Bandage and Discipline

Very little new to report, as I had a mostly poker-free weekend. I've been emotionally over-wrought, financially over-extended and vocationally over-challenged for the last few days. It's so hard to maintain discipline sometimes... it would be so easy to go back to being a fish, pushing my chips around with abandon and hoping I keep catching lucky. The poker table is the only place I have been able to maintain focus lately. I did however cash in one of those three dollar multis on PokerStars Friday night. They paid the top 180 and I only made the first bracket (140% ROI, woohoo), but it was the most expensive multi I've cashed in yet. I guess I should be more excited, but I'm actually kind of disappointed. I played really well through the first two breaks, even getting up to 12th chip position with about 260 left. Then I blew it all, going all in with the nut flush against a player that obviously caught the boat on fourth. It was one of those moments when you can tell that you're making the wrong move but can't seem to stop yourself, like slamming your finger in the car door or something. Of course, I had the other player covered, so I managed to mostly fold my way into the money, but I know that I really blew a chance there. I guess what it comes down to is again a lack of discipline. There seems to be a running theme here. At least I'm staying fairly disciplined about this blog. This is my fifth post, something of an accomplishment for me. I've had a few blogs before this, but never managed to get past a fourth post. Focusing on poker helps, as it gives me something concrete to talk about. Having eleven people comment on my last post helps a lot too. I'm a sucker for encouragement, but I guess I made that pretty apparent in the blog's title. Speaking of encouragement, I want to give a quick e-hug to Blu, whose blog you can see listed in my All-New Sup-R-Cool Blog List over on the right. Blu sent me an example of how to edit the template to add the list, and it will be growing quickly soon, so I'm giving him a day or three to bask in the honor of being first and only on the list. I also figure he could use some good vibes beamed at him, as it sounds like he's having a rough week. When you're getting crappy cards, try to wish the good ones over towards him (unless he's at your table, of course). Nothing heals a broken heart like winning a few big pots with set over set or something. :-) That's all for our program tonight. Tune in to future episodes for more blogger thanx, the hand that I'm considering nicknaming "the poker slut", and a thorough discussion of appropriate poker music. All that and questions for my readers about PokerTracker, when we return.