Direction, Goals and Some Reflection

I enjoy writing. I do not do it enough however, mainly due to laziness. I have a lot to say though, and I am going to make it a point from now on to take time out frequently to write in this blog.

I hate blogs in general. I find that they are far too often hackneyed and self indulgent forums for ones own mental masturbation. There are some however, that are done with a style and flair that makes them appealing, without being presumptuous or arrogant. I will strive to do that. A good example of such is Shaniac's blog.

In January of this year, I "dropped out" of McGill University with three semesters left to go. Technically I am taking time off, but I don't think it is likely I will be returning. I never thought I would drop out of university. When I got out of high school, I fully expected to graduate again in another four years. Gradually though, as poker became more and more important to me, I started taking away from my school focuses. I was taking no more than three or four classes a semester, allowing more time for poker and travel.

After I came back from Atlantis this year, I went to my first few classes getting ready for another semester of school. When I came home from classes, I realized I was no longer supposed to be in school. I had spent three and a half years at college. I truly changed as a person from day one, and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. That experience was invaluable and I would never trade those years for anything. It had simply come to an end for me though.

People constantly ask me why I did it, when I could have a degree in just three more semesters. A degree is important to a lot of people, and to society. If I had stayed in school, it would only be to appease peoples judgment, and for no personal gain. If I graduated, I'd still be a professional poker player. There is no glory for me in spending another three semesters to get a piece of paper. I got the college experience with my three and a half years of school-- and for me that is the most important part of college.

With that out of the way I want to state a few long and short term goals I am setting for myself. Now that I have finally left Montreal, and I am living in New York again, I feel like I need to set some goals to keep myself on track.

1. Start working out again. I haven't seriously worked out athletically since being on various sports teams in high school. I am not fat or anything, but I know being in super shape would absolutely help me at the poker table. Being fit physically can only help mental health.

2. Write, write, write. I feel great when I write, especially about poker. I need to keep doing it, if only so that my brain doesn't melt away at every click of the mouse. I would like to eventually write a book. It is something I have wanted to do for a long time, and it is by no means unreasonable for me to do it.

3. GRIND. I simply need to put in more volume with poker. I am too lethargic with my playing habits. I am a professional poker player, I need to start acting like one, not a guy who plays poker sometimes.

Thanks to anyone who actually still reads this, I promise more writing in the very near future. Some upcoming post topics will be:

Some pictures and stories from my three weeks in Europe in April.

Plans for this summer in VEGAS (my first time there... ever)

Why is "The Sopranos" so good?

Why is "The Wire" possibly as good? (Can't say, only on season 4)

Is a non self indulgent blog an oxymoron?