My dad is a big poker player. He taught me how to play when I was about 5 years old. I remember he had this big tin can full of pennies and we would play for hours.
Last winter, my boyfriend and I wanted a clean slate and we moved to a town where nobody knew us. We wanted to start completely over. He was working nights and I'd be bored out of my mind. I didn't know anyone and wanted to make some friends. I noticed a sign on the window of a bar/restaurant that read "Texas Hold 'em Tournaments." I wanted to see what was all about, so I went one night. I'm normally very shy and don't go ANYWHERE by myself, but this time, I decided to take a chance. I ended up having such a great time that I went again. They had them on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I made some really good friends and had such a blast. When I found out I was pregnant, the "poker guys" were some of the first people that I told. They even threw me a baby shower. It was like a big family. Instead of buying me shots or beer, they'd bring me a shot glass with water or orange juice. It was a blast.
Shortly after my son was born, my dad got really sick and we moved back home. The main thing I miss about that little town is the poker games. I've kept in touch with some of the "family" through email and stuff, but it's not the same. Yeah, there are games here too, but they're just not the same at all. Although, it's been fun playing my dad for pennies again! Now I can totally kick his butt!
