4 seasons, a vacation, and a new goal

Finished up our 4th season of league play over the weekend, and what a group we have. Great people, good friends, and loads of laughs. It's a tough economic time, and I sincerely hope we can retain all the folks that have played with us. I know we are likely to lose some, and I hope the losses are minimal. My friend Joe even asked when I was going to update the blog, claiming he was one of the 6 loyal readers. Sorry, Joe. Had a full plate, and a lack of muse. Trying like hell to change all that. Joe will be back next season, and to all those that are pondering a return, you have my vote. It's been a great run to date--let's try and keep it going.

I managed a 3rd place finish in the Tournament of Champions. A nice payday for that, but I wanted the win. Considering I was the short stack at the final table, I am quite pleased with my effort. Not pleased with my result, but happy with the way I played. I was physically drained when I was knocked out, which told me I was working. It was a satisfying feeling getting that finish, but looking back, I think I could have done more pre-flop with my final hand, or maybe gotten away post flop. I don't know. I'll keep thinking about that one.

Vacation is now the next target for me (other than the first event of season 5). Mrs. Chipstack and I head to visit family for a week, and then the annual pilgrimage to Las Vegas for a week. This will be a change for us, as this time, there is no Mom and Dad to visit. Of course, I lost Papa Chipstack nearly a year ago, and Mama is now in Chicago. Will still get to visit her when we go there, but the Vegas trip will, for the first time, be just the Mrs. and me. I know it will be fun, but it will be a little weird, too. I know we are going to make a trip to Dad's old stomping grounds at Santa Fe Station (the casino near their home), just to play some Pai Gow or maybe a poker tourney. Have to see some of the dealers, and such--when they see my last name on my players card, they ask about my folks. I have to give them the update.

2009 is nearly half over (holy crap!), and at long last, I have decided it's time to get serious about getting in shape. Yeah, I know, round is a shape. Ha ha. Over the weekend, picked up the EA Active Personal Trainer for the Wii gaming system. Doing the 30 day challenge to see what it can do. Day 1 kicked my ass. I used it on the "moderate" setting.

Moderate.

So, I have some work to do, but it is work I want to do. I want you blog readers (yeah, all 6 of you), to keep on me. I am hoping to drop some weight before the Vegas trip, and then continue it when I get back home. I am not disclosing my goal here, but suffice to say, there is work to be done.

Good luck and good cards to you,
~M