Had a nice little get together for a few friends and family last night. Very thankful that Dad and Steve could make it from Lombard, and Leigh from...well, wherever she is nowadays. The thing about parties like that, you're never able to spend enough time with everyone. So to my friends and family that were able to come, I'm sorry I didn't get to spend time with you. But I'm quite appreciative that you could make it.
Why do I like Ke$ha?
That's messed up.
Vegas was, as always, fun. So wonderful to see the Satki, and Walls. Spent a ton of time with LouLou Daschler, which was also enjoyable. And seeing my brothers in a more fun and relaxed atmosphere...it was good. My biggest disappointment, which should be no surprise to anyone, was not being able to play more poker. Ultimately, however, poker pails in comparison to getting a chance to see people you don't get to see very often. So I'll take that.
Upcoming for me: Trip to Minocqua this weekend to see the grandparents, and then a *gasp* cruise in August. It terrifies me. I'm sure one of the two things will happen:
1) Some sort of listeria type illness.
2) We will sink.
Or
3) Vomitorium.
But I'll battle through. Any suggestions would be greatly welcomed.
Cation
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
May recap
I guess.
Well, I'm done with announcing for the year. I mean, I have a high school game that I have to do next Monday night, but no more U of I games for a while.
The move for Julia and I has been challenging, as there are several issues with the house. Bugs, dirt, a bum thermostat...just a bunch of little things that have added up to more stress than I think either of us needed or wanted. But we're hanging in. Julia's parents arrive today for a 5 day stay. That should again test my guilt issues. I struggle mightily with the fact that I get up so early, and wake people up. I mean, it's a necessity, obviously, but I still feel crummy about it.
The cats are coming along. Maggie still hisses and attacks my cats from time to time, but it's not nearly as bad as it was. And Stinky has a new haircut (which you can see on twitter and FB), which makes him much more cool during these hot summer months.
Trying to figure out where to go this summer. Going to Vegas next week with the Satki, Walls, and Mcnabb-Daschlers. And my brothers. Thats something. In July, I'd like to sneak up to Wisconsin for a couple of days. And then in August, I'll need to go somewhere with Julia. So we have to figure that out. ANy suggestions?
Mike
Well, I'm done with announcing for the year. I mean, I have a high school game that I have to do next Monday night, but no more U of I games for a while.
The move for Julia and I has been challenging, as there are several issues with the house. Bugs, dirt, a bum thermostat...just a bunch of little things that have added up to more stress than I think either of us needed or wanted. But we're hanging in. Julia's parents arrive today for a 5 day stay. That should again test my guilt issues. I struggle mightily with the fact that I get up so early, and wake people up. I mean, it's a necessity, obviously, but I still feel crummy about it.
The cats are coming along. Maggie still hisses and attacks my cats from time to time, but it's not nearly as bad as it was. And Stinky has a new haircut (which you can see on twitter and FB), which makes him much more cool during these hot summer months.
Trying to figure out where to go this summer. Going to Vegas next week with the Satki, Walls, and Mcnabb-Daschlers. And my brothers. Thats something. In July, I'd like to sneak up to Wisconsin for a couple of days. And then in August, I'll need to go somewhere with Julia. So we have to figure that out. ANy suggestions?
Mike
Monday, May 9, 2011
I could use some ideas about how to approach fundraising...
So, the funeral was this weekend. It was certainly emotionally gutwrenching, but again, it made me gain some perspective. Hearing Steve's father's words about his lost son...just an amazing tribute to a man gone too soon. I hope some day, people would say so many kind things about me.
That being said, the family asked that any donations go towards an educational fund set up for Steve's son, Charlie. I would like to run the Nashville Half Marathon next year, and raise money for that purpose.
In that respect, I've never done a fundraising run, nor any fundraising at all for that matter. I have a couple of concerns.
1) I don't like asking people for money. That's one I'm just going to have to get past.
2) This is not a traditional one. It's not like I'm doing the American Cancer Society, or L&L Society, or anything like that. I'd be running to honor the memory of my friend, and help with his son's education. How do I do that?
Any thoughts or ideas will be appreciated.
That being said, the family asked that any donations go towards an educational fund set up for Steve's son, Charlie. I would like to run the Nashville Half Marathon next year, and raise money for that purpose.
In that respect, I've never done a fundraising run, nor any fundraising at all for that matter. I have a couple of concerns.
1) I don't like asking people for money. That's one I'm just going to have to get past.
2) This is not a traditional one. It's not like I'm doing the American Cancer Society, or L&L Society, or anything like that. I'd be running to honor the memory of my friend, and help with his son's education. How do I do that?
Any thoughts or ideas will be appreciated.
Friday, April 29, 2011
Steve Anderson
So, my first "best friend" died today.
I don't really know how to process this too well. Essentially, Steve was diagnosed with leukemia, and within 48 hours, he died. He was 33. He has a newborn at home. He got married just a few years ago. Julia and I got to see him and his wife Robin last summer, and they took us out in Nashville.
It's obviously not fair. That child will grow up not knowing that his father was a great, great guy. Steve won't have the luxury of being there to see his son find his own Dukes of Hazzard. Steve's parents have to put their own child in a grave next week. My mom is struggling with this a great deal too, as she and Sue are still great friends.
I struggle a great deal with death. I never know how to process it well. I think about how much that person meant to me, and how they impacted my life. But just like so many other people, tomorrow, or the next day, life goes on, and we lose the ability to have that person's life, or death, impact us in a way that it should.
So I'm trying to choose to celebrate what Steve meant to me. He was a great, great friend. From the moment we moved in to Orchard Downs in 1981, until he moved to San Antonio six or seven years later, we were best friends. His parents took me in a lot while my mom was working and doing her studies. In so many ways, he was more a brother for me than anything else. So many children of single parents struggle with the fact that their parent is gone a lot of the time. I never had to deal with that, because the Andersons took me in without question.
Steve and I would play catch, race big wheels, and yeah, we watched the Dukes of Hazzard every Friday night. I would delay going to my Dad's house specifically so I could watch it with Steve.
He played on my softball team when he came back here to the U of I to do some graduate studies. I got to go to his wedding in Atlanta a few years ago, just an incredible ceremony...
I don't know what else to say. Today I'm running a 5K. It's the first time I've been lucky enough to run a race since ripping up my hamstring last August. I have bitched and moaned about it, and so many other issues in that time. Meanwhile, a friend who I think so highly of, and impacted me in so many ways, thinks he's dealing with allergies for months...
I think over the last three or four years, I've done a very good job of making sure I focus on living in the moment, and celebrating the good things that happen. It's been a drastic change for me, as I know I can be an extremely negative person, and get bogged down when things don't go my way.
These are definitely the moments that reinforce that all the therapy, study, and personal work I've done have been for good reasons. To celebrate your good times. Remember that having enjoyable, laughable, romantic, emotional moments are so much more fulfilling than just complaining about your job, or how you didn't get enough sleep, or whatever. I have to remember that tonight, when I'm running that 5K, and my knees start to ache a little, or my hamstring feels like it's not 100% again. I'm here, I'm doing something that I love to do, and just focus on that.
I know I'll be fine. The initial shock of the last hour is the tough thing, along with the services in the next week or so. After that, the sting of loss goes away, and what you're left with are some wonderful memories of a kid who meant a lot to you then, and an adult who made an impact on so many.
So to his wife Robin, son Charlie, parents Sue and Charlie, and sister Kristen, I send my sincerest thoughts and love. I can't imagine the difficulty that the next week will bring. I wish I could do more to help ease it, although the knowledge that Steve meant so much to so many will comfort you in some way.
To Steve, thank you. You have been a great friend. I admire you in so many ways. We both dealt with some pretty difficult circumstances growing up, living in the Downs. It wasn't glamourous. But I think we both made the best of it, and had some spectacular times. I remember crying my eyes out at my Grandparents house the day you guys moved to San Antonio. Seeing you as an adult, and how you've matured, and become a great man...it's inspiring. You made quite an impact, and I will miss you.
To myself...focus, Mike, on things more important than yourself. You've done a great job of being better with this in the last few years. Try to continue to improve upon this. You have many large challenges facing you in the next couple of years. Tackle them, deal with their difficulty, and celebrate the experiences.
That's all.
I don't really know how to process this too well. Essentially, Steve was diagnosed with leukemia, and within 48 hours, he died. He was 33. He has a newborn at home. He got married just a few years ago. Julia and I got to see him and his wife Robin last summer, and they took us out in Nashville.
It's obviously not fair. That child will grow up not knowing that his father was a great, great guy. Steve won't have the luxury of being there to see his son find his own Dukes of Hazzard. Steve's parents have to put their own child in a grave next week. My mom is struggling with this a great deal too, as she and Sue are still great friends.
I struggle a great deal with death. I never know how to process it well. I think about how much that person meant to me, and how they impacted my life. But just like so many other people, tomorrow, or the next day, life goes on, and we lose the ability to have that person's life, or death, impact us in a way that it should.
So I'm trying to choose to celebrate what Steve meant to me. He was a great, great friend. From the moment we moved in to Orchard Downs in 1981, until he moved to San Antonio six or seven years later, we were best friends. His parents took me in a lot while my mom was working and doing her studies. In so many ways, he was more a brother for me than anything else. So many children of single parents struggle with the fact that their parent is gone a lot of the time. I never had to deal with that, because the Andersons took me in without question.
Steve and I would play catch, race big wheels, and yeah, we watched the Dukes of Hazzard every Friday night. I would delay going to my Dad's house specifically so I could watch it with Steve.
He played on my softball team when he came back here to the U of I to do some graduate studies. I got to go to his wedding in Atlanta a few years ago, just an incredible ceremony...
I don't know what else to say. Today I'm running a 5K. It's the first time I've been lucky enough to run a race since ripping up my hamstring last August. I have bitched and moaned about it, and so many other issues in that time. Meanwhile, a friend who I think so highly of, and impacted me in so many ways, thinks he's dealing with allergies for months...
I think over the last three or four years, I've done a very good job of making sure I focus on living in the moment, and celebrating the good things that happen. It's been a drastic change for me, as I know I can be an extremely negative person, and get bogged down when things don't go my way.
These are definitely the moments that reinforce that all the therapy, study, and personal work I've done have been for good reasons. To celebrate your good times. Remember that having enjoyable, laughable, romantic, emotional moments are so much more fulfilling than just complaining about your job, or how you didn't get enough sleep, or whatever. I have to remember that tonight, when I'm running that 5K, and my knees start to ache a little, or my hamstring feels like it's not 100% again. I'm here, I'm doing something that I love to do, and just focus on that.
I know I'll be fine. The initial shock of the last hour is the tough thing, along with the services in the next week or so. After that, the sting of loss goes away, and what you're left with are some wonderful memories of a kid who meant a lot to you then, and an adult who made an impact on so many.
So to his wife Robin, son Charlie, parents Sue and Charlie, and sister Kristen, I send my sincerest thoughts and love. I can't imagine the difficulty that the next week will bring. I wish I could do more to help ease it, although the knowledge that Steve meant so much to so many will comfort you in some way.
To Steve, thank you. You have been a great friend. I admire you in so many ways. We both dealt with some pretty difficult circumstances growing up, living in the Downs. It wasn't glamourous. But I think we both made the best of it, and had some spectacular times. I remember crying my eyes out at my Grandparents house the day you guys moved to San Antonio. Seeing you as an adult, and how you've matured, and become a great man...it's inspiring. You made quite an impact, and I will miss you.
To myself...focus, Mike, on things more important than yourself. You've done a great job of being better with this in the last few years. Try to continue to improve upon this. You have many large challenges facing you in the next couple of years. Tackle them, deal with their difficulty, and celebrate the experiences.
That's all.
Monday, April 25, 2011
Life has been a little hectic.
So, I moved. That's one thing. Julia and I have a house...which is nice, except for the fact that so far, we've dealt with the following:
1) lack of water
2) sewage coming through a toilet
3) uncleaned rooms
4) a plethora of dead bugs in her studio
5) Cats who are all pissed.
It's been tricky. I also fell down the stairs on Sunday, and may have torn something slightly in my left shoulder. Rough week. But we're getting through, and it's on to the next one.
I also have lots of thoughts about the Department of Justice and FBI seizing the domains of the 3 major poker sites. Fuck that. Excuse my language, but of all the things to worry about, you worry about that? These are companies that have been working hard to become legal so that the US can get a part of the profits...yes, while they increase their profits, but it would potentially mean BILLIONS to the government. And the FBI and DOJ step in? Ridiculous.
Regardless, it has made things much more difficult for me in terms of working on my hobby. Tony has found a site for us to play on, though, and we're working on getting some cash on there. Will keep you updated.
1) lack of water
2) sewage coming through a toilet
3) uncleaned rooms
4) a plethora of dead bugs in her studio
5) Cats who are all pissed.
It's been tricky. I also fell down the stairs on Sunday, and may have torn something slightly in my left shoulder. Rough week. But we're getting through, and it's on to the next one.
I also have lots of thoughts about the Department of Justice and FBI seizing the domains of the 3 major poker sites. Fuck that. Excuse my language, but of all the things to worry about, you worry about that? These are companies that have been working hard to become legal so that the US can get a part of the profits...yes, while they increase their profits, but it would potentially mean BILLIONS to the government. And the FBI and DOJ step in? Ridiculous.
Regardless, it has made things much more difficult for me in terms of working on my hobby. Tony has found a site for us to play on, though, and we're working on getting some cash on there. Will keep you updated.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Zorbas.
I've been meaning to write this for a couple of days now...what happened at Zorbas really hit me pretty hard last week.
For those that don't know, a fire started in the apartment above Zorbas last week, and destroyed the top floors of the building that houses the restaurant, along with Zas and Pitaya on the first floor. Zorbas itself didn't burn down, neither did the other two businesses. But it was such a massive blaze that the water damage and smoke damage was extensive.
Last night, Matt Mortenson, the owner, and my boss for four years while I worked there, posted some pictures of the damage. It was hard to look at. Again, no actual fire damage, but the memorabilia on the wall....the floors....the walls...all just really in pretty bad shape.
I actually went over the day of the fire. If you follow me on twitter or facebook, I posted two pictures. It's hard to explain. Those four years, I met some of my closest friends, people I still get to talk to and hear from. It was amazing how many of them I reconnected with on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
A lot of people have offered Matt their support, although none of us can really do anything. He said during an interview with our morning show that he was staying positive, and was still cracking jokes.
And that's my lasting memory of Matt. Continuous positivity. He suffered through some very difficult times while I worked there, as he took over the business from the previous, longtime owner. Yet he stayed positive, focused on what he could control, and remembered that his family was his #1 priority at all times, and the business a close second.
The other thing I will always appreciate about Matt was his willingness to engage in a marketplace of ideas. Matt is a religious man, and his faith tends to make him lean in a more conservative direction. Yet many of his employees tended to be much more on the liberal side. As a result, we would have these very serious discussions about things ranging from abortion, to presidential politics, to financial matters, all while slinging gyros. And he encouraged it, and participated. It meant a lot to a lot of people. I hope he understands how many people were affected by the way he treated us as employees over the years.
That's all for now.
For those that don't know, a fire started in the apartment above Zorbas last week, and destroyed the top floors of the building that houses the restaurant, along with Zas and Pitaya on the first floor. Zorbas itself didn't burn down, neither did the other two businesses. But it was such a massive blaze that the water damage and smoke damage was extensive.
Last night, Matt Mortenson, the owner, and my boss for four years while I worked there, posted some pictures of the damage. It was hard to look at. Again, no actual fire damage, but the memorabilia on the wall....the floors....the walls...all just really in pretty bad shape.
I actually went over the day of the fire. If you follow me on twitter or facebook, I posted two pictures. It's hard to explain. Those four years, I met some of my closest friends, people I still get to talk to and hear from. It was amazing how many of them I reconnected with on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
A lot of people have offered Matt their support, although none of us can really do anything. He said during an interview with our morning show that he was staying positive, and was still cracking jokes.
And that's my lasting memory of Matt. Continuous positivity. He suffered through some very difficult times while I worked there, as he took over the business from the previous, longtime owner. Yet he stayed positive, focused on what he could control, and remembered that his family was his #1 priority at all times, and the business a close second.
The other thing I will always appreciate about Matt was his willingness to engage in a marketplace of ideas. Matt is a religious man, and his faith tends to make him lean in a more conservative direction. Yet many of his employees tended to be much more on the liberal side. As a result, we would have these very serious discussions about things ranging from abortion, to presidential politics, to financial matters, all while slinging gyros. And he encouraged it, and participated. It meant a lot to a lot of people. I hope he understands how many people were affected by the way he treated us as employees over the years.
That's all for now.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
I think I'm close to running...
So close. I did another great rehab workout on Monday, and I've been slowly, SLOWLY increasing the amount of weight during some of the exercises, and the pain has not come back. Now, the muscle is just sometimes tired, which is to be expected. So are many of the other leg muscles, because they haven't been used in that way in 7 months.
It feels great.
Tomorrow, it's going to be 58 degrees outside. I'm thinking of at least going for a nice walk, and seeing what happens.
It feels great.
Tomorrow, it's going to be 58 degrees outside. I'm thinking of at least going for a nice walk, and seeing what happens.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Well....at least I've been tweeting a lot more than I used to.
So that's good. Follow me! @mikecation.
As for Tulsa...I will go if the station approves the approximately $200 it will cost to drive out there in terms of gas. I'll have room and board with the Stacklers, and would love to have the opportunity to go, no matter whether Illinois loses first round or not. The NCAA tournament is just so much fun.
That's all.
I think Holly asked for my poker blog address...it is now on the right side of the links over there!
As for Tulsa...I will go if the station approves the approximately $200 it will cost to drive out there in terms of gas. I'll have room and board with the Stacklers, and would love to have the opportunity to go, no matter whether Illinois loses first round or not. The NCAA tournament is just so much fun.
That's all.
I think Holly asked for my poker blog address...it is now on the right side of the links over there!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
So, I now have a poker only blog:
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Quick poker blog:
I barely played this month. That being said, I had my best month since October. I ran hot, sure, but also played very smart when I actually had hands. So I can't be upset. I'm up about 12 bucks for the month. Not much, I know, but considering the horrible November-January I had, to be profitable is good. My overall bankroll is at $233. That's awesome. A year ago, I had less than half that. I'm proud of my development.
I've also got some goals to shoot for from now until September:
-Watch 1 video per week. It's a must.
-Once I hit the second week in May, every Tuesday, I'm going to get home early from work, take a nap, and play the big Tuesday day tournaments. I want to do it every single Tuesday. That would be a huge thing for me.
-Once we hit that time frame, I want to spend one day of each weekend playing for 4 hours. I want to put myself to the test, and really grind, and increase my brain's ability to process the information. So that's the way to do it.
OK. Bankroll at 233. Only 767 left to become a thousandaire.
I've also got some goals to shoot for from now until September:
-Watch 1 video per week. It's a must.
-Once I hit the second week in May, every Tuesday, I'm going to get home early from work, take a nap, and play the big Tuesday day tournaments. I want to do it every single Tuesday. That would be a huge thing for me.
-Once we hit that time frame, I want to spend one day of each weekend playing for 4 hours. I want to put myself to the test, and really grind, and increase my brain's ability to process the information. So that's the way to do it.
OK. Bankroll at 233. Only 767 left to become a thousandaire.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
One of the biggest disappointments that I'll ever have:
That my singing of the national anthem last Thursday at the Illini Wrestling match was not filmed in any way, shape, or form.
OK, so in case you didn't hear, yes, I sang the anthem last Thursday. To summarize, as I was reading off the senior day intros and stuff, Tim, the Event Management person, started to freak out because his music computer broke. At the same time, James Big Poppa Morton, Tim's boss, went looking for the backup national anthem CD, but it was nowhere to be found. At this point, both of them were a bit in panic mode, which put me in panic mode. James tried to tell me that maybe if I just got everybody started, it would be OK.
Well, I decided that if I got things started, I would just have to do it.
So I did.
It wasn't the greatest thing in the world, and I definitely wavered a bit, but I think it was close to being on pitch, and I remembered all the words. Now that I look back on it a week later, I'm actually very proud of myself. I was extremely nervous, but didn't freak out, and just blasted through it. And I'll always have a great story to tell.
Other notes: I've been ridiculously busy, and haven't played a lot of poker. That's not good.
I got an iphone 3. $50. Nice. Switched over to AT&T in the process, which is fine. I liked t-mobile, but not enough to have brand loyalty or anything.
I'm trying to tweet more. If you are so inclined, feel free to follow me!
OK, so in case you didn't hear, yes, I sang the anthem last Thursday. To summarize, as I was reading off the senior day intros and stuff, Tim, the Event Management person, started to freak out because his music computer broke. At the same time, James Big Poppa Morton, Tim's boss, went looking for the backup national anthem CD, but it was nowhere to be found. At this point, both of them were a bit in panic mode, which put me in panic mode. James tried to tell me that maybe if I just got everybody started, it would be OK.
Well, I decided that if I got things started, I would just have to do it.
So I did.
It wasn't the greatest thing in the world, and I definitely wavered a bit, but I think it was close to being on pitch, and I remembered all the words. Now that I look back on it a week later, I'm actually very proud of myself. I was extremely nervous, but didn't freak out, and just blasted through it. And I'll always have a great story to tell.
Other notes: I've been ridiculously busy, and haven't played a lot of poker. That's not good.
I got an iphone 3. $50. Nice. Switched over to AT&T in the process, which is fine. I liked t-mobile, but not enough to have brand loyalty or anything.
I'm trying to tweet more. If you are so inclined, feel free to follow me!
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Please note:
The list of meats used in the Grilling of the Meats to the side. They were all spectacular. I don't even know who made the porkbellies, but holy crap was it delicious.
My car managed to break again. Something snapped on the undercarriage (which I like to say too much...undercarriage), and is currently dragging on the ground while I drive. Haven't had time to fix it quite yet, however.
I'm thinking strongly about my next tattoo...a block I and a microphone. I don't know if I want to get it now, or when I'm done announcing.
My new intern starts this morning. I'm excited to have a little bit of intern help, but it should be a good amount of training to get her up to speed.
Mike
My car managed to break again. Something snapped on the undercarriage (which I like to say too much...undercarriage), and is currently dragging on the ground while I drive. Haven't had time to fix it quite yet, however.
I'm thinking strongly about my next tattoo...a block I and a microphone. I don't know if I want to get it now, or when I'm done announcing.
My new intern starts this morning. I'm excited to have a little bit of intern help, but it should be a good amount of training to get her up to speed.
Mike
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Day after the Blizzard
I like Lil Wayne.
I wish he performed fewer songs, so he'd concentrate more in each individual song.
I wish he performed fewer songs, so he'd concentrate more in each individual song.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A couple of other random thoughts
2 hospital trips within one month. That's pretty crazy, huh? I can honestly say that might be the first time that's happened in my life, maybe since I was a toddler. Other than a follow up type of a thing. So....there's always a first. Let's hope it's the last, at least for a while...after tomorrow's appointment.
Poker...I've battled my way back to having a positive month, so far. I'm pretty proud of that. I would really like to win more, though. I've got stuff I'd love to buy.
Netflix on the Wii...good stuff.
So, I missed the Ben Folds concert last night. That flipping stinks. I can't tell you how disappointed I am. Not many opportunities to see your favorite artist, but then I have to go home and sleep since I've lost sleep, blood, patience...you name it.
Got some Gator for Grilling of the Meats XII, which is coming up in approximately 10 days. Julia had better get going on that one.
I had something I wanted opinions on when I started this. I've lost it.
Poker...I've battled my way back to having a positive month, so far. I'm pretty proud of that. I would really like to win more, though. I've got stuff I'd love to buy.
Netflix on the Wii...good stuff.
So, I missed the Ben Folds concert last night. That flipping stinks. I can't tell you how disappointed I am. Not many opportunities to see your favorite artist, but then I have to go home and sleep since I've lost sleep, blood, patience...you name it.
Got some Gator for Grilling of the Meats XII, which is coming up in approximately 10 days. Julia had better get going on that one.
I had something I wanted opinions on when I started this. I've lost it.
So, I spent the entire day Tuesday in the ER.
That wasn't the most fun that I've ever had.
Among the firsts for me:
CTScan
Ultrasound (that wasn't administered by my spectacular trainer, Amber "Beef" Nagele)
IV
Having multiple women look at my junk at the same time.
Needless to say, I'm OK this morning. Some internal abdominal stuff, but nothing serious, and the pain has reduced immensely. But thank you to Julia for taking the day off work and keeping me company, and to both of my parents for offering to leave where they were and come at a moment's notice.
Among the firsts for me:
CTScan
Ultrasound (that wasn't administered by my spectacular trainer, Amber "Beef" Nagele)
IV
Having multiple women look at my junk at the same time.
Needless to say, I'm OK this morning. Some internal abdominal stuff, but nothing serious, and the pain has reduced immensely. But thank you to Julia for taking the day off work and keeping me company, and to both of my parents for offering to leave where they were and come at a moment's notice.
Monday, January 24, 2011
Quick poker post...
hopefully a life update post tomorrow.
I'm trying to get in to freerolls to learn how to play better at 6-handed. As I hopefully get in to more tournaments and live cash games, I'll need to know how to play shorthanded a lot better than I do right now. It will greatly help my post-flop play, so I know I need to get it done.
Any tips you might have would be great.
Thanks!
I'm trying to get in to freerolls to learn how to play better at 6-handed. As I hopefully get in to more tournaments and live cash games, I'll need to know how to play shorthanded a lot better than I do right now. It will greatly help my post-flop play, so I know I need to get it done.
Any tips you might have would be great.
Thanks!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
So, I've had/have laryngitis.
This has been a very, very difficult few days. I lost the top range of my voice on Monday night, after a cold of 5 days and a basketball game, as well as giving a tour to my cousin Cathy in the cold on Monday. All exacerbating factors. One of my vocal cords was swollen to about triple the size of the other one, while the throat is just raw from clearing my throat from the sickness.
So, I'm thankful that Dr. Edwin McCammack at Christie Clinic is an Illini fan, and also an undersanding man, and made it a priority to get me back in to shape for tonight's game with Northwestern. I'm going to have to get him and his staff something nice.
I'd like to say that things are going to be perfect tonight, but I think more appropriately, they'll be functional.
We'll see.
Also, on a side note, I suck at poker.
So, I'm thankful that Dr. Edwin McCammack at Christie Clinic is an Illini fan, and also an undersanding man, and made it a priority to get me back in to shape for tonight's game with Northwestern. I'm going to have to get him and his staff something nice.
I'd like to say that things are going to be perfect tonight, but I think more appropriately, they'll be functional.
We'll see.
Also, on a side note, I suck at poker.
Monday, January 3, 2011
I suck for not writing more in December
So, my apologies to anyone who is still following this.
I'll try to give a quick recap of my Holidays, as best I can.
The most important thing is that I got to see most of my family, whether it be in person, or via skype. I received a ton of great gifts, and I'm incredibly thankful. I don't want to list them or brag or anything, because I realize I'm lucky to have such wonderful people in my life that are nice enough to get stuff for me. I hope that the gifts I bought for people were equally enjoyable.
Traveled to Lombard to see my Dad, although it was a pretty short visit there. While there, I had the misfortune of watching the Illinois-UIC game, and nearly crying. Just brutal to view. But we had a great dinner at Wildfire, with its gluten free buns, and I'm happy about that.
Had a great Christmas Eve-early with my mom and Julia. Our respective Santas were fun. Julia got a very nice game for the Wii, Project Runway. I can't wait to see that one in action. Mom, meanwhile, got a game where you create your own horsie and ride it around. Pretty fancy stuff.
Julia and I spent the actual holiday with her family in Tulsa. They were spectacular to me, making sure I was set to go with all of the gluten free items I could possibly want. That's a mixed blessing. I truly enjoy gluten free cakes and pies (homemade crust!), but man, my belly surely doesn't need it at all. Good gravy. Not having run in 4 months makes it difficult to burn off the necessary calories. That's for sure.
Got back in time to watch the Illini bowl victory at home. The last time the football team had won a bowl game was within a few weeks of me taking the Mix job. Thta's shaky. 1999. Also, I felt very old.
Speaking of which, I got the recent Sports Illustrated, where they highlight all of the athletes that have passed away in the last year. Now, THAT made me feel old. All of a sudden, there are these people who I used to watch, and they're dying. crud. I felt particularly bad remembering that Ron Santo passed. My poor grandmother.
That's all for now. No poker stats for December, becuase I sucked. And because then Jill will get all mad at me. Can't have that.
I'll try to give a quick recap of my Holidays, as best I can.
The most important thing is that I got to see most of my family, whether it be in person, or via skype. I received a ton of great gifts, and I'm incredibly thankful. I don't want to list them or brag or anything, because I realize I'm lucky to have such wonderful people in my life that are nice enough to get stuff for me. I hope that the gifts I bought for people were equally enjoyable.
Traveled to Lombard to see my Dad, although it was a pretty short visit there. While there, I had the misfortune of watching the Illinois-UIC game, and nearly crying. Just brutal to view. But we had a great dinner at Wildfire, with its gluten free buns, and I'm happy about that.
Had a great Christmas Eve-early with my mom and Julia. Our respective Santas were fun. Julia got a very nice game for the Wii, Project Runway. I can't wait to see that one in action. Mom, meanwhile, got a game where you create your own horsie and ride it around. Pretty fancy stuff.
Julia and I spent the actual holiday with her family in Tulsa. They were spectacular to me, making sure I was set to go with all of the gluten free items I could possibly want. That's a mixed blessing. I truly enjoy gluten free cakes and pies (homemade crust!), but man, my belly surely doesn't need it at all. Good gravy. Not having run in 4 months makes it difficult to burn off the necessary calories. That's for sure.
Got back in time to watch the Illini bowl victory at home. The last time the football team had won a bowl game was within a few weeks of me taking the Mix job. Thta's shaky. 1999. Also, I felt very old.
Speaking of which, I got the recent Sports Illustrated, where they highlight all of the athletes that have passed away in the last year. Now, THAT made me feel old. All of a sudden, there are these people who I used to watch, and they're dying. crud. I felt particularly bad remembering that Ron Santo passed. My poor grandmother.
That's all for now. No poker stats for December, becuase I sucked. And because then Jill will get all mad at me. Can't have that.
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