Charity Work for September (HappyRiver Fund)

I was debating to share this one or not but I want to inspire others to do their part to help, not necessarily giving money but sometimes just offer a helping hand, a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, a comforting smile, an encouraging word. Also if anyone wants to join me in my donations, I can setup a HappyRiver Fund and make everything transparent to those involved. 

This month I continued supporting the Animal Rescue Centre and also a bicycle repurposing effort. Some locals have to walk a long way to school, to sell their produce, to town to get supplies, so there is a guy in town who gets unwanted bicycle parts and repurposes them and gives it to people in need. I'll keep you guys updated and possibly some photos. 

Someone brought my attention to a cause in Indonesia delivering food for struggling locals. Jo-Anna is a resourceful woman who brought this mission onto herself when she saw the need. With the funds I sent, she turned it into 660 eggs, 645kgs of rice amongst other goodies including some spending money. 

The fact is there are always people that need help. Monetary needs are most obvious, but some people are facing depression, anxiety, emotional and mental issues. We can make someone's life so much better by offering our help. Wouldn't you wish someone helped you when you're the one suffering? Have some compassion, have some empathy. Changing the world is easier than you think. 

What happened in August 2020

My monthly post mortems somehow get the lowest readership, so I am changing the title. In August the 777 poker club moved into a new bigger room and things didn't go well for me. Early in the first week I was already stuck $5000 for the month. But after 178 hours of grinding I managed to end the month with a small profit. I also got my first WSOP cash finishing 99/1200+ on a $800 PLO tournament. 

Playing games while waiting for the next seat to open up

The games at 777 have been great lately, and some days like yesterday we have a full table (of 10 players) and a waitlist of 4. So on these kind of days I have been able to bring my laptop and have some me time. Otherwise I would entertain some guests by playing OFC with them. Overall I think I am up on OFC. Just the other day I was up 200+ points, was in fantasyland with Royal flush on the bottom, full house on the middle and trip tens on the flop. (for those who don't play OFC, it is a freaking monster hand) But I wanted to go home so I told the guys let's just pretend the game never happened. 

Phnom Penh has some amazing restaurants

This month however I haven't been able to sneak out for nice dinners, so I compensated that with some nice lunches. Lobster and oysters at Ostra, Dim Sum buffet at Golden Chimes and afternoon tea at Khema. Yes I only went out to lunch 3 times this month not including two lunch meetings. Time is such a luxury for me right now. And I wish I had someone who can take over things from me so I can go on holiday or even have a day off. After 163 days straight of working I finally fell sick one day. I still went to work sick but at least I had more rest than usual that day.

One of the better days this past month

I am not living the healthy lifestyle I wanted. No time for exercise, sleeping late, not sleeping well because of all the stresses in life. But I'm not complaining. Life can be much worse and I am thankful. I have the most amazing partner anyone can wish for, a good job, and some money saved up. I am thankful and happy.