Little Rock, AR
9:05 AM (this is central time)
Yesterday was as full as they come. My dad and I drove my car from Rochester, leaving a few minutes after the goal of 8 AM, to drive to the Buffalo airport. My 10:30 flight from Buffalo to Baltimore to Little Rock put me in Central time at 4:30 PM. From there, I lugged my bags to the Enterprise desk for my transportation for the 10 day jaunt, a white Pontiac G6. The little sportster has some pep in its step. I think a friend of mine in Rochester just got one.
My good pack job allowed me to easily access the CD case I brought and I hit 440 with some Jack Johnson playing. Like a lot of the US, Arkansas is unseasonably cold right now, with temps at 38 degrees. As I drove around town, I realized it had been a while since I’d been in Little Rock as I had to make a few U turns due to misdirection. For dinner, I got to hit one of my favorite eating places in town, Backyard Burger. I couldn’t decide on a burger or chicken, so I had both.
A lot of my friends form college are still in town and I’m staying at TA’s place, which turned out to be a sprawling ranch in immaculate condition as they prepare to sell and build a new one. The real estate market in Little Rock has grown substantially. I had my own room and bathroom. His wife is a girl I knew in college and they have a 2 year old son who was happy to show me his trucks and dinosaurs.
Cards began out west on Hwy. 10 at another fraternity brother’s house. This group was the first one I ever played Texas Hold ‘em with, back in the summer of ’04. Danny C hosted 8 of us and they were all friends from over 10 years ago. A few of my old card group were there. Back then, they got to see me in my highly competitive days, when I would blow a gasket at a lost big pot. I still get mad, but now I can control it. Musgrove, Graham, and TA told a few stories about that.
It was great to catch up with everyone. We talked about jobs, wives, kids, and other guys from back in the day. What was nice is that it was like it was then, relaxed and fun. We played a tourney and a cash game and I was happy to come out losing $5. Anytime I can hang with the boys, play cards and have a few drinks while not breaking the bank, I’m in. The game ended at 1AM. TA and I made our way back to his house and stayed up till past 2 talking. It was an action packed day. And I must say, it feels great to be back on the road.
So, after my full day and late night, I am not exactly refreshed right now, but the energy of a 2 year old will ratchet your adrenaline up in the morning. It’s time to hit the road to Fayetteville, home to one of my old roommates as well as the University of Arkansas.