The Resolve

Probably should have posted this a few days ago when I hit the milestone, but I suppose I can get this entry published before 2013 hits the west coast.

Supernova.  I made it.











In 2011, I pushed myself to earn 50k VPPs over the final two months of the year.

In 2012, I did it in 24 days.

While there are many guys who rake that much normally, I'm not one of them.  Through November, I had earned 50k VPPs for the entire year and managed to match that in the final month.  It wasn't easy -- I had to play higher stakes, more often, and that meant at times where I didn't feel like it.  Games in December are notorious for their difficulty and that plus upping my buy-in meant a smaller edge and bigger swings; I had no choice but to grind through variance (green and red) and while that was frustrating at tines, I feel it helped me grow as a poker player.  

There's always room for growth.  Always.  Looking ahead to 2013, I plan on sticking with the stakes I played in December -- $15-$60 Turbos/Hypers with an emphasis on the $30+ games.  Other goals/resolutions:

1) 400k VPPs (35k/month)

It really shouldn't be that hard if I'm playing consistently, as I was earning 225-250 VPPs and hour this month so that's only 4-5 hours per day.  And worst case, I suppose I could make another big push in December. ;)

2) Improve my Thai

It's not like I couldn't live here and get by without knowing how to speak the language.  I could, pretty easily.  But I don't think I'd get the full experience.  I'd be imprisoned, socially, and obviously I'd like to avoid that.  The best comparison I can think of right now is the difference between my first two and final two years of college.  During the first two, I drove to the school, went to class, and went home.  I rarely hung out on campus.  I didn't make many new friends.  But during my third and fourth years, I immersed myself in the school and its culture, forged friendships that go on to this day, and made memories that will last a lifetime.  I look back on that time and realize that it wasn't about what took place inside of the classroom, but the learning I did out of it.


I picked up a bit of Thai the first week and then...I stopped.  It wasn't intentional, it just sort of happened.  But now I'll make more of an effort to pick up bits and peices, starting with one of those word-a-day calenders and possibly taking classes at the university. 

3) Fitness

About four weeks ago, I felt like I was in the best shape of my life.  However, this past month has set me back a bit.  Going for Supernova meant making sacrifices in other areas of my life, and more time spent in front of the computer meant less in the gym.  Getting food poisoning and the flu bug in the same week didn't help either.  But if I can get myself back on my routine -- working out 4 to 5 days a week -- it'll be a big lift for me, both physically and emotionally.  There's a huuuuuuuuge connection between the mind and body and a positive mindset is essential in this industry.

Happy New Year, everyone!