This is just the beginning of many designs to come.  Great gift items.  I have a few orders already.  Thank so much for the support. 

Mike Sousa from Norton, MA — at Riviera Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas.

I remember I use to have this page online, where I would play a set and bet people and the loser would have to let me put a ‘loser picture’ up.  Of course, sometimes it was my picture that was up but it was all just fun.  One day, someone messages me from Tulsa, OK and asked if I was interested in playing for $1k a set and he was going to be in the area soon with friends.  I nervously responded, I only played for fun and pictures and I wasn’t that good.  We went back and forth about pool and quickly became friends.  He asked me what I was shooting with and I had to tell him I didn’t have my own cue.  At the time, I knew nothing about it, other than people with their own cues look so professional.  Few months later I met him and his friends when he came to the east coast and he gave me my Schon as a gift.  He said although we haven’t met prior, he can tell I had potential from how passionate I spoke about the game.  That was one of the most thoughtful and meaningful gift I ever received and not because of the value but the thought behind it was immeasurable.  

Years gone by and I lost touch with him.  I recently found out that he had passed away.  I knew he grew to be very troubled person and not the same person I first met but I never thought it was going to end that sadly and young.  I’ve been waiting for the right time in my life to go pay my respects and that is how I ended up in Tulsa, middle of February 2012.

Sharky’s on 2.15.12
Tulsa, OK-I finally went and tried to go to as many pool halls as I could.  I was calling around looking for tournaments because I hate playing alone.  I ended up at Sharky’s for their weekly 8 ball tournament.  I was shooting by myself for a while and gentlemen named Mo offered to practice with me.  He was a regular, actually everyone was but me.  After like an hour of practicing with him, I ended up drawing him in the first round.  (My luck)  I think about 9-10 people that night.  I can’t tell from the blurry picture I took.  Straight race to 3 winners side, 2 on the loser side.  Mo was pretty good, but he wasn’t trying with me and I won.  Next I played the person running the tournament, Jared.  He was the one that picked up the phone when I called and told me to come on in.  I beat him but it was very close.  I think it went hill hill.  Next up with Jeff, I beat him 3 to 1.   Then I was in the hot seat.  I waiting for the loser other side to catch up.  Shooting around with some people at the tournament and chatted about pool.  I think I caused a little scene, because how often do they get random girls from “Boston” show up at their tournament with their cues?   Everyone was extremely nice though.  One person helped me figure out one of my ‘unknown’ pool places from when I was there so many years back.  I remember someone telling me they haven’t seen this level of competition in there for a while.  That made me smile.  Oh, back to the hot seat.  Jared fought his way back to meet me in the finals and I won the lag for the break.  I broke and ran on him to win the first game.  Then I broke and ran out till almost the 8 ball and I messed up on my setup and he jokingly said, “wow, I get to shoot now?”.  haha.  I don’t remember the final score but I did win!  First time placing first at a tournament!  I only had to go half way across America to do it, but I was extremely happy to be undefeated.  I thanked Jared and the owner for the hospitality and for the fun I had.  I’m glad I was able to represent out area proudly.  

I dedicate that win to John Lai.  Thanks for believing in me before you even met me.  Today is the anniversary of his death, April 20th.  R.I.P.

4.11.12 - Wednesdays night 9ball at Snookers, RI is EVERYTHING people hype it out to be.  There was 36 players (which they say is a "bad" turn out) when I went.  Pros, semi-pros, open players, etc...  My shoulder was bothering me so I didn't go to work and I had a session break at league so I decided I had to go check this out.  Pain or not.  I've always wanted to and rarely had the chance. 

Too bad I choose a time when I was not shooting my best but I am happy that I went and checked out the level of competition.  I don't think I can make anytime soon because it starts at 6:30pm and I would never make it there on time getting out of work the time that I do. 

I received a bye first round. (YAY)  Then I waited for Paul T to play his match, which I had the winner of.  Paul T won.  I played so bad got safety'd a million times, but all smart playing.  I don't blame him, he can tell I couldn't kick the ball for the life of me.  I lost 5 to 2.  Then I played Van.  He broke and got the 9ball on the first game.  I knew that was a sign.   He kicked my butt 4 to zero.  I didn't feel bad that I lost so badly, I felt disappointed that I've been playing so well and I finally made it to this tournament that I always wanted to go to and was unable to play to my potential.  It's okay.  I will be back as soon as I can and try again. 

US Amateur Championships entry is now open.  Sign up if you are interested.  You know I'll be there.
http://www.usamateurchampionship.com/

Here I am, having fun exploring the expo again this year.  Good Luck to all the NE players!

Congrats to Liz Taylor for winning the women's division!

http://www.superbilliardsexpo.com/

Here for my Day one photos below:

My results:
(Women's bracket are race to 5, best out of 3 sets)
Match 1 vs Jamie @ 7PM 3.9.12
Set 1 - 5 to 3 Won
Set 2 - 5 to 1 Won

Match 2 vs Jenn @ 9pm 3.9.12
Set 1 - 5 to 1 Won
Set 2 - 5 to 0 Won

Match 3 vs Pam @ 1pm 3.10.12
Set 1 - 1 to 5 Lost
Set 2 - 1 to 5 Lost

I've been playing real well lately, esp after embracing the smaller tables.  I been very calm, even after feeling disappointed in missing easy shots or easy safety shots.  The expo feels a big different this year.  Maybe because I drove here alone this year and staying by myself.  I know plenty of people here, so I feel comfortable while at the expo.   The space is more spread out.  I can't really tell if there are less vendors or not, the space just doesn't feel filled enough.  I was thinking of getting a new shaft for my Schon.  I tested out the 314 vs the Z2.  I like the Z2 because of the diameter, I won't need to get it taken down because it's about the size of what I am using now.  I think the OB shafts have a pretty ferrule. haha.  I know I cannot buy something ONLY because it's pretty!  

REVIEW:  Markley Billiards 3.10.12 PA
SBX 8:30PM special scheduled tournament

It was a basement setup.  Located in the side lot of the plaza.  They sold cues and billiards supplies.  All the essentials.  They had quick eats and beer.  About 14-16 Brunswicks 9fts.  Pretty nice roll and well maintained felt if not new.  Space around the tables were decent.  I'm sure they have tournaments there quite often.  They were open like 24hrs for the SBX weekend.  It was busy when I went, naturally. 

When I went to Markley Billiards to add to my list (#206),  they had a tournament, so I signed up.  Wow, what a mess I was.  I went from playing on 7fts last two days to jumping on what looked like a snooker table at that point to me, but it was only a 9ft.  I was so off.

Tournament Results @ Markley Billiards:
Race to 5.  Single Elimination.
Lost 2 to 5.  Lost > Lost > Lost > Won > Lost > Won > Lost
Last game I shot the 8 ball with the 7 on the table.  I even setup for the 8.  I must of been so tired.  I don't know why I was so lost, I was playing 9 ball all weekend.