I busted out Wil Weaton!!

Played in the WWdN last night with some blogger friends.
It was my first time....
So, I must have been struck with beginners luck.
Evidentally, it's Wil Weaton's tourney, and if you bust him out of it, he names the next one after you.
Next weeks tourney will be called "love_elf 2nd chance / west coast funtimes"
SWEEET!

Here's the hand:
PokerStars Game #7623130777: Tournament #38470757, $5.00+$0.50 Hold'em No Limit - Level IV (50/100) - 2006/12/26 - 23:21:50 (ET)
Table '38470757 1' 9-max Seat #2 is the button
Seat 1: Texas7272 (2290 in chips)
Seat 2: FatCat3 (980 in chips)
Seat 3: Astin (970 in chips)
Seat 5: Wil Wheaton (725 in chips)
Seat 7: Julius_Goat (3395 in chips)
Seat 8: rmitz (3635 in chips)
Seat 9: love_elf (1443 in chips)
Astin: posts small blind 50
Wil Wheaton: posts big blind 100
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to love_elf [6d 6s]
Julius_Goat: folds
rmitz: folds
love_elf: calls 100
Texas7272: folds
FatCat3: folds
Astin: folds
Wil Wheaton: checks
*** FLOP *** [7d 6c 9s]
Wil Wheaton: bets 300
love_elf: raises 324 to 624
Wil Wheaton said, "okay. here we go"
Wil Wheaton: raises 1 to 625 and is all-in
love_elf: calls 1
Texas7272 said, "gl wil"
Wil Wheaton said, "oh ****"
*** TURN *** [7d 6c 9s] [3s]
Julius_Goat said, "gg wil"
*** RIVER *** [7d 6c 9s 3s] [Kc]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
Wil Wheaton: shows [3c 9c] (two pair, Nines and Threes)
love_elf: shows [6d 6s] (three of a kind, Sixes)
love_elf collected 1500 from pot
Astin said, "gg wil"
love_elf said, "gg"
FatCat3 said, "gg, wil"

OH - AND DID I MENTION THAT I ALSO MADE THE FINAL TABLE???
Notice that Smokk is also there.



Finally, we got down to three:



And this is how I finished:



HOLY Sheet! Not bad for a girl who only plays a few times a week.

Merry Christmas

May everyone's Holiday Season be Safe, Merry and Bright.
Holidays bring time spent with family and friends - load up on the Eggnog! Extra rum!!


My favorite Christmas song

Another classic

Bring on the GATORS baby!!!!

Go Elf Yourself!

This is hysterical:

Love Elf


Merry Christmas!!

More Vegas Pics

Me, Carm and Bobby. This was at the HORSE table again. I spent most of Friday night here. I actually ended up EVEN. Not bad for not knowing half the games.



Al and Weak. I have to tell you - Al is the man! He could outdrink an Irishman.



My girl Poison.



Smokkee (left) and Lucko (right). They are awesome players- I predict a WSOP take down in 2007.



My Bloggah Bud Waffles. Caution - don't believe the rants! He's one of the nicest guys I've met!!!!

Vegas Baby!!

Just some pics for now.
Will write more latah...need sleep...



Me and Carmen. Ok - so this was Saturday during the bloggah tourney. Carm had not slept all night. I spent the day at the spa - massage, jacuzzi, etc. Basically, in de-tox after doing shots with big Al



Me and Weak. Weak was "helping" me play a HORSE table here. Check out this guy's blog for the damage and insanity I caused.



Lucko and Sox. Sorry Lucko!!! I guess I jinxed him by snapping this shot (so he claims). He got knocked out right after. Luck - Smokkee told me to do it!!!



Lucko, Smokkee, Al and the back of Weak's head.



A little blurry, but still cute. Carmen, me and Waffles. At this point in the night (4am??) things were as blurry as this pic.

'Twas the Night Before Vegas

'Twas the night before Vegas, when all through the house
all the creatures were stirring, as I tried on another black blouse
My stockings were hung over the shower curtain with care,
in hopes that tomorrow soon would be there.

The bloggers were sleepless, tossing in bed,
while visions of suck outs danced in their heads.
Cause Smokk is so anxious to stack-a-donk dead,
we pack up our our laptops for the exciting flight ahead.

When out from IM there arose such a clatter,
I sprang to that chat to see what was the matter.

The donk to Waff’s right called his overbet, oh no,
gave the impression of strength, to put on a show,
when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
but a Waffle suck out and a double up, my dear!

With a little good fortune, the suck outs will stick,
And all the bloggers in Vegas, lady luck will sure pick
More rapid than eagles, her coursers they came,
and she whistled and shouted and called them by name:

"Now Smokkee! Now Don!
Now, Carmen and Kat!
On, Love Elf! On Iakaris!
On, Lucko, on Ab’s!

To the top of the board!
To the top of the brawl!
Now stack away! Stack away!
Stack away all!"

Cleveland: Thanksgiving, New Baby, Good Friends - OH, and HOW 'BOUT THEM BUCKS!!!!

The week began with a HUGE win over the overrated Michigan Wolverines (those wimps). I bet $100 on the Bucks, but they did not cover, so it was a tad bittersweet. I'm sure MiamiDon feels my pain. Oh well, I'm excited that they crushed our long-time archenemy and proved all the doubters of our Defense wrong (In your face, doubters). We are still THE ONE, baby.





Tuesday, we met the Supermodel Iak and his lovely wife out for dinner at this trendy (yes, there is trendy in Cleveland) restaurant/bar in Cleveland’s Warehouse District. They specialize in European cuisine, and are highly renowned for their steaks. And, they have this really cool decor: beaded walls and ostrich-covered chairs. It was great to see Iak was still among the living, as he had been somewhat MIA recently. I was tickled with glee and amusement listening to the rapid-fire shit-giving exchange between Iak and Smokkee. I chirped in only occasionally, as I was enjoying great conversation and wine with Iak's wifey, Uzma. Iak - you truly have it all: wonderful wife, success and that Colgate Smile! Cheers





This is how Smokkee spent most of the week (I did manage to get him off the computer for Thanksgiving dinner):



I was very fortunate to meet up with my long time (34 years) best friend, Nicole later in the week. We met for dinner at another trendy, Euro-American place where we enjoyed great food (I had the duck...mmmm), wine and about 4 hours of non-stop girl talk. After the restaurant, we headed across the street to a wine bar, for more of the same.

And last, but certainly not least, my wonderful new nephew, Jaiden. Despite the 2-3 hour feedings, the fussiness, and other usual baby unmentionables, he is truly a little angle, a gift from God. I could not wait to hold him, and from the moment I did, I fell in love. I would hold him for as long as I could, usually 2-3 hour stretches, when my sister or b-in-law were not tending to him, and would just stare down at him, beaming with pride and joy. I did manage to play some poker that week. But, when I was holding the baby, it took a low priority back seat. Hence, the Mook that week. Enough said there.






Later at night, when the house was asleep, I could jump on line for some chatter and $6.50 sng's with Smokkee and slb. It was nice to get some real-time coaching. Slb even got me to play some Razz. I sat in with Smokkee, slb and Doubleas and managed to not loose too badly. Slb was an informative and patient, very patient coach. Thanks Steve!!

Too Funny

This picture was taken a few years ago at a friend's birthday party.
It's me and my friend Bonnie....Yes, we were a bit tipsy.
Oh ya - and that's Smokk with the Blondie hair...lol

3 times in 3 months is exhausting!!

I have flown from Orange County, CA to Cleveland 3 times in 3 months: once for my sister's baby shower, again for her 30th bday, and lastly for Thanksgiving. Whew! I'm tired.

So let me back up a bit and post some embarrassing pics of my Sister's 30th Birthday!
Okay, so we started our day off at the Charles Scott Salon and Spa, where she had a Mani and Pedi, facial, hair and makeup. I just had my hair and make up done.



Then, we head out to dinner. We didn't know it until we got there, but they were having a costume party for Halloween - it was very entertaining! Although, if I would have known I could dress up, I would have worn my costume:



Oh well...


My sis and me at the Cabana Restaraunt:


Eric's gf, My sis, her hubby, Jason, and Eric:



My sis and Jason:

Been blogger MIA for a while

We are flying back to the OC today - will be on a plane most of the day - UGH!
We have 2 layovers (Philly and Phoenix), too, which SUCKS!
Hmmm...maybe I can fit in a sng in between.

Anywho...will blog about my exiting week of projectile vomiting (the baby, not me), sleep depivation and sharing sit-n-goes latah.

But for now, I leave you with this (notice who goes bye bye):

Full Tilt Poker Game #1295277446: $6 + $0.50 Sit & Go (Turbo) (9051418), Table 1 - 30/60 - No Limit Hold'em - 0:10:27 ET - 2006/11/24
Seat 2: dBeau (1,160)
Seat 4: sampano (1,380)
Seat 5: love_elf (6,830)
Seat 7: BillieKeys88 (1,800)
Seat 8: envioustyler (1,180)
Seat 9: smokkee (1,150)
dBeau posts the small blind of 30
sampano posts the big blind of 60
The button is in seat #9
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to love_elf [Kd Ah]
love_elf has 15 seconds left to act
love_elf raises to 180
BillieKeys88 folds
envioustyler folds
smokkee calls 180
dBeau folds
sampano folds
*** FLOP *** [Kh 3h 6c]
love_elf bets 350
smokkee raises to 970, and is all in
love_elf calls 620
smokkee shows [Kc Jd]
love_elf shows [Kd Ah]
*** TURN *** [Kh 3h 6c] [2s]
*** RIVER *** [Kh 3h 6c 2s] [3c]
smokkee shows two pair, Kings and Threes
love_elf shows two pair, Kings and Threes
love_elf wins the pot (2,390) with two pair, Kings and Threes
smokkee stands up (Elf grins devilishly...)

Hope everyone had a great holiday!

I slipped on a banana peel.....

Actually, this guy was pretty good heads up.
We played heads up for about 30 minutes, exchanging chip leads.
He finally succumbed to my J10 (or a pair of 4s - whatever):

Full Tilt Poker Game #1280632515: $6 + $0.50 Sit & Go (Turbo) (8927860), Table 1 - 400/800 - No Limit Hold'em - 2:12:41 ET - 2006/11/21
Seat 2: yomomz (5,860)
Seat 9: love_elf (7,640)
yomomz posts the small blind of 400
love_elf posts the big blind of 800
The button is in seat #2
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to love_elf [Jc Th]
yomomz: thanks?
yomomz calls 400
love_elf raises to 2,500
love_elf: yes
yomomz raises to 5,860, and is all in
love_elf calls 3,360
yomomz shows [7c 6s]
love_elf shows [Jc Th]
*** FLOP *** [4c 4h 8c]
*** TURN *** [4c 4h 8c] [3d]
*** RIVER *** [4c 4h 8c 3d] [Qs]
yomomz shows a pair of Fours
love_elf shows a pair of Fours
love_elf wins the pot (11,720) with a pair of Fours
love_elf: gg
yomomz stands up
love_elf stands up
*** SUMMARY ***
Total pot 11,720 | Rake 0
Board: [4c 4h 8c 3d Qs]
Seat 2: yomomz (small blind) showed [7c 6s] and lost with a pair of Fours
Seat 9: love_elf (big blind) showed [Jc Th] and won (11,720) with a pair of Fours

Well, this just sucked...And this sucked, too:

Out in 2 tournies....I'm realizing that poker is a game of LUCK. And No matter what you do, you can never be 100% sure that you will
a.) win or
b.) be the best
So freakin frustrating...

Full Tilt Poker Game #1269290096: $6 + $0.50 Sit & Go (Turbo) (8836106), Table 1 - 120/240 - No Limit Hold'em - 23:42:49 ET - 2006/11/18
Seat 2: slb159 (2,585)
Seat 3: BuiltLikeAPro (1,010)
Seat 4: yahtzee24 (2,230)
Seat 5: randumb1 (4,135)
Seat 6: love_elf (1,640)
Seat 7: lellow (1,900)
love_elf posts the small blind of 120
lellow posts the big blind of 240
The button is in seat #5
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to love_elf [Jd Js]
slb159 folds
BuiltLikeAPro folds
yahtzee24 folds
randumb1 raises to 720
love_elf raises to 1,200
lellow folds
randumb1 calls 480
*** FLOP *** [Qh Kh 4h]
love_elf bets 240
randumb1 raises to 480
love_elf calls 200, and is all in
randumb1 shows [Jh 9h]
love_elf shows [Jd Js]
Uncalled bet of 40 returned to randumb1
*** TURN *** [Qh Kh 4h] [2c]
*** RIVER *** [Qh Kh 4h 2c] [4c]
randumb1 shows a flush, King high
love_elf shows two pair, Jacks and Fours
randumb1 wins the pot (3,520) with a flush, King high
love_elf stands up

I DID NOT SLOW PLAY MY JJ AND WANTED A CALLER. HOWEVER, I MANAGED TO GET SUCKED OUT ON - AGAIN. ANY SUGGESTIONS?? GO ALL IN PREFLOP??? TRY A CRYSTAL BALL?? Maybe I can find one on Ebay.


Full Tilt Poker Game #1275449666: $6 + $0.50 Sit & Go (Turbo) (8885916), Table 1 - 120/240 - No Limit Hold'em - 1:46:50 ET - 2006/11/20
Seat 1: Steemroller33 (970)
Seat 2: bear 1978 (4,075)
Seat 3: love_elf (2,335)
Seat 7: smokkee (4,250)
Seat 9: Mariogs379 (1,870)
Mariogs379 posts the small blind of 120
Steemroller33 posts the big blind of 240
The button is in seat #7
*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to love_elf [Qc Qs]
bear 1978 raises to 480
love_elf raises to 2,335, and is all in
smokkee folds
Mariogs379 folds
Steemroller33 folds
bear 1978: i'm gonna suk u
bear 1978 calls 1,855
love_elf shows [Qc Qs]
bear 1978 shows [Ad Ah]
*** FLOP *** [Td 7h 8s]
*** TURN *** [Td 7h 8s] [9s]
*** RIVER *** [Td 7h 8s 9s] [Kh]
love_elf shows a pair of Queens
bear 1978 shows a pair of Aces
bear 1978 wins the pot (5,030) with a pair of Aces
love_elf stands up

Let's take another look back.....

wawawawawawawa....the gates of time are opening....wawawawawawwawawawa

Back to the 2002 National Chamionship Game....(again, We are the Champions is playing in the background)








Aaaaahhhhh what a fun and exuberant time. I'm sure Smokkee will have an internal struggle on who to root for, should OSU meet USC in Glendale. I'm sure he'll see the light and root for the better team (BUCKS). And who are we kidding, anyway?? There is NO way USC will make it there! Ha ha ha aha hahahahahahhahahahahah

IT's here!! IT's here!!! Game day is upon us!

So it's about an hour from game time, and I sit here in nervous anticipation.
I cannot wait for the game to start!!

I've been thinking...should I bet? or not? and How much??
Miami Don gave me some encouragement last night.
So, this morning I placed a nominal bet ($100) on the Bucks.
It's not much, but it's all good - good faith
OSU is -7

So, we'll see how things go.
Blog ya all later!!

Glendale....here we come!!!!

UPDATE: end of 1st quarter
Score: OSU 7 Michigan 7

Come ON Bucks, kick it into gear.....
Momma's get some dinero on the line!!

UPDATE: half time
Score: OSU 28 Michigan 14

You're doin Momma proud, boyz.
Keep dem TDs comin!!
O-H-I-O

UPDATE: end of 3rd quarter
Score: Osu 35 Michigan 24

Keep that lead, baby!

UPDATE:
OSU WINS, Biotches!!! OSU 42 Mich 39
See you in Glendale!!

Let the Games Begin...The Big Day is Coming

OSU vs. MICHIGAN

Just let me think back....("we are the champions" is playing in the background)







2002 BIG TEN CHAMPS,

2003 TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL CHAMPS,

BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY

2002 NATIONAL CHAMPS!!!!

(For all you doubters, which there were a bunch, stick that in your pipe and smoke it)

Every kid growing up in America longs for one time of the year.....Christmas - and why not. I did. Come on, name me one holiday that can beat it. The presents flow like water, bowl week is just around the corner, everybody is happy - and hell, even your parents get along! "What a bargain!!"

I can remember as a child looking through all the magazines and Sunday fliers for the coolest toys on the market. Mom always asked me what I wanted from Santa, and I knew every year that I had to have a quick solid list ready for her (which usually consisted of anything Barbie, easy-bake, or dress-up). I circled the ads and even cut them out in hopes that mom could put the good word in to Santa Claus for me (after all, mom's can do anything). I eagerly waited and anticipated what would come on Christmas day. Thankfully, mom and Santa Claus were in cahoots together, so I always received everything I wanted.

As the time continued to pass, and Barbie was no longer cool (wait, Barbie is always cool), I began to think of better and more creative things to ask for - CD's, items for my room, Buckeyes clothes, Browns items, and pretty much anything involving clothes and assesories. During Grad school @ Ohio State, I became hypnotized by the Buckeyes. I loved every aspect of them, the players, the school, the history, and the amazing fans; getting up at 8am, trecking down to campus with my sis, parking in some friend's lawn, and starting to DRINK. There was no other place that I wanted to be than in Columbus. Go Bucks!!

It started in 1995. An undefeated team consisting of a Heisman Trophy winner; an Ohio State and Big Ten record breaking quarterback; a studly tight end; a defensive squad consisting of legendary players; and an offensive lineman who would eventually change the way people look at the Heisman race - proceeded to go undefeated, easily beating their opponents, and then one false move - bam, it's over. Just like that. The National Championship race was over. I, along with the rest of the Buckeye nation, was devastated. How could this happen? We're Ohio State - we're suppose to win....right? Wrong. In the Big Ten, anybody can win on any given day (as was also seen in 1996 and 1998).

From that time forward, when my mom asked me what I wanted from Santa - I would tell her I wanted a Buckeyes National Championship. She would always laugh and tell me, "Honey, you know, if I could I would - but that's asking a lot!"

So, there it was in 2002: the Buckeyes return to glory in a historic season consisting of so many stomach curling games that I think I dry-heaved enough to last me the rest of my life. No joke, I thought I was going to toss my cookies at that game in Tempe. What a game!!

Thank you Buckeyes, thank you to the 13 seniors, and thank you Mom - for the best Christmas gift anyone could ask for.

I FEEL CONFIDENT THAT WE WILL PREVAIL AGAIN AGAINST THE WOLVERINES....AND MAKE OUR WAY TO THE NATIONAL CHAMPS GAME!!!

O-H-I-O.....GOOOOOOOOO BUCKS!!!!

All's fair in Poker - NOT!!!

So, was playing in the Mookie this week, and was doin okay.
I was getting cards and my betting was a little better this round (I think).

I even had the cojones to take my lovah Smokkee out with AA vs 99.
Yuck, ick, boooooooo
I did not feel good about this. I'm what you call a "nice" player - I don't like to take my friends out of tournies because it makes me feel bad.
Boo freakin Hoo (Smokkee would say)
I'm not even one of those hard-core players that plays a lot.
Once a week, I play the Mook. Nothing else.

However, I have determined that I need to toughen up because I find that not all players are nice players.
Most players will not hesitate to slit your throat and watch your tounament life drain down your neck, from your body, and into the gutter.
Like slb for instance:

*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to love_elf [Qc Kd]
slb159 raises to 440
love_elf raises to 885, and is all in
slb159 calls 445
love_elf shows [Qc Kd]
slb159 shows [Ts Th]
*** FLOP *** [Tc 4h Jd]
*** TURN *** [Tc 4h Jd] [Jc]
*** RIVER *** [Tc 4h Jd Jc] [Ac]
love_elf shows a straight, Ace high
slb159 shows a full house, Tens full of Jacks
slb159 wins the pot (1,830) with a full house, Tens full of Jacks

Suck Suck, Holy suck Suck!!!!!!!!!
While this is not really a suck out, I just like saying it, and was pretty pissed off - at Poker - at slb - at the World. I mumbled a few explatives, and shut down the line for the night.

Just kidding, buddy slb.
You did alright. I'm glad to give you my chips.
Better you than a stranger.

PRESENTING.....My new Nephew, Jaiden Christian Kramer

ISN'T HE PRECIOUS???
Okay, I may be a bit bias.

CC's Thursday night Bash indeed

My friend slb fretted over folding his hand here.
This post is for you buddy!
Good read on your part - bad raise (too big?) on my part.

slb159: posts small blind 25
CawtBluffin: posts big blind 50

*** HOLE CARDS ***
Dealt to love_elf [Jh Jc]
23skidoo: folds
love_elf: raises 100 to 150
Drizztdj: folds
bayne_s: folds
Katitude: calls 150
slb159 said, "geesh, there hadda be a caller"
slb159: folds
CawtBluffin: folds
*** FLOP *** [Kd Js 7h]
love_elf: bets 500
Katitude: folds
love_elf collected 375 from pot
love_elf: doesn't show hand

Here is the hand I went out on:

Dealt to love_elf [Ad Kh]
love_elf: calls 100
CawtBluffin: folds
csquard: raises 225 to 325
bayne_s: folds
Guinness: folds
smokkee: folds
Drizztdj: folds
love_elf: raises 734 to 1059 and is all-in
csquard: calls 734
*** FLOP *** [Qc 4d 9c]
*** TURN *** [Qc 4d 9c] [3s]
*** RIVER *** [Qc 4d 9c 3s] [8d]
*** SHOW DOWN ***
love_elf: shows [Ad Kh] (high card Ace)
csquard: shows [Jd Qd] (a pair of Queens)
csquard collected 2268 from pot

What are your thoughts on how I played here? I tried to push him off the hand, but he would not budge.

I'm an Auntie!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My sister and her hubby had thier baby this morning!!
She went into labor last night around 8pm pst, and delivered at about 8am this morning!
12 hours of labor - OUCH!!
Mommy and baby are doing Great! And, Poppa Jason is doing well, too.

They had a baby boy:
8lbs, 19.5"
Jaiden Christian Kramer

Thank you God!

Let the spoiling begin......