A new start... (long)

Melissa, it sounds as though you just got caught up in what you are passionate about and forgot about all of the other things that were going on in life (as us procrastinators tend to do, maybe?). That you were able to pull yourself out of a social rut by yourself is as equally impressive as all of those things you're now doing. People tend to forget now and then what it means to be well-rounded, and that includes doing things in moderation and having many interests. I'm no exception and I've been there with different things myself, but since I had that stage I've always tried to do something different. I may not be able to keep a routine doing anything, but I'll keep pushing myself to do something, whether it be reading, exercising, going places with friends.. it makes for an enjoyable life and in the end you'll tend not to get burned out on things as easily.

Oh, btw, now you'll have to send us all new pictures. ;)
 
Any suggestions for fun weekend activities would be welcome. I am enjoying trying new things!

M[/QUOTE]


2 words.....frisbe golf
 
Williebetmore said:
Melissa,
Keep up the good work. Thanks for sharing the details with your fans.

Having played sports for years (where cardio is punishment, not recreation); my favorite way to exercise is racquetball. It definitely burns calories quickly, and is a heck of a lot of fun (especially if you play with friends that you trust to not knock out your front teeth with their racquets).
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I've heard that racquetball is a great work-out....but it looks hard as heck! All that running back and forth...oh wait...that was the point, right? Okay...I have a friend who plays occasionally. I'll ask her to teach me! Thanks!

M
 
Banks said:
Melissa, it sounds as though you just got caught up in what you are passionate about and forgot about all of the other things that were going on in life (as us procrastinators tend to do, maybe?). That you were able to pull yourself out of a social rut by yourself is as equally impressive as all of those things you're now doing. People tend to forget now and then what it means to be well-rounded, and that includes doing things in moderation and having many interests. I'm no exception and I've been there with different things myself, but since I had that stage I've always tried to do something different. I may not be able to keep a routine doing anything, but I'll keep pushing myself to do something, whether it be reading, exercising, going places with friends.. it makes for an enjoyable life and in the end you'll tend not to get burned out on things as easily.

Oh, btw, now you'll have to send us all new pictures. ;)
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Amen to everything you said! You have to LIVE life....not just experience it. I am much happier now :D

And...when we get our new WPBA pictures...I'll send some out. I think that we pick them up at the Nationals event in Lincoln City in November. So, you have to wait....but it's not my fault this time!

All the best,
M
 
Melissa Herndon said:
Amen to everything you said! You have to LIVE life....not just experience it. I am much happier now :D

And...when we get our new WPBA pictures...I'll send some out. I think that we pick them up at the Nationals event in Lincoln City in November. So, you have to wait....but it's not my fault this time!

All the best,
M
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Lincoln City? Sweet, I'll be there, I already planned on driving out to the coast to check it out since I missed it last year. That means I can be the first to have one! :D

I say try to read, too.. I didn't really get into it until like umm.. 4 years ago? I try to diversify my readings a bit (but Stephen King's Dark Tower series took a good share of time *good series, hint hint*).

Racketball is great, just make sure you wear shoes that have good ankle support since you'll be running back and forth a lot.
 
Melissa,

Well dont think your alone in this world when it comes to stuff like this. I too find myself even on my days off, bored as hell and at the pool hall waiting for a game to come in. And if I'm not there I'm at home or sleeping.

I usta talk to a young lady online quite often who plays on the WPBA tour and it sometimes got boring because she hardly did anything but shoot pool, she never went out, or to the movies. So talking about stuff was kinda tough too.

I know sometimes I wont even grab or look at my cues unless its to shoot leagues. And i will venture out to do other stuff, or atleast try to do stuff. Which is sometimes easier said than done because you get stuck in such a routine of shooting pool that you sometimes forget their is other stuff in life besides pool.

But I'm glad to hear you took a month off, sometimes its needed to re-charge and get that urge to play again, and the urge of wanting to play better and go for the kill. And WOW 40lbs !!!!!!!! Thats very kewl of you :) keep it up :)

TTFN dave oxoxo
 
I haven't posted here in awhile Melissa, didn't even see this post until now. Very heartfelt & open.

I'm on the opposite side of the spectrum: just a average BCA league player, not able to practice much (have kids, house, etc). I find that living a balanced life is key. I also take summers off from pool, & come back refreshed in the fall when league starts.

I think that life is looking up for you. Don't worry about being the best pool player, just do the best you can & be happy. Take care.
 
Hi, Melissa, it's nice to read that you're keeping your priorities straight. My philosophy is that whatever you decide to do in life, do what makes you happy (it's hard for me at the moment since I'm a recent college grad who is looking for fulltime work; it's hard to find that perfect job right away, but I hope to eventually do so). I wish you the best of luck and just remember to do what makes you smile.

Also, I saw a picture of you on the WPBA site under the tournmane highlights. You are looking even more amazing than usual.


PJ
 
Hi Melissa,

As we all do from time to time we have to step back and evaluate the situation. I have done it many times. But I am really glad to hear that you are back to playing again. I met you at the Alan Hopkins pool expo, in Valley Forge and you were a pleasure to talk with. Hope to see you on T.V soon
 
Pool is confusing for alot of people....

Hi...I'm Eddie and we played some in Charlotte probably over a year ago on the incredibly tight table. It was great meeting you and playing against you as you have a personality not found in most poolplayers. Course I must say the women players for the most part are more professional and respectable on and off the table than the men players (probably catch some slack on here for saying that..LOL).

I was reading how you took a break to do other new and fun things and it reminds me how sometime I think I should have spent or should spend more time doing things that normal non-poolplaying people do and how it seems the time spent playing pool seems to have no purpose. I sometimes find I make myself go play a tournament because it is merely available and feel that with the time I have dedicated that I "must" go play. And usually the result is that I don't play well cause I'm not into it like I should be.
I was just wondering that since during your time off you had a great time trying new things what was it about pool that made you want to go back at it full-force????

Sorry for the long post but I'm just doing some soul searching and alot of times feel that I would be somewhere else in life if I would have never caught that pool "bug". I haven't exactly sold my soul to it as I have always worked a job but when I was in college I lost focus and never finished as I loved to stay out late and play pool and missed many classes.

When I met you I remember you saying you didn't know what you wanted to be when you grow up and I had and still have the same feeling so I can relate to that although I'm not even close to pro material....yet LOL. Well I hope you do well in all future endeavors and when you come visit your dad look me up or drop in Charlotte and say hi.
 
Hi Eddie,

First of all, there is no "should have done" in life. You chose to play pool...and whether it was a good choice or a bad choice...it was your choice. I am sure that pool has caused pain and suffering over the years...but I am also equally sure that the good times have far outweighed the bad. That's why you still play!

Like anything in life, there needs to be balance. I took the time off because I needed to focus some energy on other things besides pool. When something becomes all-consuming, the balance is gone and everything can get thrown out of whack. That is what happened to me. I realized that pool was all I knew. And up until that point, that was OK with me because I was so focused on it. But the minute that I really became aware that I was missing out on other things....then I wanted to do those other things. So, I took the time to regain the balance in my life. I started going out and exploring new activities. (I recently hit a golf ball for the first time folks. On the first try, I swung that driver as hard as I could, the club hit the ground before hitting the ball, and the darn ball bounced out about 20 feet in front of me. The 2nd try was a little better. I managed to not hit the ground first, and the ball went sailing off....to the right....to the extreme right. Slice-o-rama! But the 3rd try...oh boy...that was the one that counted. I got into my stance, kept my head down, followed through....and that little ball went sailing straight down the fairway...exactly 203 yards! I"m in love after hitting only 3 balls! It may be the worst thing to happen to me since I found pool! But I digress....)

Anyhow, my advice to you is simple. Get out and try some new things. Or reach into your past and go do some things that you used to love to do. Either way, making room for other activities doesn't mean that pool has to be put in the closet. I think that you will find that when you start spending time away from the pool room....you will start to really appreciate the time you DO spend in the pool room, and your practice will be much more effective because you will be enjoying yourself again.

All the best,
Melissa

P.S. By the way, I STILL don't know what I want to be when I grow up....but I'm looking forward to finding out!

fasteddienc said:
Hi...I'm Eddie and we played some in Charlotte probably over a year ago on the incredibly tight table. It was great meeting you and playing against you as you have a personality not found in most poolplayers. Course I must say the women players for the most part are more professional and respectable on and off the table than the men players (probably catch some slack on here for saying that..LOL).

I was reading how you took a break to do other new and fun things and it reminds me how sometime I think I should have spent or should spend more time doing things that normal non-poolplaying people do and how it seems the time spent playing pool seems to have no purpose. I sometimes find I make myself go play a tournament because it is merely available and feel that with the time I have dedicated that I "must" go play. And usually the result is that I don't play well cause I'm not into it like I should be.
I was just wondering that since during your time off you had a great time trying new things what was it about pool that made you want to go back at it full-force????

Sorry for the long post but I'm just doing some soul searching and alot of times feel that I would be somewhere else in life if I would have never caught that pool "bug". I haven't exactly sold my soul to it as I have always worked a job but when I was in college I lost focus and never finished as I loved to stay out late and play pool and missed many classes.

When I met you I remember you saying you didn't know what you wanted to be when you grow up and I had and still have the same feeling so I can relate to that although I'm not even close to pro material....yet LOL. Well I hope you do well in all future endeavors and when you come visit your dad look me up or drop in Charlotte and say hi.
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hi Melissa,

Just wanted to drop a line saying that I really admire what you have done with your weight-loss program. You look absolutely great, and you should be proud of yourself for getting yourself to where you are at at this station in your life. Also, I enjoy reading your stuff as you keep it real and humorous (love that line about running back and forth in racquetball:p ), and not preachy. ;)

--Chris
 
Hey there stranger, what do say we meet up at the Splash bar and have a drink in Vegas, i am anxious to see ya!! LOL

Maybe we can hit some balls as well, that is if you find time for me.

Chris in Alaska
 
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