Monday, February 21, 2005

I got my ass handed to me by Valley View Casino today. Which wouldn't bother me, because I haven't done much gambling lately, but I got no pleasure out of it, nor did I really earn anything in terms of future comps or anything to cut the loss, since Valley View already sends me free buffet coupons regularly, and doesn't really have anything else to comp. The drive up was hellish in this weather, and by the time I arrived, it was too late to make the buffet for lunch, so I just had a hot dog from the deli. And my host never returned my call from that morning, and was nowhere to be found as I was getting absolutely slaughtered. Playing there for any prolonged amount of time just seems to be a waste, especially as the table games suck. Of course, it could just be sour grapes because I didn't eat the buffet. I still claim Barona's is the best in San Diego, but a convincing case could be made for Valley View, and the price (and the frequency with which they mail out free buffet coupons to regulars, even with only modest play, as I had on my first few trips there, before I decided to start betting like a madman) makes the Valley View case even stronger. And the machines are far better than Harrah's next door. This visit was just a disappointment, and it gets harder and harder to justify the long drive. And it stings to lose a hunk of cash when I'm going to Vegas in about two weeks. But it was necessary to get in one last gambling trip before Chad moves to Japan, so I suppose I can just look at the loss as if I threw a huge going away party for him. I'm sure he'll understand when I explain that when he asks why no going away party. Besides, he's fleeing the country while owing me $46, what am I supposed to do, throw him a parade?

Had some stew and some reheated Mandarin Dynasty "pork" for dinner. Small consolation for missing the buffet, but not bad. I don't think I've ever appreciated stew appropriately. I've grown to enjoy the taste, nutrition and convenience of soup in recent years, but the comfort of stew on a stormy night is just now coming to my awareness.

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