Tuesday mornin’

My brain has barely began to slip into a functional mode, my first cup of coffee is almost gone (hell…that’s usually all I drink in the morning now, one cup, but it’s bigger than the average so I guess I’m cheating a bit there). Amazingly, the Bellagio Five Diamond World Poker Classic launched without me this year. I feel the need to drift in sometime this week just to take a look at the old employment digs and see what’s on the menu. Besides checking out the tournament action, it would be fun to touch bases with friends and ignore any foes – since I don’t have to even look in the direction of a foe now that I’m no longer wearing a uniform. I certainly don’t feel the need to take a seat – especially the 11th seat. I’m still asked if I miss it. The answer is still, emphatically, “NO!”

I haven’t jumped on the poker treadmill in five months now. Kee-rist! Has it really been that long? Yes…I believe it has. Removing myself from the poker treadmill is not just an expression I will use for dealing, it also fits the playing lifestyle. After leaving the time clock portion of my life, I also walked away from the compelling ‘sign the E/O-Play list’ nightmare that I couldn’t wake up from five days a week.

I will be the first to admit that my reasons for playing poker over the last three to fours years have not been the best of reasons. A lot of it was to just escape dealing. And playing on the clock doesn’t give one optimal play time or choices. All the wrong reasons to take a seat were flashing through my head every night when I went through the ritual of preparing to head across town, yet, like the lemming at the edge of the cliff that can’t find the brakes or a root to grab on the way down, I didn’t slow down. I admit it! I was not in the right frame of mind or position to beat the game because I didn’t give myself the opportunity to do that. *slaps self*

I knew I was going nowhere with the whole thing – including hanging on to hard earned $$ – but it didn’t stop me from putting myself in the same situation. I’ve watched almost every one I’ve worked with, and every one I’ve dealt to, over the years, repeat what I was going through. I don’t believe that I’m ultra smart or wise in making the break, I do believe that I exercised a choice. It was a good choice for me.

I’ve been tinkering around with Chasing Chris and playing micro limits and enjoying it. Micro limit or free roll, high stakes poker, or WSOP main event, poker should be enjoyed. That’s where it’s at for me right now – enjoyment – escaping the treadmill is my #1 goal.

One thought on “Tuesday mornin’”

  1. Happy T-day late and Happy Holidaze beyond…
    Make sure you’re into the zoo at some point late this week, as in Thursday, Friday or Sat morning. There’ll be a couple of old friends viewing cards there. Hope all is well! 0:) <--that's me!

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