1 Year Later and 2009 Goals

Posted by poker kat

December 30, 2008

My first post to this blog was December 22nd 2007. So much has happened since then. I was living 3000 miles from where I am now. When I was playing poker in Florida I had become accustom to the players and games in the Tampa Bay Area. I had some struggles at first but then began beating the games I was playing. I grew a lot as a player in 2007.

In 2008, the story is different. I had an emotionally rough January and then I moved to LA in February. I jumped right into the games at Commerce and had some success.. beginners luck maybe in a new environment? Either way, I was living on unemployment, freelancing and playing cash games. I supported myself this way until the end of April when I gave in and accepted a full time position- warning my new bosses in the interview I was a poker player and would need time off to play. In a strangely opposite type world.. they loved this about me.

The summer was filled with weddings across the country and in China (of all places). I tried to get in tournaments whenever I could. I cashed in a few but not for much more than my money back. I was also still getting used to my new job and surroundings.. My job was also sending me on trips back to NYC and I’d try to get down to see my mom and play in Atlantic City. Focus on my game was tough and I began over thinking the need to win too much.

In the Fall, I had a frustrating situation that effecting my home and I suddenly found myself not wanting to be there. The best solution for this was to head to Commerce right from work and play into the night. I wish I could report success stories from this but, unfortunately, I played mostly tournaments and either went out around the bubble or made back my money. Nothing great.

November started to improve in regards to my living situation and my game. I had a few great sessions playing cash. I spent Thanksgiving in Vegas. I met my brother and his wife there.. I played cash and bet on college football but I seemed to just miss a win in both. It became very frustrating.. (I highly recommend Love and the Wynn Buffet for Thanksgiving)

I came back from Vegas on December 1st and I have not sat at a table since the trip. I found myself broke and putting myself in a situation where I was getting behind on the things that shouldn’t be.. I’ve spent December on hiatus from playing and focusing on getting my financial situation comfortable again. I’ve also done more poker reading this month. I want to start 2009 refreshed and more focused on my game.

A few goals and lessons for 2009…

1. Better bankroll management (as always but this time I’ll get it right)

2. Don’t play in tournaments your bankroll can’t support

3. Get back to the “eager to learn and improve” mindset I had in 2007

4. When times are not good, step away and focus on my priorities

A Merry & Safe New Year to anyone still reading this blog.