Happy Birthday To Me

Yesterday was my birthday. I wasn't expecting much ado, and wasn't up to it. I am a bit sick, but should be over it soon. I had already gotten most of my presents already. Natalie's mother, Amy, called bright and early to wish me Happy Birthday. However, I was asleep when she called, and when I checked my voicemail, there was Amy... singing the birthday song!

Natalie took me to our favorite Chinese restaurant in Memphis. It's actually called the New Nam King, but everyone calls it Annie's -- after the woman who runs the place. Natalie slipped word to Annie that it was my birthday, and Annie brought out some chocolate (my favorite) and dessert with a candle in it. Then off went the party popper full of confetti. I was so surprised by it all. Natalie has only taken me to Annie's a handful of times, but they treat me like I am family. Annie and her husband follow me on the tv, which is really sweet.

When we got home, Natalie gave me the one present I hadn't already managed to weasel from her... That Louis Vuitton wallet that I had wanted in New York and Natalie wouldn't let me get. After all of that, I was beat. I slept most of the day next to the fire made from the wood Mike chopped and brought over to the house for me, as part of my birthday present.

It may not have been the most eventful birthday, but it was a good one.

Busted at the Bellagio

I played so silly the first day of the tournament, and ended up with 23,225 at the end of the day (we started with 30K). Today, my goal was to skate by to level 8 and then come out with guns blazing, but my plans were foiled. In the last hand of level 6, I found myself with A K. I raised it up. Rick Salomon is right behind me, and he comes over the top. I push and find out that he has a pair of 10's. Five more cards couldn't help me, and I was out.

Natalie got herself a press pass and took a bunch of photos from the tournament. They are in the photo album section of the site.

Random Info

According to Nolan Dalla, the WSOP’s reporter of record,

"The 2005 TOC concluded in a way which will be the yardstick of all future
televised tournaments. Some events, such as the World Series of Poker, may
be considerably bigger, but no major poker tournament has ever offered so much
human drama as this three-day invitational event."

Hopefully everyone will get to watch the TOC on ESPN December 24th from 1-4pm Eastern. I am really looking forward to seeing the show. I am curious as to how they will edit the footage, since we played the final table for 11 hours.

On another note, Natalie and I are having a casual holiday gathering at the house before the 15K at the Bellagio. My uncle and cousins are coming to town from Arizona and some fellow poker players are stopping by. I'm trying to get some rest in so that I can make a good finish in the tournament. I'll have Natalie post any photos or updates from the tournament.