Looking back it was silly for me to start this program before I went to Las Vegas to play in the World Series of Poker Main Event.  I had won a free seat into the $10,000 event.  The time right before, during and right after were fraught with challenges.  No matter, I started yesterday and will continue unabated.

Being raised by an agoraphobic I have been averse to travel up until the last few years.  Las Vegas was a milestone for me and a bizarre experience.  I met many of my poker heroes, from Humberto Brenes to Marcel Luske.  It was an experience that I will repeat.

Looking at my pictures I’m actually surprised at how heavy I look.  Especially when we went to Red Rock.  The desert was beyond beautiful.  The tour bus took us to spots and we would get out and take pictures.  The 120°F heat was brutal.  If I stood in one place too long I would have been just a grease puddle.

I had never seen desert before and the incredible beauty and sheer vastness was surprising.  I have to go back in the Fall or Winter so that I can hike.

To show you how bad I look here is a photo of me in the desert.

This will not stand.  I will lose the weight.