Greetings all

[BradRod]

I am an architect in Cleveland, Ohio. Started playing BJ seriously while recovering recently from cancer treatments. ( totally effective thank G-d).

I am currently playing with the K-O system. Yesterday I made my first $600 single bet and took a snapper, in the same weekend of play I bet on a $250 black jack.

My game has improved a lot since I came across this board. It really is a great resource, I would like to make some positive contributions in kind.

I wish you all great sucess.

Brad

 

[Rob McGarvey]

Hey Brad. We have a lot in common. I don't make too many $600 bets on blackjack, but had a brush with the "big C" when I was 12, but that turned itself into a blessing. Radiation, chemo, but here to tell about it 28 years later.

Stay Strong, Play On,
Robby Mac

 

[BradRod]

I notice many players of all types in casinos who seem to be recouperating from one ailment or another. Now I can relate to them more than I could before.

I'm not sure if its the hope of great winnings to help with medical payments, just having more time on hand while being laid up, or other more emotional reasons that make casinos such a popular rehab place.

The hospital suggested I find a not too strenuous pastime. I could not get into tv, nothing i particular wanted to read and was not always up to working. so, I figured i would use the time constructively to master BJ. I dont think i'm there yet but think the time spent has given my game a big boost.

I'm curious Mayor, in what way was having gone through cancer a blessing for you ? I feel as though in some ways it has been to me also ( particularly the surviving of it part) but, I think it is a little too recent to see exactly how.

 

[Rob McGarvey]

"I notice many players of all types in casinos who seem to be recouperating from one ailment or another. Now I can relate to them more than I could before."

"I'm not sure if its the hope of great winnings to help with medical payments, just having more time on hand while being laid up, or other more emotional reasons that make casinos such a popular rehab place."

It is important to keep your mind occupied period, but on positive things, so much more so.

"The hospital suggested I find a not too strenuous pastime. I could not get into tv, nothing i particular wanted to read and was not always up to working. so, I figured i would use the time constructively to master BJ. I dont think i'm there yet but think the time spent has given my game a big boost."

"I'm curious Mayor, in what way was having gone through cancer a blessing for you ? I feel as though in some ways it has been to me also ( particularly the surviving of it part) but, I think it is a little too recent to see exactly how."

First, I am not the Mayor, but if I get a few more promotions I will be ;> You are bang on. It took me over 25 years to see how full the blessing was. Of course the survival can make you aware of the value of life. For me one thing in particular was the fact that I was sterilized by chemo treatments which caused trouble in my first marriage since I didn't know until it was over. Shootin blanks can be a lot of fun! ;> This turned into a blessing since there was no permanent ties, and the woman I am now married to has two wonderful children. All of the pieces of the puzzle came together beautifully. I have scars which kept me humble during the wild years of my life that I am now thankful for. If you are a Bible reader check he book of Job for his brush with death, and read Romans about Paul's thorn in his side. There is so much more that I could touch on, but this is not really about me, and I think you will see that over some time you will see your pieces of your puzzle fitting together for you. You have a second chance.....use it wisely.

 

[BradRod]

First, I am not the Mayor, but if I get a few more promotions I will be ;>

I guess my short term memory was more effected by my tretment than i thought.LOL

In my case it was more through providence than any reasonable medical advice that I took the step of freezing 20 solid vials of seed before I started my chemo treatment. Good thing too because while they say my fertility may return, it is not there now. So, I am enjoying shooting blanks in the meantime but, do intend to have kids under the right circumstnces.

I do see the providence of G-d more personally and closer in events in my life.

Other than that I think I have a lot more patience for certain things now like time with family, friends , being in nature, birdwatching, sketching and seeing the essence, reality and beauty of the world and my faith - Jewish. Oh yes and even endless hours of blackjack

On the other hand a total intolerance of fools, superficialities, toxic relationships, BS, deceit, mundane and petty things, ignorance.

In my practice I am much more selective about projects that I take on. I am no longer driven by the income exclusively or by the need to establish myself professionally to support my sense of my identity. I actually did some of my most creative work in residential design while under the influence. So, now I accept only the projects and clients that have the potential of becoming satisfying and expressive projects. This has served to give me a exclusive professional image so that I am atracting more appreciative clients.

I am looking forward to a strong finish of this extended life.

 

[Rob McGarvey]

First, I am not the Mayor, but if I get a few more promotions I will be ;>

I guess my short term memory was more effected by my tretment than i thought.LOL

In my case it was more through providence than any reasonable medical advice that I took the step of freezing 20 solid vials of seed before I started my chemo treatment. Good thing too because while they say my fertility may return, it is not there now. So, I am enjoying shooting blanks in the meantime but, do intend to have kids under the right circumstnces.

#I was 12 and the thought never crossed my mind, although I was shooting hot lead at that age. Almost anyone can father a child, but there is so much more to being a great Dad and a positive influence on your children. I think you have what it takes ;>

I do see the providence of G-d more personally and closer in events in my life.

#He has ways of getting our attention at times doesn't He?

Other than that I think I have a lot more patience for certain things now like time with family, friends , being in nature, birdwatching, sketching and seeing the essence, reality and beauty of the world and my faith - Jewish. Oh yes and even endless hours of blackjack.

On the other hand a total intolerance of fools, superficialities, toxic relationships, BS, deceit, mundane and petty things, ignorance.

#Time is in short supply, and I think it tends to focus you on advantage play and not so much on just playing with your time and energy to no good end.

In my practice I am much more selective about projects that I take on. I am no longer driven by the income exclusively or by the need to establish myself professionally to support my sense of my identity. I actually did some of my most creative work in residential design while under the influence. So, now I accept only the projects and clients that have the potential of becoming satisfying and expressive projects. This has served to give me a exclusive professional image so that I am atracting more appreciative clients.

#Are you an architect or a draftsman? Hemmingway spewed forth some of his more advanced prose when he was virtually hammered. That should tell you more about his readers than about him! ;> I can tell you know that after a rye and coke I am a better blackjack player. The rye calms my nerves, helps me with my betting, and the caffiene speeds me up, helping out my counting. It is also good cover since many counters can't drink and count.

I am looking forward to a strong finish of this extended life.

#Do not go quietly into that cold dark night ;> When I finish I'll turn my afterburners on and go for Mach IV