So last weekend, I finally played a night of poker for the very first time ever.

I never understood the attraction of gambling at a casino, knowing that the odds are in favor of the house, but this was more a gathering of a tight group of friends than sharks. The thought of getting together w/ my close friends and laughing, drinking and talking about women was enough to motivate me, and I gladly prepped myself for the inevitable loss of my $20 buy-in.

After a ton of great food and lots of much-needed laughter, I had a moment of “Oh wow. I get it.” I was having a fantastic time, and only regretted that I was nearly out of chips when my luck turned and I was dealt a great hand.

A short while later, when I cashed out, I’d made my money back and actually ended up more than doubling my initial buy-in.

Man, it was good to laugh and talk so much.