Your Wine

Let me be your wine
Drink from my lips
Taste all of me and be mine
My amorous lover
Show me your desire
Give me your passion
Explore me with your touch
Please me with your kisses
My body will welcome you
Come and make me whole
Make my world complete
Make my dreams come true

It's Garthmeister's Birthday!

Here's wishing you a fantastic Birthday my friend!

Now you guys go and send your Birthday wishes to this fabulous fellow.

New Kid in Town

My lucky charm during the blogger tournament in Vegas, Irish Jim, has now joined the blogger community.

Check out his blog, Poker on the Boundary, Vegas recap and give him a nice warm welcome.

Tears of Joy

Once I finally got my girls on Christmas, they were all smiles in a really good mood. They were happy.

They were pleased with the Ditigal cameras, clothes, and a few games that Mom got them. It was a good Christmas in spite of it all.

Then I opened the present from them. They wrapped it. The present was a paper Christmas wreath, a paper Tree, and a bunch of little coupons for Hugs, Kisses, baked brownies, and such. I loved it. And then I opened the card they bought for me. Here is what it said:

Front -

I made a list of all the things I need and then I made a list of all the things I want..

Inside -

Hi Mommy Merry xmas - Need You (heart) Want You (heart) Merry Christmas - with lots of love from Rebecca and Julia

The tears were rolling down my cheek again..but this time they were good tears..happy tears.

I love these precious girls...my life can never be empty...cause I have them!

God Bless..

I Didn't Expect It

This morning I expected to smiling and happy. Christmas day is mommy's day. I get my girls today. Even though I've been adjusting to my new solo status, and to the fact that my family has been broken, the holidays are more difficult.

I've been keeping busy. Making sure to spend time with friends and family the last few nights. The poker game on Saturday was a blast! That story will need to wait. Last night I went to my sister's house and had a wonderful time. But today, today it hit me. I wasn't prepared. I should have been.

I called this morning to wish my girls Merry Christmas and see how soon I could get them. My mother-in-law answered the phone. Her and my father-in-law live with EM. They had lived with us since before my children were born. I wished her Merry Christmas then asked to speak with my girls. Silence. "They aren't here", she finally replied. "Where are they?", I asked. Soon I found out they had stayed the night with EM, his girlfriend, and her four kids. I held my composure with my mother-in-law, but inside I was screaming. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!

A new picture formed in my mind. One I didn't like. This picture made me soooooo upset!!!!! My girls are having to share their dad on Christmas. They already resent the time and attention he gives his girlfriend and her kids. But on Christmas too? They are part of a new family now. One I don't belong too. That hurts.

To make matters worse, I then tried to call my girls on each of their cell phones. No answer. Then his phone. No answer. I felt so separated from them.

The day will get better I know. EM called while he was out on a food run. He will bring my girls in one hour. That knowledge finally calmed me and I was able to stop the flood of tears that have been spilling for almost an hour.

I'm glad I had online friends to talk to this morning. Thanks Waffles and Carmen!

Merry Christmas Everyone....

A Fun Filled Week

Here is a short recap of my week:

Sunday -
The Badugi game at HPD went well. That is definitely my kinda game. You know I love action. And Badugi is full of it. So how did this lady fair in her first Badugi game? How's 2nd?...Woo hoo

Monday -
Played a little online. Joined a 4 way HU with HPD. He made it to the next round. I went about 55 hands and finally lost. Speaking of HU, Gordogg beat me last week in one hand. Gordo, help me out what were the hands? All I ever remember are the results. I LOST in one HAND!!!

Then I used my token that was won the week before in a MTT. I have won so many tokens, but never, not once have a made money with them. Then played a $4 MTT on Stars with Gordogg. He went all the way to final. Must have finished in the top 3 after I went to bed cause I saw that I got a transfer with my cut the next day.

While in the girlie chat with a few bloggers, they started talking about a home game in Laguna on Saturday night. Hmmmm.....that sounds good. So I got the information along with an invite to stay the night with two of my new blogger friends on one condition, I must witness this blogger put panties on his head while he dances. Heck, I would pay to see that...lol

Tuesday -
Live at the casino. I went to the Hawaiian Gardens Casino (yes, mistake number uno), but it is right on my way home. I bought into a table. Play was very loose. So I decided to raise in mid position with KJ sooted (yeah, second mistake). The flop came with a K 6 2 rainbow. The EP player made a min bet. I raised it up to a pot bet. He came over the top. I knew I had him. I moved all-in since he had me covered. He had K 8 and hit his 8 on the river. That was enough. It was just a little pit stop.

Wednesday -
I had an enjoyable evening with my girls. We went to one of their favorite restaurants, Chilli's. The In-laws were invited too. They have been part of my immediate family for over ten years, so it was nice to have their company. They have been very good to me during all of this. Then I took the girls to shop for a present for their father. My little one asked, "Why are you gonna buy a gift for Daddy? He is your ex husband." I told her that he would always be her daddy. The truth is I just wanna be nice.

Thursday -
First, I spent some time with my girls again. This night they wanted to go to one place, See's Candy. My oldest is a true chocoholic just like her mommy. So we went to the candy shop. Becca, my oldest, picked out a package with chocolate balls, a chocolate cigar, and a box of lollipops. Julia just wanted so milk chocolate coconut.

After dropping of the kids, I called HPD to see how things were going at his cash game. Pop's was there...lol People joke about how easy it is to take money off of this player. So I asked if anyone wanted anything. Pop's wanted a no carb Rock Star beverage.

Upon arrival, I ran into Pop's in the parking lot. He already busted out for the night. Drats! Someone beat me to him. I gave him his Rock Star and headed inside.

It was a lucky night for me. I rivered on a few people to take down some really sweet pots. Once with AK of spades. K and two spades on the flop. They other player was raising and re-raising. We finally were all-in by the turn. He had two pair. I caught my last spade on the river. I made over $15 on that pot alone.

By the night's end, I made $26. And had a great time as always.

Friday -
What a blast. So many bloggers in the girlie chat including: Drizz, HPD, Gary, Surflexus, Kat, Waffles, Jordan, Gracie, Smokkee, Elf, Sox, FP, Princess, and Slb. Me and my girl Elf were having some Pino.

First we played in the 25k guaranteed on FT. Kat, Gary, Smokkee, Sox, and myself had a last longer bet going. Gary won the last longer and was the only one of the group to make the money. Well done!

HPD pointed out the $5 HORSE event and a few of us joined. HPD finished short of the bubble in 18th place. Fastpitch made the final table with me. And I hit a nice payout of $93 for my 3rd place finish.

Saturday -
I'm soooo looking forward to the game tonight.

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I broke one of my rules. A while ago, I decided that going forwarded only bloggers that played me HU would get a link on my site. Today, I decided, WPBT pals get exemption from that rule. They belong on my links. So, I finally added many of you to my list. If I missed anyone, let me know, and send me your link. That doesn't mean I don't want a chance at your head! So if you did make the list, please hit me up for a HU match, a HU series, or whatever. Let's just have some fun!
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One last item of importance. Slb for whatever reason is comparing our profile view...lol I don't want to lose in any kinda competition to him, so do me a favor. Make sure and click on my profile. Tell all your friends to click my profile. Keep in mind, a click on my profile will bring you LOTS OF GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

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Hope all of you are enjoying your holidays!!!!!!!!!

Hugs and kisses to you all.................

Badugi Anyone?

I'm getting ready to join High Plains Sunday night game. Tonight will be my first time playing Badugi.

Here is a description:
Badugi is a triple draw, four-card, low-hand wins game. The best low hand is comprised of four cards, with none of the same suit, and none of the same rank: i.e. ace, two, three, four all of different suits are the best possible hand.

There's a dealer button, a small blind, and a big blind. Cards are dealt in the same manner at holdem, but everyone is dealt their own four cards, facedown.

Betting occurs, then there is a discard/redraw phase.

There are three rounds of betting/drawing cards, then a showdown.

The best hand is 432A, all different suits. Pairs are bad, and the same suit is bad.

If you end up with 5422, you actually have a three card hand (542). If you end up with 542A with the 5 and A of the same suit, you actually have a three card hand (and you'd use 42A). The 42A would beat the 542. Lower cards are better.

Any four card hand beats any three card hand, and any three card hand beats any two card hand. The worst hand you can show down is quad kings. You're playing a solo K.

Check this link for some more information:

http://www.pokernews.com/news/2006/12/other-games-poker-chris-fargis-badugi.htm

If you read this before 8 p.m. PST on Sunday night and have some tips for me, please send them my way. I can check comments on my phone.

Have a great night all!

Vegas Memories

I have been stuck on how to write about my Vegas experience. How can properly convey how amazing it was to meet and party with my blogger pals? I have been enjoying the write-ups of a few of my friends starting with Al, Iggy, Waffles, Pauly, Garth, Kat, and Derek. Their stories put a smile on my face as I remembered what is sure to be one of my most memorable life experiences.

Pauly said it best and even though you have already re-read his comments on PokerWorks, it is worth repeating:

You have to believe me when I tell you the trip was extraordinary…not because of the poker…
not because of the partying…
not because of the poker pros…
not because of Vegas…

the trip was amazing because of the people involved.

There is no way that I can say it better. I know I'm not one of the best writers of the group. So I'm just gonna list a few highlights:

First, Mr. Bracelet was kind enough to mention me in his post:

If Veneno isn't the luckiest blogger there is, then I don't know what to think anymore. Maybe it's because she's the most positive blogger you'll find, but whatever it is, she just can't lose. She hits trifectas, plays just shy of basic strategy and crushes blackjack, 2nd in the blogger tourney, and the list probably goes on. She even, well...I'll let her tell that story if she wants to. She should open up one of those 900 lines selling picks.

It was absolutely a lucky trip for me! By the end of the trip, I paid for my room, bought lots of drinks for myself and others, paid for meals, shopped and still left Vegas with 1k more than I had when I arrived.

It was a blast playing Blackjack with Bobby, BG, and Speaker. My apologizes to BG for failing to do a good job on third base and costing him money twice. Bobby tried to help me with the whole hog nutt thing, but I just couldn't get it right. So I guess I just had to get lucky. And that is what I did. Once I hit a $350 profit on that session I bailed on the guys to head for Three Card Poker.

The list does go on. In addition to the things Bobby mentioned, I had the following:

Craps -

I knew hitting the Crap tables with Newbie Garth was bound to be good. Craps is my absolute favorite casino game. Yes, I love it even more than poker. No other game do you get the same energy and excitement. Garth was INCREDIBLE with the dice. (I still love ya today Garth!) A couple of the sucker bets I like to make are HORN bets on the COME out roll and hard ways. He hit my HORN at least 3 times. He made his point repeatedly. He rolled Hard ways. On the last two hard 8 hits, I had already increased my bet to over $10 (so one hit alone paid $90). By the time he finished, I looked down at my chips. He had helped me recover some losses from this session. And I was more than $300 ahead. Next move..I slid my chips to the dealer and said...cashout!

I was also highly impressed with the Princess who discovered a way to touch Garth's perfect chest during the Crap session. Anytime he did good (which was often) she would rub his chest and say "It feels like VICTORYYYYY". Garth was enjoying every minute and looking quite groovey with his Elton glasses and black Aussie T-shirt. I also enjoyed watching him sing and move to the music throughout the trip.

When it comes to craps, I do have one weakness. Being the uncoordinated person that I am, it is a challenge for me to throw the dice and hit the other side of the table. On one session, with Ftrain watching, I decide to throw the dice. Before releasing, I warn the dealer, "Please watchout". First roll. I hit the dealer with both dice. I swear it was not on purpose! He was very gracious about the whole thing. And Ftrain got to laugh at me. So I guess it was all worth it.

Slots

* Slots are not my favorite, but I decided to invest a few bucks to see if I could hit it big.
* With $20 investment in the Big Spin, I hit the spin and won $100. I cashed out with $107.
* Then I put $60 into the Blazing 7s, hit for $300, played that down to $300 and cashed out.

Roshambo

Tommy was kind enough to make a $10 donation to the Veneno bankroll when he lost in a rematch of Roshambo. It was close this time, but I remained victorious. Our life time matches 2 and 0. See you next year!

I did lose in a match to Vinny. This new blogger is pretty sharp!

Heads Up on the computer

Pablo wanted to play me heads up. So of course I could not say no. First I had to beat Sox. Not a problem. I made $20 from each of them. Then Joaquin played me for "fun" and beat me. Finally, Falstaff took $20 when he beat me.

The Blogger Tournament

I cannot tell you how honored I was to make the final table at this event. This felt sooooo goood! And although I'm sure there are many who assume that I got to the final by sheer luck, I think others saw that sometimes Veneno can play a solid game of poker.

As for the luck factor in the game, I was fortunate to sit next to the Irish reader Jim. Something about an Irish man in green just feels lucky. So I decided that I would rub his arm for luck on every break. Incidently, we both made it to the final table.

My starting table included MiamiDon, Otis, Chilly, CC, Irish Jim (or is it Tim), TexasApril, Waffles, and Leigh from The Poker Atlas. Unlike some other tables with incredible players, I felt I could hold my own with this group.

I thought some of my best moves were the hands I laid down. After chip building up to a decent stack, I lost a big chunk of chips vs MiamiDon. I ended up folding my AQ which gave me top pair. I'm certain he had me beat. Another versus the Irish guy when I had TT and the flop was QQx. When he pushed in I turned to him and said, "I think I have you beat". I watched for any sign of weakness. He was solid. My read. He had me. I folded.

Waffles managed to escape my plans at trapping him. Once with a full boat. Unfortunately, he respected my betting and folded. Another time, he folded to my late position all-in with KK when he was in the big blind. Thank goodness I raised or he might have beat me with his A rag. I took a few limping bets along with the blinds on that hand.

Chilly made the mistake of facing me and gave me my first bounty. I got four packets of hot sauce as my price. Not sure what to do with it yet. Perhaps I should ask Daddy. He seems to know what to do with hot stuff.

TexasApril finally decided to make a move with pocket 8s. I called her raise pre-flop and ended up hitting 2 pair with my 67. I checked to her and when she bet I moved all in. My hand held up and she was left with almost nothing.

Falstaff joined the table later and ended up doubling me up when I sucked out with 44 vs his 55. I was short at the time and felt it was time to move with my pair.

From that point, I was pretty much just patient. Took down a few hands uncontested. And waited as the blinds continued to rise.

By the time it was down to 2 tables, I was just hanging on. Me and Biggestron were ridding the bubble for a long time. The big stacks were using their chip power well. My blinds were constantly under attack. But I waited. Finally, I had a break when Michael Friedman called my all-in raise with A8 suited vs my AQ.

Once on the final, I laid down 77 when Sox pushed preflop with AK I think. The next time he made the same move, I called him with TT. My pair held. And Sox was out. Instead of a bounty, he gave me some kinda fisted gesture. Thanks alot Soxy!

When it got down to 5 players, we decided to make a deal. Everyone would be guaranteed $750. At that point Daddy and I were the chip leaders. Jim was not far behind. Micheal and -EV had less than half of the chips compared to us.

During the break I went to talk to Iggy. Told him I was still in it with 5 players remaining. He told me, "Just don't bust Mattie". Shortly after getting my instructions from the blogfather, I did just what he told me not to do. I hit my set of 5s. Let Daddy bet into me. By the river we were all-in. That's how I busted Daddy. Despite this win, I was a little disappointed. If there was anyone at that table that I wanted to face Heads Up it was Daddy. It was fantastic to play with him and watch him in action. I'm totally a fan of this big teddy bear!

Once it was down to the Heads Up game the blinds were so big that with any raise you had 25% of your stack in. -EV played a great game. He was aggressive to the end. And I could not out play him. Congratulations Kevin. Job Well Done!!!

As a consolation, -EV gave me his bounty..A smoking Donkey...lol..classic...thanks!

Other highlights

* Biggestron gave me a nice welcoming hug without hesitation. Big deal for the non-huggy guy.
* To make-up for my overdue debt with Weakplayer, I bought him a big Chocolate chip cookie.
* Gcox was a sweetheart. I was sooo happy to finally meet him. But still NO CD!!!!!
* Dinner with Joaquin. He kept hinting all weekend to work me into a sweat. But it turns out he is all talk..haha
* The blogger conversation at the Bar on Sunday was sooo enlightening and entertaining. I will never forget the tips.
* I rarely eat meat, but after that conversation I joined Maudie for a hamburger. It tasted really goooooooooood.
* Getting a thumbs up from Joanna.
* One blogger made me feel extra special with compliments and a few wonderful kisses...too bad he waited until I was leaving Vegas!
* Brunch with Waffles, Don, and another blogger.

I still have pictures to post....

Who is the Luckbox Now?

I must interrupt my Vegas recaps for an important update.

My HU challenge with the infamous Luckbox was concluded this evening. And the true luckbox was the victor. Before the game began, I told CJ that "my luck has been excellent lately". He on the other hand replied, "BadBlood suggests my luckboxing is over. lucky in love... unlucky in cards."

We had an excellent battle. I took the lead early and never gave it back. Finally, we both hit a Top Pair...I was behind with a 6 kicker to his Q kicker. He pushed on the turn. I called. And hit my 6 on the river. Boooyah!!!! Yes, I sucked out. That's what I do. Hehe...

CJ will be picking a nice housewarming plant for my new appartment. Any blogger making their way to California is welcome to meet my new Luckbox plant in person.

So speaking of Heads Up..I have other delightful news to share.

Just before my Vegas trip, I received the following email:

Fellow blogger here (http://kgblovesoreos.blogspot.com/), normally people just call me KGB (but you can call me Neil, don't care either way), and I was wondering if you wanted to start a series of HU matches. I'm interested in playing, overall, 15 $5 + .50 HU matches with you because after reading your blog the past few months, it seems like you welcome any HU challenge that comes your way. I appreciate challenges as well, and on top of that, I think we'd have a great time playing together.

Now, the 15 games I want to play are as follows:

2 NLHE
2 FLHE
2 Seven Card Stud
2 Omaha
2 Omaha 8/OB
2 Razz
3 HORSE

If you want to make any adjustments to the format, I'd appreciate it if you contacted me and let me know. The best way to reach me is via AIM, and my SN is KGBlovesOreos.

I look forward to playing these matches with you. GL, and I hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely,
KGB

Now this is the kinda offer that gets me worked up with excitement!!!!!!! Oh yeah, I will accept this challenge. Of course, a challenge of this degree requires an appropriate bounty. We have agreed to a Poker T-shirt signed by the loser and blog title rights for a week.

Looks like I will need to add some new charts for the new games. I don't usually play limit and especially not this mix of games. But that can't stop this Luckbox!!

Carpe Diem

Yes, my Vegas trip was quite an experience! There is no way that I will be able to fully capture this weekend for you, but I will try to provide you with a glimpse of my WPBT adventure....

Bloggers in Love

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I left work shortly after 4 p.m. on friday afternoon to the John Wayne airport. Since my intended room mate cancelled on me, I decided to fly to Las Vegas instead of driving. This proved to be a very wise decision. Now I would be able to make it to the MGM in time for the cocktail hour with the bloggers. Wooo hooo!!!

As it turned out, I ran into my first two bloggers, Smokkee and LoveElf, outside of the gate for my flight. We chatted for a bit and soon were heading to the entrance to board the plane. They went ahead of me and then the attendant asked me if I was traveling with anyone. I thought that was a strange question. "No", I replied. To which she informed me, oh then you need to wait for your zone to be called. Doh! When I did get to enter, Smokkee and his girl were nice and comfortable in the first row section of 1st class. That sure looked sweet. I then found my spot in a middle seat. Soon I was sandwiched between two people and no room to move. Thank goodness this flight was just an hour!

Towards the end of the flight, I hear the annoucement. "We would like to congratulate, Smokkee and Elf (they used their real names of course) who just got engaged on our flight." I give out a little shout, which I'm sure they couldn't hear. Wow that is great! I know them.

As soon as I came off the plane, they were waiting with big smiles. I embraced the too of them in a big hug. Then I checkout the beautiful ring. It was a sweet moment to share with this cute couple.

Then I asked if it was cool to start spreading the good news. They had no objections. So the text messaging began. First to April. Then a few others. I was pretty excited to see two bloggers unite. And finally, a text message to the happy couple to offer another congrats.

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Next to come....The Cocktail Hour

The Best High

"The Best High is conversation" - Iggy WPBT 2006

I couldn't agree with him more. And my experience this weekend in Vegas was the "Best High" I've had in a long time. From beginning to end, it was packed with enjoyable moments and good conversation with some of the most wonderful people I know.

Stay tuned for a recap of this awesome event....

I love you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!