Sunday, October 31, 2004
Friday, October 29, 2004
Thank God For The Blessings
Since becoming a substitute, I have been around many types of kids. The tries-too-hard-to-be-cool kid is very popular. The tries-too-hard-to-be-different kid is now into cutting, which is the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. It's not even attempting suicide, which is a cry for attention in itself. Cutting is the biggest scream you can belt out.
While looking at some of these kids work, I have learned three things. The first is my heart goes out to the kids who don't understand their work but still try as hard as they can to do their best. What an arousing feat this child does to not have any clue what the answer is and have to ask for help four times, but he/she still tries. That's very encouraging.
The second thing I've learned is kids are too dramatic today. I don't remember being so sensational in high school and junior high. Was I? Did I write poems about how the only true peace is eternal sleep which I'm looking forward to someday? No, I didn't. I was normal.
The final thing I have learned is most students, while some resist this stereotype, are stupid. I mean they are really dumb. They can't add. They can't write a coherent sentence. I want to write this blog to God and thank Him for making me smart. I'm not trying to sound conceited, but I know I am not stupid. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. I can edit a poorly written sentence. I can learn to do just about anything, except chemistry. The sciences are my Achilles' heel.
I had a class the other day with 14 kids. You know how many could write out 6,347,592.019. Zero. They couldn't figure out where the commas or hyphens went or how to spell forty. The answer is six million, three hundred forty-seven thousand, five hundred ninety-two and nineteen thousandths for the 15-year-olds who didn't know that. Is it really so hard to spell this, especially when 75% of the words are on the chalkboard or walls of the classroom.
I would just like You to know I am grateful for everything You have given me. Thank you for the blessings I have in my life.
While looking at some of these kids work, I have learned three things. The first is my heart goes out to the kids who don't understand their work but still try as hard as they can to do their best. What an arousing feat this child does to not have any clue what the answer is and have to ask for help four times, but he/she still tries. That's very encouraging.
The second thing I've learned is kids are too dramatic today. I don't remember being so sensational in high school and junior high. Was I? Did I write poems about how the only true peace is eternal sleep which I'm looking forward to someday? No, I didn't. I was normal.
The final thing I have learned is most students, while some resist this stereotype, are stupid. I mean they are really dumb. They can't add. They can't write a coherent sentence. I want to write this blog to God and thank Him for making me smart. I'm not trying to sound conceited, but I know I am not stupid. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. I can edit a poorly written sentence. I can learn to do just about anything, except chemistry. The sciences are my Achilles' heel.
I had a class the other day with 14 kids. You know how many could write out 6,347,592.019. Zero. They couldn't figure out where the commas or hyphens went or how to spell forty. The answer is six million, three hundred forty-seven thousand, five hundred ninety-two and nineteen thousandths for the 15-year-olds who didn't know that. Is it really so hard to spell this, especially when 75% of the words are on the chalkboard or walls of the classroom.
I would just like You to know I am grateful for everything You have given me. Thank you for the blessings I have in my life.
Wednesday, October 27, 2004
Tuesday, October 26, 2004
A Touching Story
As I was browsing the blogs, I came across this story. I have a fascination with Asian culture and find their history and stories extremely interesting. If I had normal emotions like a regular human being I would say this story moves me, however it doesn't. I just thought others might like it.
The Butterfly Lovers [Liang Shan Bo Yu Zhu Ying Tai]
In feudal China when women were confined to their homes and love by choice results in condemnation, there was a girl from a wealthy family who seeked to defy the norms of society. Her name is Zhu Ying Tai. With a desire to be educated, she took on a male identity and set off for Hang Zhou.
It was there where Zhu Ying Tai met Liang Shan Bo, a fellow schoolmate. They soon became close friends and were enjoying each other’s company, and Liang Shan Bo all the while oblivious to Zhu Ying Tai true gender.
However upon completion of their studies, it was time for the two of them to depart. Zhu Ying Tai, hiding her love for Liang Shan Bo all the while, thought of a plan so that she can see Liang Shan Bo again. She offered “his” sister’s hand for marriage, and urged Liang Shan Bo to visit “his” parents soon to raise the marriage issue. Liang Shan Bo promptly agreed.
A year passed and Liang Shan Bo finally arrived at Zhu Ying Tai residence. He was overwhelmed with joy as he realized Zhu Ying Tai real identity, and also that Zhu Ying Tai was deeply in love with him. The couple’s happiness was short lived, as they learnt that Zhu Ying Tai father had already betrothed Zhu Ying Tai to a rich man.
Liang Shan Bo returns, devastated. He grieved upon the misfortune that had befallen on him and Zhu Ying Tai, and alas, died on his way back home. Zhu Yin Tai, upon learning the died of Liang Shan Bo, made up her mind that since she was not fated to unite with Liang Shan Bo in mortal world, she would do so in the nether world. She pretended to agree to the marriage, given that the marriage procession must pass by Liang Shan Bo grave.
Her request was granted and ill-fated Zhu Ying Tai weeped grievously before Liang Shan Bo grave. Dark clouds gathered and a strong wind began to blow. And as if heaven was abiding by Zhu Ying Tai wish, a stroke of lightning flashed across the sky and the grave cracked open Zhu Ying Tai jumped into the opened grave.
The sky cleared and the gusts of wind ceased. Emerged from the grave were two beautiful butterflies, dancing freely and happily side by side. Once again Liang Shan Bo and Zhu Ying Tai were reunited and never to be separated again.
The Butterfly Lovers [Liang Shan Bo Yu Zhu Ying Tai]
In feudal China when women were confined to their homes and love by choice results in condemnation, there was a girl from a wealthy family who seeked to defy the norms of society. Her name is Zhu Ying Tai. With a desire to be educated, she took on a male identity and set off for Hang Zhou.
It was there where Zhu Ying Tai met Liang Shan Bo, a fellow schoolmate. They soon became close friends and were enjoying each other’s company, and Liang Shan Bo all the while oblivious to Zhu Ying Tai true gender.
However upon completion of their studies, it was time for the two of them to depart. Zhu Ying Tai, hiding her love for Liang Shan Bo all the while, thought of a plan so that she can see Liang Shan Bo again. She offered “his” sister’s hand for marriage, and urged Liang Shan Bo to visit “his” parents soon to raise the marriage issue. Liang Shan Bo promptly agreed.
A year passed and Liang Shan Bo finally arrived at Zhu Ying Tai residence. He was overwhelmed with joy as he realized Zhu Ying Tai real identity, and also that Zhu Ying Tai was deeply in love with him. The couple’s happiness was short lived, as they learnt that Zhu Ying Tai father had already betrothed Zhu Ying Tai to a rich man.
Liang Shan Bo returns, devastated. He grieved upon the misfortune that had befallen on him and Zhu Ying Tai, and alas, died on his way back home. Zhu Yin Tai, upon learning the died of Liang Shan Bo, made up her mind that since she was not fated to unite with Liang Shan Bo in mortal world, she would do so in the nether world. She pretended to agree to the marriage, given that the marriage procession must pass by Liang Shan Bo grave.
Her request was granted and ill-fated Zhu Ying Tai weeped grievously before Liang Shan Bo grave. Dark clouds gathered and a strong wind began to blow. And as if heaven was abiding by Zhu Ying Tai wish, a stroke of lightning flashed across the sky and the grave cracked open Zhu Ying Tai jumped into the opened grave.
The sky cleared and the gusts of wind ceased. Emerged from the grave were two beautiful butterflies, dancing freely and happily side by side. Once again Liang Shan Bo and Zhu Ying Tai were reunited and never to be separated again.
Observation Of The Day
I have recently been clicking the "next blog" icon to browse other people's blog. I have learned three new things about the world around me.
1. Most blogs are run by free-spirited, youthful, idiotic teenagers or college kids. However, I somewhat knew that before today.
2. It is about the time for midterms throughout universities of America. Man, I don't miss those things, not that I really spent a lot of time studying for them in the first place. I usually ended up playing online poker or pass the pigs instead.
3. If a blog isn't run by an under-aged political advisor, it is run by an equally misinformed voter. I should go through random blogs and see who is voting for whom and check in November to see if that person wins the election. Hmmmm.
This is the observation for the day.
1. Most blogs are run by free-spirited, youthful, idiotic teenagers or college kids. However, I somewhat knew that before today.
2. It is about the time for midterms throughout universities of America. Man, I don't miss those things, not that I really spent a lot of time studying for them in the first place. I usually ended up playing online poker or pass the pigs instead.
3. If a blog isn't run by an under-aged political advisor, it is run by an equally misinformed voter. I should go through random blogs and see who is voting for whom and check in November to see if that person wins the election. Hmmmm.
This is the observation for the day.
Monday, October 25, 2004
Book Recommendation
I recently finished The Case for Christ. I thought the book was great. It raised many questions that a doubting person may have about Jesus Christ and whether he really did everything the Bible says he did. I was enthralled by the explanations the specific experts gave about Jesus and I am now reading The Case for Faith. I read 60 pages today at work (it was a slow day at T. A. Howard Middle School) and I can't wait to read more of it.
This book is asking eight questions about how we can trust and rely on our faith in God. Lee Strobel, the author of both works, does an excellent job of asking the questions I have asked all my life. I recommend the books to anyone who wishes to learn more about their religious beliefs in Jesus Christ and Christianity or is doubting the validity of Christianity and God.
This book is asking eight questions about how we can trust and rely on our faith in God. Lee Strobel, the author of both works, does an excellent job of asking the questions I have asked all my life. I recommend the books to anyone who wishes to learn more about their religious beliefs in Jesus Christ and Christianity or is doubting the validity of Christianity and God.
Friday, October 22, 2004
A Restless Night
I didn't sleep very well last night. I woke up around 3:00 a.m. and couldn't go back to bed. I then found myself waking up at 5:22 a.m. I didn't even know I had fallen asleep. It was that kind of night. Then I woke up again about 6:00 a.m. and had to decide whether to go back to bed for twenty minutes before I had to get up to go to work (ha, it's still funny to use that word) and risk oversleeping or get up and start getting ready. I decided to gamble and wouldn't you know it, the house won. I slept in until 7:08 a.m. I had to rush and get ready to be at the school I was subbing at by 7:30. Luckily I'm a boy and can do that kind of thing.
I have had a headache all day and the kindergarteners aren't helping it. They aren't being bad, they just are disruptive. I would never be a kindergarten teacher. I don't think I would like teaching any elementary grade. They just aren't learning stuff I would be interested in teaching. I want to teach English or history. Maybe even geography and teach about different cultures from around the world. That would be nice.
I watched a movie yesterday that inspired me a little more to want to teach. The name of the movie is Blackboard Jungle. It is an earlier version of Dangerous Minds. I liked the movie a lot. It was made in 1955 and starred a young Sidney Poitier. It was also the first movie to use rock and roll in it. It was a great film that inspired me to want to be a mentor to young adults.
However, being published recently also has stirred me to write again. This blog has always been an outlet for me but it sometimes seems I am writing about nothing. I'll admit, poker stories aren't really great literature. Yet some of the things I have written have been entertaining and thought provoking. Maybe not. Well, hopefully my kids won't be too rambunctious when they get back. I could use a small break from them.
I have had a headache all day and the kindergarteners aren't helping it. They aren't being bad, they just are disruptive. I would never be a kindergarten teacher. I don't think I would like teaching any elementary grade. They just aren't learning stuff I would be interested in teaching. I want to teach English or history. Maybe even geography and teach about different cultures from around the world. That would be nice.
I watched a movie yesterday that inspired me a little more to want to teach. The name of the movie is Blackboard Jungle. It is an earlier version of Dangerous Minds. I liked the movie a lot. It was made in 1955 and starred a young Sidney Poitier. It was also the first movie to use rock and roll in it. It was a great film that inspired me to want to be a mentor to young adults.
However, being published recently also has stirred me to write again. This blog has always been an outlet for me but it sometimes seems I am writing about nothing. I'll admit, poker stories aren't really great literature. Yet some of the things I have written have been entertaining and thought provoking. Maybe not. Well, hopefully my kids won't be too rambunctious when they get back. I could use a small break from them.
Thursday, October 21, 2004
I'm A Real Author
Since graduating in May of 2003 with a journalism degree, I have used my knowledge and ability to write very seldomly. I have edited a few papers for friends and I wrote a remembrance for both of my grandmothers when they died. Other than this, I haven't really expressed myself in the art of writing.
However, a couple of weeks ago I decided to do a film review on one of the many sites I look at for news about my hero James Bond. I critiqued You Only Live Twice, which is the fifth movie in the series. The website told readers they could review the film and if the analysis was good enough they would post it on the film's review page.
I didn't think much of it. I really just wanted to do a little writing and didn't plan on having it published. Yet, as of yesterday, the publishers of mi6.co.uk have printed my review. I am now a published author. Sure, it's a dorky website for Bond fanatics, but I still have a review published on a site based out of England. How cool is that.
Oh yeah, well I don't care what you say. I'm proud of myself. I won't be disgraced by your lack of respect for my accomplishment.
If you would like to read the review here is the link: http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/movies/yolt_reviews.php3?t=yolt&s=yolt.
I have decided to complete a critique for the next movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Hopefully I can get this one published also. Wish me luck.
However, a couple of weeks ago I decided to do a film review on one of the many sites I look at for news about my hero James Bond. I critiqued You Only Live Twice, which is the fifth movie in the series. The website told readers they could review the film and if the analysis was good enough they would post it on the film's review page.
I didn't think much of it. I really just wanted to do a little writing and didn't plan on having it published. Yet, as of yesterday, the publishers of mi6.co.uk have printed my review. I am now a published author. Sure, it's a dorky website for Bond fanatics, but I still have a review published on a site based out of England. How cool is that.
Oh yeah, well I don't care what you say. I'm proud of myself. I won't be disgraced by your lack of respect for my accomplishment.
If you would like to read the review here is the link: http://www.mi6.co.uk/sections/movies/yolt_reviews.php3?t=yolt&s=yolt.
I have decided to complete a critique for the next movie On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Hopefully I can get this one published also. Wish me luck.
Monday, October 18, 2004
1st Annual Getting Kicked In The Junk With Pocket Aces Poker Tournament
The following are all rules and information you will need for the tournament James, my roommate, and I are hosting.
The price is $25 and the tournament will begin at 3:00 p.m. Let me repeat that. We will begin at 3:00 p.m. and if you do not arrive on time you will not be in the tournament unless you have already paid your fee to either James, Chad, Clint or myself. If you have a gauranteed seat we will pull your blinds until you arrive.
The payout structure will pay one person for every ten entrants, and paying at least three winners (even if only 29 people show), with first winning about 50% of the pot.
You will begin with $25,000 in chips and the following is the blind structure:
3:00-4:00: $100-200
4:00-5:00: $200-400
5:00-5:10: Break
5:10-6:10: $300-600
6:10-7:10: $400-800
7:10-7:20: Break
7:20-7:50: $500-1,000
7:50-8:20: $600-1,200
8:20-8:50: $700-1,400
8:50-9:20: $800-1,600
9:20-9:30: Break
9:30-10:00: $900-1,800
10:00-10:30: $1,000-2,000
10:30-11:00: $1,500-3,000
11:00-11:30: $2,000-4,000
11:30-11:40: Break
11:40-12:10: $2,500-5,000 with a $200 ante
12:10-12:40: $3,000-6,000 with a $300 ante
12:40-1:10: $3,500-7,000 with a $300 ante
1:10-1:40: $4,000-8,000 with a $400 ante
1:40-1:50: Break
1:50-2:20: $4,500-9,000 with a $400 ante
2:20-2:50: $5,000-10,000 with a $500 ante
2:50-3:20: $6,000-12,000 with a $600 ante
3:20-3:50: $7,000-14,000 with a $700 ante
As people are knocked out of the tournament, we will always have tables with as equal numbers as possible and blinds will only be skipped when necessary. The blinds will either skip or be skipped, depending on the situation. If you would like an explanation of how this works all you have to do is ask and I will tell you.
If you are interested in this tournament, please comment on this blog with your name, phone number and how you heard about this tournament or e-mail James at jamesu2@aol.com. If you would like to gaurantee a seat, let me know so we can get your money and have a place ready for you at the tournament.
The price is $25 and the tournament will begin at 3:00 p.m. Let me repeat that. We will begin at 3:00 p.m. and if you do not arrive on time you will not be in the tournament unless you have already paid your fee to either James, Chad, Clint or myself. If you have a gauranteed seat we will pull your blinds until you arrive.
The payout structure will pay one person for every ten entrants, and paying at least three winners (even if only 29 people show), with first winning about 50% of the pot.
You will begin with $25,000 in chips and the following is the blind structure:
3:00-4:00: $100-200
4:00-5:00: $200-400
5:00-5:10: Break
5:10-6:10: $300-600
6:10-7:10: $400-800
7:10-7:20: Break
7:20-7:50: $500-1,000
7:50-8:20: $600-1,200
8:20-8:50: $700-1,400
8:50-9:20: $800-1,600
9:20-9:30: Break
9:30-10:00: $900-1,800
10:00-10:30: $1,000-2,000
10:30-11:00: $1,500-3,000
11:00-11:30: $2,000-4,000
11:30-11:40: Break
11:40-12:10: $2,500-5,000 with a $200 ante
12:10-12:40: $3,000-6,000 with a $300 ante
12:40-1:10: $3,500-7,000 with a $300 ante
1:10-1:40: $4,000-8,000 with a $400 ante
1:40-1:50: Break
1:50-2:20: $4,500-9,000 with a $400 ante
2:20-2:50: $5,000-10,000 with a $500 ante
2:50-3:20: $6,000-12,000 with a $600 ante
3:20-3:50: $7,000-14,000 with a $700 ante
As people are knocked out of the tournament, we will always have tables with as equal numbers as possible and blinds will only be skipped when necessary. The blinds will either skip or be skipped, depending on the situation. If you would like an explanation of how this works all you have to do is ask and I will tell you.
If you are interested in this tournament, please comment on this blog with your name, phone number and how you heard about this tournament or e-mail James at jamesu2@aol.com. If you would like to gaurantee a seat, let me know so we can get your money and have a place ready for you at the tournament.
Saturday, October 16, 2004
F*@% This Game!
I just played in the worst poker game ever. The blind structure was terrible. The players were worse. It was set in the basement of a church. I'm still not sure how I feel about that. The only problem with this game was that I showed up to it. The lesson learned is never go again.
Thursday, October 14, 2004
Principles And Principals Complete
As of 11:26 p.m. on October 13, 2004, I am now back in the system at Duff Elementary. Chad and I placed my cement block with handprints and signature in the ground. It looks beautiful and I will go up there at least once a week to observe its graceful presence along the sidewalk. I hope to have a picture taken and place it on this site, but we will see. Hope you can visit my legacy someday.
On a side note, Chad threw me out of a moving vehicle last night. I ripped up my hip and knee but I will live. Chad sped up a hill as I was grabbing some Kerry/Edwards signs and when I jumped in the bed of the truck, some boards I was sitting on began to slide out. I decided jumping and trying to run was better than falling on the boards. I wasn't able to run fast enough and I fell on my face. Luckily my hands took most of the blow. I'll be okay, but I have a slight limp. It was worth it however, because thinking about Clint coming out to look at a Kerry/Edwards sign is extremely funny to me.
On a side note, Chad threw me out of a moving vehicle last night. I ripped up my hip and knee but I will live. Chad sped up a hill as I was grabbing some Kerry/Edwards signs and when I jumped in the bed of the truck, some boards I was sitting on began to slide out. I decided jumping and trying to run was better than falling on the boards. I wasn't able to run fast enough and I fell on my face. Luckily my hands took most of the blow. I'll be okay, but I have a slight limp. It was worth it however, because thinking about Clint coming out to look at a Kerry/Edwards sign is extremely funny to me.
Wednesday, October 13, 2004
Will A Sign In Your Yard Really Change My Political View?
I don't understand why people put presidential ads in their yards. Is it just to let me know you are voting for Bush or am I supposed to jump on your bandwagon? I don't put signs in my front yard except for Yard Sale signs. No one cares.
I really hate the Jones Tax signs. Whether you're for or against a stadium in Arlington is your own business. Nobody cares. Go vote and if someone asks which way you went, then tell them. Otherwise don't share it with anyone.
In my opinion, the only dumber idea than the presidential yard sign is the presidential bumper sticker. Especially the "Don't blame me. I voted for the other guy." Those are just idiotic.
Although I hate those signs as much as I do, Chad and I are going to take Kerry/Edwards signs and start putting them in Clint's yard. We want to see how long this can go until he figures out it is us and threatens to kick our ass. Of course, if Clint still reads my blog then he will find out before we ever put one in his lawn. Oh well, it will be funny to us.
I really hate the Jones Tax signs. Whether you're for or against a stadium in Arlington is your own business. Nobody cares. Go vote and if someone asks which way you went, then tell them. Otherwise don't share it with anyone.
In my opinion, the only dumber idea than the presidential yard sign is the presidential bumper sticker. Especially the "Don't blame me. I voted for the other guy." Those are just idiotic.
Although I hate those signs as much as I do, Chad and I are going to take Kerry/Edwards signs and start putting them in Clint's yard. We want to see how long this can go until he figures out it is us and threatens to kick our ass. Of course, if Clint still reads my blog then he will find out before we ever put one in his lawn. Oh well, it will be funny to us.
Tuesday, October 12, 2004
Principles And Principals Update
Back in May I made a special stop at my old elementary school and noticed I had a very unique piece of memorabilia taken away from me. After discussing the situation with administration, I was given permission to replace the specific article with a new one that would be homemade. Well, the time has come.
I believe Chad and I will be breaking ground tonight. We built the formation for my handprint block and layed the cement on Sunday. Other than a shallow "A" in MATT, it looks great. We plan on traveling to the school tonight and digging the hole to plant the cement. If all goes well, I will have my legacy back by tomorrow morning.
If you haven't heard about this story, please go under the May 2004 link to the right and find the title Principles and Principals. It is a funny story and will bring you up to speed about where we are today. Also let me assure everyone I don't necessarily feel that a block of cement is this important. It's that I wasn't told I would no longer be remembered at the school that bothers me so. No letter, no call, no fax to my office (oh, wait). What's up with that? Couldn't I at least get a heads up before I took my little cousin to brag about my legacy.
Oh well, I have been compensated fully and am grateful to the Arlington Independent School District for being extremely understanding and thoughtful, and for giving me a job as a substitute. Thank you AISD!
I believe Chad and I will be breaking ground tonight. We built the formation for my handprint block and layed the cement on Sunday. Other than a shallow "A" in MATT, it looks great. We plan on traveling to the school tonight and digging the hole to plant the cement. If all goes well, I will have my legacy back by tomorrow morning.
If you haven't heard about this story, please go under the May 2004 link to the right and find the title Principles and Principals. It is a funny story and will bring you up to speed about where we are today. Also let me assure everyone I don't necessarily feel that a block of cement is this important. It's that I wasn't told I would no longer be remembered at the school that bothers me so. No letter, no call, no fax to my office (oh, wait). What's up with that? Couldn't I at least get a heads up before I took my little cousin to brag about my legacy.
Oh well, I have been compensated fully and am grateful to the Arlington Independent School District for being extremely understanding and thoughtful, and for giving me a job as a substitute. Thank you AISD!
Monday, October 11, 2004
Poker Entry No. 3
October 9, 2004
Players: 17
Entry Fee: $25
Rebuys: N/A
Place: 3
Winnings: $50
This was an extremely fun game. It was in Weatherford and the guys who played in it were a lot of fun, however not that good. Clint, Chad and I entered the tournament and if Clint hadn't had his pocket A's taken down by A-K it would have been Clint, Chad and myself in the final three.
I made two mistakes, however I salvaged the mistakes by winning one hand and keeping the other mistake to a minimal loss.
First mistake: I limped in with K-5 suited to see a flop. I had about $110 and to limp was $2. I hit two spades on the flop with the highest card on the board being a 9. The first guy, Barry, bet $5. The second guy, named Chad (not our Chad), went all in with another $31. I should have thrown away the hand right there, however I said to myself, I can manage a $36 loss with these guys and be okay. So I decided I wanted to call Chad's bet, however I had Barry behind me. I thought if I go all in also, Barry probably won't call. Nobody, unless they had a great hand would call two all ins. So I pushed all my chips in after thinking about all this in about two minutes time. Barry asked how much more it was to call. Not a good sign. I said $72. He called almost immediately. Well, I'm beat. My tournament is over.
Barry flipped his cards over and said he had an open-ended straight draw. He called two all ins on a straight draw. Wow. Yet I can't complain too much because I called an allin with a flush draw. Chad had A-J of diamonds. He had nothing, yet he was winning at the time. I needed a spade badly. The turn came with a K. Now I'm in the lead with a pair of kings. Chad needed an A that wasn't a spade and Barry needed a Q or a 6, again not a spade. I was happy with my winning hand but I wanted a spade to be sure. The last card was a red 2. I won the hand. It sent me to $250.
Lesson #1: That hand was a miracle for me. It's also what got me to the final table, however I shouldn't have called Chad's all in for that much on a flush draw.
Second mistake: I was dealt pocket J's. The table had four of us at it (and one of those was Chad, our Chad). I raised $25, with blinds being $5-10. One guy, named Joe, just called and the second, Smiley, raised another $20. Not a legal raise, but I didn't say anything. Instead, I raised another $25. Joe called both bets and Smiley called. I'm beat right now by one of them and the other probably has overs (I'm guessing A-K). The flop came with a Q and two under-cards. I'm second to act. Smiley bet $20. I should fold, however now I have pot odds. I call and Joe calls. The next card is a blank. There is no flush draw or feasible straight draw. Smiley bets another $20. Again, I should fold but I called for the pot odds of hitting a Jack or winning the hand, which I'm pretty sure I wouldn't without the third Jack. Joe also called. The last card was another blank. Smiley checked. I knew better than to bet. I checked also. Joe checked out of fear I suppose. I flip over my Jacks not too confidently. Smiley proudly and loudly yells Kings. He had the pocket pair. Joe confidently turns over his Aces and said, "Yes, Aces." Another pocket pair.
Lesson #2: I shouldn't have re-raised. I didn't drive the point I wanted with these guys. They just don't have the skills to understand what a re-raise means. However in hindsight, I wouldn't fold with pocket A's or K's either.
Except for these two mistakes I played very well. The tight, but aggresive play is doing very well for me.
Players: 17
Entry Fee: $25
Rebuys: N/A
Place: 3
Winnings: $50
This was an extremely fun game. It was in Weatherford and the guys who played in it were a lot of fun, however not that good. Clint, Chad and I entered the tournament and if Clint hadn't had his pocket A's taken down by A-K it would have been Clint, Chad and myself in the final three.
I made two mistakes, however I salvaged the mistakes by winning one hand and keeping the other mistake to a minimal loss.
First mistake: I limped in with K-5 suited to see a flop. I had about $110 and to limp was $2. I hit two spades on the flop with the highest card on the board being a 9. The first guy, Barry, bet $5. The second guy, named Chad (not our Chad), went all in with another $31. I should have thrown away the hand right there, however I said to myself, I can manage a $36 loss with these guys and be okay. So I decided I wanted to call Chad's bet, however I had Barry behind me. I thought if I go all in also, Barry probably won't call. Nobody, unless they had a great hand would call two all ins. So I pushed all my chips in after thinking about all this in about two minutes time. Barry asked how much more it was to call. Not a good sign. I said $72. He called almost immediately. Well, I'm beat. My tournament is over.
Barry flipped his cards over and said he had an open-ended straight draw. He called two all ins on a straight draw. Wow. Yet I can't complain too much because I called an allin with a flush draw. Chad had A-J of diamonds. He had nothing, yet he was winning at the time. I needed a spade badly. The turn came with a K. Now I'm in the lead with a pair of kings. Chad needed an A that wasn't a spade and Barry needed a Q or a 6, again not a spade. I was happy with my winning hand but I wanted a spade to be sure. The last card was a red 2. I won the hand. It sent me to $250.
Lesson #1: That hand was a miracle for me. It's also what got me to the final table, however I shouldn't have called Chad's all in for that much on a flush draw.
Second mistake: I was dealt pocket J's. The table had four of us at it (and one of those was Chad, our Chad). I raised $25, with blinds being $5-10. One guy, named Joe, just called and the second, Smiley, raised another $20. Not a legal raise, but I didn't say anything. Instead, I raised another $25. Joe called both bets and Smiley called. I'm beat right now by one of them and the other probably has overs (I'm guessing A-K). The flop came with a Q and two under-cards. I'm second to act. Smiley bet $20. I should fold, however now I have pot odds. I call and Joe calls. The next card is a blank. There is no flush draw or feasible straight draw. Smiley bets another $20. Again, I should fold but I called for the pot odds of hitting a Jack or winning the hand, which I'm pretty sure I wouldn't without the third Jack. Joe also called. The last card was another blank. Smiley checked. I knew better than to bet. I checked also. Joe checked out of fear I suppose. I flip over my Jacks not too confidently. Smiley proudly and loudly yells Kings. He had the pocket pair. Joe confidently turns over his Aces and said, "Yes, Aces." Another pocket pair.
Lesson #2: I shouldn't have re-raised. I didn't drive the point I wanted with these guys. They just don't have the skills to understand what a re-raise means. However in hindsight, I wouldn't fold with pocket A's or K's either.
Except for these two mistakes I played very well. The tight, but aggresive play is doing very well for me.
Wednesday, October 06, 2004
Poker Entry No. 2
October 2, 2004
Players: 13
Entry Fee: $10
Rebuys: N/A
Place: 5
Winnings: $0
This game was at Mike Steed's house. I enjoyed playing with them and had a good time. There were a couple of incredibly stupid people, however we will keep names to ourselves. I only made two mistakes at this game. One was an incredibly stupid mistake. We will start with the second and more crushing mistake.
Second mistake: Two hands before my exit I had very little money and tried bluffing at someone who was a call station. I'm not really sure what I was thinking. I had limped in to see the flop with A-6 offsuit. I didn't hit anything and we both checked it on the flop. I decided to try and win the pot on the turn and he called my bet. I only had $14 left, with blinds being $4-8. I decided to fold when he bet on the river and I went all in two hands later when I was the big blind.
Lesson #1: I shouldn't have bluffed the guy. I knew he would call me.
First mistake: My first mistake was a miscalculated judgment. I had K-J suited and raised $8 when blinds were $1-2. Mike went all in for another $9.50. I didn't want to call and I should have folded it, but I already put $10 in the pot and didn't want to see it go away so easily. In addition, I was the chip leader at our table and could lose another $9 without it being terribly hard hitting.
Lesson #2: I shouldn't have raised so much and I could have gotten away from the hand easier.
Players: 13
Entry Fee: $10
Rebuys: N/A
Place: 5
Winnings: $0
This game was at Mike Steed's house. I enjoyed playing with them and had a good time. There were a couple of incredibly stupid people, however we will keep names to ourselves. I only made two mistakes at this game. One was an incredibly stupid mistake. We will start with the second and more crushing mistake.
Second mistake: Two hands before my exit I had very little money and tried bluffing at someone who was a call station. I'm not really sure what I was thinking. I had limped in to see the flop with A-6 offsuit. I didn't hit anything and we both checked it on the flop. I decided to try and win the pot on the turn and he called my bet. I only had $14 left, with blinds being $4-8. I decided to fold when he bet on the river and I went all in two hands later when I was the big blind.
Lesson #1: I shouldn't have bluffed the guy. I knew he would call me.
First mistake: My first mistake was a miscalculated judgment. I had K-J suited and raised $8 when blinds were $1-2. Mike went all in for another $9.50. I didn't want to call and I should have folded it, but I already put $10 in the pot and didn't want to see it go away so easily. In addition, I was the chip leader at our table and could lose another $9 without it being terribly hard hitting.
Lesson #2: I shouldn't have raised so much and I could have gotten away from the hand easier.
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
Poker Entry No. 1
September 25, 2004
Players: 30
Entry Fee: $30
Rebuys: N/A
Place: 17
Winnings: $0
I played great in this game. I was playing tight, but aggresive. I hadn't lost a showdown for two hours. After a while, I had a lot of table respect. However, I made one mistake that led to two more mistakes.
First mistake: I had 7-8 suited. I had limped in to see a flop. The flop was 5, 6, 10. There were two spades on the board. I didn't have spades. The big blind checked it. I checked. The old man behind me checked. The turn was a Q. Big blind checks. I started to think about my options. I could check and hope to see a free card, however if I didn't get the straight, I was probably going to lose. As I was thinking, the old man behind me wasn't paying attention and thought it was on him. He said check. The dealer asked if he could proceed. I said I hadn't decided what to do. I chose to take a stab at taking the pot down right there. I bet $4,000. This was about four times the amount of the big blind. It also left me with about $15,000. The old man called. I put him on a flush draw. The big blind folded. The last card was a blank. It helped neither of us, if I was correct on his flush draw. I knew he hadn't made his hand, but I was too scared to bet half of my stack, which is about how much it would take to get the guy out if I was correct. I went against my better judgment and didn't bet. He checked also and flipped over A-8 of spades. He was on the flush draw, just like I thought. This burned me up that I went against my first thought.
Lesson #1: Trust your judgement. Your first thought is usually the right move.
Second mistake: I got J-10 offsuit. I usually limp with this hand, but the blinds were $1,000-2,000 and I only had $15,000 left. I also was steaming a bit from the previous hand. I wanted to play it so bad, but I went against my first thought and threw it away. A pair of J would have taken the pot. I was not as upset about this mistake as I was about the first.
Lesson #2: Don't let past hands affect your playing on a new hand.
Third mistake: My final mistake sent me out of the tournament. The guy after the big blind went all in pre-flop. I had a feeling he was pretty confident with his hand. I looked at my cards and saw pocket J's. Usually I am fairly excited when I have pocket J's. It is a good hand and mostly has to be outdrawn with a Q, K or A to be beaten. However, for some unknown reason I wasn't too thrilled about having it. I pondered the call, because the guy went all in with more chips than me (about $7,000) more. I had a feeling I was beat, yet against my better judgment I called. The guy flipped over K's. I had to outdraw the guy and I didn't.
Lesson #3: If you know your beat, and you don't have many outs, fold the hand.
Three times I knew I should do something and I went against that feeling. That is why I lost the tournament.
Players: 30
Entry Fee: $30
Rebuys: N/A
Place: 17
Winnings: $0
I played great in this game. I was playing tight, but aggresive. I hadn't lost a showdown for two hours. After a while, I had a lot of table respect. However, I made one mistake that led to two more mistakes.
First mistake: I had 7-8 suited. I had limped in to see a flop. The flop was 5, 6, 10. There were two spades on the board. I didn't have spades. The big blind checked it. I checked. The old man behind me checked. The turn was a Q. Big blind checks. I started to think about my options. I could check and hope to see a free card, however if I didn't get the straight, I was probably going to lose. As I was thinking, the old man behind me wasn't paying attention and thought it was on him. He said check. The dealer asked if he could proceed. I said I hadn't decided what to do. I chose to take a stab at taking the pot down right there. I bet $4,000. This was about four times the amount of the big blind. It also left me with about $15,000. The old man called. I put him on a flush draw. The big blind folded. The last card was a blank. It helped neither of us, if I was correct on his flush draw. I knew he hadn't made his hand, but I was too scared to bet half of my stack, which is about how much it would take to get the guy out if I was correct. I went against my better judgment and didn't bet. He checked also and flipped over A-8 of spades. He was on the flush draw, just like I thought. This burned me up that I went against my first thought.
Lesson #1: Trust your judgement. Your first thought is usually the right move.
Second mistake: I got J-10 offsuit. I usually limp with this hand, but the blinds were $1,000-2,000 and I only had $15,000 left. I also was steaming a bit from the previous hand. I wanted to play it so bad, but I went against my first thought and threw it away. A pair of J would have taken the pot. I was not as upset about this mistake as I was about the first.
Lesson #2: Don't let past hands affect your playing on a new hand.
Third mistake: My final mistake sent me out of the tournament. The guy after the big blind went all in pre-flop. I had a feeling he was pretty confident with his hand. I looked at my cards and saw pocket J's. Usually I am fairly excited when I have pocket J's. It is a good hand and mostly has to be outdrawn with a Q, K or A to be beaten. However, for some unknown reason I wasn't too thrilled about having it. I pondered the call, because the guy went all in with more chips than me (about $7,000) more. I had a feeling I was beat, yet against my better judgment I called. The guy flipped over K's. I had to outdraw the guy and I didn't.
Lesson #3: If you know your beat, and you don't have many outs, fold the hand.
Three times I knew I should do something and I went against that feeling. That is why I lost the tournament.
My Own Personal Poker Notebook
I've decided to keep a journal about my poker tournaments and cash games. However, instead of writing it all down in a notebook, I will put it in here. It will save space and I can just click on the page I am looking for instead of flipping through pages to find some entry I put six months ago.
I would also like to add, this is really for me, so you could possibly be bored. If you aren't into poker, then you might not want to read any entry that has the title "Poker Entry No. __." Yet if you like hearing about my interesting tales at the tables, then I welcome you to read and add any input you may have. But I don't want to begin fights. Don't be an a-hole with your comments.
I would also like to add, this is really for me, so you could possibly be bored. If you aren't into poker, then you might not want to read any entry that has the title "Poker Entry No. __." Yet if you like hearing about my interesting tales at the tables, then I welcome you to read and add any input you may have. But I don't want to begin fights. Don't be an a-hole with your comments.
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