July Poker Winnings

I have had my best month at online poker since June of last year. However, I am only withdrawing $200 this month because I want to build up my playing bankroll again. Perhaps if I have another comparable month, I will raise my withdrawal goal to what it once was at the peak ($500/month).

As per the updated resolution that I made in January, I have withdrawn $200 from my poker bankroll this month. YTD=+1,600. '06-YTD=+$4,300. '05-YTD=+$2,100. My next withdrawal of $200 from my winnings is due by August 30, 2007. Please continue to wish me luck and keep me accountable.

Welcome Sarah

(official stats coming) My brother and his wife had their third child born today. A 6+ pounds, 18+ inches, girl was born at around 2:05 PM in Denver. Mother and baby are doing fine. Pray for the their new addition to the family.

Welcome to the world, Sarah!

Karate

We finally decided on a karate studio to continue the kids' quest for a black belt. It is called Champions MMA (mixed-martial arts).

The Harry Potter Book Adventure

Last night, we all went to Border's to get the new Harry Potter book. The party started at 9:30. Most of the people there dressed up as some character in the series. Marisa dressed up as Harry. Alex didn't dress up.

Some of the characters we saw were Fluffy (3 people in the costume), Dobby, Hagrid, Madame Maxine, Professor Dumbledore, Professor Trelawny, and of course Harry. One of the best tha I saw was a Dad dressed as Harry and he had his newborn baby dressed as Hedwig the owl (very clever).

When we pulled a number for the official line when they start selling the book at 12:00am, I was informed that I could start lining up at 2am. We hung out awhile at the store, but we all decided to go back home at around 10:30. Alex and I came back to the store a little before our time. Another hour in line, and Alex finaaly had his book (and free commemorative poster).

I found Alex still reading the book at 4:30, when I happened to wake up and check up on him. He wanted to stay up to continue to read, but I told him to get some sleep.

My Eighth Royal Flush

I hit my eighth royal flush today playing a $10+1 Limit Omaha H/L 9-player tournament at Full Tilt. This was my first royal flush in a tournament. With seven left, I was severely short-stacked with 435 chips. The person who was sixth in chips at the time had over 1200. I was dealt [As, Js, 2h, 6d] in middle position. I raised and re-raised all-in pre-flop with one other player. Board came out [Qh, Qs, Ks, Ac, Ts]. Other person ended up having a full house, queens over aces. I needed that ten of spades on the river to win (a one outer!). I played well and came back to finish the tourney in second place for a $27 payout.

6/22/05-My First Royal Flush
12/01/05-My Second Royal Flush
12/22/05-My Third Royal Flush
3/14/06-My Fourth Royal Flush
4/30/06-My Fifth Royal Flush
11/19/06-My Sixth Royal Flush
4/22/07-My Seventh Royal Flush

OK, I'll Stay

One of the things that I miss about L.A. (and Hawaii) is a good local Hawaiian plate lunch. Hooray! L&L Hawaiian BBQ is coming soon!

Flag Display Rules and Regulations

To celebrate the Fourth, I bought an American flag to hang by our front door. I kept bringing it in and out because it looked like it was going to rain. I thought that we shouldn't display the flag in the rain. I found out that it was OK to display the flag in the rain because I had an all-weather flag. I just need to make sure that I take it down before sunset. I also discovered that I really shouldn't be wearing t-shirts with an American flag on it (I have two). It is not like the flag police will come out and arrest me, it is just a sign of respect.

please see: Flag Rules and Regulations

Hugh is Home!

Hugh is home from Iraq. Safe and sound into the arms of his family. Thank you for your service for all of us! God Bless. Please check out his stories from Iraq at Defending Purple Mountain Majesties.