Realization

Date: Fri, Sep 5, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

What lies beyond? One door leads to the next... and to the next. Sometimes the rooms and corridors which fall between there lie hidden pitfalls and threats. More often than not the spaces between hold nothing, but the void, where we're left alone with only our thoughts and fears. Left to my own devices I can conjure up many a horrific thing. Seldom are my fears realized.

I don't know what all of that is about... I liked the picture, that's the direction my thoughts went. I have observed that things are seldom as bad as they appear. I've accepted that everywhere in my life and it affords me a degree of freedom. My confidence however fails me when it comes to matters of (now brace yourself) my poker play.

I'm given to over-analysis and self doubt and I become my own worst opponent, as opposed to the guy (or girl) at the other end of the table. I've slowly been realizing this, or better yet admitting it. I need to foster this development to advance my game. But at the same time I want to keep the game in perspective. It's a game... it's not livelihood.

See what a lack of sleep does to your humble servant, I get all introspective and such.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Ponderables

Date: Thu, Sep 4, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Last night was busy, for no good reason. I finished work and made it home at 4:00pm, and immediately began to put together a weight bench that my mother-in-law had bought for my son and I. I don't know why she did it, unless my son made the request, or maybe she just thinks I'm getting a little too flabby around the edges. Either way, I'm not complaining, I'd been wanting to get one, and so it was a nice surprise. Now, I'll just have to discipline myself to do it. But I'm getting ahead of myself. Anyway, I opt to put the bench together in the garage, since I wasn't exactly sure where Big Red was going to want it placed in the house. So, I got a workout of a different sort, sweating my ass off in the sauna that was my garage. It was like rendering a pig! Is it healthy to lose that much water weigth?!?

So, along with some help from my son, I get the twisted mass of metal together, just in time for Big Red to get home and tell me, that it needs to go to the basement, and ask why I'm all sweaty!?! So I get that done, and get things setup to my satisfaction. (Pant pant...) Is it a bad sign when you're winded from setting up the exercise equipment? : )

Meanwhile, Teresa and Cole take off from the house just as Whitney is getting home from cheer leading practice. I tell her that since I'm already sweating to death, I'm going to go ahead and run on the treadmill for 30 minutes. I do that, while she grabs a bite to eat, and gets started on her homework. I do my run, get the runner's high, shower and head down to grab a bite to eat myself. By the time I finish, Teresa calls. She's getting her nails done and asks me to go pick up Cole from the church, where he went with his cousins, for a special program. I head there, and pick him up, and realize it's already 8:30.

When we get home, I herd him toward the shower, while I check back on Whitney's homework progress. Her laptop is irritating me, slightly. I'm not really all that fond of Windows Vista. It's a resource hog! And she never bothered to tell me that she didn't have MS Word on it, since all she ever used it for before was IM'ing and MySpace nitwittery. But nonetheless she's using WordPad, which will suffice. Then, she finishes up and brings me the laptop to proofread the paper. It looks good, although WordPad doesn't have a frakkin' spell checker. At this point she tells me that she's having difficulty connecting to the internet, tonight. Then she wants to know if she can print to my printer, which I'm stunned that she's never done that before today. Grrrr... So, I begin to set it up, which isn't going so well at all. I'm getting lots of OS flack, about connection errors and "insufficient memory to add printer." Yes, there were some dicey WTF moments in there folks.

Somewhere between Suddenlink dropping my connectivity and an issue with her system not connecting to the Workgroup, let's just say that dear ole cheer_dad snatches up the laptop and heads downstairs and retypes the paper in a few minutes on his computer and prints the thing out. Then I keep the laptop for the remainder of the late evening to work out some of the bugs.

I cycle the cable modem, and my wireless router, and the main computer, and Whit's laptop and voila get internet and workgroup connectivity. Try to add the printer and get the same "memory" errors, so I research quickly and find a workaround to the problem. Yes, it's a known issue with Vista. Go figure. Then, I download OpenOffice and install it on her system, so she'll have wordprocessing, spreadsheet, and presentation capabilities. That finishes up just before 11:00pm.

I go to do one last thing, before calling it a night, and find that something has gone wacky again with the wireless connectivity, again. This time it's not Suddenlink and every other computer in the house seems fine. I'm raising serious eyebrows now at Vista. Me and that OS are going to have words. If it troubles me again tomorrow or over the weekend, little blond girl this sucker's got a fresh XP installation in its future. But I finally call it a night.

Around 11:45 my head hits the pillow. Somehow, I get to stay in the bed last night. Either my snoring wasn't too offensive to my wife or she took pity and suffered through it.

Still, my night was plagued by some weird dreams. The weirdest of which I recall as I woke up to it at 5:00am, prior to the alarm going off. As I headed for the shower, I mentioned that I'd been dreaming and recapped the plot briefly to Teresa, so I'd be able to remember it myself.

In my dream, she and I had just got in the car to go to the Eagles. We were at home, but home wasn't home, it was mom and dad's old house at Mineral Wells?! I remember it because of the driveway, which overlooks the fields from atop the hill. As I'm backing out of the drive on a chilly winter evening, my headlights shine across something that makes me stop. There shown in my glaring high beams, is a baby crawling up through the yard, in a red set of footy pajamas, trimmed in blue. I guy pick the kid up, a boy by the way... and bring him back to the car where Teresa and I start discussing what to do with him and figure out where he came from. In the midst of our discussion an announcement comes across the radio that there's been a car wreck, involving a couple from "Pennsylvania" and that they were both either killed or seriously injured (I'm fuzzy on that part) but that an infant had been ejected from the car, but was now nowhere to be found. The police gave out a number to call, which we made note of and headed back to the house. All I could think of was how cold the baby was, although he seemed pretty happy at the moment. But I was worried that we didn't have any diapers, baby clothes or any bottles in the house to take care of him. Then, I woke up...

Now, here at work... I'm exhausted from thinking about it all. What's it all mean? I dunno, and I'm not sure I really want to know.

Tonight's going to be busy again, as Whitney has to cheer tonight for the JV game at Erickson Field. Somewhere in there dinner will be eaten, homework will be done. I don't know if all that will preclude a visit to the Eagles for drawing night or not. All I can say is, if I do get to head up there this evening, there better not be a baby crawling through my yard. There are books written about mental illness like this, aren't there... Thank goodness it'll be Friday tomorrow.

Anyway, hope you're having a less confusing day than I am.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Battlestar Politica

Date: Tue, Sep 2, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

I was catching up on the blogosphere today and came across this picture, stolen from AlCantHang, who stole it from Jordan. From there, the trail grows cold... But honestly, I think McCain should incorporate this into his campaign. He could change his theme song to the Battlestar Galactica theme. No one can hear you scream in the void of space or that of an election year. I for one will be glad when this election is over. The only bright spot I see in the election at all, is that Hilary is no longer in it! : ) But that's as far as I'll go on the political front. I'll just leave it at Battlestar Politica.

I return to work after a four-day weekend. I really do love my AWS day schedule in that respect. I did actually get back on the treadmill today, after taking a breather since Friday. My legs needed a break, although not that long of one. I did get some exercise in the volleyball game, and let me tell you I'm feeling the ill-effects of that today. The run was a bit ragged, but I'm counting the miles, thank you very much.

In other news ESPN will begin tonight to air this year's World Series of Poker Main Event tonight. Don't forget to tune in!

I'm going to go finish up dinner and clean up, and see which kid needs help with their homework and such. Hope all is well in your respective necks of the woods.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

It's a sad, sad day indeed

Date: Mon, Sep 1, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

The forces of evil did conspire against us during our annual Labor Day Extravaganza, and allow the motley crew pictured to the left to bring the reign of the South Side to an end in the Volley Ball Championship of the World! For once the North Side emerged victorious. The 2nd game was a real nail biter and they poured on the heat in a late rally to win by two points 23-21. Despite my sour grapes I know everyone had a great time playing yesterday, and I'm sure a number of us have a few extra bruises and aches and pains to show for it. Congratulations to the North on the win (despite the fact that they did have to call in for family reinforcements this year from Bridgeport!)

The festivities began yesterday at 2:00pm with the cookout, all the while a number of pick up games of cornhole were played. The volleyball tournament got underway around 4:00pm. After the the North's victory the court was handed over to the younger crew, who frankly put us ALL to shame. They're all a bit more limber than we are. The volleyball playing didn't come to an end until the sun completely disappeared and the candles just weren't enough to see by anymore. People began then to say their goodbyes and headed back home. But a few of us die hards, undeterred continued on. The beer began to flow a bit more heavily at that point... and of course the cards and chips made their appearance. Somewhere just before 4:00am the ragtag group that remained playing poker finally called it a night. Big Red had to carry me and my small loss, and still she came out with a respectable profit of $50. I believe JJ was the big winner on the night, with a $80-ish profit, I think! Congrats!

In all throughout the day, we had 68 people at the house. I thank you all for making it a great day, and plan on it again next year. In the off-season I think I'll be working on a few more stretches. : )

Have a great Labor Day!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Labor Day Extravaganza approaches

Date: Sat, Aug 30, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Tomorrow there will be lots of this going on. Many of you will join in to play during our Annual Labor Day Extravaganza, but make no mistake the South Side will once again emerge victorious in this game as has become quite the tradition. Heck we might even do it, all the while remaining injury free. But that part, as always, is optional. No sacrifice is too great in the quest for victory. It's not just a game... it's another chance to win!

Also to be played tomorrow will be this little game too! Yes you all know it well. Everyone including the kids loved this game last year so it makes its return.

Of course there will be plenty of food and good times to be had, so come early and stay late. I'm sure as the day slowly turns to night, there might even be cause to throw together a little poker game too. You know on the off chance that some of our friends and family might wanna play that little game too. Yes, it usually doesn't take much pulling of arms to get a game going. : )

Most of today was spent getting ready, cleaning, mowing, and doing whatever Big Red told me to do, so y'all better show some appreciation. At least, you could buy me a beer!

I'll try to keep the camera handy to catch each of you at your best. I'm sure a number of candid moments will present themselves. Pictures of bodies in a twisted pile on the volleyball court are always a bit hit. And thus far, a year has never gone by in which that didn't happen eventually. So be sure to show us your best side.

See you tomorrow.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Parkersburg South vs McKinley Tech

Date: Fri, Aug 29, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Tonight the Parkersburg South Patriots played host to McKinley Tech from DC and there was much cause for celebration and laughter. That's my baby with the big smile on her face having a great time during the game. : )












McKinley in white, South in Blue are shown here in play action.






Here's another picture of yet another kickoff by the Patriots. Let's just say we had to do that a lot!!!









Mad Max ran the length of the field more times tonight than I think he cares to remember, as each time a TD hit the scoreboard he got to do his thing and run the flag. When the dust settled and the final gun went off, the scoreboard read Patriots 49 McKinley 0... Lots of points on the board, and what a great start to the season. Keep up the intensity boys, work and play hard.

Congratulations! We'll see you next week at Warren High School.
GO SOUTH!!!

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

NDPT...n debt poker tour - 2008-08-28

Date: Thu, Aug 28, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Read Full Poker Blog Post

It doesn't get easier

Date: Thu, Aug 28, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

I ran across the following post http://jacksrok.blogspot.com/2008/08/first-day-of-schoolsniff-sniff.html on a blog that I frequent in which blogger "jjok" laments the fact that his daughters headed off for their first day of kindergarten and that they were growing up, it was all making him a little sad... and that sooner than he wanted he knew they'd be talking about "bras and boys." I remember the same feelings when my kids left for school as well. Seems like yesterday.

Unfortunately, "jjok" I wish I had better news for you, but this is what those little pony-tailed girls will end up doing to you someday:






They grow up...

This one headed off to her first day of high school on Tuesday. Eventually I know it'll be college, and then worse she'll be bringing some "guy" home to meet the folks. (shudder)











I'd like to pretend that it won't be so bad with my son, who is younger, but in the end I know it'll be just as bad. It's just right now it seems like there's a lot more time to deal with the eventuality of it all. We've still got more days of elementary school and little league, thank goodness, but even those are numbered. Either way, try as we might to stop it, our kids are going to grow up on us. All we can do is do our best by them, equip them as best we can and give them love.


The time escapes me... but it was never mine to keep.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Zihuatanejo

Date: Wed, Aug 27, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Sorry there's just been that little rant boiling up inside me, now for a while. I just think there ought to be something else to shoot for. There was a a song by The Godfathers called "Birth, School, Work, Death" that I liked back in my post modern/alternative rock phase in college, (circa 1988,) that summed it all up a little like this:

Yeah I been high and I been low
And I don't know where to go
I'm living on the never never never
This time it's gonna be forever
I'll live and die don't ask me why
I wanna go to paradise
And I don't need your sympathy
There's nothing in this world for me
Birth, school, work, death
Birth, school, work, death

No, don't start emailing, calling and linking me to a damn suicide hotline, I'm a little more level-headed than that (most days.)


I guess this notion that I had about reading that Jimmy Buffett book "A Salty Piece of Land" and getting my "island chill" on, is having a bit of an effect. It's conjured up a lot of pleasing/relaxing imagery in contrast to the daily grind. I keep dreaming about the final scene from Shawshank Redemption in which Red finds his old friend Andy on a beach, Zihuatanejo on the coast of Mexico. The place looks peaceful. The kinda place where your hair will bleach white from the sun, and you'll turn the color of a Chicken McNugget. To quote another song, this time Big Red's leading man Kenny Chesney, "the sun and the sand and a drink in my hand, with no bottom..."

Is it too late to take up sailing... and switch to island time? In a bit of a mood...

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Oh yeah... it's a lot like that.

Date: Mon, Aug 25, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Adding Insult to Injury

Date: Sun, Aug 24, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Getting back in the swing

Date: Sat, Aug 23, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Since returning from the beach it's been rough to get back in the swing of things. It's kinda like detox, and needing a vacation from the vacation. On Thursday I had to pick Whitney up from cheerleading, right when we got home, and then turn around and head up to Parkersburg South High School for her Orientation. Yes, my baby girl is now in high school, stop reminding me. I'm still struggling to understand how there's going to be enough room for all these kids at South, in spite of all of the renovations and additions to the school over the past couple of years. Of course, I'm not sold on the whole "middle school" concept either. But we'll just have to wait and see. I wish the kids and the administration the best of luck!

Later that evening Big Red and I headed for the Eagles and met up with JR and Nikki and Frank also showed up after a while. I drank a few, and then a few more. We both had a little slot machine time and came out on the plus side, including our bar tab!

The next day, Big Red had to head back to work... haha! : ) I slept in a bit, but then got started on the pile of laundry. Later in the day I took Whit to practice between other chores. The evening was a quiet one and the whole family spent it together in front of the tv, reading, and listening to Cole play with his wrestling action figures. No they are NOT dolls!

Today, was South's Meet The Team festivities at Erikson All-Sports Facility. Long drawn out process, that should really be condensed. But I did get to see my daughter perform and so that was a good thing.

Since getting back today I've been wading through the blogs. Wow, I had a lot of catching up to do, since there were nearly 400 "unread" items to check out. It felt nice to get back in to the frame of mind of reading through these postings again, and sharing out some items and skimming others.

I did talk to Frank today, who didn't in fact head to Tri-State "Casino" on Thursday, but settled instead on Friday. He and Vince and Theresa all headed down to see all the goings on. Frank let me know that he made like $350 and that the place was full of fishies! He's trying to talk the wife into letting him go back tomorrow (Sunday) for another go at 'em. He did tell me that the management of the room left a bit to be desired, and wasn't up-to-par. He was upset by the chaos, particularly since they've had so long to prepare and could have easily taken some pointers from Wheeling and Mountaineer to the North, but it appears that would have been too much to ask. I'll wait for Frank's trip report on his blog to see what other goings on he encountered. Eventually I'll make the trip myself and offer up my impressions as well.

Time to get back to the pile of laundry folks...

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

To all you nay-sayers...

Date: Thu, Aug 21, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Well you thought the day would never come. Two outa Three ain't bad huh!?! Well what's been nearly a year in the making is finally going to happen. "What's up, cheer_dad," you ask, "what's the earth shattering news?" Well according to this article http://www.herald-dispatch.com/news/x1846891047/W-Va-racetrack-given-OK-to-offer-poker/index.html?printview=true Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center will FINALLY be opening its doors to offer poker to the masses! That's right people the third West Virginia casino will finally be offering something other than slots and dogs. This comes nearly ONE YEAR after the initiative was passed by Kanawha County to allow the casino to open poker and table games at the existing casino. Wheeling Island and the Mountaineer jumped on that bandwagon long ago and has thrived at least as far as my personal observations and the various articles have thus far suggested. I wish Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center good luck, and yes eventually I'll be down to give it a go, but I'm still a little irritated that it took so long to make it happen. The people of Kanawha County were none to happy either, and even the Governor weighed in on it you'll recall from a previous post I threw out here on the blog. But anyway, today's the day following 2 days of successful "charity" poker tournaments to get the ball rolling, the Lottery Commission gave their blessing and a quiet sigh of relief which says, "sheesh, it's about friggin' time Tri-State!!!" Anyway, read the article, and make plans to visit this new poker room when you can. My buddy Frank, was headed down to indulge in the madness of the first day/night, this evening. I haven't talked to him since I left for vacation so I'm not sure how all that's panning out.

I'm back in town now, having just arrived home after that long drive back from Myrtle Beach, SC. It's good to be home, but as usual there's already a lot to get done after a vacation. So rather than sitting here pecking away at the keyboard, I better get to it.

See some of you later this evening at the Eagles drawing, and others I'm sure over the weekend. It's good to be home.

Regards,

cheer_dad

Read Full Poker Blog Post

Extremely tired among other things.

Date: Tue, Aug 19, 2008 Internet Live Tournament

Read Full Poker Blog Post