Thoughts on the postponed Florida event

[Melissa Herndon]

Hi all,

I have been experiencing some very mixed feelings about the postponement of the the recent WPBA event....so I thought I might share them with you.

First - Let me just say that it is a terrible feeling to be sitting at my desk at work when I am supposed to be in Florida - playing, and hopefully winning, matches. That has been my strongest emotion....but only because it is the most obvious. Plus, work hasn't been easy this week...problem after problem....which only compound my "resentment" toward Hurricanes Frances and Ivan. I should be relaxing....but instead I have been on the verge of pulling my hair out.

But after some serious reflection, I have discovered a whole new feeling....which is mild relief. We are in the middle of a huge project at work, and I was feeling some unease and some guilt at going to tournament with this project unfinished...so in a way, the bad weather did me a favor. I was not all that confident about how I was going to play in Florida because I had so many other things on my mind. I realize that, as a professional, I should be able to let things go when I am playing...but it isn't always that easy.

So that leads me into a whole new world...which is a slight guilt for being relieved that I don't have to go play pool this week. Which is a complete reversal...because I normally feel giddy about leaving work to go to tournaments!

Funny enough, I would bet that 63 other women all felt disappointment....but not me. I guess that makes me a real strange bird.....

There is no moral to this story....except that maybe it will tell you that I can be a total nutcase...just like every other person on this planet! I simply wanted to share my feelings with y'all.

Now, I completely looking forward to the next event....because I know that everything at work and at home will be completely settled....and I won't have any worries except making balls!

Thanks for listening!

Melissa

 

[Williebetmore]

Melissa,
Perhaps you are fortunate to have a steady job. In Willie Mosconi's biography he frequently points out the anxiety involved in having pool as his only job. The relentless pressure to always win, the devastation of any loss. It robbed him of most of the enjoyment of the game, and at the end (see the Mosconi/Caras Valley Forge exhibition when they were about 80 years old) he seemed a very bitter man. It is really a testament to your fortitude if you can successfully juggle both - there aren't very many people who can.

 

[Purdman]

Melissa

It is called Devine Order. If it is supposed to happen, it will. Plan B can be more fun than plan A if ya just go with the flow. Everything happens for a reason. I get excited when things don't go the way I want them to. That just means somebody else is watching out for us. You were supposed to be doing just what you did. That be plan B. How would you feel if you went and did terrible and got back to work to find nothing went the way it was supposed to? GUILTY I bet. There will be another tournament soon. Get ready.
Purdman

 

[Wally in Cincy]

Melissa,

Your feelings are completely understandable. I hate going on vacation when my work is going thru a difficult time. You have to have a balance in life. Work, family, pool, sometimes it's like being a circus juggler.

Like Purdman said, things happen for a reason. If your work is less tumultuous in December you will probably play better, not being distracted, and we will get to see you on tv.

Best of luck to you.