I know - it seems like every time I post something new I apologize for not posting in a ridiculously long time. So, I guess it only makes sense that I start by apolgizing for not posting anything new in a ridiculously long time.
Life here on the Emerald Isle has been busy, interesting, and just a little crazed. In short, it's been pretty much business as usual. So, without further ado (and what is ado, exactly?), here are some of the high and low lights of the recent weeks...
- Life at FTP has been absolutely nuts. As many of you probably know, the Republicans passed the Internet Gaming Act at the end of the last term by attaching it as an amendment to the Port Security Bill. I guess they're trying to protect the U.S. from the dangers of the Party Poker Cruise.
Whether or not this new law is actually enforceable or even legal remains up in the air, but it is having a tremendous impact on the online poker industry. Some of the biggest names in the game - Party and 888 among them - pulled out of the states as soon as W put his name on the paper, while others, like FTP, decided to stay. In the short term, at least, that means we're growing faster than ever and are working our butts off to make sure the site stays up and that we can provide all of the games and tourneys that our new players want. It's crazy, but fun and I'm going to enjoy it for as long as possible.
In other FTP news, we have finally gotten our visas and work permits which means we're actually here legally. It's nice to have that behind us, but now I've got to deal with finding myself an apartment. Which brings me to... - Life outside the office. I've been living in temporary housing for the past 10 weeks which has been nice for the bank book, especially since all of the little day to day stuff around here is really expensive compared to the states. That said, I have been here long enough that I've gotten used to the fact that the ATMs spit out 50 Euro bills as a matter of course.
Of course, the other banking stuff still makes me nuts. I mean, you can't deposit money into an account using an ATM and the banks are never open at any hour when you can actually get to them. Which brings me to weekends in Dublin. Don't get me wrong, I like a nice relaxing weekend as much as anyone, but it is nice to be able to get some things done. And when you get to a bank or go look for an apartment because no one shows them on a Saturday, it gets a little frustrating. On the other hand, I'm still amazed at the amount of partying this place does on the average Friday and Saturday night. Walk around at 3AM (which is a pretty common occurence) and you'll find crowds of people all over City Center. It adds a nice flavor to life here.
Speaking of City Center, I've decided that this is the part of town in which I'm going to remain. The commute to the office isn't too bad on the LUAS and everything I want is within easy walking distance... shops, pubs, and the cardrooms. Which brings me to... - Gambooling (as my friend Franklin calls it). I've been playing a lot of cards (I know, you're all surprised) and I've been playing pretty well (OK, now I know you're truly surprised). In fact, over the past week I've reached the final table in two tournaments, and went on to chop for first place in one of them. I've also done pretty well in the cash games. Of course, I'm sure I'll hit a cold deck sometime soon, but I'm enjoying the run while it lasts.
Away from the cardrooms, I did a little gambling on the golf course today with Gitter and Wampler. It's actually been my second Irish golfing experience of the weekend (and of my time here) and it was a lot of fun. Aside from the weather, which on Saturday, consisted of lots of rain and wind. Still, it was good to go out and hit the ball, even if I was playing with borrowed clubs, since mine are still stuck somewhere on the docks along with the rest of my belongings (I can't get my stuff until I actually find an apartment).
I promise to try and post more frequently, but don't hold me to it.
