Trials and tribulations of a good addict.

Recovering from two intestinal infections back at home in B'ham. After being hospitalised twice in Thailand and being forced to swallow a whole host of anti-biotics, over two or three weeks- my body is well and truly screwed.

I've been told my digestive system could be affected for up to 4 months or longer. The most hopeful prognosis is 4 weeks, and no diary, whatsoever.

So, apart from gritting my teeth when my madre eats some cheese, or worse still, cheesecake, in front of me, things aren't too bad. A lack of energy and weird ups and downs in my stomach, like there's a party I'm not invited too inside my chest, are the worst of it. Actually, the lack of strength combined with the fact that I can't, literally as it makes me worse, train or do any kind of physical exercise. Quite hard for me, as a wannabe pro bboy.

The first few weeks, especially in hospital, I watched films on HBO- possible in Thai hospitals. Back at home I've exhausted day time TV to the death. So what now? I've re-introduced myself to.... poker.

I have had a chequered career within poker. My first intro was facebook poker, where I learnt.
Going from 1500 chips, or something like that, to over 1 million. Before losing most of it and settling back to having about 75000. At that point I decided to play for real money.

Then, I joined partypoker. I was quite astonished when I managed to turn £15 into £150. In 3 days play, about 6 hours in total. I was high on my success, as most beginners get. I lost it all within 6 weeks. My first time going 'broke' (at least my poker funds were bust, anyway.).

Then, I joined full tilt and titan poker, maybe 4 months later, the cooling off period. I put maybe £15 in both. Ups and downs ensued. Followed by going bust for the second and third time.

I 'quit'. Felt good to say it. But, like all good addicts, I am no quitter.

I started playing live poker with a friend who moved to my city. And I started winning again.
I cashed in a tournament of 30 people, coming 3rd for £30. I won a small tournament at a friends, for £15. Then, I had planned to go the real local tournament, £25 buy in, £1000 or thereabouts, first prize. Flight to thailand. Guess what? Not only did I miss the casino game in B'ham, but Poker in Thailand is illegal. Game over.

Fast forward 8 weeks, 6 in pokerless Thailand, 2 for lack of energy.
I start playing 'free' poker again. Then, deposit £25, as you do.
Easy to do really.

I start winning. I go up to $48 from (40), then I join a $10 tounrnament, 1100 players. I play pretty badly and go out somewhere disgracefully shite like 900odd. Down to $38, or thereabouts.
I play a $3, 90 player tournament, today, after reading some poker books in town. As you do.
I, the quitter, come 2nd out of 90. Second place. Needed to repeat it, lame I know.
Bankroll boosted to over $80 and the quitter is back in the game.

Now just need to stay focused and not blow it all, again, for the 4th time.

Wish me luck, skill and the ability to stay as calm (think thai people calmness).

Ciao for now folks,..