My First Funeral

I have been fortunate throughout my life, having lost very few people I know well. Sunday I attended my first funeral (though I was later informed that it was in fact a memorial service, not a funeral), held for my cousin Paul. I was dreading this event, but it turned out to be far more enjoyable, rewarding, and inspirational than I could have imagined. A diverse crew which included groups of Cowboys, hippies, Mormons, ravers, and Texans attended the service, a testament to Paul's personality. Many people had passionate things to say, including some stirring "get busy living or get busy dying'" themed invocations. There were many tears, but there were also many laughs. There was so much life in the air, at times I almost forgot someone had died.
___

The first portion of the WSOP was pretty nondescript for me - no buy-ins over $2500, several days off, three small cashes in $1500 events, a slim net loss, some minor drama in the house but nothing too startling, not enough sleep, and generally poor health. My play has been very solid, extremely patient, and somewhat vapid.

When you spend three weeks in Vegas in June, it's easy to lose passion for poker. Spending a few days home in rainy Boulder has rekindled the fire. I am very excited to go back to Vegas and play out the rest of the Series. There has never been a time in my life when I have been so aware of how lucky I am.