Vegas & The Aftermath - Diary

[arbboy]

Click to see full-size image.

Thank you Lisa, you are a lady of your word, you promised those pics, & they are just wonderful.

Any chance of one of you where we can actually see your face?

How proud you must have been that day.

Did the girls enjoy the occasion, being all dolled up & the centre of attention?

When we exchanged PM's, you said your first priority at the Reception was to ensure you found a TV to watch the Rugby match, England v Wales was it? Did you succeed?

Then, the vey next day, you were off to Wembley, to see the NFL thing. How did that go? Does Peter enjoy NFL?

Yes of course we were both very proud parents that day. Pete, I guess, doubly so with his son getting married as well.  It was a lovely day for my Mum too as I don't think she thought she would ever have grandchildren.

The girls are really girly and love dressing up, they don't like wearing trousers and hate jeans.

The girls woke up at 5am on the morning of the wedding because they were so excited so by the time the rugby came on in the evening Pete and I were shattered. It was England v Australia actually. So we decided to watch it in our room and I think Pete fell asleep before they actually kicked off. My bets were too big to fall asleep.

The NFL at Wembley the next day was fantastic. Pete played in the poker at the new Wembley, was it last year, but I hadn't been for a few years and it really is quite a venue isn't it ?

Pete had never watched NFL before and so I spent a lot of time trying to explain what was going on  but he thoroughly enjoyed both the occasion and the match and even said he might watch a game on the TV with me.

Amazing pictures Lisa.  The girls look adorable.  Two chartered accountants in the making i am sure with their parents numerical skills.

[sonour]

Click to see full-size image.

Thank you Lisa, you are a lady of your word, you promised those pics, & they are just wonderful.

Any chance of one of you where we can actually see your face?

How proud you must have been that day.

Did the girls enjoy the occasion, being all dolled up & the centre of attention?

When we exchanged PM's, you said your first priority at the Reception was to ensure you found a TV to watch the Rugby match, England v Wales was it? Did you succeed?

Then, the vey next day, you were off to Wembley, to see the NFL thing. How did that go? Does Peter enjoy NFL?

Yes of course we were both very proud parents that day. Pete, I guess, doubly so with his son getting married as well.  It was a lovely day for my Mum too as I don't think she thought she would ever have grandchildren.

The girls are really girly and love dressing up, they don't like wearing trousers and hate jeans.

The girls woke up at 5am on the morning of the wedding because they were so excited so by the time the rugby came on in the evening Pete and I were shattered. It was England v Australia actually. So we decided to watch it in our room and I think Pete fell asleep before they actually kicked off. My bets were too big to fall asleep.

The NFL at Wembley the next day was fantastic. Pete played in the poker at the new Wembley, was it last year, but I hadn't been for a few years and it really is quite a venue isn't it ?

Pete had never watched NFL before and so I spent a lot of time trying to explain what was going on  but he thoroughly enjoyed both the occasion and the match and even said he might watch a game on the TV with me.

Amazing pictures Lisa.  The girls look adorable.  Two chartered accountants in the making i am sure with their parents numerical skills.

Boring though isn't it ? I was thinking more Criminal Lawyer ?

[sonour]

One of my friends is a GP and she was telling me what a great job it is especially for a woman. Great provision for career breaks, maternity leave and part time working. So I've spent a lot of time talking to the girls about how great it would be to be a doctor and make people better.

My Mum asked the girls the other day what they would like to be when they grow up, Jade said a Princess and Skye said a fairy.

 I think I've got a way to go yet.

[RED-DOG]

One of my friends is a GP and she was telling me what a great job it is especially for a woman. Great provision for career breaks, maternity leave and part time working. So I've spent a lot of time talking to the girls about how great it would be to be a doctor and make people better.

My Mum asked the girls the other day what they would like to be when they grow up, Jade said a Princess and Skye said a fairy.

 I think I've got a way to go yet.

Wonderful!

And you never know....

[tikay]

Click to see full-size image.

Thank you Lisa, you are a lady of your word, you promised those pics, & they are just wonderful.

Any chance of one of you where we can actually see your face?

How proud you must have been that day.

Did the girls enjoy the occasion, being all dolled up & the centre of attention?

When we exchanged PM's, you said your first priority at the Reception was to ensure you found a TV to watch the Rugby match, England v Wales was it? Did you succeed?

Then, the vey next day, you were off to Wembley, to see the NFL thing. How did that go? Does Peter enjoy NFL?

Yes of course we were both very proud parents that day. Pete, I guess, doubly so with his son getting married as well.  It was a lovely day for my Mum too as I don't think she thought she would ever have grandchildren.

The girls are really girly and love dressing up, they don't like wearing trousers and hate jeans.

The girls woke up at 5am on the morning of the wedding because they were so excited so by the time the rugby came on in the evening Pete and I were shattered. It was England v Australia actually. So we decided to watch it in our room and I think Pete fell asleep before they actually kicked off. My bets were too big to fall asleep.

The NFL at Wembley the next day was fantastic. Pete played in the poker at the new Wembley, was it last year, but I hadn't been for a few years and it really is quite a venue isn't it ?

Pete had never watched NFL before and so I spent a lot of time trying to explain what was going on  but he thoroughly enjoyed both the occasion and the match and even said he might watch a game on the TV with me.

Amazing pictures Lisa.  The girls look adorable.  Two chartered accountants in the making i am sure with their parents numerical skills.

Boring though isn't it ? I was thinking more Criminal Lawyer ?

Don't fancy Chartered Accountants for Faye & Skye, no no.

Criminal Lawyer? Better, much better. Sort of fits, what with Dad being, you know, "a retired scrap metal dealer".

Did he ever, so to speak, deal in diamonds? This works for me. (about 1m 10 seconds in). Warning - contains foul language.

Yeah Dad, you told us


 

[tikay]

Big props to Gill on her achievement, but the sunlight in this story for me is how happy you seem to be Tony. 

I guess there's an incredibly thin line between unadulterated misery and happiness at times, and it's fantastic to see you on the right side of that line, particularly given the nonsense that you've had to endure in recent years whilst doing an outstanding job for Sky.

To one of the very good guys....here's to hitting the river in real life. 

 

Thanks Des.

Much of my pleasure from Gill is because I like to see her so happy. She is not "cool", not at all, if she likes or enjoys something, she smiles.

She took her Medal & Certificate to work, to show the girls, but not the little trophy I got her, she considered that "private". She is working on speed now (relative speed, she is very slow but trying to up the pace) & she recorded her fastest ever mile last night.


incredibly thin line between unadulterated misery and happiness at times

What a great expression that is. I veer between both, increasingly, something to do with age I think, but its very very important to me to hide the downs, never show people when I'm, low or high, just act dignified, or try to. I was an avid football fan for 20 or 30 years, attended over 1,000 matches, home & away, but never once cheered. Cheering seems so crass to me. Control your emotions - or at least give that impression.

That certainly helped during all that "nonsense" Next Door. Just ignore it, & plough on. It still rears its head from time to time, but I've never - not once - responded. That must frustrate them to bits.

How are things at Betclic/Everest? Tough going in Online Poker these days, whereas Sports Betting & Online Slots seem to be going to ever greater heights. It stuns me how much disposable income there must be these days, & I just don't know where all the money comes from. I just know that revenues are climbing on an ever steepening graph.

Was quite surprised to see Wm Hill report sharply lower numbers this week, though their lack of comment on "Mobile" was maybe quite telling.

SB&G, post takeover, are still working through "transition", it's some task to separate from all the big Sky Data Reporting systems, as I'm sure you will have guessed. They are expanding so fast, & will open a third office in the Spring, to add to the two (Leeds & Sheffield) they already have. (Sheffield is "International" only, as they will be spreading their wings next year).

Interesting times.

I keep a low profile there, & just try to do what I'm asked, quickly & well. I'm vastly under-used, but I can only do what I'm asked. I'm a sort of odd-job man in some ways, but I can only do so much, as I don't have (or want) back-office access. Some of the odd jobs are rather nice, mind.....

[tikay]

Tony,

Just wanted my maiden post on Blonde to be on your diary.
Long time reader of this diary and of Tips for Tikay, it's an entertaining and informative site.
Congratulations to Gill.
See you on the PL08 tables next door.

Andrew.

Welcome to blonde, Andrew, good to see you here at last.

I gather you used to manage Betting Shops? You still enjoy a bet?

Favourite sport?

What other hobbies do you have, poker apart?

The PLO8 games have been great this week, liquidity is improving, & I've been running a bit hot. Sure I'll throw in a shocker today or tomorrow to run the week though.

Never enjoyed my poker more, can't wait to play every day, like a kid going to the funfair.

[tikay]

I've never really given much thought to how Nike, Adidas & Co make so much money, but yesterday set the mind ticking.

Gill is a novice, but as she starts to learn the ropes, she goes & buys new gear. She is on her third pair of running plimsolls already, & the average cost was £100 per pair.

Running shorts, tops, bottoms etc probably, what, another £50?

Fancy GPS watch, £100.

Heart monitor, £25?

She has probably spent some £500 so far.

There were 700 runners there yesterday, if they all spent the same, that's £350,000. At just one event.  

Now do the Fermi thing.

No wonder this guy is smiling.

Click to see full-size image.

Seeing the picture of Mike Ashley has just reminded me of another business venture that I'm sure he will eventually do well out of.

http://www.examiner.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/direct-golf-uk-battle-ownership-10201532

Ha, very interesting - will that affect you?

How you keeping these days?

I read somewhere this morning that the USA PGA has the shortest break between years ov seasons of any pro sports - 10 days I think - starting this week again I think?

Doesn't have any affect on me as I work for the other large retailer, but it will be good for them in the short term as DG are no longer trading online due to technical difficulties,
Even though I work for opposition Its sad to see as lots of good people will/could lose their jobs.


As for me I'm good thank you, will hopefully start to play a lot more next season as standing down from my present role to concentrate on more teaching and giving something back to the game with some free lesson for the juniors in the New Year.


The golf season is more or less a rolling twelve months now whether that's good or bad I'm not sure. But I imagine with the amount of golf available to play in  I don't think we will see the longevity of the modern golf like we have with Watson,Player and co.

Hope you are well, and you get to bush the rust of your clubs I imagine that its been that long since you've used them the woods may have woodworm.

Don't think I've played 3 rounds since I began at Sky.

Gosh, I loved everything about golf - the scenery, nature, good healthy walking - 5 miles per round, & I played 5 or 6 rounds per week - which must have been good for my health. That was 30 miles per week. I don't walk 5 miles in a year now & have gone all flabby & bloated.

Just could not hit that damn ball cleanly, it was totally beyond me. And if I got in a bunker, well that was that, I was never getting out.  I got in one of those great big deep pot bunkers at the 1st on Woodhall Spa one day, & ended up taking 27.......

[tikay]

Pete's the same age as you deffo on the wrong side of seventy then by some margin.

If Peter is the same age as me, he must have had a lot of late nights.

A lot of people say I look very young for my age, "well preserved" is the phrase, I believe.

[tikay]

Bit late but very well done to Gill.
I really envy runners, It's great tworry see people enjoying something that is actually good for them.

I've started myself a few times but I can't get past the everything hurts make it stop stage, so I'm always in awe of people who actually do fun runs and marathons and stuff.

Respect.

Isn't that wonderful? They enjoy themselves immensely, & in the process, make themselves fitter & healthier. It's all win-win stuff. Wish I'd done it whilst I still had the oomph, but it's a bit late now, the horse has well & truly bolted.

I don't see why you could not do it though, you are about the same age as Gill, right? It's very rude to identify ladies ages of course, but if we said quadragenarian, that's OK I think.

The reason why it's rude to guess ladies ages is that when you get it wrong ladies reading this gaff in the morning will then spend the whole day sulking, examining there faces in the mirror and researching botox clinics, but not to worry,  it's not like I took your comments to heart.

Anyhow, I fail at running because of a complete lack of self discipline, loathing of commitment and an aversion to any activity where ones entire person leaves the floor, even momentarily. I would say I'm a waste of a good skin but apparently even that isn't as good as I thought it was.

That is why I admire people who put the effort in so much.  My sister Bridie in the space of the last year has gone from couch potato to a quick jog round the village to two mud runs and a charity hike up Ben Nevis followed by a canoe and bike race.
It astounds me what people can do when they put their minds to it.

That's just great, well done Bridie. Where does she get that from? - it's certainly not her Dad is it?

[tikay]

Just to clarify, it was your term 'quadragenarian' that piqued me, not any comparison to the young and lovely Gill.

Why?

Everyone is a something-a-genarian.

You are a quadragenarian.

Your Mother (I'm being kind because she scares me a bit) a quinquagenarian.

Uncle Ralph is a septuagenarian.

And your dad is an obdurateagenarian. 

[Karabiner]

Did you know that it was National Mole Day yesterday?

[tikay]

I found the while thing a bit emotional - there was an abundance of good vibes, everyone - everyone - was smiling & wishing each other "good luck". The runners came in all shapes & sizes, fat & thin, tall, short, young, old, one chap had cerebal palsy, another 2 were blind. And every single one of them smiled from ear to ear as they crossed the finish line, having won their own little battle. 

What a lovely thing.

Send my congrats to Gill, as you saw Teeks, runners are a friendly bunch.

How long before Gill gets you into it too?

I expected them to be warm & friendly, but not to the degree they were. Not the time to get on my tired old hobby horse, but if only Poker Pros took that attitude to newbies, instead of so many of them abusing them, labelling then as "fish" & their play as "tragic".  It's hardly an incentive to return, is it?

Me, run? I have thought about it long & hard. Think I'm too far gone now. My weight has ballooned, I'm all aches & pains, & I struggle to catch my breath after walking up stairs. I truly think I'd keel over if I tried to jog. 

Deffo a mistake not to have looked after myself better.

First of all well done Gill.

Those last 2 paragraphs you have wrote struck a cord as could have applied to me at the end of Feb this year.  I always let myself go badly during winter but this one was particularly bad.

Seriously give a local park run a go with Gill.  You don't even have to run as some at mine walk every week.  I've done 13 of them since July and am kind of addicted to them now!  Really determined this year to keep my better routines going through winter as I'm now the fastest and lightest I've been since I discovered poker (over 10 years)

Rob, how are you? You were unwell last time I saw you, but you sound well recovered now.

I'm amazed at your running prowess, not to be rude like, but you were never exactly slim & lithe, were you? Incredible achievement, well done.

I'm now getting tempted to sort of walk/amble one of those Park Runs, I really am. I'd not tell Gill though, in case I fail......

What you up to these days - still bashing up the NLO8 Hypers on 'Stars?

What part of Cornwall you from?

Keep in touch mate, was very sad when you had to leave Vegas early this year. Touch & go whether I'll make Vegas again, but I sure as hell want to try to be there next year, my annual Vegas trip is one of my annual highlights, love it to bits.

I'm still trying to earn a few bob Next Door in the PLO8, I've turned £200 into £2,238 now, which is impressive, but it's taken me two bloody years, which is much less so.......

Yeh still all things o8 on stars.  Seem to have got committed to playing 50-60hrs/week the rest of the year to get this supernova elite status on stars by the end of the year. 

Now don't get jealous but I'm in one of those live tournaments you and I like to play tommorrow.  PL HI/LO 220euros at ept Malta which (pure coincidence...not) happens to be on while I'm on holiday for a week 😉.  I'm more excited about a 550 horse dealers choice Sunday tbh though as tommorrow is pure fun turbo 15min blinds.

Yeh seem to be in a good place healthwise.  I've never been skinny since being a toddler and I never will be as I love food and booze too much 😄. 

Google Tamar lakes park run , I live about 3miles from it.

Sounds like you need to target those online winnings into part paying for a vegas trip next year !  Will you not be there for work with qualifiers again ?

I really don't know, Rob. I've had the gig every year, but it's never wise to assume these things. Certainly not complaining, but they never tell me until quite close to the time, & personally, I prefer to plan & book these things a long way in advance, then sit back & count the sleeps. 

I badly want to go again, just play the PLO & PLO8 stuff again. Would not mind a "budget" trip, maybe stay at Gold Coast, $25 a night or whatever, & keep the costs down. I have Gill's holiday to think of, too, have to take her somewhere. She adores Vegas, but I'd not want her to stay in a cheapo hotel.  We'd like to return to Oceanside, too - she'd love jogging along the Pacific Beach. Can't do everything though, can we, so will have to make some uncomfortable decisions at some point. My trouble is I want to do everything.

[tikay]

Did you know that it was National Mole Day yesterday?

As chance would have it, yes, I did, but only because google alerted me to it. It was only from 6.02am to 6.02 pm though. Truly.  

It arises from the Avogrado constant. Apparently.


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avogadro_constant

Tom probably thought it was about those gorgeous creatures that live in his land. Well, their land really, they owned it before he did.

Click to see full-size image.

[tikay]

I found the while thing a bit emotional - there was an abundance of good vibes, everyone - everyone - was smiling & wishing each other "good luck". The runners came in all shapes & sizes, fat & thin, tall, short, young, old, one chap had cerebal palsy, another 2 were blind. And every single one of them smiled from ear to ear as they crossed the finish line, having won their own little battle. 

What a lovely thing.

Send my congrats to Gill, as you saw Teeks, runners are a friendly bunch.

How long before Gill gets you into it too?

I expected them to be warm & friendly, but not to the degree they were. Not the time to get on my tired old hobby horse, but if only Poker Pros took that attitude to newbies, instead of so many of them abusing them, labelling then as "fish" & their play as "tragic".  It's hardly an incentive to return, is it?

Me, run? I have thought about it long & hard. Think I'm too far gone now. My weight has ballooned, I'm all aches & pains, & I struggle to catch my breath after walking up stairs. I truly think I'd keel over if I tried to jog. 

Deffo a mistake not to have looked after myself better.

First of all well done Gill.

Those last 2 paragraphs you have wrote struck a cord as could have applied to me at the end of Feb this year.  I always let myself go badly during winter but this one was particularly bad.

Seriously give a local park run a go with Gill.  You don't even have to run as some at mine walk every week.  I've done 13 of them since July and am kind of addicted to them now!  Really determined this year to keep my better routines going through winter as I'm now the fastest and lightest I've been since I discovered poker (over 10 years)

Rob, how are you? You were unwell last time I saw you, but you sound well recovered now.

I'm amazed at your running prowess, not to be rude like, but you were never exactly slim & lithe, were you? Incredible achievement, well done.

I'm now getting tempted to sort of walk/amble one of those Park Runs, I really am. I'd not tell Gill though, in case I fail......

What you up to these days - still bashing up the NLO8 Hypers on 'Stars?

What part of Cornwall you from?

Keep in touch mate, was very sad when you had to leave Vegas early this year. Touch & go whether I'll make Vegas again, but I sure as hell want to try to be there next year, my annual Vegas trip is one of my annual highlights, love it to bits.

I'm still trying to earn a few bob Next Door in the PLO8, I've turned £200 into £2,238 now, which is impressive, but it's taken me two bloody years, which is much less so.......

Yeh still all things o8 on stars.  Seem to have got committed to playing 50-60hrs/week the rest of the year to get this supernova elite status on stars by the end of the year. 

Now don't get jealous but I'm in one of those live tournaments you and I like to play tommorrow.  PL HI/LO 220euros at ept Malta which (pure coincidence...not) happens to be on while I'm on holiday for a week .  I'm more excited about a 550 horse dealers choice Sunday tbh though as tommorrow is pure fun turbo 15min blinds.

Yeh seem to be in a good place healthwise.  I've never been skinny since being a toddler and I never will be as I love food and booze too much . 

Google Tamar lakes park run , I live about 3miles from it.

Sounds like you need to target those online winnings into part paying for a vegas trip next year !  Will you not be there for work with qualifiers again ?

Glad to hear you are better Rob.

Tikay, it is me that grinds the Hypers, Rob is your king of $3/$6 cap.  We sometimes stray into each other's territory.  Talking of which, I think I am now 8/11 in your Double or nothings on Sky.  I guess I should play more, but they last 3 times as long as your average Stars Hyper, so a bit slow for me!

There is a $500 weekly plo8 game on stars, 1st time I played it I was 2nd, and then they switched it to 6 handed.  Since then in 39 goes, I managed one min cash and 38 misses.  Last night I got a 2nd.  I am still $13k down since it went 6 handed, but it feels a lot better than $20k down.  It was an unbelievably good feeling to eventually get a big cash in that.  Am going to aim to get it all the way back to zero within 6 months.

Fancy a running challenge Tikay?  Even when I was young and fit, I couldn't run more than 3 miles.  I have hardly done a scrap of exercise in 8 years since the eldest was born.  I have obviously chased the kids, done gardening and small bits of walking, swimming on holiday.  First to 10k?  Downloaded my couch to 5k app in the week, but can't even find my trainers.  Think I might have to get some new ones.

I agree they can be a bit slow, hence I play them 6 at a time, to stay interested. I rarely play a hand until Level 4 or 5 anyway, so for me, I'd not mind if the early levels were removed. I currently manage 30 per session, comfortably, I could double or treble that if they were quicker. I would not fancy taking on the guys on 'Stars though, with all their fancy Dan software. I'd rather quit poker than do that.

10k running challenge? What one of those "Park Runs"? I'm scared, but tempted. I have to do something, I'm dying of flabbiness & pot belly.

Let me thing, over the weekend. I used to walk 30 miles per week, but I've suddenly let myself go to seed, no idea why.