Pokers - October was a horrible month for me, where my hourly rate had basically been halved from what it had been the previous 4 months. Ive spoken to a few of the other regulars and they all agree that the 200nl FR games have gotten harder. The bad regulars have suddenly become decent, and every second hand gets 3bet from the blinds. Its very frustrating and im sure it has contributed to my running worse, and winning less, than usual.

November has been better, but still nowhere near as good as a few months ago. Ive also had to withdraw large amounts for my imminent house purchase. So ive been playing ok, but not strictly sticking to the standard bankroll requirements, and not winning at a great rate. This I can definetly put down to the general better standard of play recently, but possibly also to the fact that recently I have gone through some very stressful periods lately, due to some significant lifestyle changes and battling with trying to do the conveyancing on my house. I cant complain about everything though, the falling AUD has been very very helpful to me. Its great withdrawing a certain amount of money, and then finding a bonus 40% when i visit the ATM.

Further info on my house - Although my offer was accepted over 4 weeks ago, its basically gone nowhere thanks to the National Australia Bank (NAB). They take the cake for the most incompetent organisation I have ever dealt with. After stuffing me around for over a month and making me redo an application because of their mistake, they declined my loan because apparently I couldnt service it. This is absolutely rediculous, as I submitted statements to them from my roomates detailing that I will recieving $420 a week in rent, and that the repayments are only around $550 per week. Apparently I cant afford $130 per week? So I have had to put the loan through my mortgage broker under a different structure, so it should be all good now. Anyway enough about that, all I can say is to anyone considering getting a loan, an account, a credit card, a mortgage, or anything from a bank, avoid NAB like theplague. Actually dont avoid them, throw a brick through the nearest branches window, and then go to another bank.

The good thing to come out of this is I have negotiated another deal with the Vendor, which is basically if settlement is delayed until after the holiday period, I will move in on the 16th of decemeber and simply pay him rent until the settlement day. This works for both of us as I will get to get all my crap moved in, and he will have his interest covered over christmas. Am really looking forward to it, have had many offers from friends and relatives wanting to give me furniture. I will probably get a package deal from fantastic furniture (they have 13 peice packages for around $2000, pretty good) and pretty much try and accumulate the rest.

End of year plans - Ive got a few more rounds at work, then I should be pretty busy with house crap, then I will be heading to Melbourne which will be awesome, will be going to the boxing day test for the 3rd year running and will also be up for some intense poker analysis with Andy. From there I will be going to the south coast for new years celebrations and then back to work on the 7th of january.

Roh