I'm back!

After nearly a five month hiatus from Vegas and VMB - I'm back! For anyone who cares, but doesn't recall, I pretty much hijacked the "Who else has incredibly rotten luck?" thread on August 5. That was a couple days after Ms. Gecko suddenly dumped me after being together 15 years. Having our upcoming Vegas trip scuttled was nothing compared to losing the love of my life and having my self-esteem and future plans totally destroyed. I became clinically depressed, while needing to find a new place to live. At the same time, my income decreased by over half, while my expenses more than doubled - not a good combination!

Skipping the sordid details, I ended up going to Vegas solo after rebooking the rooms that were in her name. I certainly no longer felt like going, but hoped that being away for 10 days might do some good. It didn't, and it was the most miserable trip of my life. Feeling as badly as I did, it was all I could do just to keep from crying at the tables. I played very conservatively just to pass the time, had zero fun, but at least didn't lose any money.

Fast forwarding, I bought and moved into a townhome in early November - less than three weeks from starting to look. (I had a very tight deadline.) It's not my dream abode by any means, but it's a roof over my head until I find a good deal on a single family house or decide to relocate. (BTW: Did you know that the maximum age for joining the French Foreign Legion is 39 1/2?) Of course, finding a new significant other is also high on my to-do list, but seemingly beyond my control. Meanwhile, not having made the annual Halloween and mid-December trips, I'm now falling below BConnected's Sapphire level. Darn - and I was closing in on Emerald at one time.

It's been a very rough five months and I have a long way to go, but I booked a solo Vegas trip yesterday morning for Jan. 26 - Feb. 2. I had enough free room offers for at least two weeks, but figured one week was a good compromise between that and not going at all. Who knows? Maybe I'll finally hit it big, find a new love of my life, and move to Vegas. Or as it goes, "You're not a loser 'til you quit - and winners never do!" Stayed tuned for a Groundhog Day trip report.

 

Oh Turtleman....so sorry for your miserable life events. But, very glad you are back with us and forging ahead for bigger & better things. Hope all goes well and you have some really exciting things to report from your trip later this month!! Take care.

 

Welcome back pal. I survived the same circumstance 5 years ago and you will too! Time truly heals all like they say and it just seems like another lifetime ago now. Vegas became my happy place and maybe it will for you as well.

 

Welcome back.
I remember the other thread.

 

Very glad to see you are back. So sorry for your rough 2015- I do recall your August report. Congrats on the new abode and good luck on your upcoming trip!

 

Welcome back. Wishing you all the best in 2016. A new place to live and an early trip to Vegas is a good start.

 

Welcome back! Hoping things look up in 2016.

 

Glad to see you back Turtleman! I remember the story and feeling for you. Thankfully, you can slam the door on 2015 and never look back. Hoping 2016 is a wonderful new year for you with good things to come.

 

I remember you being on the board prior to my hiatus (I dropped off the radar after last trip in June, mine was primarily due to busy season at work and no Vegas on radar until January). I'm sorry you hit such a rough patch. I hope and believe your next trip will be a lot more fun! Happy 2016

 

So very sad to hear. But it sounds like you are on the mend. Slowly but surely. New Year, new outlook, new life. Hang in there. Let's hope this is one of those events that a year or two from now you look back on and say, "Wow, if that hadn't of happened to me, I wouldn't have made it here"

 

Welcome back Turtleman! I hope 2016 is a great year for you.

 

Welcome back to the board and hopefully a better year ahead!

 

Welcome back. I responded to you on the other thread. My son was going through the same thing. My daugther-in-law walked out on him and my grandson. He too was devastated. He has rebounded. -- maybe a little too quick. His divorce was just finalized a few days ago. -- I posted a quote on his face book and I think it appropriate for you too.

"When someone walks away from you it is not the end of your story. It is the end of their part in your story." Sounds like you have turned the pages and started moving on.

 

Welcome home.

 

Glad to see you back on the board. I recall your story and felt so badly for you. Hope 2016 brings you much joy and happiness as you move forward in your life.

 

I went through the same situation 29 years ago, with 3 kids in the mix. Lived in a one bedroom apartment for 6 years; out of every dollar I earned, I kept 25 cents, the rest went for taxes, child support and to the "Wicked Witch of the West". Worked a full and a part-time job to make ends meet....rough couple of years. Now my kids are grown and doing well...youngest son came to live with me 6 years after the divorce when the ex's boyfriend starting beating on him. Took a long time to get my kid straightened out from the trauma. Now I have a nice house, money in the bank, no debts and go to Vegas 3-4 times a year. Plan to retire sometime the end of 2016. Hang in there bud, things will get better; I survived and you can too. I'll be in Vegas Jan 26-30..maybe I'll see you at the Boars Head bar some afternoon...I'll be the guy wearing a grey fedora and drinking a Black Chip porter.

 

Turtleman, I will be in Vegas during part of your time period (jan 26-29). It's been a few years since we visited each other and if it works out, let's touch base again. I can listen well.

 

Sorry to hear about the rough 2015 Turtleman. I know a few people who have been in your shoes, it's not easy. Hope your 2016 starts off right in Vegas!

 

Here is hoping that you have a great trip, and more importantly, and great start to the rest of your life. Looking forward to reading about your progress.