I miss Istanbul

Below is the view from nightclub Reina(which we reached by speedboat from the Restaurant 360@GS Island).
The bridge looks stunning with Asian side in the background.

Little did I know, I now realize not only the magical beauty of
Istanbul, but it's people as well. I was treated to some of the most
funnest nights out, original dinners, brunches-literally by the water.

Istanbul stole my heart. I didn't have chance to think twice. Just the
first sight of Bosphorus river up from the hills of the European side
took my breath away. I knew I was in for something special. It still
exceeded all my expectations with it's history and all aspects of
Istanbul as a trading port between Europe and Asia.

I had only five days to get to know some of the city and it's people,
but I did manage to go to most of the must-go places and learned some
of the convenient frases in Turkish. Can you imagine me going through
the Grand Bazaar? One of the shopkeepers tries to grab me speaking his
English luring sentenses- to which I responded in Turkish: "What are
you talking about big brother?" hahaa.

Thank you, my friends, for making my trip so memorable.

-Mika-

9-ball World Championships

It's been a while since anyone has lifted the coveted World 9-ball Trophy. It had a sabbatical for a couple years and now it's Qatar's responsibility to revive the tournament. Let's see if we can bring back the old glory that Matchroom Sports had done for the event. Those shoes are tough to fill.

In the meantime, I am back in Finland now balancing between seeing old friends, practicing and working out. Somewhere in between I need to go to the countryside to relax. Thats what the midsummer in Finland is all about. Some sauna, some swimming, good food and good friends. The nature is at its peak beauty in midsummer, so green and vibrant. I love the aroma of a finnish forest. It's my sanctuary. I can't think of any other place that would have such an effect over me. I can just completely zone out.

what is your sanctuary? Try to think of one. Then, in times of trouble or perhaps a tight match, you can just visualize this place. Imagine yourself there, breathing the air, seeing and feeling it. I'm confident that this will have a positive effect over yourself.

Time to go now...

Happy Summer!


-Mika-

Back in the groove

Well, it's that time of the year again when everything is looking sunny in life. I've had a couple fruitless months to begin the year but it's time to take the bull by the horns and start focusing on the present.

Also I intend to post more often because I owe you gratitude in keeping me in the fight. Thank you for your patience.

Ok, so here is what I'm going to do: Win tournaments. It means that I am going to commit more time to practice, working out and eating right. Even thinking right. Positive.

It's not like I'm trying to say I have all the answers. In fact, I could even take suggestions. I'd love to hear what works for you when you hit the funk.
Who knows, maybe I'm just trying to get you involved. Make some goals for yourself, let's just kick it up together!

Alright, it's good to be back. I'm going to hit the gym now.

By the way, we are playing the Hard Times-Mezz 10ball Open. Check out live stream attheactionreport.com

You might have missed it yesterday, Efren Reyes kicked my butt, lol.
Well, I've made it before from the losers side.

Happy New Beginnings!

-ICEMAN-