Don't forget the family

[wilsonmja]

I have recently returned from a "vacation" from poker. I took my wife and daughter for a weeks vacation at the end of May and told my wife that I was taking 60 days off from poker starting after our vacation.

In the last 60 days I realized a few things. First: I have made poker a bigger part of my life than it really should be. Second: I have a wonderful wife who has never nagged me about it or tried to make me feel guilty about it. Third: My family deserves more of my time than they have been getting.

I will be cutting my poker playing time in half and spending a lot more time with my wife and daughter. I don't need the little bit of money that I profit from playing poker as much as they need me and I need them.

I guess I'm writing this to reach out to somebody. If you are married and play a lot of poker, consider the idea that maybe you are neglecting your family. You would be amazed at how good you feel after a little break from the daily grind of playing poker.

[BUILDMO]

I also need to do this.
My wife refers to poker as the 'second job'

Keep us posted on your progress.

Sometimes I think that if I play less poker, I would probably win more.

However, my poker play online is ususally after the family goes to bed, and I've seen every episode of Family Guy, so poker takes front seat.

Again, thanks for the post!

[liladypokerpro]

Wow B'mo.....we have the same schedule!!! Bedtime, Family Guy, Poker

[powrdragn]

I'm hearing more people realizing this.

I think it more players need to balance their life with their hobbies (not just poker). If poker isn't a job for you, then keep things in perspective.

And truth be told, sometimes having time away from the poker table can really help you come to the table with a clear mind and might even increase the level of your game.

[liladypokerpro]

Amen...sometimes it becomes so routine that you simply don't see how it's affecting those around you. I came to this conclusion last week, and have rotated my schedule in a way which allows me playing time when my partner is asleep or at work. This way, I know my attention is not needed, and I can do what I wish with my time. During her waking hours, though, it's now all about her. Poker is no longer riding shotgun in my paddy wagon

[PointerJake]

Dont get me wrong I totally agree, but dont you think its in our blood. I mean come on were gamblers. I hate to say it but you'll be back to poker and you know it. You'll get the itch. But I do think you definatly need to balance it with other aspects in life. I know I've cut back many times, and lost a girlfriend because of it, but I ultimatly decided it was for the best. I was better off without her. I like to play poker and I will find somebody that does as well. And be very happy while I'm doing it. But thats just me. And I am now rambeling. Sorry and props to your decision.

[liladypokerpro]

Coming from a family of gamblers, I guess I can see why it would seem to be in my blood. But thankfully they are/were wise gamblers LOL So common sense tends to equal out the otherwise reckless abandon that some people face when gambling. I am lucky to have someone that believes in me and also tries to participate, although in all honesty I don't really think she's going to stick at it for much longer. She's turned her attention back to RPG games on Playstation2, so poker is the farthest from her mind right now LOL It's all good though. I never try to push the issue. I mean it's not for everyone. I admire and appreciate the fact that she did try at it for so long, and did enjoy it at times. I think mostly as she put it to me once, she just wanted to participate in something that I enjoy so much. That really brings a warm fuzzy feeling to my heart.

[Wyte22]

Originally Posted by liladypokerpro Coming from a family of gamblers, I guess I can see why it would seem to be in my blood. But thankfully they are/were wise gamblers LOL So common sense tends to equal out the otherwise reckless abandon that some people face when gambling. I am lucky to have someone that believes in me and also tries to participate, although in all honesty I don't really think she's going to stick at it for much longer. She's turned her attention back to RPG games on Playstation2, so poker is the farthest from her mind right now LOL It's all good though. I never try to push the issue. I mean it's not for everyone. I admire and appreciate the fact that she did try at it for so long, and did enjoy it at times. I think mostly as she put it to me once, she just wanted to participate in something that I enjoy so much. That really brings a warm fuzzy feeling to my heart.

That's awesome!! ya'll are perfect for each other Anyone who can have a S.O. who will support them no matter what, that's special and should be cherished!

btw, old skool RPGs are the shiznit!! Dragon Warrior for the NES!!! and Final Fantasy 4 and 6 for SNES!!! they are the best FF7 was a landmark but my RPG heart is old skool!!

[liladypokerpro]

Wyte, if you want any of the FF games let me know...I've got a bunch that I haven't touched in a long time...

As for Carrie she likes the Onimusha series...she can't wait for #5 to come out in October...

[Wyte22]

Originally Posted by liladypokerpro Wyte, if you want any of the FF games let me know...I've got a bunch that I haven't touched in a long time... As for Carrie she likes the Onimusha series...she can't wait for #5 to come out in October...

I got emulator on my computer with a good bit of RPGs even the Breath of Fire series for SNES and PSX. My favorite all time RPG is Sukideon (mispelled i am sure but you get the idea). That is an AWESOME RPG and I like the real time fights of Star Ocean 2. (and the skill system for SO2 is awesome!). FF7 is on my top 10

[liladypokerpro]

Cool! Back when I had a Gamecube I liked Phantasy Star Online...it was kinda cheesy, and waaaaaaay too easy to beat, but it had some kick ass weapons LOL

I wish I had an Xbox because I played this game once called "Fable" and I loved it...

[powrdragn]

I own a game store (trading games and hobby stuff), but we recently started doing used video so I've kept my eyes on that stuff more. I've always been a video game fan, but the only RPGs that I can truly say that I loved were:

Breath of Fire 2 (SNES)
Kingdom Hearts (PS)
Chrono Trigger (SNES)

So, if you happened played those, rush out and do so now. From a guy that doesn't really care for RPGs that's a huge endorsement!

[liladypokerpro]

Loved Kingdom Hearts That's a goody! My little sister is a gamer too so when I was done with it I mailed it to her and man she was thrilled...you woulda thought it was Christmas or something LOL

[powrdragn]

If you want another fun game, try the Lego Star Wars stuff. I'm not a Star Wars fan, but the game play like long RPG style action adventure games. And they take a while to finish.

The Wii version has all six movies on it, so there is a lot to play through.

[liladypokerpro]

Eh, Carrie's pretty much got me burnt out on anything Star Wars LOL She's a Star Wars nut....one week it was on like every couple of hours....like the whole freaking saga....and she just had to watch it every single time LOL It's times like these when I'm thankful we have 2 televisions LOL

[powrdragn]

Again, I'm not a fan either. But it's good fun and actually plays well as a multiplayer game.