By Caleb Rensai | Thursday Night Ramble
Hey friend,
It’s Thursday night and guess what? I’m not playing slots. Yep, shocking, I know. It’s been a while since I actually sat down for a proper session. Life’s just been… life. Work. Chores. My dog begging for attention. And let’s not forget the never-ending list of things a mom and wife needs to do—even when she secretly dreams of hitting that life-changing jackpot and never folding laundry again.
Don’t get me wrong—I love playing slots. The thrill, the lights, the “ding-ding-ding” that makes me feel like I’ve just stepped into a mini Vegas. But sometimes, adulting gets in the way. And that’s okay.
I used to think if I hit a big jackpot, all my problems would vanish. Like poof! No more early alarms, no more mopping floors, no more wondering if we’re out of laundry detergent again. But even if I win big—and I have, a few times—I still end up doing all those things. Because jackpots are sweet, but they don’t magically clone you a second self to deal with real life.
Lately, I’ve just been working, keeping the house somewhat standing, and spending time with my family. And sure, the thought of playing creeps in now and then—especially when I see a shiny ad for a new game. But I’ve learned something important over the years: gambling is fun, but it can’t be everything. If it starts to feel like more stress than joy, that’s when it’s time to pause.
And here’s the funny part: even when I’m not playing, I think about playing. I remember how I started—at a casino in Niagara Falls with my husband, winning $200 and feeling like a queen. I remember the Woodbine jackpots before they renovated the place and I got too busy to go back. Now it’s mostly online, easier to sneak in a spin between dishes and emails.
But I never let it take over. It’s a part of my life, not the whole thing. I still get up early, still work, still fold laundry (unfortunately). I still cook, nag, clean, and scroll through the same Netflix menu I never actually pick something from.
So if you’re like me—someone who enjoys the game but also lives in the real world—cheers to you. Keep spinning, but spin smart. Take care of your life, your family, your sanity. The slots will always be there when you’re ready for a little thrill.
Catch you next time,
—Caleb Rensai
P.S. Ever wonder who plays slots the most? Mostly women in their 30s to 60s, working folks with a million things on their plate, just looking for 15 minutes of “me time.” Sound familiar?
Let me know your story, I’d love to hear it.