying I believe that if I say a prayer, a lightning bolt will be sent down and alter things. I'm just saying prayer helps me personally to self-reflect, meditate, and ask my conscious if I'm doing the right thing... even if there is no God, it helps me. I know I wouldn't have overcome the depression, had the courage to make this move without prayer and people telling me they were praying for me. I'm not trying to push any of that on anyone though, just telling my story.
I rode all through Tupelo. It was a cool town, great experience and an unexpected surprise.

Next stop was Memphis

I parked, rode my little electric scooter down to the famous Beale street, had some Memphis BBQ

Saw this banner on Beale street.

Stopped and thought how it felt like yesterday this guy was looking up at me, wondering what to do when he owed me $100 he didn't have. Man did our fortunes take different paths 😐

It was about a 6 hour drive to Catoosa, Oklahoma and I enjoyed every minute of it listening to music, talking on the phone. I was absolutely loving this road trip and I kept calling friends to "Share Happiness" the long drive was over in no time. Going through my phone I see this pic. I was obviously giddy seeing all this beautiful countryside, hearing God Bless the USA

I arrived in Catoosa but didn't get a room at the Hard Rock. I got a room at the Motel 6 a short walk away. This trip I wanted to stay in cheap, old motels just for adventure and nostalgia of old family road trips.
I went to the poker room, got pretty hammered (imagine that) and made a friend or two.

They don't comp anything in that poker room. The prices were outrageous when you're accustomed to free... but I still drank enough to get cut off. I had fun and from the looks of it, I did ok.

The casino was decent, but crap compared to Vegas in my opinion. The next day, I had to run on little sleep, start early as the plan was to make it to Albuquerque NM that night. About a 10 hour drive, plus the detour to see the Cast Away sites and to eat at the famous Big Texan restaurant in Amarillo. It was gonna be a long day but I had caffeine and happiness-based adrenaline going on overload. Sitting here writing this, it just reminds me how excited I was being on this road trip. I never had experienced such a rare excitement and never will experience anything like it again, it's impossible. Just like Kenny Chesney said "That's something... that just don't happen twice"
Just a few miles from the casino is where route 66 would begin for me. Brief explanation for those not familiar

There are lots of old, crazy things to see along route 66, I wanted to stop and see all I could. The first such attraction was "The Blue Whale of Catoosa"

I haven't written a TR for over 5 years, so many reading now probably aren't familiar with this reference... but I used to play black jack pretty heavy to say the least. One time I asked this girl I referred to in my TRs as "Shawna" to cut the cards for me. Took some screenshots from some of my old TRs to explain it all if you have a ton of time. Anyways, Shawna had accounted for some miraculous luck through the years. Shawna really loves whales, a whole lot. I certainly considered this a sign for good luck on this journey.

Long story about the girl I met back home that supposedly delayed my move to Vegas. That girl really didn't mean anything at all. I know I was just looking any excuse I could to delay the move.

Noticed this from that old TR I just referenced. Might as well throw this disclaimer in for this thread also

You may not have caught it but "Mickey" and "Shawna" from my TRs are the same person so they both love whales. I climbed in and took the photo op to share with them/her.

"Happiness is only real when shared" I was texting and calling everyone during this road trip. I was giddy to say the least

Got on the road and headed to Texas. Next point of interest would be one that meant a lot to me, spots where they filmed the opening and ending scenes of Cast Away

I always felt it was kinda weird for the ending of that movie to mean so much to me... then I saw a stranger's facebook post and many others similar to it.

All this happened 5 years ago but I just saw that post last year. It was spot on to how I felt about this spot when I visited myself. I was at the biggest crossroads of my life and going to that location was a big deal to me... sort of a rite of passage even.

As soon as I crossed over the Texas state line, I got more excited. The land is so flat, you can see forever. Definitely not what I'm used to in N Carolina. This pic doesn't do it justice at all

Taking the detour to see the Cast Away crossroads showed me something I've never seen before. Of all the backwoods, redneck ridden, country roads I've seen in N Carolina... I've never seen a dirt road with a speed limit sign. Texas felt like another world lol

Had to stop for a herd of deer crossing. Must have been over 100 of them

The drive out there was beautiful and very peaceful. I only saw 2 or 3 cars in what was probably a 30 mile stretch. Eventually I arrived to the ranch from Cast Away

I quickly took my pics and took off, headed to the crossroads. It was about a 15 minute drive and it's hard to describe the feeling I had on the way. Only people like the guy who posted this would understand. Gonna show it again in case you paid it no mind earlier, as his description is spot on to what it meant to me.

I pulled up to the crossroads and I just can't describe the feeling.

For so long when that movie was on HBO and whatnot, I would see it on the channel guide and always try to catch that last scene. When Tom Hanks looked back at the camera at the end...

I always took a moment to reflect what I was doing and where I was going with my life. Must have literally done it well over 100 times over 20 years. Sounds kind of whacko but it's what I did.

I tried to put Wilson in the middle of the crossroads, back up and get a pic from a distance, but it was windy and he wouldn't stay still. It was funny when the wind blew Wilson right towards me like the thing was alive and following me 😮 Got a great video of it, would probably would have gotten millions of views if I knew what I was doing with tiktok or whatever. I had several facebook friends telling me to try and get it to Tom Hanks, he would love it... but I have no idea what I'm doing with social media

I had parked my car the same place Tom Hanks had on the movie. It actually was the direction coming from the house, thought that was cool.

Just like the guy in the facebook post who visited, I stayed there an hour or more. Kind of crazy, I know but I just stood there in the middle of the crossroads, amazed I was actually at this place. I stood there reflecting on my entire life, how I wound up here, where I'm gonna go from here. I had to feel just like Chuck in the movie, this description is spot on for me

I did a lot of praying while at the crossroads. I guess I just didn't want to leave, kept on thinking of more things to pray about. Again, I know it's silly... but as I was about to leave, I took a long look down each of the 4 roads just like he did in the movie.

Of course, the woman in the movie's description of each direction was in my head

"A whole lot of nothing all the way to Canada" always hit home (literally) If I had stayed in Garner the rest of my life, there would be nothing new, no excitement. Considering I was so on the fence about making this move... I honestly think if that line had not been in the movie, I wouldn't have the motivation/courage to do all this. Out of all the movie locations ever filmed that I could visit, this would be the one that means the most to me by far. The fact that these crossroads were on the way and in the middle of this journey is beyond miraculous. Just like the guy in the facebook post said, it brought closure and raw emotions. When I finally left the crossroads... I just can't explain how I felt. I had put many years of depression behind me and I was ready to move on... just like Forrest said

and... I think that's what me staying at those crossroads for so long was all about.
I will never forget it

Stopping for now. As always thanks for reading and letting me share all this mushy stuff that meant so much to me. Again... bear with me, I promise it ends up being a heck of a story.

But Slim, what if you win? Wouldn't it be weird?" Why? So you guys could just lie to get me here? So you can sit me here next to

Looking at pic details it was around 5PM when I started making my way to Amarillo. The countryside was beautiful. I crossed a cattle farm and I had never seen so many cows in my life. Pics don't do it justice at all

Of course on the way to Amarillo, I'm blasting George Strait

Again, the lyrics were spot on for me

"I ain't got a dime
But what I've got is mine
I ain't rich
But Lord, I'm free
I certainly wasn't rich anymore... but after the long stop and many prayers at the crossroads, I was free. Free of the depression and lost hope I had suffered from for so long.
I sang along loudly while driving by a beautiful Texas sunset. What a wonderful feeling it was.
I had been listening to that song since my older brother played it when I was a kid. Never did I think I would end up relating to those lyrics so much and be in such a moment in life... and actually on the way to Amarillo.
I will never forget it

I had heard about "The Big Texan" since I was a little kid. My best friend growing up (the guy who gave me his mom's monopoly shoe) had stopped there on a family drive to California way back when I was probably 10 years old. They had a challenge where if you could eat the big steak, you got it free... which his Mom tried and failed.

The tale of her failed attempt to eat that steak always remained in my childhood folklore and it was really cool to finally see this place

I'm skinny but I can eat. I was pretty confident I could put down 72 ounces of steak after fasting for 24 hours. They have a live camera feed on their website where you watch people take the challenge. My friends had shown me so much love recently and I felt like they were on this journey with me. In my mind, this was my chance to include all my friends and reciprocate some of the love I was recently shown by providing some entertainment for them. I had posted the link on facebook for everyone to check out, so many friends would be watching. I decided to spend the night at the motel next door so I could enjoy some alcohol. Once I got to drinkin, I stupidly told all my friends, not only would I destroy this steak... I would do so with straight vodka on ice being my only beverage to wash it down. I had purposely worn this Superman T shirt for the occasion. I hadn't eaten in 24 hours so the drinks hit hard and quick. I never, ever, take mirror selfies so I know I was hammered

Here is the big conquest, I told myself this would be no problem

When it's time for you to take the challenge, they call your name like it's the Price is Right and you walk down. I really wanted to put on a show for all my friends watching at home. I had a good deal of vodka in me, so when I walked to the stage I acted like I was Hulk Hogan, did the motion he used to do to get the crowd cheering

The crowd cheered hard and it was a lot of fun. I had told a cool waiter to please keep the vodka coming and I would look out for him for sure. I sat there on that stage pounding vodka, probably mostly for attention. While I was on stage, several young kids came up and asked "are you gonna be able to eat that whole steak?" I joked with em and said "well, I sure hope so because I don't have enough money to pay for it if I don't. I might have to leave here in a hurry, pull a hog and jog, so forgive me if I don't say bye to you guys." Of course, I was joking but I looked over my shoulder and there was a waitress within ear shot that heard what I said loud and clear. Right about then the food arrived

Now I can eat enough meat in a sitting to send a vegan running to Dr. Phil... but I had no idea the bread and that other crap were part of the deal. I still figured I could do it until... I took the first bite of that steak. It sincerely was the toughest piece of meat I had ever bit into in my life. I felt like I was knawing on a catcher's mit. After that first bite, I shook my head and just said ain't no way. The crowd started booing pretty bad.
I gave in, took a swig of vodka and tore into it the best I could. The thing was just too dagon tough. I had to chew and chew forever just to make it somewhat digestible. I don't see how anyone without razor blades for teeth could even chew that thing in an hour. Right about then, it was obvious the waitress squealed on me and they were thinking I was about to dine and dash. The big security guard was about 3 feet from me staring. I can't remember what all was said, but I know I was very drunk from all that vodka on an empty stomach. I really can't remember the details. I do know I was not a**holish but with them thinking I was gonna bolt on that tab it made for quite the scene. Friends at home watching were texting

I paid the bill and the security guy was very insistant I leave immediately. I said, no I promised that one waiter that I was really gonna look out for him with cash for taking care of me with the drinks. The security guy said he don't want your money. I said well I'd like to hear that from him. I refused to leave til we found him and he was thrilled when I gave him a hundo. By the time I left, the security guy and I became cool. After he walked me out, he actually went back in to get me the free T shirt

"Kneel before Zod" 🙁

When I walked outside I noticed a cop car trying to hide, wait for me to drive. I walked next door to the hotel but there was no vacancy. The cop probably knew it because he kept on waiting out there for me. I got along with the motel clerk pretty good, sat there and tried to sober, knawing on that brick of meat from time to time

I kept looking out the window for the cop. He obviously never saw me leave so he kept on waiting. After about 3 hours he finally left. I had convinced my self I was good to drive after not drinking and knawing on that catchers mit, eating all that other crap for 3 hours. So I very stupidly got in my car to drive to the next town.
That's all I got in me today... not much of an update, I know but had just a little time and hopefully posting at least something will get me motivated to update more often... I promise I'm gonna finish this thing soon. As always, thanks for reading. and... Merry Christmas

Pretty much everyone who drinks and drives convinces themselves at the time that they are fine to drive. It's pretty easy to convince yourself of that because well... you're drunk. 😐 All too many nights I have driven, thinking I was fine at the time, then the next morning realize how drunk I was behind the wheel. I like many others, stupidly say that I drive fine when I'm drunk, etc. Fact is, it doesn't even matter. If you drive fine and someone else is at fault, smashes into you and kills themselves... you're going to prison. It's just not worth it... sorry, had to get my public service message in there.
By the grace of God, I made it to the next town safely. I think often how horrible it would have been if I had gotten caught or worse, someone got hurt. I definitely wouldn't have made it any further west if I had gotten a DUI that night. I would have gone from the jail, straight back to Garner for sure. While I take time out to thank the man upstairs for keeping me safe that night... I will say that whole ordeal at the steakhouse was really something. I left out many details as I don't remember em too well, but I know I was trying my best to put on a show for my friends. It was all pretty crazy to say the least.
I have ended all these tales with "I will never forget it"....... this time I'm certain every employee at that steak house will never forget me... and I like to think/hope in a good way 😇

Again, by the grace of God... I made it an hour or so down the road, found a Motel 6 that night.

1 star accommodations, and I'm loving it

I can't explain why, but I loved the feeling of being on the road, staying at crap motels.
I have kept a bar of soap from that place in my travel bag all this time for a keepsake, took a pic just now

Arrived in Albuquerque and of course I'm doing the Breaking Bad tour

My instagram and facebook friends were loving Wilson

Next up on the route 66 to see list was Winslow, Arizona. No brainer what song I'm jamming to

I'll never forget the excitement of driving down the road headed there. I was becoming a sightseeing junkie and was absolutely loving it.

I distinctly remember my good buddy calling me when I took that pic. I waited for him to ask "What are you doing" and I gleefully answered "I'm standing on the corner in Winslow, Arizona... it is such a fine site to see" pathetic how much I loved saying/sharing that.

Not long before this trip I had read somewhere that Glenn Frey got to drinkin one night and saw Jeff Bridges at a party, really gave it to him about "The Dude" hating The Eagles. I'm obviously a Big Lebowski fan, ordered this shirt just for the occasion

Wilson was a big hit, many asked to use him in their pics

Next stop was a meteor crater

I had planned to make my way into Vegas late that night but I spent too much time sightseeing. I think I was enjoying this trip so much, I just didn't want it to end. I spent the night in Flagstaff, didn't get many pics but it was a cool little town. I stayed in another roach motel and loved it. In the morning, I got a jumbo coffee and was gonna drive 4 hours to Vegas. I limit my caffeine intake so when I drink coffee, it really hits me. Once the caffeine was kicking, I said screw it... I'm going to see the Grand Canyon.
I called "T" who I was gonna be living with, told her I won't be in Vegas til late that night. I had balked so many times going through with moving there, she (like everyone else) never believed I was gonna actually follow through with it. She couldn't believe it when I posted that pic of Elvis's hometown and was actually on the way. I honestly believe she thought I was gonna turn around and go back home. She never even bothered cleaning out the room I was gonna be living in lol.

I drove up to the Grand Canyon and enjoyed every minute of it

When I arrived at the Grand Canyon, I must have walked the perfect route for my first view of it to take one step and instantly see such a sight. For the first time in my life the phrase "breathtaking" was literally true. Seeing that sight, it honestly did take my breath away and I've never experienced anything like it.

I don't know how there aren't more deaths at that place. I'm no gambler when it comes to that stuff but even I was climbing to all kinds of places where one slip means you're a goner for sure. I vividly remember thinking that after experiencing all I had on this road trip... who cares, I could die happy. I was climbing to all kinds of places just to place Wilson there, go take a pic, go back and retrieve him. Sitting here now, I really am thankful I didn't fall and die that day... just to get a pic of a volleyball

I was planning on spending just an hour or so at the Grand Canyon, making it in to Vegas at a decent hour, but wound up staying all day. I was looking at a midnight arrival in Vegas... but I was enjoying this trip so much, why not stay in another roach motel one more night. I said screw it, Vegas will always be there. (spoiler alert.... in less than a week, Vegas would be shut down)
I spent the night in Seligman, Arizona. I went to the "Black Cat Bar" and met some locals. Unique experience to say the least.

That may have been the quickest I have ever updated, very proud of myself 🙂 Hopefully I'll finally finish this thing soon. With a lot of mushy, personal memories out of the way, I promise the story gets better from here.
As always, thanks for reading and...

Enjoying the TR.

Circa 2015, I had some use-it-or-lose-it vacation time built up. Found a flight to ABQ and did a Breaking Bad weekend.

Stayed in the crystal palace the first night. It was everything you imagine, and less. The next morning, went by the house and took a picture. While I and a few other people were looking, garage door opened, and guy rolled out an office chair and sat down.

I kinda felt bad for him. It seemed as if he felt he had to watch the place to keep his house safe from tourists. What a bad way to have to spend your time.

Took off the next morning and headed toward Kingman, AZ. I would split off from route 66 after this town. I was sad for it to end.

Wasn't a whole lot to see in Kingman, but I enjoyed it.

Took off towards Vegas, beautiful drive

I had visited Hoover Dam my first trip to Vegas so I hadn't planned on stopping there... but after turning into a sightseeing junkie, I said why not see it again.

Several friends had messaged me saying let Wilson roll down the dam and say goodbye to him kinda like how he and Tom Hanks went their separate ways in the movie.

I thought about it but just couldn't do it. We had been through too much together lol.
As I made my way towards Vegas, I saw a view of the strip like I had never seen. Man, I'll never forget how excited I was seeing that distant view of the strip, finally getting there, finally completing this lifelong dream.

As excited as I was to get to my new home, I was sad this trip was ending. I wished there were more sights to see 🙁 then I thought to myself Wilson had never seen the strip. The pic was worth the detour.

I hadn't lost my mind (arguably) but I playfully threw Wilson on the dash, talked to him and made a video

Throughout this journey I had made videos for instagram with background music playing through my car speakers. I was loaded with caffeine while driving down the strip and made one last music video. It was an easy choice what song to pick. Whether Scotty was from Garner or Greenland, "Five More Minutes" was the perfect song for this occasion. When Scotty wrote it, his American Idol fame had fizzled and his record label dropped him. Right as Scotty was about to give up on his dream of being a singer for a living, his Grandfather passed away. His passing inspired Scotty to write 5 More Minutes which hit #1 and kept his dream alive. It was as fitting as any song could be as I'm realizing my dream. I made a video and posted on youtube. I was jacked up on caffeine, about to cry being so overwhelmed and happy. Me talking in the video is pretty embarrassing but screw it. Decent driving view of the strip if nothing else

https://youtu.be/tgQ3-Wd6eO8?si=-hCt4pbH...

If there were ever a moment I wanted "Five More Minutes" that was it. It was the greatest time of my life and I hated it had to end. That was the end to not just the greatest trip of my life but a once in a lifetime journey. I wish someone who could actually write could have experienced it to give it proper justice, I sure can't. All the emotions and happiness I experienced were indescribable and are impossible to duplicate in a lifetime.
"The sweet is never as sweet without the bitter"...
Finally overcoming that bitter depression during this journey made it even sweeter. I had completely overcome the depression... little did I know severe anxiety was just a few days away when the covid shutdown happened.
Nonetheless, as that trip came to an end and I figured all the excitement was over with for at least that day... little did I know I was about to meet the girl I would fall ridiculously and pathetically in love with. The girl who I would depend on like I had never depended on anyone before. The girl who would eventually make me experience heartbreak like I never experienced or even imagined was possible... and the girl who would eventually be the reason for the inevitable trainwreck of an ending to this story.