400 is not such a special number. Its kind of like a thirtieth birthday. Worth commenting on, an interesting milestone but no fireworks. A few pints after work but no desk decorations or balloons. Its not a 500 post, and I don't think I ever celebrated the 100th. Still, its nice to be closing on a nice round number.
I've been considering closing this blog for a while now - about 3 and half years! (See, she does a little joke). My heart hasn't been in this for a while, and since my life seems to have turned down a slightly different route - no poker, pretty much ever now and no desire to play any, a 'steady relationship', a different kind of work, a growing son, who keeps me too busy, different interests, I seem only to write here for the sake of doing so. A sort of obligatory postcard. Which is not much fun for me. And I can't believe there's much in listening to me complain about the rain for you either, reader. I don't think this means I don't have anything of value to say, but I think I say it better elsewhere, really.
Over my past three and a half years writing this blog, I have seen blogs come and go - I have seen far more blogs than you would ever believe where it's owner has puffed in a narcissitic rage, how they're not doing it any more (nobody that really counts cares btw, for every person who matters will find a way to keep in touch, and just because someone bemoans your decision in the comments box, doesn't mean they're going to lose any sleep over it, and further, if you are the narcissictic type, they know you'll be back within the month. Most people just openly couldn't give a shit anyway, and good for them). Writing this blog has done me a lot of favours, anyway, so I'm happy. I'm happy when anyone has ever come back to read it a second time, I've been happy when anyone has left me a comment, happy everytime this blog has helped me discover anyone else's who i enjoy or identify with. Happy every time, I've picked up some wisdom or inspiration for the poker table. There are a lot of pointless, stupid people in the blogosphere, but for the main part, this blog has helped me find some of the loveliest.
But even for the pointless and stupid, I've lost the fire in my belly now. You want to have a row? Well, clearly I feel I could crush you within minutes, halfwit that you are, taking a poke at me but I just don't want to. My better half always reminds me that the majority of people are lazy and stupid, and from this they take their positions. He is right, and as my dad was wont to say when I went off on one to him about someone or other, 'Its like fighting with a pig,its pointless, everybody gets dirty and the pig likes it'. I suppose I'll always be a white, middle class liberal Guardian reader. I guess I'll always be a bit of a cultural elitist, I guess I'll always hate ignorance in all it's forms. I'll always pity the stupid. But I'm old enough to realise now there is nothing I can do to change anyone's mind.
If you want to find yourself something nice for dinner, please have a quick look here and say hello.(linkage always appreciated!). While this blog still has a ranking, I'll keep your links - just leave a comment if you want me to change anything - and I'll still be reading yours, all the time.
So thats it. Its been nice knowing y'all. For the final time, Good Luck at the Felts.
