JoeyA- New Orleans

JoeyA

Efren's Mini-Tourn BACKER
Silver Member
My son got my old computer working harvesting different parts from different computers lost in hurricane Katrina. I am at his home using his Internet connection as I am still having trouble getting online at home with new telephone numbers and renovation going on.

Thanks for all of the good wishes!

I have taken up the occupation of insurance adjuster and am trying to assist others from Louisiana that purchased home and flood insurance. I often run into peoplewho had homeowners insurance but had no flood insurance. There is a tragedy unfolding here in Louisiana for hundreds of thousands of people. I have not had time to cry in my beer. I will allow some time for feeling sorry for my losses some day in the future. This claims adjusting can't last forever. I have been working 12-15 hours a day, seven days a week with no days off. I am taking off this afternoon and tomorrow to get prepared for another run at those who are still waiting for an insurance adjuster to help settle their claim. Much of my time has been spent in a classroom where they are trying to cram years of knowledge and experience into a relatively short period of time. The information is starting to stick so I can still be so some value to others and my family.

There has been no time for pool unfortunately. I passed through Shreveport on the way to a Dallas, TX insurance class and stopped at Bill Shick's billiards where they were hosting the regional U.S. Amateur Championship qualifier. I had planned on winning the tournament which is being held in Atlanta, GA. (yeah I know..........but I do have a lot of confidence in my game. :-) ). I watched several veterans of the annual tournament playing and Scott Pardo looked like one of the favorites to win the local regional from what I could see, although there were several players who knew how to make a ball. I knew the tournament was going on but could not afford the day to play in it this year. I was very prepared for this tournament and was confident that I would play well enough to beat anyone who participated. There are a few top speed players who play in this tournament annually and I was looking forwardto testng myself. As it has come to be I have been tested virtually every day just trying to stay focused on the difficult job I have chosen to do. The stress for adjusters (especially newbies) in this storm is far more severe than I anticipated but have managed to deal with itwith the help of Dr. Gary Beale who helped me to learn how to relax and play better pool. Dr. Beale is a psychologist who specializes in helping athletes achieve high levels of performance. I had started my second round of training with him only days before Katrina shook my world. Dr. Beale helped me prepare for last year's BCA Single's Championship in Vegas. Without his help I would not have finished as high as I did. I credit him with teaching me how to relax before a match and teaching me how to focus. I also believe that his techniques have helped me survive this new occupation and wanted to acknowledge his capabilities and professionalism. Scores of adjusters have quit this storm form reasons too many to list here. You can GOOGLE him up if you need help in improving your pool game. Basically he customizes a program to fit your specific needs. Dr. Beale also known as Dr. Relax has different levels of programs for athletes of all kinds and has helped train many professional athletes. With the Internet, he can assist people virtually anywhere in the world. I can assure you that he has the knowledge and skills to help you improve your game even though he probably can't run three fookin balls. ;-)
Warmest Regards,
Joey A

P.S. It is unlikely that you will hear from me again for a while. I can't even get my business phone or Internet hooked up at my house. The resurrection of our downstairs den, laundry room, utility room and bath have slowed to a snail's pace as I am unable to help my wife crack the whip over the heads of the over-worked contractors. So in the mean-time they keep raising their prices and I have to work even harder to cover the additonal expenses they say are necessary to complete the job.
 
Joey, so glad to hear you and yours are okay. The clean-up must be brutal. I admire you taking on this new role of insurance adjuster to help others in need.

Years ago, they had a "wind sheer," which was just below a tropical storm ranking, in the D.C. area. In my neighborhood alone, many 120-year-old oak trees came out of the ground and landed on houses, which caused quite a bit of damage. The local tree mechanics raised their prices and took advantage of the tragedy to stuff their pockets.

What goes around comes around, and I hope you are rewarded 10-fold sometime soon for your efforts to help others.

Next time there's a pool tournament in your area that you are able to play in, please let me know. I would very much like to post up the entry fee as well as give you a little pocket change, so that you can enjoy a little pool fun and recreation. People have been kind to me and mine in recent times, and I would like to pay it forward to you. I cannot think of anybody more deserving. Stay in touch, Joey!

JAM
 
Man, what a great story to read. Thanks...really helped to start off my "Wilma-adjusted" week to a good start.

Shorty
 
Joey I know your pain, Im in Metairie. Luckily enough is that we had electricity after a week of Katrina. Sadly AMA distrubiters, the best pooltable sales and cue sale in Metairie was pretty much destroyed..........bye bye Olhausons and Brunswicks..

Whitey's Pool Hall is still alive and kickin, BCA startin in a couple of weeks.



Hope things work out very soon for you Joey.....



Jamie
 
Thanks...

Thanks for the note Joey. Glad to hear that you have survived and are finding your way after such tragedy. I did share your note with Alan and you may hear from him soon. Hang in there and keep all positive if you can....

See you in the future for sure,

Jeff :-)
 
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