When under attack by microscopic invaders, the body reacts by putting up a stiff defense that often carries some undesirable side effects, such as fever, chills, body aches, nausea, vomiting, stuffed sinuses, phlegm clogged lungs, and when all else fails, TONS of sleep. Although I’ve been fighting the flu for about 9 days, and generally feel like crap, I was able to play pool (albeit briefly) twice. Let’s call that two points for me. I don’t feel much like playing pool right now, but I’m still able to think…at least sometimes. Here’s a list of some things I’ve been thinking about lately:
1. I was able to play an APA match over at Lucky Shots on Tuesday, Feb. 8. I don’t remember who I played, but I think I won. I honestly don’t remember.
2. I was able to play in a US Amateur warm-up tournament on Sunday, Feb. 13. I played pretty well, all things considered. Yeah, I was the guy carrying the plastic bag filled with Kleenex and various controlled substances.
3. I dropped my cat off at the shop and my truck off at the vet this morning. The cat will live and so will the truck. Oh, wait a minute. Did I drop the cat off at the auto shop or at the vet’s office?
4. My truck needed a bunch of work done today by the world’s last honest mechanic. “Mr. Le” is his name, and he came highly recommended by everyone at my office. Why? As I said, he’s the world’s last honest mechanic, and he refuses to overcharge his customers. In fact, two weeks ago I was at his shop and he refused a $10 tip on $10 worth of work that he did for me. Here’s how the conversation went:
Me: “How much do I owe you for replacing the main headlight?”
Mr. Le: “Ten dolla.”
Me: “Ten dollars? That’s all?”
Mr. Le: “Bulb only cost me seven. I not charge more than ten. See, some people rip you off. I just want to make honest living.”
Me: *opening wallet* “I’ve only got a few 20s. Here, take a twenty. Thanks!”
Mr. Le: *palms up* “No! No! I only charge you ten! You wait, I get change.”
Me: “But Mr. Le, it’s okay, just take the $20.”
Mr. Le: *turns and runs to shop* “No! No! I get you change!”
5. Today Mr. Le is putting on 4 new tires, replacing 4 rotors, 4 brake pads, 2 break sensors, doing a wheel alignment, and various other work. Mr. Le rocks!
6. I just called the vet. My cat got a clean bill of health…not bad for a 19 year old Himalayan. He will also be getting “The Lion Cut.” He was offered “The Poodle Cut,” but that seemed a little too sissy for him. He chose “The Lion Cut” instead. I guess you could say he’s set in his ways. Go figure.
7. Why am I now more afraid of getting the Vet bill rather than the Automotive bill?
Angle of Reflection 
next time, ask for a spot from influenza. at least the wild cold tylenol. 😛
I just found your blog and really enjoy it. I am just getting back into pool. I played quite a bit back in college but laid it down for more than 10 years. Now I want to improve and compete in tourneys. My goal is to start playing C tourneys and advance to be competitive at the A level. I consider myself a B level player now but I want to start at the C level to build some confidence. This brings me to my real question. I am playing in a ACS league and I was rated an 8 but I just had the worst week of league play. I lost all 5 games (6,0,7,6,6). In 4 of the 5 games I missed easy shots that I normally would make in my sleep. But for some reason I felt really nervous and my confidence was shot. I felt the most nervous when I found myself having only 2 or 3 easy shots to run out – and I then I missed easy shots. So, do you have any advice or tricks to help. I suspect that I got nervous because I am starting to try and take my playing more seriously – so I feel more pressure. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Hello JMA. First of all, I want to apologize for my incredibly tardy response to your comment. I’ve been on a pool sabbatical for several weeks and I’ve just returned. Your question is a very good one, and rest assured the situation you find yourself in is not unique. This happens to ALL players who are striving to improve their game. I actually have a lot of advice for you. I’ll write a blog post over the weekend and answer your questions. My response is much too wordy to fit into this comment space. Also, thanks for reading my blog, and I hope you find the information here helpful. I’ll post a response soon.