Celebration Or Consolation?

I have very mixed emotions about my 42nd place finish. On one hand, to outlast 98% of the field seems like reason to celebrate. But once again I have come tantalizingly close to serious money and a chance to win a World Series of Poker bracelet and come up short.

Fortunately, my best friend Stephen has just flown in. Hanging out with him at the Cafe Martiromo--part nightclub, part restaurant, all Italian--is just what I need to ease the pain. Later, I hook up with Rainbow, an Omaha/Stud Eight or Better Specialist, and John Armbrust, last year's Main Event 18th place finisher, and their entourage and we head upstairs 50 floors to the Voodoo lounge, with its drop dead gorgeous view of nighttime Vegas and pounding rock beat, for a nightcap or two. Am I celebrating or consoling myself? I can't decide.