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Break From Poker Update


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First off I appreciated the positive responses to my original post regarding my decision to take an extended break from this great game. It meant a lot. I am posting an update for anyone who cares to read it, but also for anyone who may feel like life and this game might be getting to you too.Regarding my personal situation, I decided to take my funk head on. I needed to focus on a large part of the problem which was work related and get some solid answers. Budget rumors had long been swirling which, if true, would have meant cutting positions in certain areas (i.e., ours). Over the past week I've been in several (often heated) meetings getting clarification with the new directors. Several things resulted from these discussions.Turns out (unbeknownst to all) but the bean counters had already fixed the present budget trouble. There had been some tricky financial moves made which will result in saving our jobs for at least the next 5 years, which is HUGE news since I only have 3 more left. Woot that! But the sickest thing is that I ended up with a small promotion. Oh sweet irony. It’s bitter sweet however, more money...more B S. But I can think of a million worse situations for sure… I am a very lucky guy. Which brings me to my next point… regaining perspective.This break has also allowed me to have some good talks and I've started to regain a realistic clarity regarding many positive things in my life. The result so far has been a greatly improved mood and state of mind. I was apparently in a very low spot due to many things hitting all at once, but did not know the full extent. The counselors had me pegged in like 10 seconds, lol. There was no doubt … I was definitely depressed. The good news was that I am not so deep as to warrant any kinds of meds (thank God). The on-going counseling, the break from poker, the retreat back into the real world so to speak and the positive news at work have resulted in a huge improvement in my overall outlook and confidence. This break so far has been exactly what I needed and I made it at just the right time apparently. That I knew to do this seemed to hit suddenly and mysteriously at the time, but in hindsight I’m not surprised. It had been building for a while. That I finally decided to do something came partly from my own intuition, friends advice, and a result of Steve7’s poker training, which hits on having the presence of mind to know when it’s time to step back and reevaluate a bad situation. Absolutely true, whether it be in poker or in life. I hate to sound like the preachy old guy, and I know many of you already know all this stuff and have heard about everything I am touching on here before. I have taken classes in college on this and thought I was above it all to be honest, never thought I would ever be in the spot I was in. Bear in mind that Poker did not lead to my depression, but it became a part of my depression. The point is I encourage anyone here, that if you feel like you might be at a similar life crossroad, regardless of how small you feel it, not to hesitate to stop what you are doing and consider talking to someone. It has been a huge part of my quest to get back on track.I also am going to continue my poker hiatus for the time being as I feel it is way too soon to get back up on that horse. Besides, the poker bankroll is on life support and it will be several more weeks before I am confident to take what’s left and slowly try to re build it. I will get back top playing and do miss it, but I am fine not playing. It’s not as difficult to stay away from as I thought. And that too was a good thing to discover. And I am continuing taking steps to get everything else in order as well.I’ll end by saying that I'm sure that some of you find that sharing this is pathetic. But if it helps anyone in a similar situation then it was worth the risk of embarrassment to me. I wish you all the best and continued success in poker and life. :club:

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I’ll end by saying that I'm sure that some of you find that sharing this is pathetic.
amen brother....amenj/k It's great you were able to recognize some of the changes you needed to make so that you could gain perspective. excellent job and don't be a stranger.
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Glad you've been able to fade the bad streak. Welcome back!!!!! Good luck at the new responsiblities and you know where to find us when you get back to the poker tables!

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Turns out (unbeknownst to all) but the bean counters had already fixed the present budget trouble. There had been some tricky financial moves made which will result in saving our jobs for at least the next 5 years, which is HUGE news since I only have 3 more left. Woot that! But the sickest thing is that I ended up with a small promotion. Oh sweet irony. It’s bitter sweet however, more money...more B S.
So, let me get this straight. you guys are gonna fire Mike and Samir, and you're gonna give *me* more money? in all seriousness, I'm really happy you're doing better, man. you seemed rather distressed in some of your last posts on here, and your leaving poker post it seemed quite serious. I'm glad you sought help, and that it's working for you.
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Nutz!I want my rematch!!! Oh...and glad to hear you are doing well!!! :club:

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Nothing a box of good cigars wouldn't have helped.But seriously, how's the golf game?And if I had a nickle for every guy on this forum that's stopped doing things that hurt them and started doing things that helped them in life, I'd have about $.05 by now

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Wow 3 more years left and you are good for at least 5 - awesome. And then across the finish line you go and no more getting up when you don't want to and going to bed when you have to! Congrats on getting that straightened out.I don't miss the game as much as I though I might either. This forum certainly helps. Far fewer bad beats. Although "The Shank" can still put me on tilt from time to time.Having said that, I might try one of those US credit card thingy's from Walgreens when I am in Arizona next week that apparently works on stars...... :club:.Continued good luck to you and remember (and I bet Clay Aiken wishes he thought of this one..) "Nothing is good or bad, thinking only makes it so".

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But seriously...what does this have to do with the fact your short game needs work?J/K.... Wish you the best bud! Are you going to the WSOP this year? Maybe some golf?
I gotta say that most folks here at FCP are the nuts. Very cool.And actually, I feel like my short game is pretty decent (right...Checky?). Regarding the WSOP, I and several others will be out at the at different times during the event for sure. I plan on being out there for the first week, June 1st thru June 11th. Several of us golf and will be playing. (Perhaps this might be a good time for the long rumored FCP golf outing????? (Matt, DN, ... hint hint...)) :club: I plan on playing the first 1500 NL event on June 2nd and then again the short handed event on June 6th. I also plan to be back the weekend of June 24th to watch the 50K horse event and support our crew. Winning a ME satellite would be nice too.I am going back for my birthday over the 4th of July weekend just prior to the ME, staying at Bellagio with the wife, but definitely will be out and about saying hello to everyone and what not. Also hope to finally sit at a table with Sandi and play some limit! :D Otherwise I'll just be hangin’ out enjoying the pool and playing golf.I think this year will be one of the best WSOP's in a long time and I am really getting jacked up for it. Hope to see ya out there Oze. :D
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I gotta say that most folks here at FCP are the nuts. Very cool.And actually, I feel like my short game is pretty decent (right...Checky?). Regarding the WSOP, I and several others will be out at the at different times during the event for sure. I plan on being out there for the first week, June 1st thru June 11th. Several of us golf and will be playing. (Perhaps this might be a good time for the long rumored FCP golf outing????? (Matt, DN, ... hint hint...)) :club: I plan on playing the first 1500 NL event on June 2nd and then again the short handed event on June 6th. I also plan to be back the weekend of June 24th to watch the 50K horse event and support our crew. Winning a ME satellite would be nice too.I am going back for my birthday over the 4th of July weekend just prior to the ME, staying at Bellagio with the wife, but definitely will be out and about saying hello to everyone and what not. Also hope to finally sit at a table with Sandi and play some limit! :D Otherwise I'll just be hangin’ out enjoying the pool and playing golf.I think this year will be one of the best WSOP's in a long time and I am really getting jacked up for it. Hope to see ya out there Oze. :D
I will plan accordingly! Thanks...I might even pony up some $$$$ and play in a event!
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I gotta say that most folks here at FCP are the nuts. Very cool.And actually, I feel like my short game is pretty decent (right...Checky?). Regarding the WSOP, I and several others will be out at the at different times during the event for sure. I plan on being out there for the first week, June 1st thru June 11th. Several of us golf and will be playing. (Perhaps this might be a good time for the long rumored FCP golf outing????? (Matt, DN, ... hint hint...)) :club: I plan on playing the first 1500 NL event on June 2nd and then again the short handed event on June 6th. I also plan to be back the weekend of June 24th to watch the 50K horse event and support our crew. Winning a ME satellite would be nice too.I am going back for my birthday over the 4th of July weekend just prior to the ME, staying at Bellagio with the wife, but definitely will be out and about saying hello to everyone and what not. Also hope to finally sit at a table with Sandi and play some limit! :D Otherwise I'll just be hangin’ out enjoying the pool and playing golf.I think this year will be one of the best WSOP's in a long time and I am really getting jacked up for it. Hope to see ya out there Oze. :D
I am thinking of playing in the June 7th short handed also, if I do we got to get a round in for sure, tournament or not.Also thinking of the $2500 HORSE on the 9th, that might be fun.I am taking the family on a cruise in June, but I can't remember the dates, if these dates don't conflict I will make my plans and we'll try to get some rounds planned.Maybe Oz can give us some free lessons :D:D
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