CARDRUNNERS

Hey Guys,

I’m back in one of the more confusing cities I’ve visited, Portland.  I’d write about my Friday night in Portland, but Zimba already did a great job in his blog.  It was great seeing Zimba since the last time we hungout was WSOP 06.  We did some massive catching up and he informed me about a few upcoming things pertaining to CR plans and announcements.  Members should be excited as some huge things are in the works for CR.

Saturday morning I woke up and made the 3 hour drive up interstate 5, in the pouring rain, to Seattle.  What a freakin beautiful city.  I met up with Lou Pinella and his family at a sports restaurant called “the Ram” near University Center (near UW).  We had a great lunch and watched the hometown Seahawks beat the Redskins.  Lou had quite a few beers and was pretty buzzed.  Lou + beer = comedy.  I then drove us back to his house where we hungout (with his cool son) and played a ton of wii.  Since I never book rooms and just kind of spontaneously roll, I decided to take up their offer and crash at their house.

HUGE thank you to Lou and his lovely wife for being so hospitable and letting me stay there.  Lou is exactly like he is on CR, full of energy, quirky, hilarious, and young at heart.  I wish I could remember the countless Louism's that he rattled off this weekend, as they're great comedy.  Today they were my tour guides and basically showed me all of Seattle.  I can’t stress enough how scenic Seattle is.  There are lakes, trees, hills, islands, sounds, waterways, bridges, mountains, skyscrapers and old brick houses.  University of Washingtons campus is incredibly nice.  We drove by their football stadium and bball arena, as well as their fraternity/sorority row.  We went to pikes st market, the shopping area, alki st, bellvue, Safeco and Qwest, as well as so much more.  Me and Lou drove up to Bill Gates’ compound where there was a security guard sitting and guarding.  The weather was, at one point very nice, other times pouring, and even snowing.   I took a ton of pictures that I’ll post when I get them off of my camera.

Tonight I drove back to Portland (yes in the pouring rain) and I got lost yet again.  Seriously, the freeways are crazy around here and really don’t guide you where you want to go.  Eventually I made it downtown in the southwest district and got a room at the Hilton on 6^th st.  I just had an incredible dinner at Ringside steakhouse, which is apparently the best steakhouse in Portland (thanks Nern for the recommendation).  I got the bone in rib-eye, which was easily one of the best steaks I’ve had.  If anyone is ever in Portland, hit this spot up, it’s delicious.

So now I’m back at the Hilton, on an insanely comfortable bed, feeling insanely geeky as I watch the new American Gladiators.  This shit looks really cheesy.  I’ll probably finish the night watch Soprano’s (I have only season 6 left).  I want to finish so I can begin watch what everyone keeps referring to as “the best show ever,” the Wire.

Tomorrow I’m picking up a co-worker at the airport and heading back to the casino to continue working.  We’ll take a dinner/break to watch LSU hopefully crush OSU.  I brought my LSU jersey up and will be cheering them to a buckeye trouncing.  I doubt I’ll update much this week as I expect some massive hours of work, filled with rain outside and gross food inside.

Someone close to me recently emailed me with very upsetting news.  Please send your thoughts and prayers to him and his family.

Peace and love,

-Spuddy

Originally I was to pick up a co-worker at pdx, then head to the casino, work, watch the game, then continue working.  His flight has since been delayed and his arrival is now 8pm.  Since it seems pointless to drive 90min there, work only a few hours, watch the game, drive 90min back, pick him up, then drive back to the casino, I've chosen to stay here for the day, watch the game, pick him up, and extend my work out here through next weekend.

While working on the weekends isn't my favorite, if it is what needs to be done, I don't have a problem with it.  The only slight problem is a packed clothes for about 6 days, and I'll be out here for about 18.  Umm...I don't recall seeing a laundry service anywhere at the casino, or anywhere around it.  I could be underwear/sock shopping in Portland.  Pretty damn exciting.

I was telling my Dad (who loves the northwest), that I think I actually like Portland more than Seattle, as far as where I would most likely choose to live.  While Seattle has more to offer, and is just an all around better city, I think the small feel Santa Barbara has has changed my outlook, and I'd prefer more of a smaller city with big city appeal (downtown districts, sports, night life, restaurants, etc).  Portland has all of the above, but isn't too spread out.  There are rivers and bridges everywhere, which makes it harder to navigate, but also makes it very picturesque.

.........continued.........

I picked up a quick breakfast at Oyster's right behind the Hilton.  It was awful.  Don't go there.  After breakfast I just started driving.  I ended up on a freeway going west and ended up at the Portland Zoo parkinglot.  The weather is far too cold to go to the zoo, but I did walk around the Vietnam Memorial.  I was the only one there.  It was a good experience.  I then drove around southwest Portland aimlessly for a bit before parking near Chinatown, where I am currently having a beer at The Old Town Pizza.  I'm doing some work and attempting to take it easy as the next 2 weeks are going to be brutal.  I was hoping they'd have a tv here to watch the game, so i could set up camp, but they don't.  So I'll be moving somewhere else as it gets closer to 5.

Go Tigers!

Spudt24, long time CR friend, is coming into Portland Friday night. He has been working at Spirit Mountain casino on their digital surveillance needs and will be passing through Portland for the night on his way up to Seattle for the weekend. I'll be taking him out to dinner and show him around some. I need to figure out which restaurant to go to? I'm not sure which to take him to so I'll list several that might be fun or different and see if readers prefer one.

I guess having a little background on Spudt24 might help. He is in his mid 20's, of italian descent, and lives in Santa Barbara. He travels a lot for his job and frequents all kinds of restaurants when he travels. I figure something a little different from his usual fare might be good.

http://www.torobravopdx.com/ - community tabled tapas

http://www.saucebox.com/ - trendy pan-asian

http://www.jacegace.com/ - beer, waffles and art

http://www.vindalho.com/ - indian

http://www.castagnarestaurant.com/index.php?section=cafe - Northwest influenced Italian

http://portland.citysearch.com/profile/41846227/portland_or/pok_pok_restaurant_whiskey_soda_lounge.html - Thai

There are so many good restaurants to choose from, so I'm presenting a wide selection to be narrowed by feedback. This is just a start, if you think I'm not on the right track for spuddy let me know.