Please Don't Pinch Me!

If I am dreaming, please don't pinch me and wake me up! On Saturday the $300 no-limit hold'em event was huge! Over 600 players. I struggled to stay alive for five hours and then we had the dinner break. After dinner, I struggled more. A few hours later, I was all-in on a key hand and won it! I then realized that Lady Pink (my friend Doralee Rae) had just arrived from Las Vegas. She is full of positive energy. After that hand, I knew I should make the money ... and I did. Once in the money - they were paying 54 - it was one step at a time. I had great cheerleaders, Lady Pink, Sassy, and Bonnie Leinhos. It was obvious that I was a favorite when we made the final table. These three girls could make a lot of noise, therefore pulling a lot of attention to the final table with one girl struggling to stay alive. I stayed alive, alright. Before I know what was happening, we were at four-ways and making a big save. And then before I knew it, I was heads up. We had put $4000 on top so he and I split that and played for the cruise and the sterling silver bracelet that I have coveted for years. Three hands later, I was the winner! The prize money ended up over $30,000!

This terrific dream didn't stop there. The following day, another big event with over 600 players again. After very little sleep, I was afraid I would doze off. I lost the first big hand I played and from that point, I was short-stacked but kept staying alive. Again I had my cheering section but this time Sassy was still in action. We both made the money and I am so proud of her. We kept going up and up. Sassy missed a flush draw but was happy to cash. Low and behold, I found myself at the final table once again. Everyone was pretty impressed with that, as was I. I never did amass any chips but I did creep up to either 7th or 8th place. I honestly don't remember, but it was another nice pay day.

This "win rush" actually started at Caesar's Palace ladies event in late Oct. I didn't mention it as we were slap in the middle of the "Midnight Mystery" that couldn't be interrupted. I made a deal at five ways and cashed for almost $4,000. So it sounds like I am rolling in the dough but it really is a bit misleading. The whole time one is losing in this profession, money is going out. However, I am thankful and grateful for the surge. As my friend Rowena put it, it is a "Whirl Win!"

More news from Pendleton and more great pictures are on the way ... stay tuned.