Tuesday 13 May 2014

Achievement unlocked- Leave uni a professional poker player


Well! Its been three long years but as of today I am no longer a university student........


I can't lie, there have been very enjoyable elements to uni and I'm extremely happy I moved down to Liverpool to 'study'. I've met some great people, had a hell of a laugh, learnt a lot (not necessarily in the classroom) and ultimately I've ended up achieving my number one goal and my long term dream of leaving university a professional poker player. The idea of being a 'professional' rather than a semi professional is really neither here nor there. The only difference between what I'll be doing now to what I've been doing the past 5 or 6 months is I'll be playing a lot more, hopefully making a lot more money and I won't have any stress relating to extra workload. The real gift is that I don't have to finish uni looking for work and I'm lucky enough to enjoy what I'll be doing for a living for the foreseeable future.    


Leaving my final exam today I felt both a sense of overwhelming relief but also extreme excitement at the thought of what the next few years might bring for me. Although I do have lots of goals and ambitions for the coming years I would really like to be able to slow down a little and both enjoy and appreciate what I've got and the freedom that my job brings. I feel I've spent the last couple of years wishing away my life and having hit my most important target I don't want to simply set another and wish away my life till I hit that. Living with or close by to very good friends of mine this year I am going to enjoy myself as much as possible and not take for granted the situation I'm in.  I don't particularly want to write a long post right now as I'm in lying in bed in preparation to watch face/off for the second time this week as a celebration.


I would like to say though that from now on every 1st of the month is blog update day! Now I have plenty of free time I will be updating my blog at least once a month and considering I am no longer writing results orientated posts I decided to start also writing about another passion of mine in the gym and fitness. I've really been yoyoing with diet and training for the past 3 years thanks to a slightly overwhelming work load (and maybe a little bit of partying) but some time next week I look to start getting back into shape with the intentions of hopefully competing on stage one day (I have a long way to go I know). I wont post half naked selfies right now as I've just had a celebratory meal and I'm a fat bloated bastard but as of the 1st of next month I'll be posting photos and updates on how training has been treating me. I'm sure most people really aren't arsed and would rather not see said photos of me but it's really something to motivate me and keep me from sinking back into old habits or losing my drive.


Also, I really cant finish this blog post without emphasizing how grateful I am of my family, my friends and my employers for both giving me the opportunity to achieve this dream of mine but also keeping the faith in me and supporting me for the last few years chasing it. Both of my parents have been extremely supportive and understanding (eventually... dad :) ) of my 'career' choice and I am forever thankful for that. There's no doubt that without their help and general interest in what I do I would not be where I am today. I also can't ignore the great influence my friends have had on me, not just for getting me into poker in the first place, but again always being extremely interested and genuinely happy for me of which I really do appreciate. Lastly but not least I have to thank my boss' again for giving me the opportunity to prove myself and for seeing potential in me. I hope to do you all proud!


Anyway! Enough for now! Mr Cage is waiting.
Incase you were wondering the 30s are going really well for me at the moment and with a couple of alterations and eureka moments I had this past week I hope to really get my grinding cap on and move up to the 60s asap. Charizard and Supernova Elite await!!!!!!!!