AimlesslyChasingAmy

As wildbill noted long after I posted Part Deux, I have been tardy with my promised Part Three.  Of course it also gave him a chance to dig me for the fact that I still owe the poker boyz Part Three of my email serial about the crazed home game I played in last year.  I think they are particularly miffed that I left off at a rather tantalizing and titillating juncture in the tale (although at this point I think their imaginations have far exceeded reality).

I blame my tardiness on two factors; home improvement shows that had me believing I could retile my entire bathroom in one episode and “the” thread on 2+2 (more on that later).  Of course I could hardly blame myself, as the infamous thread has convinced me that personal accountability in poker is not in vogue.

So where did I leave off. Ah yes, Sunday.  Sunday I was actually up against a deadline and spent most of the morning fulfilling my writing obligations; missing out on the uber blogger bonding session over at the IP sports book.  After pushing the “send” button, Tim and I headed over to Mike Matusow’s house.  Mike was anxious to meet Tim.  And Tim, who has been without the company of cats since his Las Vegas move, was anxious to meet Mike’s charming cats; Aces and Flash.  

Mike seemed really together; even after losing a huge pot in PLO to a rivered one outer.  He looked great.  He was engaging, entertaining - and without the agitation and frustration I know he sometimes falls victim to.  He and Tim discussed some issues relating to focus at the tables.  After our relaxing visit, I was not surprised at all to see Matusow money at the Bellagio.  And btw, Hachem rocks.

Sunday night, Tim got a surprise visitor which resulted in me hiding out in the back bedroom with headphones on.  So you see, Sunday was a good pussy day for Tim all around.  (aw c’mon - I had to go for the cheap pussy line).  Monday, Tim and I had a meeting with Harrah’s about “you know what.”  It was enlightening - and sadly at this point I have “no comment.” Hopefully, more on that soon.  Monday night, Tim headed over to the Wynn (I guess he heard my “get a room” comment) and I went over to Green Valley Ranch to quench my video poker addiction.

Tuesday, Tim and I caught up with Leigh and Brian.  At that point they had been “on the road” in their renovated 1963 Airstream, Flying Cloud, for over 540 days.  I marveled at how gracefully they’ve managed living in their 102 square foot abode; sharing as they do with Curtis, their canine companion.  Curtis, after all, is a pretty big dog.  But as you see, he fits nicely under the table.             

We all headed over to Red Rock where I actually lost money at one of the easiest tables of Omaha hi/lo I’ve ever had the pleasure(?) to play.  People would show down hands, called to the river, exclaiming, “Oh, I guess there isn’t a low.”  Dan joined us for dinner at the Salt Lick. He seemed particularly jovial and actually PICKED UP THE TAB.  Thanks Dan.  He went on to parlay his dinner karma on a nice run in the poker room - while the rest of us kids called it a night.

Wednesday, Tim and I crashed the Wednesday Poker Discussion Group’s holiday party.  We had a great time - and what a great group this is.  I’ve always wanted to attend this group while in Vegas and never seemed to get it done.  With Tim now a Vegan (Vegasonian?), I thought this might be a fun group for him to hook up with.  As “outsiders”, we couldn’t have asked for a warmer welcome.  And although this was not a poker discussion night, you could tell from the interaction that these people loved nothing more than to debate (and occasionally tease) each other about the game’s finer points.  I guess the moment that summed it up for me was when Ben Orenstein (who I’m guessing has played poker more years than I’ve been alive) got up before the crowd and started with, “I’m still learning this game…”  What a great philosophy.  I’m definitely attending any Wednesday I’m in town - and jealous that Tim will have more opportunities than I to tap this great resource.

Speaking of great resources, when the hell is Linda Johnson going to make the WSOP Hall of Fame?  Don’t even begin tell me that her WPT involvement is politically impeding this WSOP no brainer.  I tell you what: If they throw me another old Texas road gambler that hasn’t seen the felt in decades, I’m gonna throw a big girly hissy fit.

Maybe I was procrastinating posting Part Three because I didn’t want to admit my Vegas trip had really come to an end….but sadly it did.

Image Credits:
Mine: Matusow in Aruba, Hachem and Johnson at the WSOP, Leigh/Brian/Curtis at the Oasis RV park in Vegas.