A Day In The Life...

My Full February

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 10:14:26 -0800

Well, we're only two months into 2010 and things have already been jam packed but I'm having a BLAST!

I headed to The Bahamas at the beginning of January to play in the Pokerstars Caribbean Adventure. Unfortunately the weather was windy, rainy and cold so after busting from the main event we didn't opt to stay and lounge on the beach as planned.

After a quick stop in Vegas for the Heartland Poker Tour's Celebrity Charity Tournament (made it down to the last two tables) and Main Event (made it deep into Day 2) I was able to squeeze my sun time in a few weeks later in Panama where I headed to play the Poker Hispano Tour's $1500 event.

It's always fascinating to play poker in other countries. When I went to buy into the PHT Main Event the guy at registration automatically handed me a $100 satellite slip. When I clarified that I wanted to buy into the $1500 MAIN EVENT (in my broken Spanish) he froze and looked at me like I was crazy. He began arguing with the other registration staff to confirm that I was ALLOWED to enter the $1500 Main Event, ha ha. Needless to say, I was the ONLY female playing the tournament and I didn't see a single other woman playing cards in the casino so his surprised response was understandable.

I wasn't too disappointed when I busted from the tournament because it meant that I got to adventure around Panama. I enjoyed some incredible meals, bar hopping in the heart of the city, touring the old town, visiting one of the 8 World Wonders - the Panama Canal, and somehow ended up hanging out with some of my Supercross buddies who were in town for the an FMX Freestyle showcase.

Next on the travel schedule was another trip to Vegas to play in the Trash Talk Poker Championship which raised money for the Sharon Osbourne Colon Cancer Program. I had a really fun time at this tournament, as I do with most Celeb Charity events and to top it off I got to see my girl Trishelle win the entire thing! Two days later I was at a final table myself in one of the Venetian Deepstack $335 tournaments. I took 8th place out of almost 200 players. Later in the week I went from the poker tables to the basketball court! Maria and I were asked to join our Amazing Race cast mates Big Easy & Flight Time in their Harlem Globetrotter show at the Orleans Arena. Poker has definitely opened up some awesome doors for me, one of which was being on The Amazing Race last season and THAT show has opened even more doors for me. Although Maria's and my basketball game is not up to par with the Globetrotters we had the time of our life and cherished the opportunity to be apart of a show that is so loved, legendary and global.

Since then I've been enjoying some downtime at home in Los Angeles for the past couple weeks, playing online and a few of the LAPC event. I played one of my favorite tournaments this past weekend, the WPT Celebrity Poker Invitational. Out of almost 600 players I made it to day two and down to seven tables, getting knocked out in 60th-ish place by Ricki Lake... my AK v. A7 never had a shot against Ricki who was running pretty hot!

No matter how many poker bad beats I suffer I have NOTHING to complain about. There's always a new adventure coming around the corner. In fact, I have plenty of trips, tournaments and events scheduled in the coming months to look forward to... so check back soon.

xx Tiffany

Post-Cavuto / Fox Appearance Comments

Fri, 29 Jan 2010 08:37:37 -0800

I just wanted to clarify a few things about my recent appearance on Cavuto, which many of you saw on the Fox Business Network the other day. I realize it's a very controversial network with people strongly liking or disliking Cavuto himself, along with the network itself. I've generally keep my political opinions to myself since that too is an incredibly controversial subject. Although the poker references were in abundance (as requested by the network - no, I don't talk about everything in life via poker terms LOL) I have a lot of interests outside of poker and embrace any opportunity to challenge myself and diversify outside of the casino walls. A few things that may have been misunderstood...

#1. I have never claimed to be a professional blackjack player, not quite sure where they got that one. I've also never claimed to be an "expert gambler". I wasn't aware of the titles they planned to use prior to going on air and only saw them after we went live. Yes, I play poker for a living but in no way do I claim "expert" status at the game - far, far, far from it. I have so much to learn and can only hope to have a career like some of the greats someday. I was merely asked to come on and discuss the issue in a light-hearted manner and in reference to poker, not as political analyst or poker genius.

#2. Just for the record, I did vote for Obama. As you'll have noticed by watching the show, I did not personally bash the President or speak negatively of him. I have the UTMOST respect for ANY person who opts to take on such a difficult job as the Presidency. However, regardless of where my loyalties lie I wasn't intimidated to candidly DISCUSS the sticky situation which Obama and Democratic party now find themselves in - a year into the Health Care reform. I believe that discussing and questioning things is a healthy part of life, no matter what side of an issue you stand on.

Yes, there are plenty of professional players who are more respected than I in the poker industry, who are brilliant, intelligent conversationalists. I didn't go knocking on Fox's door asking them to put me on TV as the "voice of the poker world"... they ASKED ME to be on the show and discuss the issue. I do play poker, I do have thoughts on the current Health Care reform and I was flattered to be invited onto such a high profile show with the opportunity to branch out and do something different, i.e. discussing politics. I also welcome any opportunity to combat the sexist stereotypes that I (and many women in male dominated fields) face on a regular basis, highlighting something other than my looks. Not all women use their looks and sex appeal to get ahead in life, most of us actually have brains too!

I have learned that there is no possible way to make everyone happy nor is that my plight in life. Therefore I shall leave you with this... "This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." -Hamlet

A Look Back on 2009

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 20:55:08 -0800

Wow, what a year it has been! I thought it would be impossible for 2009 to top 2008. I mean, how much better can it get than having a 17th place finish at the World Series of Poker Main Event and $334,534 payday?! Apparently it could get a whole lot better, exciting, and surprising!

I spent time in 22 different cities, spanning 11 countries with only one month out of year that I didn’t hop on a plane and travel. I played a decent amount of poker worldwide but I also took time to work on some other aspects of my career, like launching my Tiffany Michelle by BlackAce Clothing Line! Aside from the destinations visited on The Amazing Race - work, poker and other events took me to Biloxi, Atlantic City, Knoxville, Nashville, Reno, Daytona Beach, New York City, San Diego, Canada, Aruba and, as always… Las Vegas.

Speaking of travel, I know that many of you followed my journey this year on the CBS Emmy Award Winning series, The Amazing Race - which took me to Japan, Vietnam, Cambodia, Dubai, The Netherlands, Sweden, Estonia and Prague. Even though the show airs over 3.5 months I was only gone for one month of filming. Of course, “only” a month felt like YEARS considering I had zero contact with friends & family, no computer or cell phone, and just a single backpack with my belongings (no maps, books or gadgets allowed) for a race filled with unknown locations, terrains, tasks and climates. It was the most challenging thing I have EVER done; physically, mentally and emotionally but incredibly life changing and rewarding. I'll never forget the day in mid July when I said goodbye to life as I knew it and found myself standing at the Los Angeles River, ready to be released into the big bad WORLD with just my backpack, my brain, my girl Maria and our personal camera crew of two. This was definitely the adventure of a lifetime!

Looking back on The Amazing Race and on all of 2009, I feel FULL. My heart is overwhelmed in the best of ways. Words can’t describe how amazing and exhausting my experience was. Those of you who have traveled worldwide, seen third world countries and experienced other cultures can attest to the impact it has on you. The Race helped to ground me and bring me to a place of simplicity, gratefulness, love, humility and peace. Being in such intense circumstances birthed an overwhelming sense of love and gratitude in my heart, even for the most trivial things - let alone a warm bed and pillow. My perspective was changed. Any resemblance of a “problem” or annoyance in my life has faded into nothingness. People who have wronged me in the past I have suddenly developed an overwhelming love and appreciation for, thankful for the ways they’ve helped me to learn and grow as a person. It’s amazing the transforming power that a heart and attitude of gratitude can have on EVERY aspect of your life.

What a beautiful journey I embarked on this year, personally and professionally. What wonderful comrades I've gained as a result. What phenomenal experiences I was subjected to, and what priceless stories I have to tell of it. Oh, the hell I was put through, but what beauty it birthed and layers it shed within me, sculpting me closer to who and how I want to be. How beautiful change is, SCARY but so rewarding. Embarking on a new adventure can be nerve racking but if we're willing to learn, bend, break, mold and shed, WOW, what amazing treasures we can find within ourselves on the other end… IF we go through it, if we endure, if we face it, if we jump off the ledge, if we bare our heart and soul, if we open our eyes... if we run the race.

Much love to all of you and blessings on the New Year!

It Feels Like I’m Still Racing

Sun, 29 Nov 2009 13:39:17 -0800

(Photo: During our elimination press week in New York City, we bumped into Jamie Gold at the 3rd Annual Sunflower Children’s Charity Event)

My run on The Amazing Race may be over but things haven’t died down since that very first day at the start line when Phil said “Go”!

Since my elimination from the show I’ve been swept into whirlwind of press. I returned from a trip to Nashville the day after my elimination. Upon landing in Los Angeles first thing Monday morning, I went straight into hair and makeup for a day of press. First, I had several phone interviews with various media outlets like People Magazine and TV Guide, then it was off to The Bonnie Hunt Show, then CBS studios for Inside Dish With Ross Matthews, all ending with the world premiere of The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Fast forward the next two days of more press and we were off to New York City to appear on the CBS Early Morning Show. I enjoyed a few short days in NYC, then a few short days at home in LA before taking off with Maria to Vancouver for the BC Poker Championships. I LOVE visiting Canada and spending time at the River Rock Resort and Casino, not to mention, I got to play some poker! We had a blast doing a week long press tour, meeting players, eating at great restaurants, shopping, spending time in the city and playing the BCPC Main Event. I made it fairly deep in both the 1k prelim event and the Main Event but came short of the money in both tournaments.

It doesn’t look like things will be dying down anytime soon. I’ll be heading to New York next week for the season finale of The Amazing Race. Although I already know who wins the show, I’m looking forward to watching the last episode and being reunited with the entire cast for a weekend of parties and celebration. PHEW! If my schedule sounds exhausting, it has been but I can’t complain. I feel so blessed with every single thing that is on my plate. Yes, it can get tiring but I never forget what an extraordinary life I lead, especially with the incredible opportunities I’ve received over the last two years. I’m trying to enjoy every moment, even if my eyes are at half-mast due to last of sleep.

If life has taught me anything, it’s that you never know what to expect! There always seems to be something lurking just around the corner, so I’m excited to see what 2010 throws at me. I’m looking forward to officially launching and spending more time promoting my clothing line, Tiffany Michelle by BlackAce. There are more TV opportunities in the works and I’m anxious to get back to my FIRST love, acting. Hopefully 2010 will allow me a little more time to focus on my acting career and auditions. Of course, poker fits in there somewhere and after a nice loooong break from the game I’m about ready to stir things up again.

Much love, more to come and Happy Holidays to you all!

Amazing Race - Amsterdam

Sun, 1 Nov 2009 20:35:06 -0800

HUGE thanks to all of you for the support this season! I read all of the comments you leave on Facebook, Twitter etc. and your kind words and positivity have meant so much to me!

Although things didn’t end the way I would have liked tonight, I REALLY enjoyed the episode and I was in tears by the end. Recounting the terribly hard, freezing and frustrating day that we had in Amsterdam was tough but ultimately I was touched by Maria’s beautiful words, friendship and how we left every ounce of our hearts & souls on that cow-pie filled field, ha ha :-)

Just a few “behind the scenes” details you didn’t get to see that might clear up some of the questions:

1. THE QUITTING THING: Technically we didn’t “quit”, we took a penalty for not completing the Detour which happens to be a 24hr penalty (for an unfinished Detour)... mind you, that was AFTER over three hours of attempting BOTH challenges. Obviously we knew that by giving up on the Detour and asking for the penalty we could VERY likely be eliminated, it was unlikely that we could withstand a 24hr penalty unless it was a non-elimination leg but “quitting the Race” was not what we did, technically we took the penalty (although they worded it differently when Phil came out to the field) and at the point that Brian & Ericka checked in we were then eliminated.
2. THE GAY THING: Editing might show otherwise but we said from DAY ONE that we thought Sam & Dam were the “token gay team” this season and that was confirmed to us in Vietnam when they came out to us. I think audiences were confused when we talked about “loving” them or “making out with them”, thinking we actually had romantic crushes as compared to just platonically loving them for being great guys and good friends to us on the Race. The rest of the Racers, however found out in this episode in the Dubai airport when Sam & Dan told them... but it wasn’t news to us. Not that this point is important but several of you have commented and asked for clarification :-)
3. THE HYPOTHERMIA THING: Between the dinger and golf challenge we spent over THREE HOURS attempting both challenges, in soaking wet clothing, in stormy, windy, freezing weather giving our best efforts between the two! You couldn’t tell on TV but the hammer for the carnival dinger was over 40lbs! At one point, on our second attempt at the golf field EMT’s had to come out to the field and take me off because they were worried I was getting hypothermia. You’ll notice that towards the end of the episode I’m wearing a gray, long sleeve which they made me wear if I was to continue the golf challenge even though the Detour rules stated that teams could only do it in the provided farmer long johns! The EMT’s assessed my condition and felt that continuing in the given weather conditions could be a hazardous to my health, therefore production had to make a medical exception because I was so soaked to the bone and uncontrollably shaking. CRAZY!

There is much more to come and Maria and I have a crazy week of elimination press coming up. Of course we’ll keep you posted so you can follow all the action. Again, thank you for the love and support... it means the world to me.

xx