So I got away from blogging for the past 2 plus years and lately I've been thinking that I'd like to get my thoughts out and "on paper."
I'll start with the now and get into what's happened in the past 2 years later. Right now, my pool game is utter garbage. Like, flaming dogshit garbage. I have no focus and I have no competitive drive. I'm playing league too many nights, and thus, I'm playing when I don't necessarily feel like it. Seems like before when I didn't necessarily feel like playing my competitive spirit would come into play and I'd give an honest effort. Now, I'm going through the motions. I feel like I need to take a break from league. Problem is, I'm the league operator on one and my good friend with whom I play the other two nights just bought that league and I feel compelled to keep playing to support him. However, I think at the end of this league session I'm going to be taking a break from league. I'm in a lull, playing the same people at the same places and I've become friendly with many of them and it's turned into more of a social thing.
Lately, I only want to play one pocket on the big tables but 9 ball will suffice if I can't get a one pocket game. Another problem is I usually go after work (and before league starts) and there's not usually many, if any, one pocket players there during that time. I'm not a late night guy and the thought of being at the pool hall until 11pm (or later) during the week looking for a one pocket game is not terribly appealing to me.
I've had flashes of brilliance over that last couple years and that's what makes it even more frustrating. My best game rivals most anyone around and when I get into that gear it's a great feeling. I've had several good finishes in tournaments and now that I think about it I usually do finish in the money or very close to it. My expectations have risen and when I don't bring my best game knowing that I could compete with almost anyone if I did has got me down, waaaaaaaaay down. There are some personal issues that could be playing a role, but I feel like those are excuses to not play well. Making excuses for my failures doesn't interest me in the least.
I also find that I'm making less time to go to tournaments. Seems like 2-3 years ago I'd hit up a weekend tournament at least 6-7 times. Now, maybe, 3-4 times. MAYBE. It's not because my wife won't let me, it's because I find other things more enjoyable. My goal is to get into more tournaments, more big table 1 pocket/9ball, and less league. It's not my goal, it's my plan.
