Long time, no see...

I can't believe it's been so long since I last posted. Wow, time flies when you suck at poker. A lot has happened since my last post, so let's get right into it.

2006 - The year that wasn't

Despite having a couple of good weeks, I finished the 2006 season near the bottom of the pack. I believe I ended up finishing 21st, but I'm not completely sure. It really doesn't matter anyway. A very disappointing by many standards, most of all my own. I'm my own toughest critic and when I know I stink, it's a really bad sign. Before the end of the year, I started to become less anxious and didn't take making a bad move and bad luck so personally. Truth is, as I'm sure many people were and are aware, I was a pretty sore loser. I think coming into this year, I was a little calmer and a little more well adjusted. I think after last year, I was pretty burnt out and sour when it came to poker. Basically, I'm limiting my poker schedule to KNK and a few special events. Otherwise, unless I really want to play, I pass on most other games. Which does suck because I did enjoy Jim's off-Friday tournament. Sometimes, in order to reel yourself back in, sacrifices have to be made.

The 2006 year end tourney

Moving on, the KNK year end tournament was good. I hung on for as long as I could, but got bumped out in the middle of the pack. Bill did well, I think he was runner up to Greg. Kurt, Bill, Ryan and I discussed some of the changes that needed to be adressed the week prior to the last tournament of the year. Some pretty good changes were made. A lot of new people came in as well, which is good to see. All in all, despite not acheiving some of my personal goals, 2006 was a very good year for KNK as a whole.

2007 - A new year, thank God!

I started this year with no expectations and very few goals. I did this for a couple of reasons. One, I am a goal oriented person and while I believe it's good to have goals, sometimes they can work against you. Secondly, 2006 really humbled me to the point where I was questioning whether or not I should continue to play. Lastly, I came to a realization late last year. Poker, as fun and challenging as it can be, is just a hobby for me. I would like to play professionally, but I am realistic enough to know that that is probably never goiong to happen. I don't need to put so much pressure on myself for a pastime, no matter how competative it is. It's worth mentioning again that I am my own toughest critic and when things don't go well, I blame myself before I look anywhere else. All things considered, this year I decided to take a step back and relax. I think to a certain degree, it's helped me to accept things for what they are. I've also made another decision. While I may go on and describe how my night went, I will not put so much emphasis on where I finish. If I win I will mention it, but as far as this year goes, it is where I am at the end of 2007 that will really tell me how far I've come. KNK's season is a marathon, not a sprint. I am now just learning to enjoy the view along the way.

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