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I'm not going to make it to Los Angeles. I just couldn't work out the finances. It's unfortunate, but also understandable; I work in a field where "What have you done for me lately?" is a big motivator, and I've been staying far under the radar lately-- some of it on purpose, some of it due to the simple variance of tournaments, and some of it due to my work ethic.

I'm basically online busto right now so I'm waiting to get some more money in there before I can get back on the grind again. Meantime, I've mixed in a little live poker with good results. I played the $2/$5 when I visited Lake Charles and it was a nice reminder of some important things. First, all the reasons I like poker come out live. I like the people-watching, even when I'm not in the hand. With so much more to observe, and nothing to distract me, I take in much, much more information about the game and the players than I do in an online game. I still make mistakes, but I find it easier to be patient and wait for a real advantage to present itself. It also reassures me that I do still have what it takes to be a winner-- sure, I'm classically results-oriented, and overreact to individual sessions, but at the game I felt like the other players were making mistakes that were obvious and easy to exploit. When that's the case, it's just a matter of staying patient for the right spots, and having the courage to put your money in when you find it. If I'd had a little more of each, I probably would've made a few hundred more than I did, but all in all, a session in the black is a good sign and a strong motivator.

I'll report more after I play another live game. Once I get some money online, I'm going to give shorthanded grinding another shot. I just have to put in my time and stay patient.