Category: Sporadic Blog

The thing is that he could have taken with the King and there would not have been a smother mate .

Playing as Black in a one minute game, losing on time and position but White blunders mate in one but my move did not register in time. Rook to E1 was checkmate and a win for me.

It’s exactly one year since my father passed away. He would have been 65 years old today . I have been dreading today . I didn’t know how I would feel and what I would do today .

I stayed in bed until noon, until I couldn’t stand being in bed any longer. While looking somethings up online I decided that I wanted to donate blood . I was able to get a 245 appointment. It was my first time donating since I was 19 or 20 years old.

I hope that someone benefits from my donation and I hope that others who read this will consider donating .

As a side note I know that some think it’s better to donate via non red blood blood banks for various reasons but I encourage you to consider donating in general . As an addition perk you will get COVID antibody testing results in 7-10 days .

Watching this video from our trip to a Chicago Cubs games gives me flash of good memories and brings me happiness. Check out how unified the stadium is during the song, I am glad that I was able to experience it. Maybe one day it will be that way again, I hope to visit Chicago for Cubs games again. It will also be my mission to see a Chicago Bears game at Solider Field , it was something I wanted to do with my dad.

This is the first Father’s Day since I was born in which I do not have my father. I try to always have a positive or balanced perspective, I am fortunate to have had my Dad for 34 years of my life. I would be lying if I said I that was enough. As the anniversary of his passing approaches, I am playing a mental/ emotional game of chess. I want to focus on being my best self and continue to push forward, proud to be Daniel Hallback Jr.

It is a very stressful time now, a lot of very important issues are facing us all. I will keep pushing myself to learn more, help others. At times I think it is important to have fun playing chess, or a video game, or watch TV. 2020 has been an awakening in many ways, COVID has helped to show what’s important to us all (Not always the same for everyone). The death of George Floyd and the movements for change that has taken place has also shone a light to areas that we need to improve as a society.

If you are reading this, hug your loved ones and try to take advance of the time that we have. I am glad we didn’t wait to visit Chicago in July 2018. It was his dream trip and I was fortunate enough to make it happen.

It is always nice to see a good accuracy rating when playing a speed chess match. It gives me confidence that I can make good moves under pressure. During this game I was able to be 85% accurate and find a nice checkmate in the end.

Did not see his bishop but my blunder turned into mate in one

I am fortunate to be celebrating another birthday (35) . At a personal level the last year was full of sorrow and celebration. For the next year I anticipate stress, pain, and difficult conversations but I also know that love, support, and collaboration will come too. Be safe everyone and continue to have difficult conversations and continue to make progress.