August jinx, highs, lows and random thoughts.

KJ · 08-05-2012, 12:26 AM

The month of august just isn't my time of year. Three years ago, I broke my collarbone in a bicycle fall and was sidelined for the month of august. Last august, I was diagnosed with endocarditis, requiring heart valve surgery, and was laid up for several months. Last Wednesday, August 1, I slipped and fell on the wet pavement, tearing my ACL.

As I prepare for surgery on Monday, I again will miss the month of August and it will be at least two months before I am able move like I am accustomed to. Next year I am going to just go far away in august and hole up on a beach somewhere.

Despite similarities in bad fortune timing, my situation from last year to this are night and day apart. Last year, my forced 'vacation' occurred at the worse possible time, immediately following the worst downturn of my career in which I lost 32 grand in a 5 week period. This represented 30% of my bankroll and the following months of no money coming in, coupled with increased expenses were very trying for me. I had too much time to dwell on this situation.

This year, my forced 'vacation', comes almost at the high point of my year and career. I touched six figures profit for the year for the first time ever, briefly last week, before falling just under. If my year ended today, it would be the best results of my career. Hopefully, my year isn't ending today though. Even allowing for 2 months recovery before playing again, there will be 3 full months remaining in the year. Plenty of time to either hit new heights or fall backwards. But no matter what happens going forward, I have this small milestone of last week, to dwell on and enjoy during my down time. A much better situation.

**White Guy** · 08-05-2012, 01:11 AM

Crazy story. Hope your recovery is a speedy one.

KJ · 08-05-2012, 08:42 AM

Originally Posted by Tthree

Don't discount the wheel chair helping you get to your job and continuing your good run.

I don't think that plays well, with my style of being constantly on the move, Tthree. I can just envision a scenario where I am trying to out 'run' some casino personnel to the door, wheeling through rows of machines, knocking over people and objects alike.

I was just venting a bit. Kind of funny. It rains like 2 days a year here in Vegas, and I find a way to slip and fall on the wet pavement.

But 'things' happen. On the medical end, my situation is much less threatening than last year. And as I said, I am in a much better place than last years break, so for these things I am truly grateful. (the cup is half FULL)

**ZenMaster_Flash** · 08-05-2012, 08:47 AM

This last month was my worst (ever) re: BJ, etc.

My spouse lost her employment and our health care benefits.

I lost > 1/2 of my win for 2012, following not a single losing session since 2011 !

KJ · 08-05-2012, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by ZenMaster_Flash

This last month was my worst (ever) re: BJ, etc.

My spouse lost her employment and our health care benefits.

I lost > 1/2 of my win for 2012, following not a single losing session since 2011 !

Ouch! I knew you were having a strong year Flash. You have played long enough to know the blackjack part is just part of the journey. As for your wife, that is probably a bigger issue. I understand finding employment is pretty tough right now. Especially for older worker. And health care benefits should be a top priority. Best of luck to both of you.

**21forme** · 08-05-2012, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by KJ

I slipped and fell on the wet pavement, tearing my ACL.

You've been in Vegas too long and forgot what rain is

KJ · 08-05-2012, 09:45 AM

We have had a rainy month, 21. Monsoon season they say.

I think we are now well over an inch of rain for the year.

**21forme** · 08-05-2012, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by KJ

I think we are now well over an inch of rain for the year.

Don't drink it all in one place, KJ

BTW, you should have come up with a better story than slipping on wet pavement. Mountain biking on Mt Charleston and falling off a cliff would have been much better...

KJ · 08-05-2012, 10:18 AM

Originally Posted by 21forme

BTW, you should have come up with a better story than slipping on wet pavement. Mountain biking on Mt Charleston and falling off a cliff would have been much better...

When I write my book, "the Kewl life", it will be 'torn my ACL while out running casino security goons'.

**Ouchez** · 08-05-2012, 10:38 AM

Originally Posted by ZenMaster_Flash

This last month was my worst (ever) re: BJ, etc.

My spouse lost her employment and our health care benefits.

I lost > 1/2 of my win for 2012, following not a single losing session since 2011 !

Flash,

Do not fear, we will all soon be protected under "Obama Care"

Of course, you could also take up residence in Israel, (dual citizen) where Health Care is Universal, spend the summers here, and winters in Israel...

Ouchez

**Ouchez** · 08-05-2012, 10:41 AM

KJ,

I am glad you are having a good year, and do enjoy the car, hope it was a Vette,

,,and use the time off to work on that book, really.

Ouchez

KJ · 08-05-2012, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Ouchez

KJ,

I am glad you are having a good year, and do enjoy the car, hope it was a Vette,

,,and use the time off to work on that book, really.

Ouchez

Never took possession of the car. I negotiated a price with the dealer, which was just slightly better than the cash alternative that the casino was offering. I bought a new vehicle just last year and don't need two. I hate driving as it is. I have designated a friend as my personal assistant/driver now. The only time I enjoy driving is outside of vegas in the rural areas.

Ouchez, I can't seem to get through a single post without editing and still miss most things that need correction. On the other site, where there is no edit process, I am surely responsible for a rise in Don Schlesinger's blood pressure. I'd hate to think what would happen to him if I wrote a book.