Wow! It has been nothing but utter chaos since I have returned home from my grand adventure, and I would not want it any other way. My hectic schedule as of late has made me realize that somewhere along the way in my four and half years as a professional poker player, I have been completely spoiled by the lifestyle and freedoms that this profession has afforded me. I get to wake up whenever I want, never have to work on someone else's schedule, take extra long breaks from something I should be doing for lunch or even for no reason at all, and have every day be a weekend.

This past couple of weeks have been a welcomed change from that kind of lackadaisical lifestyle, and I now have a whole new perspective on all the positive ways in which having more structure to your life can actually be good for ya. Sure, who likes to wake up at 8 in the morning, and who wants to say, "How high?" when someone says, "Jump!" But I say nothing can be more boring than always getting to do what you want, when you want. I have always been a procrastinator, always putting stuff off 'til the absolute last possible second, and then putting it off some more. But now, I have realized that there are so many benefits in making the most out of your day and that by doing so I can actually improve my discipline and reignite my passion when it comes to poker. In our profession how easily we forget how good we really have it, and sometimes I find myself not enjoying poker as much as I used to even though it is because of poker that I have the freedoms I enjoy so liberally.

I have recently discovered that I love, love, love, being busy! Running around, having schedules to defer to, that is the life, I tell ya! Anyhow, before you all think I have gone off the deep end, no worries, I will still be taking liberties from the good 'ol poker life, but just adding some much-needed balance is all. First on the list of luxuries is heading down to the Aruba Poker Classic with whom else but my partner in crime, TM. We have been in deep need of a vacay since being on The Amazing Race and Aruba will be the perfect opportunity to win some money and get a nice tan at the same time!

But in the meantime, I am just sooooo excited for the premiere of The Amazing Race coming up this Sunday, September 27^th at 8PM on CBS. Last night, the show won its 7^th consecutive Emmy out of 7 nominations for "Best Reality TV show" and the craziest part is, they are the only show to have won this award as the category was only created 7 years ago! Way to keep the streak alive and what a streak that is! I am so incredibly grateful and honored to be a part of such a well-respected show, and I can honestly say first-hand that the reward for their efforts is well deserved!

Hope you all take the time to check out the show on Sunday, the 27^th while you guys are busy playing your Sunday tourneys. I promise that you will be highly entertained, so get the popcorn ready and I hope you guys enjoy it! GO Team PURPLE!!!

In the meantime check out these links below from The Race! 

http://www.mariaho.com (My website for the latest)

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/video/?pid=ndO_9nUcerOGh4Vns_FSLnuge23Vzqsh (Meet Maria and Tiffany)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW4DwHyw808 (The Amazing Race TV Promo)

http://www.cardplayer.com/cptv/channels/13-other-poker-videos/poker-videos/3828-poker-buzz-maria-ho-on-the-amazing-race (Interview with Kristy Arnett from Card Player)

http://www.cbs.com/primetime/amazing_race/  (The Amazing Race homepage on CBS.com)

THE AMAZING RACE SEASON 15 CAST

 XOXO