I had about a 10x longer entry than this but I lost it. Whatever. This is the short, SparksNotes version or whatever. The abstract.

The end of my break in Maryland went pretty well. After the ska show, I hosted a fairly small stakes ($25) poker tournament at my house with a bunch of friends and fellow poker players, and at least earned my money back by getting 3rd. Mark Binfield and Brad were able to chop the pot for 2nd. Brad, although he earned about $50, didn't even stay for the cash game, where I picked up an additional 10 for the night, and Kevin Elia earned his entire buy in back, and then some. Good man. He might come up to Buffalo at some point in March or April and we'll do some gambling together.

My flight back was relaxing (and sober). I had a slightly more difficult time leaving home this time around -- I had gotten to see a lot of friends, spend time with Elle, have some quality time with my parents (who I need to call...) and work a lot.

My return to Buffalo was met with a fair greeting from Bill Eager, my partner in crime. Seeing James has been cool -- we're hosting a weekly $.50/$1 cash game at his apartment, which I plan on (trying) to tear up.

The level of play might be a little low --- I played at a game in Moore Complex tonight, and with the exception of a few players, myself and James included, the level of play is absolutely horrible. I mean bad. Everyone had these weird quirks of playing extremely bad (betting on their draws, chasing every straight and flush, playing mid and low pairs, and betting so aggressively it's almost impossible not to call).

I still won money, but didn't catch many great cards, which is what I usually do when playing at horrible tables. You don't even need to bluff.

Anyway, gambling and drinking aside (which I had plenty of this weekend), school has been alright. A busy semester ahead, work-wise in classes and through volunteering, which I still need to get a call back from (Literacy Volunteers in Buffalo). I may try and do a few hours a week at the Transition Program as well.

The nice girl I met on the plane, Katie -- I've been seeing her more as of recent. Very nice, very sunshiney. Enjoy spending time with her, asked to take her out somewhere one night. I'm not one for rushing things, so I'll take this slow. As with any girl, I'd really like to get to know her better. If I can't see any real long term possibilities, I won't make it as if I'm leading her on, that's not how I roll. But I think there could be, so obviously I won't ignore an attractive and personable woman that's come into my drunken, drunken life.

More details to come on that. And on everything.

Expect a letter one of these days, Elle. Specifically regarding your Taxachusetts-Amherst campus and campus life. ¶ 12:51 AM |

Tonight I was doing a good job at work --- then I backed into some sort of wooden ledge low to the ground. It pretty much ruined my night, as there's a low droning sound in my car now, and a rattling sound when I'm decelerating or just gliding at around 30 mph and above.

I think it's a dislodged tailpipe or muffler. Something with my car's hardware, so it shouldn't be too bad. I'm hoping under $50 when I get it checked out tomorrow.


I had an amazing time at the Slackers/Pietasters show. Slackers have gotten even better since the last time I saw them at Ottobar --- played a great mix of older and newer songs in their 1 hour set. The Pietasters were also fantastic, and I had a great time dancin around. Me and Brent did the "gone fishin'" skank, where he casts an invisible line, and I get "hooked" as he reels me in. Haha. Ska music, you make life worth living.

My post-Christmas life has been mostly working. Working and sleeping and occasionally hanging out with friends, i.e taking a walk or drinking coffee.

I talked to a Buffalo friend of mine -- Brittany. She has an apartment, two bedroom, that she wants to get rid of over the summer. I'd love to finish out her lease with someone else, but now I'm not even sure if James wants to be here next year --- which might mean me having to find someone else to live with.

Still, $725 a month split between two (or even three, according to britt, could fit in this apartment) isn't too bad, especially with a decent job.

I've had more, albeit small difficulties with women in my life, but for the time being, I've been kind of forced into this strange, euphoric sense of apathy in regards to that.

Which leaves me quite content! The nice 50-something degree MD weather helps too. ¶ 1:37 AM |

I think I almost got fired at work tonight, since I know Domino's Corporate considers drivers to be expendable and will let us go at any direct customer complaint towards a driver.

I had been getting shitty tips all night, and on my last run, after a LOT of effort/work put into my shift to make sure I do a good job, 45 minutes after I should have gotten off, I get a 25 cent tip. "Keep the change, she said." So I just said "if this is all you can afford to give me, you need it more than me," and I just kind of tossed the quarter back at her, and walked back to my car. She didn't say anything, and I guess didn't call the store.

Tomorrow, I'm hopefully going to see The Slackers AND the Pietasters with friends Brent, Will, and Molly. I will be slightly dressing up for this little event, and expect to have a damn good time.

That's it. ¶ 11:09 PM |