Summer Fun!

For August long weekend, we packed into my car and drove 10 hours to Peachland (just outside of Kelowna, BC).  It is by far one of the most beautiful places to visit and home to some of my best friends.  The weekend was perfect and relaxing, great food, boating, wine and sun. 

To end our water day on the Saturday (we had swam, surfed, wakeboarded, and enjoyed some sodas), we headed to a 'sweet jumping spot'.  Heights are definitely not something I enjoy, but I do love the water.  Fueled by liquid courage, peer pressure and perhaps some sun stroke, I joined my friends in the climb up the cliff - at least it will make a good video right?  The toughest thing about the climb was avoiding the cacti - they were vicious!

After that climb, there was no way I was walking back down....here's the video of the jump (rated M for language and heavy breathing).

The next day was the Red Spade Open on PokerStars, so got my laptop fired up, the hookah fired up and some wine.  A few others in the house jumped into the tournament also to see if they could get my bounty...would have been a great story but another random player got it that time. 

 Was a great weekend, can't imagine much better....I love summer.

A transition?

I got word today that my request to go part time at the hospital was approved....effective September 12th, I will be working less...well 20% less.  I am really excited!  Just in time for the WCOOP on PokerStars too...player of the series sounds good to me!  It means that I will hopefully have more time to travel and fulfill more of my 2011 goals.

With the signing of my contract, I have found myself to be insanely busy between poker, work and life.   I want to dedicate more time to working on and playing poker. 

Also....stay tuned for some sweet videos and pictures from my weekend in Peachland.  I'll slowly get the hang of this technology thing!

:)

Home Invasion.... (nm they were invited)

Along with having me join Team Online, PokerStars is having a mini video documentary made of me.  The filming took place this week, thankfully I was done with with post WSOP blues!  People who are regularly in front of the camera make it look so easy!  I wasn't nervous until I saw all the gear come out, then I became fidgety and anxious. 

The video will give you a peek in to my life, my work and most importantly my fun!  The highlight of my day (and when I felt most at east) was in the evening at my slo-pitch game.  They were able to interview my best friend and some of my teammates, about poker and life.  I think the crew will have their hands full editing the evening portion with my ball team.  We know how to party and usually can play ball fairly proficiently, but it looked mostly like a blooper reel until the cameras went away! 

Some of the team...

Either way....the video should give you a glimpse of what my life is like and the balance between working at poker and a 'real' job!

The crew was terrific (thanks Ryan, Mike and Greg) and now it is in their hands to polish up all my rough edges!

Here is a sample of some of their work...my teammate Nanonoko...somehow I think our videos will be a bit different, both for poker and leisure!

Stay tuned....this week is the photo shoot!!

Video Blogging

Yikes....posted a video blog last night, first one ever.  A bit strange but hopefully will get better as time goes by!

July 7, 2011....What a day!

 Cheese!

So...I had a secret.  It was a big one.  I am not great at keeping my secrets as my friends know.  But finally, it was announced that I was to be the newest member of Team Online at PokerStars. 

This is really a culmination of a dream I have been dreaming for a number of years, since I started playing online poker.   Then, at the beginning of 2011, I realized that I was coasting in poker, it has always been a game that I have been good at and at times have just played on auto pilot.   So, I focused and here we are.

I look forward to the opportunities and the challenges that I will face this year as a poker player and as a representative on PokerStars team.  I love meeting players, and am just back from WSOP, so on a total high.  I met Omaha/8b players that I only knew from online before, I met and re-met poker reporters, got to party at the 2+2 Pokercast party with the Pokercast guys and many 2+2 members, some that I had met before and others that were new faces.  Heading to the WSOP is always a highlight of my summer, like going back to a summer camp for adults!

As a member of Team Online, I want to show people (both existing and new players) that poker can be worked into an awesome and healthy lifestyle.  I have made the choice to work outside of poker since 2002, while this isn't for everyone, it has been the nuts for me.  Poker has given me many opportunities and benefits over the last nine years and I look forward to my 10th year in the game. 

Take care everyone and come find me at the tables!!!!

Links about the signing and my bio:
http://bit.ly/talonchick
http://bit.ly/rowsome

WSOP 2011 - round 2

I hate packing.

So I have found the time to write a quick note!  I am headed back to Las Vegas tomorrow afternoon.  On my slate is Event 51 $1500 plo8 and if that doesn't go well the ladies event (Event 53).  I plan to play as much cash as possible in between and potentially the 5k plo8 (Event 57).  I am stoked to find out that the Rio has yoga at the spa on weekends....so much nicer than going to find a center. 

I hope to go see the Price is Right game show and have time for some great dinners.  Then also the 2+2 pokercast party at the Wynn on July 7th.  I am sure this trip will fly by as they all do, hopefully I get to see my name in lights, and maybe....hear the Canadian anthem played just for me. 

Namaste. 

Time flies...

Today marks my 9th anniversary at my current job.  Officially, the longest time I have worked somewhere.  I get the luxury of truly meaning it when I tell you that I love my job.  Parts of it make me want to scream and shake people, but that happens in every day life too I guess!  Ultimately, nothing can replace the feeling I get when I help a patient or a family through a life changing event, whether it is a trauma, an illness or a loss. 

I have the best crew that I work with and it makes all the difference.  I have traveled with coworkers (to the Caribbean, taken some to Vegas, to NY and DC) and often spend time away from work with them, hell even my slo pitch team stems from the hospital.

Here's a cheezy little OT rap...had some fun checking out youtube for all the OT vs PT and OT vs nursing videos...but I already argued with one nurse today so I thought I would put something non offensive! :)

Despite all this, I feel a change is coming...it would be too easy to just coast along for the next 10 years.  I submitted a request to go part time for now, to see if with the extra time I can pursue a bit more poker travel or another adventure in Occupational Therapy...we'll see if that gets approved!! Fingers crossed!

Have a great weekend everyone!