Friday, May 28, 2010
Friday, May 14, 2010
Monday, May 3, 2010
General Life update
It's been awhile since I've posted a routine journal entry. Here's what's up.
I switched from Strattera to Vyvanse in early March. There were some side effects from the Strattera, including nausea and sinus irritation, that were becoming increasingly annoying. So far the Vyvanse seems to be a good fit, but we are still in the "let's try it out and see" phase. And so I will.
In late March I played in my first tennis tournament. My first round opponent was less skilled then I, but defeated me after I began suffering from debilitating muscle cramps. It was surprising because the match was not physically intense. I've had practices that were 3 times more demanding in which I never came close to cramping. Apparently, rapid secretion of adrenaline into the bloodstream will cause the body to tense up. It seems likely to be the cause as I was very nervous going in. I couldn't stop my heart from racing. So, I chalk it up to nerves. I'm sure as I get more experience that will fade.
My friends Matt and Briana were married on April 21st in Point Loma. I took a miniature vacation to attend the bachelor party in Las Vegas and participate in the wedding a few days later as a groomsman. My brother Sean was the "officiant" at the ceremony. The entire week was a complete blast. It was very nice to spend time with, and get to know some really good people; And of course to be a part of the special day for my two very good friends.
My brother and I decided to renew the lease at Guy Street for one more year. We both agreed however, that this will likely be the last year that we live together. There is nothing bad about the arrangement really, we just know that its been a good run and its time to move on. This will also mean the "PCC" will transfer ownership or morph into something different somewhere else. I doubt that it will cease to exist altogether. Again, its not that there is anything bad about it. Quite the contrary, I have met and developed meaningful relationships with some amazing people as a direct result of my little club. But, it is just time to move on. No regrets. I can happily say that I am ready to devote the same level of energy and dedication towards new projects.
I played in another tennis tournament this weekend, which I will write about in a separate post. I lost in the third round to a junk-baller. The positive is that it clearly exposed a part of my game that I need to work on. I know that once I get it dialed in, I am going to be a much better player.
As if I don't have enough going on, I have also joined an indoor soccer league. My first game is tonight at 6 pm. Yes, I am a little bit crazy. :)
I switched from Strattera to Vyvanse in early March. There were some side effects from the Strattera, including nausea and sinus irritation, that were becoming increasingly annoying. So far the Vyvanse seems to be a good fit, but we are still in the "let's try it out and see" phase. And so I will.
In late March I played in my first tennis tournament. My first round opponent was less skilled then I, but defeated me after I began suffering from debilitating muscle cramps. It was surprising because the match was not physically intense. I've had practices that were 3 times more demanding in which I never came close to cramping. Apparently, rapid secretion of adrenaline into the bloodstream will cause the body to tense up. It seems likely to be the cause as I was very nervous going in. I couldn't stop my heart from racing. So, I chalk it up to nerves. I'm sure as I get more experience that will fade.
My friends Matt and Briana were married on April 21st in Point Loma. I took a miniature vacation to attend the bachelor party in Las Vegas and participate in the wedding a few days later as a groomsman. My brother Sean was the "officiant" at the ceremony. The entire week was a complete blast. It was very nice to spend time with, and get to know some really good people; And of course to be a part of the special day for my two very good friends.
My brother and I decided to renew the lease at Guy Street for one more year. We both agreed however, that this will likely be the last year that we live together. There is nothing bad about the arrangement really, we just know that its been a good run and its time to move on. This will also mean the "PCC" will transfer ownership or morph into something different somewhere else. I doubt that it will cease to exist altogether. Again, its not that there is anything bad about it. Quite the contrary, I have met and developed meaningful relationships with some amazing people as a direct result of my little club. But, it is just time to move on. No regrets. I can happily say that I am ready to devote the same level of energy and dedication towards new projects.
I played in another tennis tournament this weekend, which I will write about in a separate post. I lost in the third round to a junk-baller. The positive is that it clearly exposed a part of my game that I need to work on. I know that once I get it dialed in, I am going to be a much better player.
As if I don't have enough going on, I have also joined an indoor soccer league. My first game is tonight at 6 pm. Yes, I am a little bit crazy. :)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Erick Wales - Missing since April 19th
Erick used to work with my brother. My brother would sometimes ask him to help with computer problems. He became a friend. He has visited the house many times and played poker with us at our tournaments. Very recently he came over to the house and helped my brother move some files fro man old broken hard drive. Afterwards the three of us went and grabbed some dinner. He was his normal talkative self. He definitely did not seem out of sorts in any way. He disappeared a week or so later and no one has seen him since.
Please download the flyer HERE and post to twitter, facebook, your blog, wherever you can.
Twitter Link
Facebook Link
Monday, April 26, 2010
The Pacific
The Pacific
If you don't have HBO, be sure to grab the DVD set when it comes out. It's a ten part mini-series done by the same crew that put together "Band of Brothers". EP Tom Hanks, Spielberg directs.
Another shockingly graphic look at war told by the people who lived it. Instant Emmy.
If you don't have HBO, be sure to grab the DVD set when it comes out. It's a ten part mini-series done by the same crew that put together "Band of Brothers". EP Tom Hanks, Spielberg directs. Another shockingly graphic look at war told by the people who lived it. Instant Emmy.
Monday, April 12, 2010
We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again
Yes you are my friend.
We all have something that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.
We all have someone that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
Oh each other....
When everything
Else is gone.
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
And ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again
Yes you are my friend.
We all have something that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me
Sing this song
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.
We all have someone that digs at us,
At least we dig each other
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.
If I turn into another
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.
Oh each other....
When everything
Else is gone.
Saturday, April 10, 2010
TED talks
Another great TED talk. Grab a cup of coffee and throw on your headphones. This one is worth it.
Friday, April 9, 2010
May 2010
I will be trying this hypertrophy experiment during the month of May. It's time. I have shrunk down to 152 lbs.
For me this is just about adding healthy weight and feeling a bit better, not about looking good in a bathing suit. So, I will stop well short of becoming muscle-bound. I don't have any desire for that kind of body. After the initial hypertrophy it becomes time-consuming to maintain, and the decrease in flexibility would be no good for tennis.
For me this is just about adding healthy weight and feeling a bit better, not about looking good in a bathing suit. So, I will stop well short of becoming muscle-bound. I don't have any desire for that kind of body. After the initial hypertrophy it becomes time-consuming to maintain, and the decrease in flexibility would be no good for tennis.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Dealing
My blog has become an example of "Things white people like" lately. Sad poetry, song lyrics, and surely some low-down wallowing in misery. I'm not embarrassed for my emotions, but I understand that it can all seem a bit cliché if you're removed from it. So be it. Expressing it is my way of dealing.
I have been feeling a bit sorry for myself over the last couple of days about the breakup. It comes in waves. I think most of my emotions stem from frustration and regret. Regret that I made it so she was afraid to talk to me about things that were upsetting her. Regret that my initial reactions were so opposite of what I really felt. Frustration that now that I have had some time to organize my thoughts and emotions, I cannot express them because it is too late and she is not interested in hearing them. Frustration that I been feeling something "different" from her, but couldn't find the right words to get to the heart of the matter, when I knew it was important that I do so.
I know my situation is not unique, so I find some comfort in the advice of others that have been through it. Sometimes I get that through conversations with friends. Other times I find help in literature or quotes. I know the real comfort comes later, and stems from obtaining a true understanding of the events that transpired and taking the lessons forward. I know that and understand it, because I have been through it too. Nevertheless, it's hard to move on when I still am holding on for a chance to try and fix it. I do hope for that. I think there is a very solid foundation that makes it worth trying to fix. But it's hard to see that opportunity present itself when there has been a request for zero communication. It's hard to take that as anything other than a wish to close the book completely. That she doesn't see it that way. I know I can make real promises, and stick to them, but it seems I might never get that chance again. If she knows without uncertainty, that there is no possibility for reconciliation, no matter what I change... well then I must agree there is no point in me trying, as it can only lead to more pain. I just wish I knew. The absence of any signs either way does not bolster my hope. The last thing I want to do is cause or create any more strife for anybody.
I have been feeling a bit sorry for myself over the last couple of days about the breakup. It comes in waves. I think most of my emotions stem from frustration and regret. Regret that I made it so she was afraid to talk to me about things that were upsetting her. Regret that my initial reactions were so opposite of what I really felt. Frustration that now that I have had some time to organize my thoughts and emotions, I cannot express them because it is too late and she is not interested in hearing them. Frustration that I been feeling something "different" from her, but couldn't find the right words to get to the heart of the matter, when I knew it was important that I do so.
I know my situation is not unique, so I find some comfort in the advice of others that have been through it. Sometimes I get that through conversations with friends. Other times I find help in literature or quotes. I know the real comfort comes later, and stems from obtaining a true understanding of the events that transpired and taking the lessons forward. I know that and understand it, because I have been through it too. Nevertheless, it's hard to move on when I still am holding on for a chance to try and fix it. I do hope for that. I think there is a very solid foundation that makes it worth trying to fix. But it's hard to see that opportunity present itself when there has been a request for zero communication. It's hard to take that as anything other than a wish to close the book completely. That she doesn't see it that way. I know I can make real promises, and stick to them, but it seems I might never get that chance again. If she knows without uncertainty, that there is no possibility for reconciliation, no matter what I change... well then I must agree there is no point in me trying, as it can only lead to more pain. I just wish I knew. The absence of any signs either way does not bolster my hope. The last thing I want to do is cause or create any more strife for anybody.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Coolidge
I'm not a cool guy anymore
As if I ever was before
I took a look at all the signs
Then rolled it over in my mind
The feelings I could not release
Became a bitter part of me
What was I thinking of?
It couldn't stay the way it was
I looked at my reflection
And I saw a stranger's face
I saw where I was going
And I had to walk away
I lost a girl, it's just as well
She tried to save me from myself
I've still got her on my mind
Tossing and turning in my bed
But if she had stayed another week
I would have dragged her down with me
She took it till she'd had enough
Is that what I thought love was?
I told her see you later
But it's hard to see at all
At the bottom of the barrel
With your back against the wall
I'm not a cool guy anymore
Left it behind, then closed the door
I know you can't escape the past
Now I look back and have to laugh
I was my own worst enemy
It almost got the best of me
What was I thinking of?
It couldn't stay the way it was
I looked up one day and saw that
It was up to me
You can only be a victim if you
Admit defeat
I'm not a cool guy anymore
As if I ever was before
I took a look at all the signs
Then rolled it over in my mind
The feelings I could not release
Became a bitter part of me
What was I thinking of?
It couldn't stay the way it was
I looked at my reflection
And I saw a stranger's face
I saw where I was going
And I had to walk away
I lost a girl, it's just as well
She tried to save me from myself
I've still got her on my mind
Tossing and turning in my bed
But if she had stayed another week
I would have dragged her down with me
She took it till she'd had enough
Is that what I thought love was?
I told her see you later
But it's hard to see at all
At the bottom of the barrel
With your back against the wall
I'm not a cool guy anymore
Left it behind, then closed the door
I know you can't escape the past
Now I look back and have to laugh
I was my own worst enemy
It almost got the best of me
What was I thinking of?
It couldn't stay the way it was
I looked up one day and saw that
It was up to me
You can only be a victim if you
Admit defeat
Thursday, March 25, 2010
Loss and Grief
This is where I write about what is going on in my life, however I have always taken a lot of care to respect the privacy of others. So I will try to be as considerate as possible and exclude any details that might breach that boundary, but its a fine line to walk.
My 2+ year relationship with Melina ended early Saturday morning, the 20th. The decision was hers. We had no prior discussion about splitting up before she informed me of her decision. It took a few days to fully sink in. It still hasn't totally. I have woken up every morning since and for a brief moment, felt relief that I had only dreamed it. Then... a moment later, oh... right. No dream.
I am not filled with anger or bitterness or resentment. Some of those feelings come, but they don't linger. I nearly destroyed an opportunity to end on good terms, by having almost no response at all... I was just numb. Thankfully she allowed me an opportunity to express thanks for what was truly a wonderful 2 and a half years.
I will miss her dearly.
The process begins.
My 2+ year relationship with Melina ended early Saturday morning, the 20th. The decision was hers. We had no prior discussion about splitting up before she informed me of her decision. It took a few days to fully sink in. It still hasn't totally. I have woken up every morning since and for a brief moment, felt relief that I had only dreamed it. Then... a moment later, oh... right. No dream.
I am not filled with anger or bitterness or resentment. Some of those feelings come, but they don't linger. I nearly destroyed an opportunity to end on good terms, by having almost no response at all... I was just numb. Thankfully she allowed me an opportunity to express thanks for what was truly a wonderful 2 and a half years.
I will miss her dearly.
The process begins.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
my heart aches
So strange it is...
When we find comfort in denial
and pain in acceptance
When we find hope amidst grief
and sorrow amidst love
When we find togetherness alone
and loneliness amongst many
When we find ourselves through others
and and lose others through ourselves
When we find comfort in denial
and pain in acceptance
When we find hope amidst grief
and sorrow amidst love
When we find togetherness alone
and loneliness amongst many
When we find ourselves through others
and and lose others through ourselves
Friday, March 19, 2010
Today is my birthday.
I'm 33 today. Most people at work don't know it, and that's fine really. I've never been big on the office celebration thing.
In years past I've had a party at my house or pub crawls or some sort of celebration since my birthday comes so close to St. Paddy's day, but this year I just felt like keeping it low-key. So, tonight after work, Melina will meet me at the office and we will go over to my parents house for some steak and wine. My uncle is in town so it works out perfectly. He, and my brother and grandfather will join us there as well. I'll try to remember to take a camera and post some pictures.
In years past I've had a party at my house or pub crawls or some sort of celebration since my birthday comes so close to St. Paddy's day, but this year I just felt like keeping it low-key. So, tonight after work, Melina will meet me at the office and we will go over to my parents house for some steak and wine. My uncle is in town so it works out perfectly. He, and my brother and grandfather will join us there as well. I'll try to remember to take a camera and post some pictures.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
The TV tennis story (long)
Sometimes you just have to get things done yourself.
This weekend a group of us took the trek 100 miles north to play in a $1,000,000 guaranteed poker tournament at the LA Poker Classic. This event is held at the Commerce Casino, the largest card room in the world. All four of us busted out of that tournament without cashing, but we were there for the whole weekend having already booked a hotel room for the night, so we stayed and played in the cash games.
Matt and I also played in the next day's (Sunday) Limit Hold-em Event. I got out to great start at a great table where some very unsophisticated players were putting money into every pot. I got some hands and built a nice stack. Matt's story was different. He lost nearly all of his chips early. Once they moved me to another table things took a turn for the worse and after a series of bad beats I was out. Matt managed to survive on fumes for hours and hours, and eventually made a deep run into the money.
So, here the thing. We drove up together and I could not leave him there, so even though I was done playing poker for the trip, I still had to wait. I occupied my time with my computer for a few hours, but I really wanted to watch the Australian Open tennis matches that were on live. The problem was that someone had messed up with the Direct TV receiver for the ESPN channel on their closed circuit TV system. The picture was zoomed in so that you could not see the score and people heads were cut off. This sis not make for a pleasurable viewing experience. I noticed it had been like this all weekend on every TV on the casino.
I decided to take action. I called the main number for the Casino and explained that i would like to speak to the whichever department was responsible for the in house television system. That department was Security. After a few rings they picked up... I take a deep breath and ready myself for what I am sure to be a complicated conversation.
"Security..."
"Yes, Hello. I am here in the casino and watching the Tennis on ESPN and there seems to be a problem with the picture. It is zoomed in and you cannot see the score."
Silence.
"Can you please fix it?"
"Well... uh"
"I'm sorry...am I speaking to the right person?"
"Um, yes. Where are you in the casino? Which TV are you watching?"
"Well, I am upstairs in the tournament room, but that is largely irrelevant because I noticed that it is like this on every monitor in the building. That would suggest that the problem is with your satellite receiver for that channel."
"OK, so where are you?"
"I am upstairs, but I am curious why my location is of importance."
"Well I am trying to figure out what you are watching..."
"Oh my apologies, I thought you asked me where I was."
"I did."
"Ok. Well I am currently sitting in the dealer chair of table 18 in the Grand Ballroom speaking to you on my phone while watching television monitor number 59 display a zoomed in broadcast of the Australian Open. Would you like to know what I am wearing?"
"Huh?"
"Nevermind."
"Ok, so what do you want me to do?"
"Is this the same person I have been talking to?"
"Yes."
"Well I would like you to adjust the receiver so that we can I can see the entire picture. You see, Tennis, like most sports, is more entertaining to watch when you know what the score is. And since there isn't any audio, that means you have to fix the receiver."
"I can't do that."
"Sure you can."
"It's your TV. I can't control that."
"No, its like this on every TV in the building. You can fix it. Trust me. You just don't know how, but I am going to help you."
"They are showing it that way."
"Well, that is almost certainly impossible. It has been this way all weekend, and I have been watching it at my hotel room, and it is not this way."
"Well, I can't fix it."
"You can."
"Sir, I'm telling you that is not something we can control here."
"That is not accurate."
"Well I don't know what to tell you."
"You can tell me what the number for your supervisor is."
"I am the supervisor."
"Fantastic. You should know that you have an unhelpful employee in your department."
"Who?"
"Nevermind. Listen... who do you call when something is broken with say... a television?"
"Engineering."
"Would you please transfer me to Engineering?"
"One moment."
Hold music plays. I glance at my watch. It's been 10 minutes and nearly 30 since I first placed the call."
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"We are going to try to work on it from here..."
"Super."
She hangs up. Nothing happens for at least another 10 minutes and then wouldn't you know it...the display changes to show the Direct TV Channel guide and a reduced Picture in Picture in the upper right hand corner that shows the entire image. It is so small though I cannot read the score. Sazzled. I get a chair and climb up close enough to see that Tsonga and Almagro are battling in extended play in the 5th set. I continue to watch the rest of the match this way...3 inched from the monitor. I can feel the heat from the panel. The match ends. Tsonga wins. I climb down.
The image stays this way for another 10 minutes before going back to the zoomed in version. It doesn't change. Federer and Hewitt are playing now. I hit re-dial on my phone.
"Commerce Casino, how may I direct your call?"
"Security please."
"One moment."
"Security," says a man now.
I take the next 5-10 minutes to explain the situation all over again to another employee who has now arrived to replace the last one. He is even more clueless than his predecessor. Finally I arrive at this...
"Well she almost had it. If I had been on the phone with her I could've told her which button to press. If you get the remote, I can walk you through the steps. It's actually quite simple."
"I don't have the remote."
"She had it."
"She is gone."
"Call her and ask her where she left it."
"What?"
"Call her and ask her where she left it."
"I'm not going to do that?"
"Let me speak to your supervisor please."
"I am the supervisor."
"Fantastic, you should know that you have an unhelpful employee in your charge."
"Huh?"
"Nevermind. Surely you have a telephone list of your co-workers?"
"Yes."
"Call her up. It will only take a second."
A very large annoyed sigh distorts the handset of his telephone.
"Hang on."
5 minutes of Kenny G.
"Ok, I've got the remote."
"Alright there should be a button that says 'Options'. Press it."
The Channel changes to bowling.
"Nope that was the Channel button. We are looking for the one that says 'Options'."
I've noticed a small crowd has gathered around me and is quite entertained by my conversation. It has been going on for more than an hour now. They are talking amongst themselves as some give a recap of the events to their recently arrived friends. Some even are shouting out suggestions for me to relay. I hold my hand up and nod. I look up and the panel changes to blue screen"
"Hmm, I think you've turned it off"
"Yeah I pressed the power button."
"Oh. Interesting choice. Maybe that will fix it."
"Maybe."
"Um, can you turn it back on?"
"Yeah."
I watch as the unit boots up. This takes a few minutes. Finally he changes back to ESPN. Still zoomed in. I glance at my watch. Over an hour and a half now.
"Listen, I can help you. Where are you located?"
"We are just off the 5 freeway on Telegraph road in Commerce."
"I am in the building... remember?"
"Right."
"Where is your office."
"Downstairs."
"Can you be more specific?"
He tells me the location.
"Ok, I am walking down there now. Meet me at the door."
"Uh sir, you cannot come in here."
"Why not?"
"It's a restricted area."
"It's Ok I won't wander off. You can stay with me."
"I will have to get my supervisor to approve this..."
"I thought you said you were the supervisor."
"Well...yeah...but I have to call the casino manager."
"Ok call him."
Another very loud sigh and more Kenny G.
"Ok, meet me at the door."
I am already standing in front of it and see "Hector" when he opens it. He shows me the remote. I press "options" and select "Aspect ratio" and then select "Normal". The screen fills with the image. I hand the remote back to Hector. I walk back upsatirs and am greeted by a small round of applause near table 18. Someone has taken my comfy dealer chair. A man who had witnessed the entire incident instructs the person to give me back my chair. I sit in it.
Federer beat Hewitt in straight sets and now they are showing women's doubles.
Sazzled.
This weekend a group of us took the trek 100 miles north to play in a $1,000,000 guaranteed poker tournament at the LA Poker Classic. This event is held at the Commerce Casino, the largest card room in the world. All four of us busted out of that tournament without cashing, but we were there for the whole weekend having already booked a hotel room for the night, so we stayed and played in the cash games.
Matt and I also played in the next day's (Sunday) Limit Hold-em Event. I got out to great start at a great table where some very unsophisticated players were putting money into every pot. I got some hands and built a nice stack. Matt's story was different. He lost nearly all of his chips early. Once they moved me to another table things took a turn for the worse and after a series of bad beats I was out. Matt managed to survive on fumes for hours and hours, and eventually made a deep run into the money.
So, here the thing. We drove up together and I could not leave him there, so even though I was done playing poker for the trip, I still had to wait. I occupied my time with my computer for a few hours, but I really wanted to watch the Australian Open tennis matches that were on live. The problem was that someone had messed up with the Direct TV receiver for the ESPN channel on their closed circuit TV system. The picture was zoomed in so that you could not see the score and people heads were cut off. This sis not make for a pleasurable viewing experience. I noticed it had been like this all weekend on every TV on the casino.
I decided to take action. I called the main number for the Casino and explained that i would like to speak to the whichever department was responsible for the in house television system. That department was Security. After a few rings they picked up... I take a deep breath and ready myself for what I am sure to be a complicated conversation.
"Security..."
"Yes, Hello. I am here in the casino and watching the Tennis on ESPN and there seems to be a problem with the picture. It is zoomed in and you cannot see the score."
Silence.
"Can you please fix it?"
"Well... uh"
"I'm sorry...am I speaking to the right person?"
"Um, yes. Where are you in the casino? Which TV are you watching?"
"Well, I am upstairs in the tournament room, but that is largely irrelevant because I noticed that it is like this on every monitor in the building. That would suggest that the problem is with your satellite receiver for that channel."
"OK, so where are you?"
"I am upstairs, but I am curious why my location is of importance."
"Well I am trying to figure out what you are watching..."
"Oh my apologies, I thought you asked me where I was."
"I did."
"Ok. Well I am currently sitting in the dealer chair of table 18 in the Grand Ballroom speaking to you on my phone while watching television monitor number 59 display a zoomed in broadcast of the Australian Open. Would you like to know what I am wearing?"
"Huh?"
"Nevermind."
"Ok, so what do you want me to do?"
"Is this the same person I have been talking to?"
"Yes."
"Well I would like you to adjust the receiver so that we can I can see the entire picture. You see, Tennis, like most sports, is more entertaining to watch when you know what the score is. And since there isn't any audio, that means you have to fix the receiver."
"I can't do that."
"Sure you can."
"It's your TV. I can't control that."
"No, its like this on every TV in the building. You can fix it. Trust me. You just don't know how, but I am going to help you."
"They are showing it that way."
"Well, that is almost certainly impossible. It has been this way all weekend, and I have been watching it at my hotel room, and it is not this way."
"Well, I can't fix it."
"You can."
"Sir, I'm telling you that is not something we can control here."
"That is not accurate."
"Well I don't know what to tell you."
"You can tell me what the number for your supervisor is."
"I am the supervisor."
"Fantastic. You should know that you have an unhelpful employee in your department."
"Who?"
"Nevermind. Listen... who do you call when something is broken with say... a television?"
"Engineering."
"Would you please transfer me to Engineering?"
"One moment."
Hold music plays. I glance at my watch. It's been 10 minutes and nearly 30 since I first placed the call."
"Sir?"
"Yes?"
"We are going to try to work on it from here..."
"Super."
She hangs up. Nothing happens for at least another 10 minutes and then wouldn't you know it...the display changes to show the Direct TV Channel guide and a reduced Picture in Picture in the upper right hand corner that shows the entire image. It is so small though I cannot read the score. Sazzled. I get a chair and climb up close enough to see that Tsonga and Almagro are battling in extended play in the 5th set. I continue to watch the rest of the match this way...3 inched from the monitor. I can feel the heat from the panel. The match ends. Tsonga wins. I climb down.
The image stays this way for another 10 minutes before going back to the zoomed in version. It doesn't change. Federer and Hewitt are playing now. I hit re-dial on my phone.
"Commerce Casino, how may I direct your call?"
"Security please."
"One moment."
"Security," says a man now.
I take the next 5-10 minutes to explain the situation all over again to another employee who has now arrived to replace the last one. He is even more clueless than his predecessor. Finally I arrive at this...
"Well she almost had it. If I had been on the phone with her I could've told her which button to press. If you get the remote, I can walk you through the steps. It's actually quite simple."
"I don't have the remote."
"She had it."
"She is gone."
"Call her and ask her where she left it."
"What?"
"Call her and ask her where she left it."
"I'm not going to do that?"
"Let me speak to your supervisor please."
"I am the supervisor."
"Fantastic, you should know that you have an unhelpful employee in your charge."
"Huh?"
"Nevermind. Surely you have a telephone list of your co-workers?"
"Yes."
"Call her up. It will only take a second."
A very large annoyed sigh distorts the handset of his telephone.
"Hang on."
5 minutes of Kenny G.
"Ok, I've got the remote."
"Alright there should be a button that says 'Options'. Press it."
The Channel changes to bowling.
"Nope that was the Channel button. We are looking for the one that says 'Options'."
I've noticed a small crowd has gathered around me and is quite entertained by my conversation. It has been going on for more than an hour now. They are talking amongst themselves as some give a recap of the events to their recently arrived friends. Some even are shouting out suggestions for me to relay. I hold my hand up and nod. I look up and the panel changes to blue screen"
"Hmm, I think you've turned it off"
"Yeah I pressed the power button."
"Oh. Interesting choice. Maybe that will fix it."
"Maybe."
"Um, can you turn it back on?"
"Yeah."
I watch as the unit boots up. This takes a few minutes. Finally he changes back to ESPN. Still zoomed in. I glance at my watch. Over an hour and a half now.
"Listen, I can help you. Where are you located?"
"We are just off the 5 freeway on Telegraph road in Commerce."
"I am in the building... remember?"
"Right."
"Where is your office."
"Downstairs."
"Can you be more specific?"
He tells me the location.
"Ok, I am walking down there now. Meet me at the door."
"Uh sir, you cannot come in here."
"Why not?"
"It's a restricted area."
"It's Ok I won't wander off. You can stay with me."
"I will have to get my supervisor to approve this..."
"I thought you said you were the supervisor."
"Well...yeah...but I have to call the casino manager."
"Ok call him."
Another very loud sigh and more Kenny G.
"Ok, meet me at the door."
I am already standing in front of it and see "Hector" when he opens it. He shows me the remote. I press "options" and select "Aspect ratio" and then select "Normal". The screen fills with the image. I hand the remote back to Hector. I walk back upsatirs and am greeted by a small round of applause near table 18. Someone has taken my comfy dealer chair. A man who had witnessed the entire incident instructs the person to give me back my chair. I sit in it.
Federer beat Hewitt in straight sets and now they are showing women's doubles.
Sazzled.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
As promised
It might next Christmas before I get the holiday pictures from my mother so in the interim here are some from New years Eve, a random photo shoot of Snoog, and the Ranch.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Holiday Post Coming - 2010
My Holiday posts are pretty much on hold while I wait for the pictures to be sent to me. In short, the holidays were great. Lots of time off with family, friends, and loved ones, and beautiful weather to boot. Once again I cannot re-iterate enough how good I am at vacation. I might have found my life's calling.
I hear a lot of people saying "Good riddance to 2009." I guess a lot of folks had a not so good year. I can't really share that sentiment. I was happy and healthy. Plus Jan 1 is just another day, so I don't really see how the year flipping over changes much of anything...except in your mind. Its just a choice... but I suppose we need things like "New Year's" to help us facilitate a mental change.
On to 2010 then. I will be taking up my monthly life experiments again this year. This month I have pledged not to curse. I can still say "F", or extremely clean derivations of the better known curse words, but any slippage and I have to put $10 into the curse jar. What that money will be saved for (hopefully there isn't any) will be determined later.
EDIT: I thought maybe I will have to donate the money to the Republican Party. That should stop me... right?
Friday, December 4, 2009
Tennis transformation
For the past 5-6 months I have been playing 3-4 tennis matches a week. And while I have noticed exciting improvements in my game, I have also noticed changes in my body. I have lost weight. I try to eat more calories to compensate for those that I burn. I sometimes purposely eat fatty and sugary foods, like a snickers bar right before I go play. But the pounds continue to come off. Taking a look at my body it seems that most of this is muscle weight. My shoulders, chest, and arms have gotten smaller. I guess this is normal since I will often play tennis in lieu of lifting weights for my after-work exercise activity. The reason I haven't been doing both anymore is because of shoulder pain. I'm pretty sure its just tendinitis. It doesn't hurt except when I try to stretch my shoulder behind me (the motion you would use to do a butterfly press) So that has made weight lifting difficult since the inflammation in my shoulder really limits my motion under resistance.
So, I have gotten kind of scrawny. I am just under 6 feet tall, and I weighed in at 155 lbs last week. I have to agree with most folks...that is too thin.
I guess the only thing to do if I want to re-gain muscle mass, is to curtail the tennis until the shoulder heals... and then start lifting weights again. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm not a fitness professional or a doctor... so I am just going with what seems to be common sense here. But perhaps there is an option I am not seeing.
So, I have gotten kind of scrawny. I am just under 6 feet tall, and I weighed in at 155 lbs last week. I have to agree with most folks...that is too thin.
I guess the only thing to do if I want to re-gain muscle mass, is to curtail the tennis until the shoulder heals... and then start lifting weights again. Does anyone have any other suggestions? I'm not a fitness professional or a doctor... so I am just going with what seems to be common sense here. But perhaps there is an option I am not seeing.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Thanksgiving (skip if you are turned off by sentiment)
My list of things for which I am thankful is longer than would fit comfortably into one post, but a few highlights will serve to remind me of how lucky I am.
Thanks:
To all my wonderful friends that I've made over the years. When I moved to San Diego in the summer of 1996, I didn't know a soul. For no reason that I can really explain, I took a job that wasn't close to where I lived. In doing so I was introduced to a group of people that remain close friends to this day. It's something that is easy to take for granted when the relationships have remained so strong for so long...but it is not often the way things go...and I am so thankful to have that kind of love in my life. Thanks to all of them for being the great people they are.
My family...the most important support group of all. For my health and the health of my family. We have had a few scares recently...but we all are doing pretty well. To have most of my family here in the same city... healthy and happy, is an amazing thing.
Financial Stability. Most people have had a rough time the last few years. Whether it is pure luck or some kind of serendipitous thing, I have managed to find a niche...and it has provided me with the means to take care of myself and live s relatively stress-free life. I know what its like to be out of work, or to work several jobs, at odd-hours, or to be working when everyone else is relaxing or going out. I've done all those things...and it makes me really appreciate having things they way they are now. Sure... I am not making as much headway as I would have expected by this time in my life... but all those expectations were based on relatively stable economy. Things are alright!
Melina. For her intelligence, insight, and compassion. For loving me unconditionally. For taking me as I am... with my faults and strange idiosyncrasies. Thanks for being such a cool woman.
Thanks:
To all my wonderful friends that I've made over the years. When I moved to San Diego in the summer of 1996, I didn't know a soul. For no reason that I can really explain, I took a job that wasn't close to where I lived. In doing so I was introduced to a group of people that remain close friends to this day. It's something that is easy to take for granted when the relationships have remained so strong for so long...but it is not often the way things go...and I am so thankful to have that kind of love in my life. Thanks to all of them for being the great people they are.
My family...the most important support group of all. For my health and the health of my family. We have had a few scares recently...but we all are doing pretty well. To have most of my family here in the same city... healthy and happy, is an amazing thing. Financial Stability. Most people have had a rough time the last few years. Whether it is pure luck or some kind of serendipitous thing, I have managed to find a niche...and it has provided me with the means to take care of myself and live s relatively stress-free life. I know what its like to be out of work, or to work several jobs, at odd-hours, or to be working when everyone else is relaxing or going out. I've done all those things...and it makes me really appreciate having things they way they are now. Sure... I am not making as much headway as I would have expected by this time in my life... but all those expectations were based on relatively stable economy. Things are alright!
Melina. For her intelligence, insight, and compassion. For loving me unconditionally. For taking me as I am... with my faults and strange idiosyncrasies. Thanks for being such a cool woman.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Hiking
We took a short hike up Iron Mountain in Poway yesterday. It's about 3 miles from the base of the trail to the summit. The whole hike takes about 2-3 hours. It was a great day to be up there. I had an extra Tiger's Milk that nobody wanted so I put it inside the good kharma box at the summit. If you find yourself on top of Iron Mountain, have a snack on me
EDIT: here is a link to more photos.
 |
| Iron Mountain |
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
SF in a weekend.
Melina and I decided to go to San Francisco for our anniversary. We woke up late on Saturday and got down to the airport to catch a quick 90 minute flight to SFO. From the airport we used the BART to get us into town and then grabbed a taxi to our hotel. It was about 3 pm by the time we got settled in.
First order of business was to "Bike the bridge", so we headed off to the Bike rental place (huge and does a very good bit of business). Along the way, we stopped and took a look and some pictures from the top of Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the world). At the shop, we got two very decent bikes and headed off. Our route brought us down Hyde street, along the embarcadero and eventually up some pretty killer hills leading up to the base of the bridge. We stopped a few times while riding across to take it all in and snap some photos. On the other side we coasted down the hill and then eventually had another climb or two before rolling into Sausalito. We had time to kill before the next ferry left so we grabbed some pizza and a bloody mary. The ferry left right at sunset and we were treated to an amazing orange and red sky as we were shuttled back across the bay to San Francisco. It turns out we hopped on the wrong ferry, because this one took us all the way back to Pier 1, and we wanted Pier 41. It turned out to be a nice mistake because it gave us the opportunity to ride our bikes all the way back along the wharf, on a beautiful night.
After turning in the bikes, we got back to the hotel in time to get ready and go off to the Mission district for dinner at Foreign Cinema. The food was good and wine was great and the company was perfect. As it turns out having hot sauce on everything you eat from breakfast through lunch can cause some distress in your digestive system. Who knew?
I felt better the next morning and we got up early and hit the Buena Vista for breakfast and Irish coffee. Then we rode the cable cars all over town stopping in China Town and Union Square. Down in the financial district we hit the SFMoMA and the Yerba Buena gardens, before settling down at an Irish pub for lunch and drinks. Later in the evening we cable carred back to the Wharf and walked down to Pier 33 where we hopped on the Alcatraz ferry for a tour of the old prison. It was every bit as much fun as we had expected.
Monday we hit the Boudiin bakery for some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and then got dessert at Ghirardelli. We had enough time to relax and buy some gifts before heading back to the airport for our trip home.
First order of business was to "Bike the bridge", so we headed off to the Bike rental place (huge and does a very good bit of business). Along the way, we stopped and took a look and some pictures from the top of Lombard Street (the crookedest street in the world). At the shop, we got two very decent bikes and headed off. Our route brought us down Hyde street, along the embarcadero and eventually up some pretty killer hills leading up to the base of the bridge. We stopped a few times while riding across to take it all in and snap some photos. On the other side we coasted down the hill and then eventually had another climb or two before rolling into Sausalito. We had time to kill before the next ferry left so we grabbed some pizza and a bloody mary. The ferry left right at sunset and we were treated to an amazing orange and red sky as we were shuttled back across the bay to San Francisco. It turns out we hopped on the wrong ferry, because this one took us all the way back to Pier 1, and we wanted Pier 41. It turned out to be a nice mistake because it gave us the opportunity to ride our bikes all the way back along the wharf, on a beautiful night.
After turning in the bikes, we got back to the hotel in time to get ready and go off to the Mission district for dinner at Foreign Cinema. The food was good and wine was great and the company was perfect. As it turns out having hot sauce on everything you eat from breakfast through lunch can cause some distress in your digestive system. Who knew?
I felt better the next morning and we got up early and hit the Buena Vista for breakfast and Irish coffee. Then we rode the cable cars all over town stopping in China Town and Union Square. Down in the financial district we hit the SFMoMA and the Yerba Buena gardens, before settling down at an Irish pub for lunch and drinks. Later in the evening we cable carred back to the Wharf and walked down to Pier 33 where we hopped on the Alcatraz ferry for a tour of the old prison. It was every bit as much fun as we had expected.
Monday we hit the Boudiin bakery for some clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl and then got dessert at Ghirardelli. We had enough time to relax and buy some gifts before heading back to the airport for our trip home.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
I left my <3 in SF
I was trying to find just one picture to put on here for the San Francisco blog post. Then I found a way to put them all here. I will let the pictures tell the story. Who says you can;t get much done in one weekend?
Friday, October 16, 2009
Gearhead
I've learned that in tennis, a good racquet really can make a huge difference. I demo'd 3 different sticks this week. The Babolat Pure Drive GT Plus, the HEAD Youtek Radical Pro, and the Wilson KFactor 6.1 95.
The Wilson is the heaviest of all three, but head-light, and has the smallest hitting area. I shanked many. It has very little power, as it is made for players that generate most of the pace themselves. When there is a lot of pace on the ball this racquet has great control...if I can manage to put it in the sweet spot. Neither one happen often in the matches I play. This is a pro's racquet, and something I am just not ready for yet.
The square handle on the HEAD felt odd to me, as did the leather rather than synthetic grip. The demo had really crappy strings on it, so it's hard for me to really judge how well it might have hit if it was strung well. I tried it for maybe 10 minutes before moving on.
The Babolat was way different. This is a powerful racquet and generated more spin than I thought imaginable. Moving from the Wilson to this, I sailed the first few but once I adjusted, the topspin was unreal. Even my highest shots were dropping in. This gave me a lot of confidence. I had the fewest amount of unforced errors that I can remember. Its just so forgiving. The extra spin on serves had me hitting most of the early serves into the net. Once I was up a few games I started really going after them to compensate, and WOW. I never could have imagined what a difference a racquet could make. It is so forgiving and gave me all the confidence I needed to start going after EVERY serve. By the third set I was so confident that I was hitting flat serves at 100 or better that were in by 2 feet.
So, I am going with the Babolat. That means that I have a few Wilson's to sell if anyone is interested.
The Wilson is the heaviest of all three, but head-light, and has the smallest hitting area. I shanked many. It has very little power, as it is made for players that generate most of the pace themselves. When there is a lot of pace on the ball this racquet has great control...if I can manage to put it in the sweet spot. Neither one happen often in the matches I play. This is a pro's racquet, and something I am just not ready for yet.
The square handle on the HEAD felt odd to me, as did the leather rather than synthetic grip. The demo had really crappy strings on it, so it's hard for me to really judge how well it might have hit if it was strung well. I tried it for maybe 10 minutes before moving on.
The Babolat was way different. This is a powerful racquet and generated more spin than I thought imaginable. Moving from the Wilson to this, I sailed the first few but once I adjusted, the topspin was unreal. Even my highest shots were dropping in. This gave me a lot of confidence. I had the fewest amount of unforced errors that I can remember. Its just so forgiving. The extra spin on serves had me hitting most of the early serves into the net. Once I was up a few games I started really going after them to compensate, and WOW. I never could have imagined what a difference a racquet could make. It is so forgiving and gave me all the confidence I needed to start going after EVERY serve. By the third set I was so confident that I was hitting flat serves at 100 or better that were in by 2 feet.
So, I am going with the Babolat. That means that I have a few Wilson's to sell if anyone is interested.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
I stumbled across this a few years ago...
A time comes in your life when you finally get it ... when, in the midst of all your fears and insanity, you stop dead in your tracks and somewhere the voice inside your head cries out ENOUGH!!! Enough fighting and crying or struggling to hold on. And, like a child quieting down after a blind tantrum, your sobs begin to subside, you shudder once or twice, you blink back your tears and begin to look at the world through new eyes. This is your awakening. You realize it's time to stop hoping and waiting for something to change...or for happiness, safety and security to come galloping over the next horizon.
You come to terms with the fact that you are neither Prince Charming nor Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are...and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.
And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties...and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.
You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, what you should do for a living, how much money you should make, what you should drive, how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with...and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.
You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.
You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.
Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. And you learn that alone does not mean lonely. You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK...and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things you want...and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less.
And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve...and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone...and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the greatest robber baron of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens… you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.
You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that it's not "God" punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.
You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.
Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.
And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can. ~~~
You come to terms with the fact that you are neither Prince Charming nor Cinderella and that in the real world there aren't always fairy tale endings (or beginnings for that matter) and that any guarantee of "happily ever after" must begin with you...and in the process a sense of serenity is born of acceptance. You awaken to the fact that you are not perfect and that not everyone will always love, appreciate or approve of who or what you are...and that's OK. They are entitled to their own views and opinions.
And you learn the importance of loving and championing yourself...and in the process a sense of new found confidence is born of self-approval. You stop complaining and blaming other people for the things they did to you (or didn't do for you) and you learn that the only thing you can really count on is the unexpected. You learn that people don't always say what they mean or mean what they say and that not everyone will always be there for you and that it's not always about you. So, you learn to stand on your own and to take care of yourself...and in the process a sense of safety and security is born of self-reliance. You stop judging and pointing fingers and you begin to accept people as they are and to overlook their shortcomings and human frailties...and in the process a sense of peace and contentment is born of forgiveness.
You realize that much of the way you view yourself, and the world around you, is as a result of all the messages and opinions that have been ingrained into your psyche. And you begin to sift through all the junk you've been fed about how you should behave, how you should look, how much you should weigh, what you should wear, what you should do for a living, how much money you should make, what you should drive, how and where you should live, who you should marry, the importance of having and raising children, and what you owe your parents, family, and friends. You learn to open up to new worlds and different points of view. And you begin reassessing and redefining who you are and what you really stand for. You learn the difference between wanting and needing and you begin to discard the doctrines and values you've outgrown, or should never have bought into to begin with...and in the process you learn to go with your instincts.
You learn that it is truly in giving that we receive. And that there is power and glory in creating and contributing and you stop maneuvering through life merely as a "consumer" looking for your next fix. You learn that principles such as honesty and integrity are not the outdated ideals of a bygone era but the mortar that holds together the foundation upon which you must build a life.
You learn that you don't know everything, it's not your job to save the world and that you can't teach a pig to sing. You learn to distinguish between guilt and responsibility and the importance of setting boundaries and learning to say NO. You learn that the only cross to bear is the one you choose to carry and that martyrs get burned at the stake.
Then you learn about love. How to love, how much to give in love, when to stop giving and when to walk away. You learn to look at relationships as they really are and not as you would have them be. You stop trying to control people, situations and outcomes. And you learn that alone does not mean lonely. You also stop working so hard at putting your feelings aside, smoothing things over and ignoring your needs. You learn that feelings of entitlement are perfectly OK...and that it is your right to want things and to ask for the things you want...and that sometimes it is necessary to make demands. You come to the realization that you deserve to be treated with love, kindness, sensitivity and respect and you won't settle for less.
And you learn that your body really is your temple. And you begin to care for it and treat it with respect. You begin to eat a balanced diet, drink more water, and take more time to exercise. You learn that being tired fuels doubt, fear, and uncertainty and so you take more time to rest. And, just as food fuels the body, laughter fuels our soul. So you take more time to laugh and to play.
You learn that, for the most part, you get in life what you believe you deserve...and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone...and that it's OK to risk asking for help. You learn the only thing you must truly fear is the greatest robber baron of all: FEAR itself. You learn to step right into and through your fears because you know that whatever happens… you can handle it and to give in to fear is to give away the right to live life on your own terms. And you learn to fight for your life and not to squander it living under a cloud of impending doom.
You learn that life isn't always fair, you don't always get what you think you deserve and that sometimes bad things happen to unsuspecting, good people. On these occasions you learn not to personalize things. You learn that it's not "God" punishing you or failing to answer your prayers. It's just life happening. And you learn to deal with evil in its most primal state - the ego. You learn that negative feelings such as anger, envy and resentment must be understood and redirected or they will suffocate the life out of you and poison the universe that surrounds you.
You learn to admit when you are wrong and to build bridges instead of walls. You learn to be thankful and to take comfort in many of the simple things we take for granted, things that millions of people upon the earth can only dream about: a full refrigerator, clean running water, a soft warm bed, a long hot shower.
Slowly, you begin to take responsibility for yourself by yourself and you make yourself a promise to never betray yourself and to never, ever settle for less than your heart's desire.
And you hang a wind chime outside your window so you can listen to the wind. And you make it a point to keep smiling, to keep trusting, and to stay open to every wonderful possibility. Finally, with courage in your heart, you take a stand, you take a deep breath, and you begin to design the life you want to live as best you can. ~~~
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Do you ever wonder....
What is up with fat, blubbery, hairy, old men that seem to wander aimlessly around the locker room? It's rare to spot these guys out in the actual workout area. No, their presence is pretty much confined to the changing area. You can;t help but notice when you stop by to change into your running shoes, or to shower off afterwards... that there he is again...in all of his Sasquatch-like glory, choosing not to employ the age-old method of drying himself with a TOWEL, but rather to march endlessly back and forth between the sink, his locker, and some other unknown destination to drip-dry or better yet...stand spread-eagle beneath the hand dryer. You start to think that he doesn't even workout, but heads straight for the showers. After all, he is in horrible shape despite his being there every day (easy to ascertain because he is there EVERY time you randomly choose to get some exercise)You would think a guy thats spends as much time as he does at the gym would have even the slightest muscle tone or a body fat percentage below 30%.
Does some sort of hormone kick in after the age of 55 whereby one is compelled to publicly, and forcefully I might add, display themselves despite having the opposite of what would normally be considered a physique worthy of showing off?
I try my best to ignore, but its just too weird.
Does some sort of hormone kick in after the age of 55 whereby one is compelled to publicly, and forcefully I might add, display themselves despite having the opposite of what would normally be considered a physique worthy of showing off?
I try my best to ignore, but its just too weird.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Monday, September 7, 2009
US Open
I'm having tons of fun watching the US Open. Even when the coverage on tv ends for the day you can catch everything online at www.usopen.org, including live streaming video and commentary in High Definition from 5 different courts.
Today 17 year-old Melanie Oudin beats her third straight top seeded Russian to advance to the quarterfinals.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Behind the curtain
You ever imagine what an opponent might be saying or acting like on the other end of the computer screen?
There are priceless moments at 0:52 (double guns "Wooooo!"), and 2:28 "I worked you!" and of course, 2:42 "Thats what time it is!"
There are priceless moments at 0:52 (double guns "Wooooo!"), and 2:28 "I worked you!" and of course, 2:42 "Thats what time it is!"
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Tennis notes
My tennis lessons have been moved to Sunday mornings at 1030 at the North Park courts. This means I will be missing JBC for the next few weeks. My game is coming along. The forehand is becoming a weapon when I can time it correctly. For me, the problem had been waiting on it. I/we have a tendency to hit the ball a bit harder/faster during warm-up than we might in a match. Sounds strange, but often enough we might tentatively push the ball around the court in a match waiting for our opponent to make errors... rather than waiting for an opportunity ball to set up a winner. The result for me has been pushing ahead of the ball too much. I'm hitting with different opponents, but often enough I have plenty of time to set up in an open stance and hit a good topspin forehand.... but I just get ahead of myself and catch it too far in front. Serving is the one part of the game that can be easily practiced without a partner. I should take advantage of that more often, since it probably has been the weakest part of my game. In recent matches it has been coming along in spurts, so I am confident that it will get much better.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Monday, August 10, 2009
Best wishes
My friends Rees and Rebecca were married on Saturday in a small ceremony performed by our mutual friend Kent. It was an intimate gathering, and I felt very honored to be among the attendees. It was great fun (coming from someone that isn't a huge wedding guy) and lots of pictures were taken. When I get them, I will put a few (or a link) here.
Ok...as promised...
Congratulations to them both.
Ok...as promised...
Congratulations to them both.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Health notes
I have gotten a bit skinny, down to 157 lbs. That's pretty light for a 6' frame, yet somehow I still have the love-handles. So I have started a new fitness plan that has me doing three light sets of calestenthics per day in addition to regular workouts and cardio. The first workout takes place moments after waking up, and its just not that easy to go from sleeping to doing 40 push-ups.
guest room looks like an infomercial...but the perfect push-ups and the door-frame pull-up bar really do get a lot of use. I guess there is no substitute for good old fashioned weight training if you are looking to bulk up fast, but you really can accomplish alot using just gravity, leverage and your own body weight. Melina and I still try to get out at least once a week and run the Rusterthon or the Hipsterthon, and there is boot camp on Sunday. Add in tennis 2-3 times a week, and the cardio is pretty much covered.
Now, if I could just stop eating cookies....
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
6 more.
I finished my 6th of 6 tennis lessons last night and immediately purchased 6 more. I;m enjoying this sport.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Happiness, more or less. It's just a change in me, something in my liberty. Happiness, coming and going. I watch you look at me, watch my fever growing. I know just where I am.But how many corners do I have to turn? How many times do I have to learn? But how many corners do I have to turn? All the love I have is in my mind? How many times do I have to learn? 
Well I'm a lucky man with fire in my hands. Something in my own place. I'm standing naked smiling...I feel no disgrace. Happiness, with who I am. 
Monday, July 13, 2009
Nice Weekend
Melina and I headed out to Chula Vista for the Incubus show on Thursday night. It was a very good set. I had forgotten how many hits they had put out over the years. The band sounded great and Brandon Boyd is just dreamy. On Friday we went and saw "UP", a fun Pixar animated film about an old man that flies his house to South America using helium balloons.
Then on Saturday we played tennis for a bit and then took a jog around the bay in Coronado. That afternoon we hopped in the car and drove up to LA to meet some friends and go see the Rise Against /Rancid show at the Forum. I've been to a lot of rock shows and was in a band for years so I am no stranger to high decibels...but this was damn near deafening.
It was so loud, we shoved toilet paper in our ears and then could hear just fine. After the show we stopped by an old friend's house to wish them a happy anniversary. We had a bit too much to drink so we stayed the night in LA. The next morning we grabbed breakfast at "One of the best breakfasts in LA" before heading back down to San Diego. We got home at about noon and then took the namesake on the Rusterthon.
Just another beautiful day in paradise.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Tennis
Leaving here in a few minutes for my tennis lesson. This will be my third session of 6 total that I have pre-paid for. I'm definitely getting better and may continue at the end of these 6. I think we are going to work on serving today.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Busted (again)
Well this shouldn't take long. I went over to the Rio last night to register for event #51, so that I could avoid the lines this morning and stroll in leisurely a little bit late. This morning I got up after a nice rest, worked out a bit in the room, took a shower, had breakfast with Matt, and then drove over to the Rio. That was about an hour ago.
When I arrived I noticed my table was in the area that they play cash games... so I knew my table would be one of the first ones to break. My plan was to sit back, be very patient and wait for a good spot... not forcing anything.
We started with 4500 in chips and the blinds at 25-50. I folded the first two hands dealt, and then on the 3rd hand, a guy raised from early position to 125 and got two callers. I called from the small blind with 88. THe flop came 862 rainbow and I checked. The original raiser checked, the cutoff bet 350 and the button called. I check-raised to 1175. The original raiser folded as did the cutoff and the butoon very quickly shoved all in. Obviously there is no thought here as I have the very best hand possible, so i call. He reveals 97os for an open ended straight draw for his tournament life. He hits it immediately when the 10 hits the turn, and I do not fill up on the river. Crippled down to 400 chips I get it in a few hands later and lose.
Now the axiom here is that if you're going to take a wicked beat in a tournament and get busted, its best to do it in the early rounds so that you don't sit around for 12 hours. I guess that's true, but I would've like to have at least played a little bit to get some kind of an idea of what the play is like in these. My sample size is obviously too small.
There's nothing you can do about bad luck. I'm just very disappointed that I didn't double up to a nice healthy stack like I am supposed to there. Sorry to everyone that invested in me, and that was following along. This is one of these brutal horror stories that you hear about. Its just a bit shocking when it happens to you.
Now.... I'm going to the pool.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Lunatics?
So I forgot to write this one up...
Leaving Las Vegas on a Monday evening after another poker trip, Matt and I encountered what seemed to be a series of events...featuring some strange behavior.
First off we get up to check our bags, and weird things are happening. The Kiosk does read Matt's credit card so he uses another one. Finally it says "Get boarding pass at gate" which is odd. Then the guy never calls his name, as people that arrived and checked in after us continue to stream by. Matt finally says something to the guy, who just sort of mumbles "hold on one sec" as he fiddles with some paper printer machine thingy. Once he gets that sorted out he "forgets" about Matt waiting and calls the next name on his list... someone that arrived and checked in at the kiosk long after we did. Eventually we just barge up to the counter and get it sorted out with another employee, who gives us only a fraction of shit for breaking the line. So it began.
Next, its up through security and then over to the gate. Before we get to the gate we pass by a young woman standing against the wall speaking into her cell phone, who lets rip one of the best hypocritical phrases ever, "Stop it! Shut up and don't FUCKING cuss at me!" She continues to rant on at some unseen soul on the other end of the line. That one got me laughing.
Its not more than a few seconds later that I look over to the right at one of the other gates and a group of girls are surrounding their friend as she is screaming "Noooooooo!" and sobbing, with mascara running down her face. Whoa. What's going on around here?
So we proceed to the gate counter to get Matt's boarding pass and have to wait a bit because there is a guy in front of us bitching and moaning to the gate agent that he won;t make his connecting flight... as if there is anything a gate agent can do about a late flight. He repeats himself 4 or 5 times as the ever-so-patient gate agents just nod and smile. Finally he is off and we approach the counter, and I finally ask, "Is it a full moon tonight?" only half-joking.
We get the boarding pass and while waiting, we observe two baggage handlers/ground crew having a discussion that goes something like this:
"If you've got a problem with me, you need to come say it to MY FACE!"
"I'm not sure what you heard but..."
"No, you need to man up and come say it to my face not behind my back..."
etc, etc, etc. They eventually walk back down to the tarmac, their voices trailing off...
Our not-even-half-full flight is boarding now, but rather than stand in the jetway waiting for everyone to put away their bag, we just choose to be the last ones on the plane. That's when a family comes running down the hallway with a mother literally dragging a child and a huge bag behind her screaming "Wait! Wait! We're coming!" even after 2 or 3 Southwest employees have told her she can relax and walk as she is in no danger of missing the plane. She must think they are trying to trick her because she continues to drag the children on-board at a hurried pace, huffing, puffing, and sweating under the weight of her heavy frame, child, and gargantuan piece of luggage that in no way will fit in an overhead compartment.
We finally get seated, taxi, and take off. It's cloudy and overcast in Las Vegas on this evening. But its a low ceiling and we break through the clouds at about 6 thousand feet.... to reveal a big, beautiful, and totally full moon.
Leaving Las Vegas on a Monday evening after another poker trip, Matt and I encountered what seemed to be a series of events...featuring some strange behavior.
First off we get up to check our bags, and weird things are happening. The Kiosk does read Matt's credit card so he uses another one. Finally it says "Get boarding pass at gate" which is odd. Then the guy never calls his name, as people that arrived and checked in after us continue to stream by. Matt finally says something to the guy, who just sort of mumbles "hold on one sec" as he fiddles with some paper printer machine thingy. Once he gets that sorted out he "forgets" about Matt waiting and calls the next name on his list... someone that arrived and checked in at the kiosk long after we did. Eventually we just barge up to the counter and get it sorted out with another employee, who gives us only a fraction of shit for breaking the line. So it began. 
Next, its up through security and then over to the gate. Before we get to the gate we pass by a young woman standing against the wall speaking into her cell phone, who lets rip one of the best hypocritical phrases ever, "Stop it! Shut up and don't FUCKING cuss at me!" She continues to rant on at some unseen soul on the other end of the line. That one got me laughing.Its not more than a few seconds later that I look over to the right at one of the other gates and a group of girls are surrounding their friend as she is screaming "Noooooooo!" and sobbing, with mascara running down her face. Whoa. What's going on around here?
So we proceed to the gate counter to get Matt's boarding pass and have to wait a bit because there is a guy in front of us bitching and moaning to the gate agent that he won;t make his connecting flight... as if there is anything a gate agent can do about a late flight. He repeats himself 4 or 5 times as the ever-so-patient gate agents just nod and smile. Finally he is off and we approach the counter, and I finally ask, "Is it a full moon tonight?" only half-joking.
We get the boarding pass and while waiting, we observe two baggage handlers/ground crew having a discussion that goes something like this:
"If you've got a problem with me, you need to come say it to MY FACE!"
"I'm not sure what you heard but..."
"No, you need to man up and come say it to my face not behind my back..."
etc, etc, etc. They eventually walk back down to the tarmac, their voices trailing off...
Our not-even-half-full flight is boarding now, but rather than stand in the jetway waiting for everyone to put away their bag, we just choose to be the last ones on the plane. That's when a family comes running down the hallway with a mother literally dragging a child and a huge bag behind her screaming "Wait! Wait! We're coming!" even after 2 or 3 Southwest employees have told her she can relax and walk as she is in no danger of missing the plane. She must think they are trying to trick her because she continues to drag the children on-board at a hurried pace, huffing, puffing, and sweating under the weight of her heavy frame, child, and gargantuan piece of luggage that in no way will fit in an overhead compartment.
We finally get seated, taxi, and take off. It's cloudy and overcast in Las Vegas on this evening. But its a low ceiling and we break through the clouds at about 6 thousand feet.... to reveal a big, beautiful, and totally full moon.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
Busted
The first trip of the summer to the WSOP did not go well. In fact, it went decidedly awful, as I lost nearly my entire poker bankroll. This is not something to slit my wrists over, or make me give up the game. I simply caught a bad turn of luck, which unfortunately does play a role. I'm not particularly unhappy with the way I played, though on 1 occasion I did make a poor choice to stay in a game after it got tough. Meh, whatever... these things happen. I had been trying to win my way through a series of online tournaments, but just as I got geared up to really grind at it, it seems I can no longer deposit money on the site. Wow, just goes to show how far the feds head is up its own ass. "Let's seize 30 million one time, instead of legalizing, regulating, and taxing it so we can make 1 billion every year."
I ran pretty well this week since coming home and was considering going back to Vegas this weekend, but birthday celebrations and other previous engagements preclude me from doing so. Perhaps the following weekend. I still believe there are massive amounts of dead money to be had... although I noticed a seemingly much tougher average player in the Venetian Deep Stacks events. I think the lower buy-in events at the WSOP are still filled with home-game heroes and other novice players with delusions of grandeur. Hmm... sounds like me actually.
On other fronts... FLO TV goes nationwide tonight as the digital transition allows us to light up markets that were occupying our owned spectrum with an analog television signal. Tonight we flip the switch. It is the hope that having a nationwide footprint will allow our partners to advertise nationally and get more subscribers. The next few months will be telling.
Now, here it is... your moment of Zen.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Nice Weekend.
It was just another beautiful weekend in San Diego. After lounging around and having a few cocktails on Friday night, Melina and I woke up late on Saturday and joined friends for breakfast. We all decided to go see Star Trek at the IMAX theater, but not before running by my house so I could give my friend a haircut. The IMAX theater is a bit farther than we would normally go to see a movie. The haircut made us a bit late, and the movie was sold out. That's not to say that movie didn't sell out long before we got there...which it probably did. We opted to watch the "regular" version, and reclined into what were probably the most comfortable movie theater seats we had ever sat in. Plus we had the low railing in front of us and no other chairs so we could put our feet up. Not bad. The movie itself was fun, I thought, and well put together by J.J. Abrams. People who aren't familiar with the characters might not have enjoyed it as much. I give it about 3 stars.
After the movie, the sun had come out, and Melina and I went on a run through Golden Hill and South Park.
View Larger Map
Later we met up with my old roommate and friends for his 30th birthday. They chose the Riveria Supper Club, which is a nicer, newer, less dark and cockroachy version of the Turf Club in Golden Hill. If you like to get plastered for $6, I suggest you order a drink at the bar. Saying "Vodka Soda" got me a very heavy pour in a pint glass, with a splash of soda. We both had to drink down a bit and ask for more mixer. Melina asked me to finish her drink, which prompted me to hand her the keys. Thanks for driving!
Sunday was another installment of JBC, or as I like to call it "Come if you want walking to be painful for the following 3 days." Sure enough, there were plenty of squats, and "elbow to instep", frogs jumps, lunges, "groiners", to make sure that our hamstrings and quads scream at us for the next 72 hours.
that afternoon I trekked over to Santee to the home of the Lucky Dog Poker League. They were running a $100 satellite that afternoon in conjunction with the PCC. Things went pretty well for me, as I doubled my stack on the very first hand and knocked a player out. It wasn't much later that I knocked 2 players out in one hand, giving me enough chips to almost sail right into the 2 person payout. So, yay, I won my seat into the $500 buy-in tournament this coming Saturday. The winner of that is off to Vegas and the WSOP. I hope its me.
After the movie, the sun had come out, and Melina and I went on a run through Golden Hill and South Park.
View Larger Map
Later we met up with my old roommate and friends for his 30th birthday. They chose the Riveria Supper Club, which is a nicer, newer, less dark and cockroachy version of the Turf Club in Golden Hill. If you like to get plastered for $6, I suggest you order a drink at the bar. Saying "Vodka Soda" got me a very heavy pour in a pint glass, with a splash of soda. We both had to drink down a bit and ask for more mixer. Melina asked me to finish her drink, which prompted me to hand her the keys. Thanks for driving!
Sunday was another installment of JBC, or as I like to call it "Come if you want walking to be painful for the following 3 days." Sure enough, there were plenty of squats, and "elbow to instep", frogs jumps, lunges, "groiners", to make sure that our hamstrings and quads scream at us for the next 72 hours.
that afternoon I trekked over to Santee to the home of the Lucky Dog Poker League. They were running a $100 satellite that afternoon in conjunction with the PCC. Things went pretty well for me, as I doubled my stack on the very first hand and knocked a player out. It wasn't much later that I knocked 2 players out in one hand, giving me enough chips to almost sail right into the 2 person payout. So, yay, I won my seat into the $500 buy-in tournament this coming Saturday. The winner of that is off to Vegas and the WSOP. I hope its me.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Monday, May 11, 2009
Car Buying, Mother's Day, and Red Bull Air Races
The lease on my car expired over a month ago and I got an extension while I decided what to do with it. After weighing a few options including: Buying it, turning it in and buying a cheaper car, or trading it for a new model...I decided to buy it out from the lease. My payments went up a bit as a result, but my insurance goes down as I am not required to carry as much comprehensive coverage... so its pretty much a wash. I'm told that the re-sale on my vehicle remains high, especially in a marketplace where more people are looking for second-hand cars over new ones. So the plan is to drive it for another year or two and then reassess. I had all the damage fixed and its been detailed so it looks brand new.
My family decided to skip the crowds and celebrate Mother's Day with a Saturday evening meal in Del Mar. The food and company was excellent and the crowds were minimal, except for the party of 40 high school kids eating their pre-prom dinner.
Matt and I rode his scooters from Golden Hill down to Seaport Village to check out the Red Bull Air Races on Sunday. Check out the website for all the photos from this years competition. Seeing it up close really is a sight to behold and I'm glad we did it. In years past I've balked at going because I never felt like dealing with the traffic and crowds. Riding the scooters pretty much makes it painless, as you can whizz around the traffic and park almost anywhere. Matt and Bree have been encouraging me to get a scooter, and after a nice afternoon riding on one, it's likely to happen sooner than later.
After the Air Races we headed over to the Gator Day Festival along the Spanish Landing . I'll post pictures later when I find my little flash card doohickey.
My family decided to skip the crowds and celebrate Mother's Day with a Saturday evening meal in Del Mar. The food and company was excellent and the crowds were minimal, except for the party of 40 high school kids eating their pre-prom dinner.
Matt and I rode his scooters from Golden Hill down to Seaport Village to check out the Red Bull Air Races on Sunday. Check out the website for all the photos from this years competition. Seeing it up close really is a sight to behold and I'm glad we did it. In years past I've balked at going because I never felt like dealing with the traffic and crowds. Riding the scooters pretty much makes it painless, as you can whizz around the traffic and park almost anywhere. Matt and Bree have been encouraging me to get a scooter, and after a nice afternoon riding on one, it's likely to happen sooner than later.
After the Air Races we headed over to the Gator Day Festival along the Spanish Landing . I'll post pictures later when I find my little flash card doohickey.
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
New England
I am Manchester New Hampshire for the next couple of days. I will hopefully have some time to catch up on some recent happenings. Sorry for the lack of updates. Until then please remember, "Greg is not an alien"
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Twittering
I have a twitter account. I won't be posting there all day every day, but if you want to add me or follow my screenname is "gregmustdie".
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Back in Black
I just returned from a profitable trip to Las Vegas. I placed 12th in this tournament at the Venetian on Friday. I won a satellite to enter it, and after chopping a "last longer" bet was only into the tournament for $70. So that was a nice profit, but of course it's impossible to not be disappointed coming so close to the final table and much more significant payday.
I also played in Sunday's H.O.R.S.E event on a 100% freeroll after winning another satellite and LL bet. I did not cash in that event, eventually getting busted by this guy who is known more for running tournaments than playing in them.
Then on Monday morning I was hypnotized. I can say that I definitely entered a deep state of relaxation, and felt a lot more relaxed at the table. I think a few more sessions will tell the tale.
More later.
I also played in Sunday's H.O.R.S.E event on a 100% freeroll after winning another satellite and LL bet. I did not cash in that event, eventually getting busted by this guy who is known more for running tournaments than playing in them.
Then on Monday morning I was hypnotized. I can say that I definitely entered a deep state of relaxation, and felt a lot more relaxed at the table. I think a few more sessions will tell the tale.
More later.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Monday, March 16, 2009
Dancing with the Stars
My Alma Mater made it to the NCAA Tournament. Since they are the 16th seed, they will face the #1 seed, North Carolina. I would love to post a news article that says we have much of a chance in that contest, but let's not kid ourselves. It's nice just to go to the dance. The last time the Highlanders made the tournament was in the late 90's while I was still an undergrad. We faced Duke in the first round. Again, it was nice just to go.
Go Highlanders!
Monday, March 9, 2009
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Cont'd
After all the initial high jinks, we got down to what we would be doing all day every day, playing cards. I will not bore you with a bunch of intricate hand details. I played a wide swath of games including single table satellites, multi-table tournaments and plenty of cash poker. We managed to get a mix game going on two separate occasions at the Venetian Poker Room. It was 6/12 HORSE on Saturday, 5/10 Mix on Sunday. There was 15/30 mix going at the Wynn on Monday, but the game looked too tough and too high for me so I didn't sit. I was also pretty much broke by then, but I will get to that later.
The central purpose of the trip was to participate in the Deep-Stack tournaments at the Venetian, most notably the $330 buy-in HORSE on Sunday Feb 15. I started out quite well in that tournament, jumping out to the chip lead over the 200+ player field pretty quickly. Starting with 12k, I was up to 28K within 3 hours, mostly just getting a great run of cards and getting action on every hand I played (people just seem to call me more often). As it turns out, if you want to be lucky in a tournament it better to be lucky late than early. I took a couple of bad beats just before the dinner break to knock me back to about 18k. After dinner I lost a huge razz pot that would prove to be my undoing. I made a really good hand... a 75432 low on 5th streeat and had been taking the betting lead the entire hand against what could only be a draw. I was being called by a player that had to wonder if his draw was even live, as he was showing a J763 on 6th street. On 7th I made an even better low, showing down a 65432. My opponent called me in the dark (obviously he had a made 7 to do so) and then took almost a full minute to squeeze out his river, which he then flicked with his hand and appeared to be mucking... prompting me to silently rejoice at the huge pot I had just won. Oh wait... he caught an A on 7th giving him 65431. "Winner Winner," he says and collects the massive pot. Nice slowroll dick. I never recovered. I got it all in about 30 minutes later in a stud 8 pot with a pair of fives and four cards to a 6 low, only to watch it come 9, T. I lost to rivered pair of Jacks and I was busted. I went from first to worst within 1 hour of play.
I played some cash games including the aforementioned mix game until about 6:30 am...swiping out with 17 hours of play time in one session. I guess I got about 4 or 5 hours of sleep, and crawled out of bed sometime after noon. I headed over to the Wynn and played in a tournament at 2 pm. I got busted with AA in that one (always fun) and then sat down to play cash with borrowed money, as I had managed to blow through my entire bankroll. I lost in the cash game as well, putting me into negative territory having lost everything I brought as well as the borrowed stake. I decided to take one last shot at a score and bought into the 7pm Wynn tournament. The structure appeared to be very player-friendly with 30 minute levels and 10k in starting chips. Matt entered as well, and we agreed that if we ended up 1st and 2nd in the tournament that we would chop it.
And that's exactly what happened. 7 hours later we eliminated the 3rd player and took about 1450 each. The win covered a large portion of my losses and and turned what would have been an extremely depressing Tuesday morning into a much happier one. After cashing in, we had enough time to get back to the hotel, pack, and get a 2 hour nap in before having to be at the airport in time for a 630 am flight home. I had to be at work by 9 am, and knew it was going to be a long day.
All told I put in 7 hours on Friday night. 15 hours on Saturday. 17 hours on Sunday. and 12 hours on Monday. 51 hours of poker in the span of less than 80 hours that I spent in Vegas... and posted a $300 loss. That works out to a little under $6 loss per hour.
But the hotel room was free.
The central purpose of the trip was to participate in the Deep-Stack tournaments at the Venetian, most notably the $330 buy-in HORSE on Sunday Feb 15. I started out quite well in that tournament, jumping out to the chip lead over the 200+ player field pretty quickly. Starting with 12k, I was up to 28K within 3 hours, mostly just getting a great run of cards and getting action on every hand I played (people just seem to call me more often). As it turns out, if you want to be lucky in a tournament it better to be lucky late than early. I took a couple of bad beats just before the dinner break to knock me back to about 18k. After dinner I lost a huge razz pot that would prove to be my undoing. I made a really good hand... a 75432 low on 5th streeat and had been taking the betting lead the entire hand against what could only be a draw. I was being called by a player that had to wonder if his draw was even live, as he was showing a J763 on 6th street. On 7th I made an even better low, showing down a 65432. My opponent called me in the dark (obviously he had a made 7 to do so) and then took almost a full minute to squeeze out his river, which he then flicked with his hand and appeared to be mucking... prompting me to silently rejoice at the huge pot I had just won. Oh wait... he caught an A on 7th giving him 65431. "Winner Winner," he says and collects the massive pot. Nice slowroll dick. I never recovered. I got it all in about 30 minutes later in a stud 8 pot with a pair of fives and four cards to a 6 low, only to watch it come 9, T. I lost to rivered pair of Jacks and I was busted. I went from first to worst within 1 hour of play.
I played some cash games including the aforementioned mix game until about 6:30 am...swiping out with 17 hours of play time in one session. I guess I got about 4 or 5 hours of sleep, and crawled out of bed sometime after noon. I headed over to the Wynn and played in a tournament at 2 pm. I got busted with AA in that one (always fun) and then sat down to play cash with borrowed money, as I had managed to blow through my entire bankroll. I lost in the cash game as well, putting me into negative territory having lost everything I brought as well as the borrowed stake. I decided to take one last shot at a score and bought into the 7pm Wynn tournament. The structure appeared to be very player-friendly with 30 minute levels and 10k in starting chips. Matt entered as well, and we agreed that if we ended up 1st and 2nd in the tournament that we would chop it.
And that's exactly what happened. 7 hours later we eliminated the 3rd player and took about 1450 each. The win covered a large portion of my losses and and turned what would have been an extremely depressing Tuesday morning into a much happier one. After cashing in, we had enough time to get back to the hotel, pack, and get a 2 hour nap in before having to be at the airport in time for a 630 am flight home. I had to be at work by 9 am, and knew it was going to be a long day.
All told I put in 7 hours on Friday night. 15 hours on Saturday. 17 hours on Sunday. and 12 hours on Monday. 51 hours of poker in the span of less than 80 hours that I spent in Vegas... and posted a $300 loss. That works out to a little under $6 loss per hour.
But the hotel room was free.
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Vegas, DSE 1
I left Friday evening for Vegas. Kyle K and Dana were on the same flight. We had a drink at the airport and a fun flight over to Sin City. Kent picked us up at the airport. He dropped off Kyle and Dana over at their hotel, and then we arrived at my hotel around 715. While checking in, it became apparent that my rouse to use my brother's VIP rates was not going to work. Basically, instead of pretending to be my brother this time around, I tried to check in as myself. This was not a good idea. Sean had assured me it was no problem, but having read the fine print of the special offer I really should have known better. The front desk agreed to let me check in for now.... so long as Sean arrived some time that night, otherwise I would be charged the full rate for the one night and my key would be de-activated the next day. Sigh, not a good start. I called Sean and he said that he would just have to find a way to get out to Vegas. "No way man," I said. "I will just pay for it and get another hotel tomorrow." He told me to sit tight while he made a few phone calls. He called back 15 minutes later to report that he spoke with a few people who know a few people and that the entire stay was now comped. How is that for awesome? The people at the front must have been pissed off something serious after the shenanigans I put them through...only to have the casino host come up to them 20 minutes later and tell them to comp the room for 4 nights! Thanks Sean.
Kent had to standby throughout the entire ordeal and had to be getting antsy. We were scheduled to go meet Matt S for dinner but decided to wait for Kevin P to arrive and we would all go eat together. After some bit of confusion with the elevators and the different towers, Kevin eventually found the room, and we all left for the Wynn. We found Matt, and then went off to the Cafe. The Cafe was very quiet and there was still another 30 minutes until closing, but the hostess told us that they were "fully committed" and had no available tables. We had no idea what that meant as it was clear that the place was 90% empty. Kent got frustrated with the hostess and after being told to sit on a bench and wait, I suggested that we simply leave. Kent, a Vegas local, said that this kind of thing is happening everywhere... prices rising, customer service totally absent, staff reductions to the point that businesses are running at such limited capacity that you can't get a table in an empty restaurant. Wow. Sign o' the times, I guess. Since the tension level had risen to unacceptable levels for what was supposed to be a fun time, we opted to just walk down the hall to the Deli, where I paid $17 for a BLT. Lol. I guess $1.99 prime rib dinners is a thing of the past!
After eating, we headed over to the Venetian to check out the tournament satellites for the next day and to play some cash poker. Kevin P left us to go to the MGM, his card room of choice. Matt, Kent and I stayed at the Venetian and played there. I played one satellite and busted out of the money and then sat in a cash game with Kent and grinded out a few bucks. On the way back to the hotel, we noticed that Kent's headlights weren't working. Rather than get pulled over, Kent crashed at the hotel with us. Sound exhausting? It hasn't even begun...
...more to come later.
Kent had to standby throughout the entire ordeal and had to be getting antsy. We were scheduled to go meet Matt S for dinner but decided to wait for Kevin P to arrive and we would all go eat together. After some bit of confusion with the elevators and the different towers, Kevin eventually found the room, and we all left for the Wynn. We found Matt, and then went off to the Cafe. The Cafe was very quiet and there was still another 30 minutes until closing, but the hostess told us that they were "fully committed" and had no available tables. We had no idea what that meant as it was clear that the place was 90% empty. Kent got frustrated with the hostess and after being told to sit on a bench and wait, I suggested that we simply leave. Kent, a Vegas local, said that this kind of thing is happening everywhere... prices rising, customer service totally absent, staff reductions to the point that businesses are running at such limited capacity that you can't get a table in an empty restaurant. Wow. Sign o' the times, I guess. Since the tension level had risen to unacceptable levels for what was supposed to be a fun time, we opted to just walk down the hall to the Deli, where I paid $17 for a BLT. Lol. I guess $1.99 prime rib dinners is a thing of the past!
After eating, we headed over to the Venetian to check out the tournament satellites for the next day and to play some cash poker. Kevin P left us to go to the MGM, his card room of choice. Matt, Kent and I stayed at the Venetian and played there. I played one satellite and busted out of the money and then sat in a cash game with Kent and grinded out a few bucks. On the way back to the hotel, we noticed that Kent's headlights weren't working. Rather than get pulled over, Kent crashed at the hotel with us. Sound exhausting? It hasn't even begun...
...more to come later.
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