Moving in August, Travelling in June

[gonores]

The bottom line is I have to get out of Madison...pronto. I'm not putting in enough hours playing poker because this place is too much fun. I need to spend a year or so away from all these distractions and go somewhere where I have a little more control over my temptations. So, to that end, I will be spending most of June scouting new locations for me to set up shop. The tentative schedule looks something like this:

June 8-10 - San Diego
June 11-12 - Austin
June 13-15 - Tallahasse
June 21-26 - Vegas

Why does this matter to you? I am looking for:

A) Someone to show me around San Diego and Austin. If you golf, that's a plus. If you enjoy a wide range of nightlife, that's a bigger plus. If you show me around your town, I will show my appreciation by picking up many tabs and getting drunk for your amusement.

B) If you have opinions on SD, Austin, or Tally, let me know. Also, if you have any other suggestions for spots I need to check out, let me hear them. Good locations...
- have over 300,000 people in the metropolitan area
- deal with snow less than once every 5 years
- have low state income taxes
- have very good infrastructure, especially in regards to traffic
- have good public golf in all ranges; $0-50, $50-100, and $100+
- have large contingents of college students
- have many hot, desperate women. Some of these hot women must be intelligent and socially adept enough to not make me hate them after 10 minutes of talking. I realize this makes San Diego look like a bad idea, but I'm not going to knock it until I try it again.

Yes, I realize these guidelines make no sense for a guy who claims he needs to get away from Madison and all its distractions, but whatever....I still wanna have fun, just not too much fun.

Changes to the schedule may come about thanks to a tornado-chasing trip I may be taking in mid-June. Updates to follow.

[Turning Stone Pro]

[ QUOTE ]
The bottom line is I have to get out of Madison...pronto. I'm not putting in enough hours playing poker because this place is too much fun. I need to spend a year or so away from all these distractions and go somewhere where I have a little more control over my temptations. So, to that end, I will be spending most of June scouting new locations for me to set up shop.

[/ QUOTE ]


There is something beautiful about this, although I just can't find the right words yet to describe it.

TSP

[WillMagic]

Dude...if Madison is too distracting for you...you may just have to move to Canada.

The oil flats of northern Alberta are beautiful in the springtime, so I hear.

Will

[mantasm]

I've lived in austin the past five years or so. We have a nice downtown area, which includes a college kid weekend area (shot bars, $1 drinks, whatever) and nicer bars and restaurants. There's a few golf courses, I can't really address their quality. If you need some recommendations for bars and restaurants, PM me.

I love it here, and I don't really plan on leaving any time soon.

[thatpfunk]

If you have your details for the SD trip, let me know...

Unfortunately June is our worst month of weather (seriously, it will most likely be cloudy beach days) but it is still a good time.

Do you want the trip to include poker? I hope not, as there is plenty to do in the 3 days you would be here (namely spending time at the beach /images/graemlins/laugh.gif).

[bugstud]

hopefully clark's party is during your stay. Stop by my place in Vegas then, anyway.

I think as Mantasm said you're shafting Texas a little bit, but I went through a similar process and settled on Vegas.

[BigBaitsim (milo)]

Definately Vegas. No distractions there.

[thatpfunk]

[ QUOTE ]
B) If you have opinions on SD, Austin, or Tally, let me know. Also, if you have any other suggestions for spots I need to check out, let me hear them. Good locations...
- have over 300,000 people in the metropolitan area
- deal with snow less than once every 5 years
- have low state income taxes
- have very good infrastructure, especially in regards to traffic
- have good public golf in all ranges; $0-50, $50-100, and $100+
- have large contingents of college students
- have many hot, desperate women. Some of these hot women must be intelligent and socially adept enough to not make me hate them after 10 minutes of talking. I realize this makes San Diego look like a bad idea, but I'm not going to knock it until I try it again.


[/ QUOTE ]

Ok, semi-detailed response:
-Plenty of people in the SD area. It is very spread out however. The beach areas are a lot of fun and are close to everything important. Rent is probably astronomical compared to what you are used to, but there are few things that beat opening your door and seeing the ocean and the boardwalk.

-No snow. But if you snowboard, it is 2 1/2 hours away and Mammoth is 7.

-I don't pay much attention to state taxes, I'm not going to move, so why frustrate myself?

-Traffic in San Diego is not horrible (not LA). For the most part, there is little reason to be traveling a lot on the Freeways; most things are close. Casinos are within 45 mins. San Diego is a spread out city, but there isn't much of a reason to go to the outskirts.

- Lots of golf, year round. Torrey Pines is great, plus lots of random good deals.

- Beach area is awesome, tons of young people. Girls are, in general, great looking, especially compared to what I saw traveling cross country.

- Women are hot, as I explained. But, you fears are not unfounded. The majority of them are dumb as rocks, and to make things worse, they often fit into the "spoiled, anorexic, superficial" stereotype all to well.
(Example from last night's bar. Girl to friend: "I don't know how she couldn't like him? I mean, he bought her Gucci sunglasses!" I'm serious.)

But, when you do find a cool one, it's like hitting the freaking jackpot.

Hope this helps...

[Schneids]

How about Tempe, Arizona?

[gonores]

[ QUOTE ]
Do you want the trip to include poker? I hope not, as there is plenty to do in the 3 days you would be here (namely spending time at the beach ).

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't plan on playing too much (and when I do, I'll do it on the laptop, at a coffee shop or something, taking in the sights and sounds). Unfortunately, thanks to my ADD, I'm not a huge beach guy, but I'm sure I'll check it out.

Warm to hot weather doesn't bother me one iota.

[nolanfan34]

[ QUOTE ]
How about Tempe, Arizona?

[/ QUOTE ]

This is a pretty good suggestion.

You'd probably actually like Seattle, except it's not as consistently sunny as those other locations. That, and the traffic isn't great, which is why I assume you ruled out LA.

We do have no state income tax though. Of course, Nevada doesn't either.

[gonores]

It's not so much that Madison itself is too distracting...it's that I have so many groups of friends within driving distance (having spent all 23 years of my life in WI) and I have a problem saying no to them, especially when the argument is "do you really need the $X you expect to make tonight if you stay in?"

[gonores]

[ QUOTE ]
Tempe

[/ QUOTE ]

It might be worth a peek. Who's been there?

[gonores]

[ QUOTE ]
You'd probably actually like Seattle,

[/ QUOTE ]

I actually do like the city, but unfortunately, there is one messed-up girl out there who would be convinced that I moved out there for the sole purpose of saving her from herself and her crappy life to sweep her off her feet and take her straight to the altar. I'm certain I couldn't hide myself from her, and I don't think anything short of a restraining order would keep her away from me.

And, yes, I do realize I am saying that I am hiding from a girl.

[gonores]

[ QUOTE ]
hopefully clark's party is during your stay. Stop by my place in Vegas then, anyway.

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm so in.

[nolanfan34]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
You'd probably actually like Seattle,

[/ QUOTE ]

I actually do like the city, but unfortunately, there is one messed-up girl out there who would be convinced that I moved out there for the sole purpose of saving her from herself and her crappy life to sweep her off her feet and take her straight to the altar. I'm certain I couldn't hide myself from her, and I don't think anything short of a restraining order would keep her away from me.

And, yes, I do realize I am saying that I am hiding from a girl.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't think you needed that last sentence disclaimer. The first part is excuse enough for me, yikes.

[Schneids]

Nice weather year-round, ASU campus and a nice little upscale downtownish area with bars and shopping and the likes, not that far from Phoenix (shithole IMO but still a larger metropolis option) and live poker can be found in Arizona too though you probably don't care that much about that.

Gorgeous girls as well. Good golfing.

Of the places I've been to in America, Tempe rates highly on my list.

[gonores]

Consider your ass recruited for a July trip

[La Brujita]

Scottsdale or Tempe are great choices. I have been numerous times. Golf is sublime, live poker is great and women are incredible.

Edit to say I have been many times but have not played that much live poker there, didn't want to give wrong impression. I have probably played 25 hours there only.

[whiskeytown]

who the hell goes to Vegas to get more control over temptation.

I've been to Madison - I think you overestimate it's coolness - /images/graemlins/grin.gif

RB

[thatpfunk]

[ QUOTE ]

Gorgeous girls as well.

[/ QUOTE ]

Girls at ASU and UofA make southern california girls look like geniuses...

My opinion on Arizona seems to differ greatly from the other posters- It's hell. I haven't/don't spend too much time there, and it is cheap(er), but it is way too hot and miserable during the summer with not much to do except go to rivers/lakes.

The people, eh, I suppose it depends where you live...

[jrobb83]

Tempe is awesome, and don't listen to the people who tell you the weather sucks. It's hot as hell for about 3 months, and the rest of the year people travel from Wisconsin to spend time here. Its also not bad at night, and an internet poker pro doesn't need to venture outside during the day that often anyway.

The golf here is awesome, among the best in the world; there are courses everywhere and they run the gamut of prices.

It also fits the rest of your requirements. While intelligent hot women may be a bit difficult to find, they do exist.

The mid limit poker is also quite good at Casino Arizona.

I've lived in the area for all 22 years I've been alive so I'm quite familiar with it. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

[billyjex]

I'm giving a vote to San Diego. I absolutely love that town - beautiful weather, beautiful scenery, beautiful woman -- just being in that city makes me feel better.

I'm moving there in a year after college -- can't wait.

[1800GAMBLER]

[ QUOTE ]
It's not so much that Madison itself is too distracting...it's that I have so many groups of friends within driving distance (having spent all 23 years of my life in WI) and I have a problem saying no to them, especially when the argument is "do you really need the $X you expect to make tonight if you stay in?"

[/ QUOTE ]

I've just started to lie pretending i've become a tournament player and there's a ladbrokes cruise/wpt sat tournament that i need to stay in for.

I've considered doing what you are doing, moving away for the year just to get a ton of poker in then have a year off/play 10hours a week again, i'd go to thailand or australia to do it.

[Schneids]

Or do like what I'm doing next year and live with three other hardcore poker players. I'm sure we'll make it into a contest every month to see who wins the most money/BBs/WR etc. Being around others who are playing makes it easier to play I've found.

[geormiet]

I just graduated from school a few weeks ago and have been an offical "pro" for only a short while, so I'm still trying to come to terms with the thought of it.

Your post strikes a chord for me, because the other day I thought to myself - what the hell am I doing living in LA? I don't play live action for profit, so that's not really a factor. LA boasts a high cost of living, super high taxes, traffic, smog, angry people, (albeit attractive angry people), traffic, I live in the ghetto, etc...

To be honest with you, it seems like you have a good thing going for you in WI. For me, if I am in a place where I am having fun, I work better and am happier about working longer. Throw me into an environment where social activity is kept to a minimum, simply having a lot of hours available to me doesn't mean I'm going to use them to their fullest.

Also, I don't know if you've done it before, but moving to a completely new place is really hard (in terms of meeting people). Unless you have some fantastic social skills and are really outgoing, it is going to be tough to establish a network of friends without a particular reason to be there, such as a job, or school.

However, ignoring all that...go for it. It sounds like it will be a lot of fun.

By the way, have you ever considered of living outside of the US, such as New Zealand, or Canada? I have no clue, but something tells me golfing is good in NZ...also, not being taxed on your first 80k of income is mighty appealing.

[BottlesOf]

Why would you move from one college town to another one? Or to Vegas, where there's even more distractions? I vote for SD.

[gonores]

[ QUOTE ]
Why would you move from one college town to another one? Or to Vegas, where there's even more distractions

[/ QUOTE ]

My friends are all too close to me in Madison. They convince me to blow off work all too often to slack off. I can redefine myself as more reclusive in a different town.

[nolanfan34]

[ QUOTE ]
I can redefine myself as more reclusive in a different town.

[/ QUOTE ]

I don't deny that moving may be a good idea, but based on everything I've read that you've posted, and what others have said from the CB antics, I highly doubt the quoted part will happen. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

I'd vote for SD or Tempe. I would imagine that having some form of live poker would be nice, once in a while.

[slavic]

You know, you described austin to a 'T'

It's hot though, and no legal poker.

For these reasons I'd say Vegas.

Sure it's hot anyway, but there is legal poker.

[surfdoc]

The women in San Diego are not dumb. That is total stereotypical B.S. They are beautiful though as the area is very rich in health minded fitness types.

I just checked my schedule and I am off the afternoon of the 9th and the 10th. I am happy to dust of the sticks and play some holes. I'll shoot you a PM.

[Lmn55d]

1800,

I'm in Sydney right now studying and playing poker, travelling, and partying. Its the nuts, I highly recommend it.

[thatpfunk]

[ QUOTE ]

The women in San Diego are not dumb.

[/ QUOTE ]

I've lived here for 22 years. Yes, they are (in general of course).

[1800GAMBLER]

[ QUOTE ]
1800,

I'm in Sydney right now studying and playing poker, travelling, and partying. Its the nuts, I highly recommend it.

[/ QUOTE ]

/images/graemlins/frown.gif /images/graemlins/frown.gif /images/graemlins/frown.gif /images/graemlins/frown.gif

I spent 3 months there last year and loved it. If i had more balls i'd pick up and move there sometime and keep on swiitching between NZ for visa reasons, but i fear travelling alone and i have more ties back home now.

[theBruiser500]

"I'm not putting in enough hours playing poker because this place is too much fun."

i don't get it, you are enjoying life too much and want to change that?

[rocketlaunch]

[ QUOTE ]
You know, you described austin to a 'T'

It's hot though, and no legal poker.

For these reasons I'd say Vegas.

Sure it's hot anyway, but there is legal poker.

[/ QUOTE ]

There may be no legal poker in Austin, but there is a ton of poker in Austin. A person has 20 or more games to choose from on any given night.

There are some big games, too, although one may have to look around a bit before finding a game bigger than 10/20 LHE or 2/4 NLHE, as games bigger than that tend to come and go with the donators.

[Ulysses]

[ QUOTE ]
Or do like what I'm doing next year and live with three other hardcore poker players. I'm sure we'll make it into a contest every month to see who wins the most money/BBs/WR etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Boy, that sounds like a blast.

[Schneids]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Or do like what I'm doing next year and live with three other hardcore poker players. I'm sure we'll make it into a contest every month to see who wins the most money/BBs/WR etc.

[/ QUOTE ]

Boy, that sounds like a blast.

[/ QUOTE ]

FU. It will be a blast and there will still be plenty of variety to my life and education.

[ElSapo]

[ QUOTE ]
It's not so much that Madison itself is too distracting...it's that I have so many groups of friends within driving distance (having spent all 23 years of my life in WI) and I have a problem saying no to them, especially when the argument is "do you really need the $X you expect to make tonight if you stay in?"

[/ QUOTE ]

This seems like a terrible reason to move - you've got too many friends who want to spend time with you?

[gonores]

[ QUOTE ]
This seems like a terrible reason to move - you've got too many friends who want to spend time with you?

[/ QUOTE ]

It's a terrible reason for a normal person to move. It's a great reason for a self-employed person to move

[Clarkmeister]

[ QUOTE ]
Definately Vegas. No distractions there.

[/ QUOTE ]

[fsuplayer]

Id like to cast one vote for Tallahassee.

your NL game needs work, and we can buy a gym or something.

[tech]

[ QUOTE ]
have very good infrastructure, especially in regards to traffic

[/ QUOTE ]

Texas is great, but you better not move to Austin if this requirement is important to you.

[Munga30]

Another big thumbs-up for Tempe. Lived there for four years and it was a great place to be young, single, and active.

[kt421]

Vancouver. Incredible city. You might have to fake your way into some type of visa, or just come to "visit" and don't look back.

[gonores]

Change in plans.

June 9-12 San Diego
June 12-14/15 Tallahassee

Austin?

Vegas is still June 21-26

[NoChance]

I am moving to Chandler August 5th. Many of the comments in here got me all excited about it again.

[coffeecrazy1]

I have lived in Texas all of my 25 years. While I don't expect to be here the entire time, I can tell you that both Austin and Dallas would be good fits for the things you are wanting.

Both towns have active poker scenes, plenty of college-age women, and nowhere in Texas short of Amarillo has to deal with snow very often(last Christmas was the first white Christmas in Houston's recorded history...we thought the world was ending).

As for the other places, Vegas is a logical choice, but maybe Phoenix is a possibility? I hear it's very nice out there.

But, nowhere with more than 300,000 people is going to be completely distraction-free. If you really want to concentrate, move to my college town, College Station, Texas, with its 20,000 college-age women and nothing to do but play poker and drink massive quantities of beer.

[midas]

I'd swap Tampa for Tallahasse, with the exception of hordes (UCF?) of college students there is just more going on in the city. Tempe would be my first choice for your check list and closeness to Vegas and California casinos.

[Sponger15SB]

[ QUOTE ]
The bottom line is I have to get out of Madison...pronto. I'm not putting in enough hours playing poker because this place is too much fun.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would just like to point out that you might be the first person to ever say Madison, Wisconsin is too much fun.

[Aytumious]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
The bottom line is I have to get out of Madison...pronto. I'm not putting in enough hours playing poker because this place is too much fun.

[/ QUOTE ]

I would just like to point out that you might be the first person to ever say Madison, Wisconsin is too much fun.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's doubtful. Haven't you ever been there? Lots of people love Madison.