I managed to find a way to slam a bunch of work together and left the ‘office’, showered and headed for Vegas around 5:30 p.m. which put me into town exactly the time I planned on being there.  Since I wasn’t planning on playing the ‘Suzie’s Rules Poker Tournament’ (a very great cause this time – these words are taken from Suzie’s invitational email – “Most importantly, the buy-in for the poker tournament is going up to $100 with $50 re-buys and all the money is going to the Las Vegas Area Boys & Girls Club.  The first place winner in the poker tournament will win a Harley Davidson V-rod  from Red Rock Harley Davidson.  I’m attaching photos of the actual V-Rod.”)

I wasn’t in a rush to get started on the night. I hit the old digs and we ordered food for Riot, Darian, Sylvia (Riot’s mom), and me.  Riot was celebrating bringing in the New Year with his mom and I promised I’d be back to sleep there for the night and he could go home with me the following day – he was happy with that.

Darian and I arrived at Town Square about 10 p.m.  The party was being held at the Blue Martini, the tournament was still in progress with a great buffet at the Fish Camp – right across the upstairs balcony from each other.  I admit to not being a huge fan of visiting night spots and high spots in Las Vegas – really – not anywhere.  I like to do my socializing at the poker table mostly.  Yah, I’m a sicko.  Show up when you want, leave when you want, no questions asked, no feeling like you have to stay cause you’ll hurt someone’s feelings if you leave early, etc., etc., etc.

We went to the Blue Martini and got the ‘where’s your arm band?’  The guy led us over to the Fish Camp.  The tournament was at around four tables by this time – blinds were going up every 3 to 4 hands.  We found Suzie and got our arm bands and mingled and watched tournament play.  Getting there late may be the reason we didn’t see a ton of big name players.  I saw Howard leaving with some people just after we entered, perhaps there were others around that had played and left.  We didn’t visit the buffet having eaten before we left the house but it looked like a fantastic spread and there was Open Bar for everyone.  Bring on the water baby!

So you know what happens next, right?  The random picture run, see one you want to see more of, click on it!

Somewhere in all the tournament hustle and bustle, Suzie came in to make an announcement and received a huge round of applause.  But why wouldn’t she?  She’s such a fantastic heart!

Typical poker players, the game went on.  Matt Savage was the tournament director.  His wife Maryann played in the tournament.  He’s standing over her here…don’t worry…when she did bust, he popped the blinds right up.  Hey, he was going to anyway but the way it worked out it was funny.

Suzie also ratted out Lee Watkinson.  He was responsible for the final table players all receiving a prize.  WTG LEE!

Back to the random run:

Not much gab going on from my part.  I was ready to head for the Blue Martini and park somewhere but my son wanted to watch the tournament – so we did.  I’m always amazed that people are amazed at the size of my sons.  I’m not a puny so why would my sons be?  They are pretty good sized boys and all healthy, SWEET!  I had a lot of fun just hanging out with Darian and bringing in the New Year with him.

Most of my venture out for the evening consisted of touching bases with people I worked with at Bellagio and taking pictures.  I have no idea why I feel compelled to record everything digitally, I just do.  And off we go again…

The blinds were going up about every three hands, but hey it was New Year’s Eve and people were more in a party mode than a play poker mode, except 1st place was probably the dream of more than one of the players.

In a heartbeat it was down to two players:

The winner – I think the hands were 8-4 offsuit and 5-3 spades, with the 5-3 making a straight – Sharif Hanna from Florida!

A coupla my favorite people:

I have to tell you, this guy may not be able to deal worth a damn but he’s one of the…umnhhhh…how to describe Andy Bloch…just top of the line that’s all.

We left the tournament celebration and hit the Blue Martini – VIP section and all.  This is where I got to spend a bit of time chatting with Andy.  It’s always difficult to talk to people when the music is loud and party time is going on.  My son and I had a table that was very close to an open door, even though it was cold outside the air was extremely refreshing.  The band was off and running and I found it quite surprising that all they played was older music like the Eurythmics and around that era.  The dance floor was below our area and it was fun to watch some of the people and interaction going on.  Before I knew it, it was count down to New Year’s.  For some reason this party didn’t quite feel like all the other parties I’ve been to with Suzie as the hostess.  I’m sure it was just me.

Chris – sorry buddy – I think this is a great picture of you and your gal so it’s going up.  Send me one anyway.  Chris is  infamous or famous for always trying to introduce ‘the rock’ into the $30-60 and higher limit games at Bellagio.  And a lot of times the ROCK was on.  Somewhere in this blog are ROCK tales I’m sure.  But beyond the ROCK, Chris is famous for always being easy going and fun to deal to.

As planned, I pulled about 10 strings of balloons hanging from the ceiling, snagged a few noise makers and a tiara, threw them into a top hat for Riot and out the door we went, off through the crowds of people playing their ‘A’ game for the night, dragging the floating balloons that weren’t very cooperative but we made the Steed and the old digs about 1:30.

I’m seriously glad the holidaze are over with.  I find them to be quite stressful anymore, not for any particular reason, it’s just better when they are over.  Happy New Year world!