Monday, December 14, 2009

WPBT Trip Report - Winter 2009

Once again, another World Poker Blogger Tour gathering has come to a close. This trip was notable for many things. The Wife and I realized as we headed for the airport that she didn't spa, we didn't see any shows and we didn't do any fine dining. That's a first for us. The upshot is that it allowed us to spend more time with good friends. That's what this weekend is all about.

Some highlights:

  • Having a real conversation with Drizz at the Geisha Bar. This din was at riotous levels, yet he was able to hear me just fine, even when he wasn't watching my lips move. That meant we could have a conversation on a much deeper level and it was awesome. DQB!
  • Hugs, hugs and hugs. I'm pretty sure it got to groping levels with Maigrey, Kat, Pebbles and CK. They didn't seems to mind. In turn, I think I got groped by Falstaff and BamBam, but at least there was no man-kissing this time. Well, at least not on the mouth.
  • Golfing in the bloody cold with my college roommate Colin and the assembled (mostly Canadian) bloggers. Blogger mobneys are the best mobneys!
  • Huge thanks to Pokerstars for their insanely generous addition to the prize pool. Why are you playing anywhere else?!
  • Another shout out to Lagasse Stadium. If there is a better man cave out there, I've never seen it.
  • Steel Panther. What can I say? If you were there, you know. If you missed it, don't let it happen again.
  • Watching The Wife, resplendent in her purple regalia, take her lumps with pride and dignity. Well, maybe not dignity (she did show her purple panties to anyone who asked).
  • Taking a group pic in the bathroom at Lagasse Stadium. Mirrored ceilings in the crapper FTW!
  • Getting apologies from Otis and Rooster. Multiple times. None of which were necessary.
  • Twitter. When I first started coming to these gatherings, Twitter wasn't even invented (you know, back in the day). Now I can't imagine going without it. It's amazing how witty people can be in 140 characters. Plus, it's a great way to see where everyone's at. If you doubt it, search #wpbt and just read along.
  • Really getting some quality time with new and old friends including my buddy Josh and his friend Dan, as well as Law Chica, F-Train and Oh Captain. You too, Peaker.*
  • Saying goodbye to Kat. 'Nuf said.
  • Leaving with more money than I started with.

But most of all, I enjoyed spending some real quality time with The Wife. Yes, I know much of that time was spent watching her snogging with just about everyone who came within range, but who am I to get in the way of her fun (especially when the snogees were of the bendy or luscious variety)? The Willis sandwich was hysterical and will be talked about for ages (see: Steel Panther). And despite all the nonsense, she still comes home with me. Beat that!

WPBT 2010. Are we there yet?

* I'm still watching you...

9 comments:

The NL Wife said...

I'd watch Dr. Jeff, if I were you . . . he's getting under my skin.

Or Katkin . . . he's just so sweet. I kissed him. :)

Verification word? "Mentee"

BamBam said...

One of us needs to win the lottery, (other than that of the spouse variety!) so we can do this monthly.

Can't begin to let you know how great it was to see you both again.

Words fail.

F-Train said...

How could you leave out "taking photographs of the girls cuddled like kittens on the couch at Lagasse's?" Highlight of anyone's trip!

Always enjoy when the two of you come to town -- and the "lucky hat" bounty made it even better.

(You don't have head lice, do you?)

BWoP said...

Great to see The Wife and you again. Well, The Wife, definitely.

You're not so bad yourself.

Falstaff said...

Just for the record, I did kiss you on the mouth, but no tongue this year you sexy beast. See you soon!

Katitude said...

It is going to be waaay too long until I one of those hugs/smooches again.

TOO long.

Unknown said...

When you told me about the fractured arm, my jaw dropped.

Being able to hear about it despite the noise had a similar reaction.

Thank you.

David Westbay said...

A true pleasure to see you both again. Looking forward to next time, when if I am lucky I won't have you on my immediate right in the tourney, raising me out of damn near every hand.

OhCaptain said...

It was fun getting to talk to you. Hopefully, we will be sharing something distilled and aged to perfection soon.