Outside the balcony was a great view of the city's lights.

I think Jed was hoping for a bed that he could jump up in to like those at many American hotels, since our mattress at home sits on the floor. No such luck!

By the time we got to the hotel, the only thing that was open was the restaurant / bar on the top floor. The next morning they served an interesting buffet with a Japanese take on American breakfast items. Fortunately we were also able to make it to the pool and sauna before check-out.

After the poker tournament we finally made it to the resort hotel. Everything was mini!

We often play Texas Hold'em with our friends, Kara and Matt, and they invited us to sign up for a tournament with them this past Saturday. Matt, a more aggressive player, got ousted early as his strategy back-fired. The rest of us stayed a bit longer. (Kara was able to join my table and she's sitting next to me in the pic.) What's funny is that Jed and I had hotel reservations for later that night and we both kept winning! I wasn't having as much fun later when it got down to 2 tables of players but when I'd "go all in" (so I could get rid of my chips) I'd win, so I figured what the heck. We can check in to the hotel late. Jed finished 7th (of 86)... and I won the tournament! We thought we'd only be there for a few hours but it started at 4 PM and we didn't leave until after 11!

Since coming back from MN, things have been pretty good. Jed and I have been able to spend a decent amount of time together before he has to leave again. While we were home we finally picked up some golf clubs for myself and we've gone golfing / to the driving range a few times, once with another couple. I took golfing lessons one summer (with roommates Anne and Kelly) and really haven't swung a club much since. It seems Jed was pleased that I seem to be able to hit the ball straight and my swing isn't horrible... there's just not a lot of power behind it. :)