It's funny I have a frame of this image. I just love it
I write so much about chess that I sometimes forget I can just write about my life. Lately, I’ve found it difficult to put up anything. Feels strange how things can change so quickly....writing every day and suddenly, I can’t put up anything for 20 days. What’s even more interesting is that the little I’ve made is part of the reason I’m still able to write a post now. Crazy, yeah? When the bills come and say “you need every penny,” it really helps to know there’s a $ somewhere to help cover things.
Doing Things Alone Sucks!
For most of my life, I’ve been doing things on my own. I can’t lie...it’s made life interesting, but at the same time, it’s cost me a lot. I grew up wanting freedom. I got it at the early age of 13. If I had a time machine, I’d go back and change that prayer request, because it really made things harder than easier. I’ve made so many mistakes, gotten into so much debt (which has gradually reduced), and sometimes I feel alone, among many other things. Actions, they say, have consequences. And for most of mine, the consequences come hard and fast—because no one is saving me. I also think it helps me because I plan for everything and I've also learned to be contented with what I have and what I can achieved. I'm not mediocre but I don't try to achieve or go for something beyond me. I've learnt the hard way that life is a journey.
Sometimes They're Good
I’ve been sick, and the only family member I have is also sick. It’s kind of like a bearish period for me, where we both have to fight to survive. Mine is a bit better...I’ve probably had a hookworm issue for years—and if not for the complications it caused, I would’ve still managed the situation. But now, my iron and blood levels are low, and the whole anemia situation is stressing me out.
Bills are even harder to pay in the hospital, so taking a risk wasn’t really a question...it was just a matter of what risk! I once told @edicted that weekends are for the bears, and since it was Friday and I needed money, I tried to risk my $25 on shorts with high leverage to add to what I had.
It turned out that as long as the leverage is high, it doesn’t matter—I’d definitely lose (interestingly, I knew that, but I had to try).
Chess
I haven’t been this unserious about chess in a long time—not playing as much as I used to. I’ve been away from Hive chess, missing the last two or three events. I haven’t been able to play, which is quite unusual because, no matter the situation, I always play. So even I’m surprised I haven’t been playing as much, even while sick.
There was a classical tournament I wanted to play in, which I also missed. It was a chance to get my rating above 2000+, both classical and blitz, since the tournament had both events. I’ll have to wait till next time. I don’t like that I’m not playing. But looking at the games from the event, it just seems like I wouldn’t have done well anyway, as I was unprepared.
Chess Tutoring
@edicted/venmo-pyusd-and-chess-lessons-6mx
I’ve been looking for a way to write about this post, but I might as well just drop the link in here. I don’t know what I would have done without the money I got from those classes I held. Luckily, I stacked up the first four lessons, so it helped take care of my Dad. Beyond the money, it was also a new experience—my student was interesting to work with. He’s strong-willed with his opening choices and believes his weakness lies in the endgame. At first, I actually felt like saying, “Hey, your opening is batshit, and you won’t get far if you keep playing this.” But I later discovered that playing the Polish Opening isn’t that bad—if you know how to transpose properly.
1.b4!
At first glance, it doesn’t look like something a tournament player should play. But he plays it well and just needed some direction on how to navigate the many options and variations that come from the Polish Opening.
Chess Is Beautiful and Rewarding
Looking at his tournament games, it’s clear that chess can be rewarding. In most of his games, the victory came from simply following principles and not overcomplicating things. Just like in life, a chess game gives you that moment to pounce—and he did, winning the championship as a result. Special thanks to @edicted. I have many reasons to thank him, but this one definitely tops the list.
Conclusion
While my stomach hurts drafting this post, seeing the subheading “Conclusion” means I’m finally going to post it—and I’m glad I did. I believe things will get better with time.
In 7 Days, I’ll Be 25!
Okay, I’m getting old—entering my late 20s—and I haven’t really figured anything out. Sucks for me. But first, I need to get better… then stay positive and hopeful for good things.. really need to start maybe writing more and get some help. My endoscopy shows I'd need to keep getting them drugs till I feel better and the iron injections are no joke too. I have avoided the blood transfusion part because it feels uncomfortable to me at the moment.
On a second thought, I'm looking forward to my silver birthday hehehehe.
Hivechess is played every friday on lichess.org hosted by @stayoutoftherz! For more information, join the chess community and follow the host for reminders and tags
I am @samostically,I love to talk and write about chess because i benefited alot from playing chess and I love writing about chess.
♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟♟