Wake up to the sound of my phone ringing. That's odd. It's already after 12pm. Jesse's calling from the east coast. He's just getting up too..... Now I don't feel so bad. 

     He left two days ago for Martha's Vineyard to support his Mom and sister, Randi, in opening up their store. They collaborate in fashion design and have awesome clothes. Jesse and I were in their fashion show at the end of last summer and they did an incredible job. Think hippie chic. I love it.

     We get off the phone and I look around. We live here now. A one bedroom apartment in Newport Beach, California. My zip code starts with a 9. It's still sinking in. I spend a few minutes wondering how long it will be before we get back to a normal routine. Then I wonder how long it will be before I accept the fact that we have many abnormal times ahead and having a routine just isn't our MO. Big exhale. And a thoughtful smile. I like this moment. 

     I'm alone for what feels like the first time in a decade. The empty space and I are still strangers but we're both completely comfortable. It's that moment you meet someone and know you'll still be friends a few years from now. This apartment is definitely getting there. We have plants and warm lighting. A supportive and cozy couch. A balcony as big as our whole place. It's just right for our "here and now". 

     Poker is my job right now. Pretty weird to write that but it's true. We leave for Florida the week before Christmas, I go to Austin TX the first week of January to dance with Charles, and Australia  is at the end of January-beginning of February. What's the point of getting a job only to quit in 2 weeks? The reality is, I don't mind having these excuses to keep trying at poker. I'm too competitive to just quit. The allure of poker players' flexible lifestyles is too attractive to me. (Especially since that means I can take dance classes anytime I want and work with dance companies whenever they need me!) Yes, continuing to work a normal poor-college-kid job like I have been just isn't for me. Poker is an exciting challenge and I'm taking it on. 

     Yesterday I went to the Hawiian Gardens Casino, a casino 20 minutes from here in LA. It was completely different than what I imagined. No I.D. checks. A million people crammed in a room with poker tables one on top of the other. It was a zoo. A charming zoo. Well, I drove this far- might as well sit down and try it out. Played for 11 hours straight. The guys at my table were hilarious and none of us wanted to leave. They kept making fun of me at first for being so quiet. "Wow, can you teach my wife to talk as much as you do?" Laughter. Lots of action at the table. Most active guy at the table tries to bluff me off a full house for 3 streets and I instantly double up. SWEET. All with good food and lots of diet coke. This isn't so bad after all. I think I'm gonna like being a dancer/poker player. Dancer & Professional Poker Player.

What an eyebrow-raiser. I'll get started on some business cards....