The WPBT – what an event. There’s not enough energy in my fingers and brain to fill in everything that happened today or to even begin to express my feelings about all the fantastic people that introduced themselves to me. I’ve never felt more welcome and secure in a group of people that simply come together to have a good time, try to beat each other’s brains out in a game of poker, and then go home and write about it. Incredible! I’m just a little old granny, pecking along in cyber space and slinging tickets across the green felt…but D-A-M-N!!! They made me feel like I’m a super star.

A few of the day’s high spots – I picked up Michael Craig at the Boardwalk. He said they had a big X on the building where the wrecking ball would hit it…and it had probably been there since the day it was built. He’s too damn funny. We managed to fit my big assed truck into a space in the IP’s parking garage. Believe me, it ain’t no easy task. And we managed to find the poker area where everything was being set up for the day’s events. People were milling everywhere.

I got a phone call from Barry Greenstein; he was coming and bringing his son, Joe Sebok. Yippee!

Barry was on limited time – as in no sleep – but he was so gracious and waited patiently while people milled in and out and the line started for signing up for the tournament – with alternates. I was so impressed with Barry for taking time out of his life to come and mingle with us. Before he left, he even thanked me for inviting him. It just don’t get any better than this.

I think I got my first beer somewhere in this time frame. Tanya showed up, gave me a giant hug, and we visited about her pending trip to the Bahamas…yup…she was flying out of Vegas tonight. She was bubbling as usual. And she was also first out of the tournament. No idea what hand she went out on or even who beat her…I’m sure we’ll read all about it.

Bill Rini showed – I had called him about Barry’s coming and the time frame Barry was looking at for speaking to the group. And this kid did one helluva job in getting and keeping everyone in touch with each other and kicking off the Blogger’s Tournament (sure he had a little help but what are friends for if you can’t use them). And here he is…looking all serious as hell at the poker table:

One of the first people I saw when I entered the tournament area was Brad “Otis” Willis

It would be extremely difficult for me not to love this guy – he loves me. We spent a little time visiting later in the day. He’s great for my ego. Thanks, Brad.

I finally met the dwarf. We’ve exchanged a lot of email, read each other’s blog, and today was the day. Left to right: Iggy – Me – Al

Both of these guys are just a kick to hang out with and visit with. But Iggy and I shared more than one GIANT hug. More stories later.

I can’t say enough about Michael Craig, The Banker, The Lawyer, and The Suicide King. We’ve visited many times, laughed our asses off over the zaniness of the poker world and the people in it, including ourselves, and I was so honored that he would come to our group and speak to us. He was great. Thanks again, Mike.

Just before the tournament started, I jumped up to the microphone and said, “May the best woman win.”

Gracie was our shot at the women taking the tournament by storm…she took 2nd place…congratulations GRACIE! Phillip Cheung took first place:

I’m out of steam and ready to crash – more pictures coming, more news on the way.

I have a lot of pictures of bloggers and visitors. Jason Kirk took my camera for a while and I took his, we shot pictures, I got my camera back, more pictures. I will be putting up pictures of people from this event from time to time. I’m sorry but I don’t remember or know a lot of your names – too much going on too fast. If you would be so kind as to send me a picture of you – with your name and blog url, it would help immensely. Not only would I be able to put up the picture I have of you, with your name and give you a link from the Tango pages, I will more readily remember you at the next Blogger event. Please keep in mind that I meet thousands of people each year while I’m dealing and playing so bear with me on this and remind me – you are definitely worth remembering. My email ‘geenen @ pokerworks.com’ (remove the spaces).