There seems to be a fair amount of poker ennui going around right now amount the poker bloggers. Maybe it’s “that” time of year, maybe it’s burnout, maybe it’s a combination of all of those.
All I know is that I am definitely in that camp for whatever reason.
October marks 2 years for me as a “poker player”. During that time I have made some money, met a lot of great people and became a Professional Poker Player (TM). I’ve had a ton of fun and learned a lot. This year has seen me move from limit to no limit with much success. I’ve also enjoyed the company of fellow poker bloggers in Las Vegas. It’s been a great year.
That being said, lately I have got to the point where poker isn’t fun. I have cut my play down dramatically so now when I do play, it is for fun. This has led me to enjoy playing again, although my skill level is not improving.
While people who play seriously will say “stasis = death”, I am OK with it. I’ve never played poker for the money, I play it to have fun. Now, I take it seriously enough to play correctly (more or less) and try to study it, but I’m not relying on it for my livelihood. Therefore, forcing myself to play is not fun.
While my poker play has been taking a back seat, my real life has taken a great turn for the better. My son is doing well in school and is feeling better than he has in a long time. Mrs. H and I have a renewed passion and have started sharing more time together in real life. I have also joined her in her online “game”, although it’s hardly a game, which has given us a unique perspective to our relationship and has actually allowed us to share something together as well as be able to socialize with others who share our interests. It’s infinitely more enjoyable to explore SL with my wife than it is to grind it out at a virtual poker table with people I don’t know.
This is also the last quarter of my Master’s program, so I’ve got to devote some time to that and just get it done.
So where does that leave poker?
Basically, poker is going to be relegated to even more of a recreational activity. Maybe in a couple months, or after the holidays when I’m finished with my MS, I’ll get a renewed interest in it. In the interim, I plan on playing now and again, but if I don’t, it won’t bother me.
What’s that mean for this blog?
Well, I can do a couple of things:
1. I can go
2. I can post more often, but integrate more real life things
I’m leaning toward #2 at this point. Don’t worry, I won’t bog you down with the details of brushing my teeth (I prefer Crest), but I may branch out a bit. I really don’t have anything to add in terms of poker strategy or deep thoughts like Hank, so #1 just wouldn’t work for me.
This has seemed to work for a couple of my very favorite “poker” bloggers such as BG and Mean Gene. Of course, their writing doesn’t suck, so maybe it’s not quite applicable to me, but the theory is there anyway.
So basically, no huge year in review this time, it just really doesn’t matter what my results were. I’ve had a great year and have fostered new friendships and had a blast. I don’t plan on having that stop or go away.
My real life is also at an all time high. Spending more time with Mrs. H has brought me more happiness than I can imagine. It’s rejuvenated and refocused me. She brings me a happiness and fulfills me in ways I never thought possible
To me, that’s much more important that my yearly BB/100 rate.
#2! #2!
Bravo on making it to Year 2. Best of luck in Year 3.
Congrats on achieving the ever elusive “balance” in life. Family is always +EV.
Good choices, good results. Way to keep your priorities in order.
Who said a poker blog had to be 100% poker? It’s your blog, post whatever you want. I’ll read it. Or maybe I won’t read all of every post. I suppose it’ll depend on what you write and how you write it. And that’s OK. It’s all good. Go for it. Or don’t. I’m all confused now.
Bravo Chris, well stated. Its funny how I gave up one online addiction for another yet spend more time with the wife then I have before.
Is that Crest with Whitening or the gel with added mint flavors?
I vote for #2! What’s the game? I’ve played an online RPG called Ultima Online for 7 years now, and have tried for the last 3 to get my man to play it with me. I know from past experience that it just adds another dimension to things - which is rarely a bad thing! He hasn’t bought it yet… hehe.
Congrats Chris. Balance may be the MOST important thing. Glad you found it.
Congrats on the two years. Go with option 2, some of the best posts I’ve ever read have little to no poker content.
+EV all the way whatever you decide. Sounds like you’re solid on the important things. We’ll be here for whatever, whenever 8^)
I do not know dip about poker but i really like your blog and i like knowing you in second life. Thanks for letting me be even a tiny part of your world.
Who does #2 work for?
It’ll work great for you.
I disagree with everyone else. If you don’t write about poker you should shutter the blog and keep silent.
Oh, come now, I keed, I keed. Write about whatever the hell moves you. God knows that’s what’s kept me clattering away.
Uh, this online “game” you and the Mrs are playing. You’re not, like, posting pictures of you two doing, uh, “stuff”?
I think it is important to balance out your play. I have always thought that after you take a turn for the worst. Give yourself some time away and do something else. Then when you get back to what you are doing you will have more appreciation for it.