2010 is winding down…

Hey guys, time for a quick update. For some reason HEM has gone on strike for me and I’ve been trying like the devil to get it to import my latest hands from November, but to no avail. I need to get one of you computer whizzes over here to help my noob ass out. The month started out similar to October, but I definitely hit a wall around the mid-point of the month. It was very taxing and frustrating to be unable to dodge draws and coolers as they hit with remarkable consistency, and while my winnings tapered off a bit (I actually had a week or two stretch where I was literally trading sessions with wins/losses over and over…it got old really quick and I wonder how people manage to still play this game when they’ve been breaking even for two years+), I still managed to profit roughly $30.7k from the cash games, with a $4k bonus. The first week or so of December followed in similar suit, but one Friday afternoon session I managed to lose a whole batch of absurd hands, two of which my opponent was drawing to 1 out and I lost, two of which I was on the other end of an under-set situation but lost, and a few other get-it-in with the nuts and lose to draws for stacks types of scenarios. I decided to play through it, and surprisingly, I checked my results at the end of the session and I wound up profiting $5,900 once all the bizarreness stabilized. Not to get a big head about it or anything, but I gave myself a pat on the back for having the mental toughness to stick it out and not do what I see so many other players do when things don’t go their way: tilt, spew, play horrible. The poker gods must’ve seen that as one last test of will (for now at least, knock on wood!) that I managed to pass, and have thus rewarded me with a week of normality. Of course, when I think I am running normally, I tend to show some decent profits. December is shaping up to be a good finishing touch on what’s been a big year for me.
I’m so thankful for everyone in my life – my parents, my wife, sister, friends that give meaning to my life. I sincerely want the best for everyone and appreciate them for putting up with me when I stray from being the best person I can be. It’s mind blowing how fast and eventful this whole year has been, but what I feel right now is an inner calm about where I am in my life and who I share it with, and eagerly await what lies around the corner for us in 2011.
Lately I have a renewed interest in basketball, mostly due to Wesley incepting me at Danny’s birthday dinner, and I have to say, it’s refreshing to have something to look forward to after a long day on the grind. Whether it’s playing or watching the NBA on TV, it provides a nice balance in my life that I think I was lacking before. I instantly bought new basketball shorts, shirts, a ball, and shoes, of course…since I hadn’t gotten anything new for myself in about three years. I was still wearing the VC4′s (Vince Carter), symbolic of his high-flying days! (which are way past now). I am slowly getting back in shape and being more health-conscious. I signed some friends up to play in an adult rec league starting early January, so I’m definitely looking forward to that as well.
I hope everyone out there can count their blessings and be grateful for everything they have in their life, and I wish everyone the safest holiday season as 2010 draws to its conclusion.