As everyone knows despite some setbacks in my progress;I haven't given up on the game or myself yet.That being said,I wanted to ask some of the people here who have managed to establish themselves as winners be it whatever game,level,or form of poker they play(i.e. cash games,tourneys,hold em,omaha,etc).How long did it take for you guys to finally break that mark and become consistent winners?And what types of dowswings did you/do you still experience?

I have one friend(who actually introduced me to online play) who has a relative/friend who also plays online.I managed to talk to him for a bit while he was single tabling 6-max PL2000 Omaha Hi/Lo.He works a solid paying job and is reasonably happy with his life.He said when he first started he lost $30,000 experimenting with NL2000,80/160,PL2000 Omaha Hi,PL2000 Omaha Hi/Lo, 80/160 Stud Hi,and 80/160 Stud Hi/Lo.It was suffice to say interesting he said.

He said during that time he learned alot about the game as well as himself.His wife while concerned supported him,and his kids believed in him.After a year he won it all back and today(or at least that day I spoke to him this summer) he stood $10,000 over(which means he won $40,000 in that span along with the usual Party,Empire,and other misc reload bonuses).He said he enjoys nothing more then sitting down after a hard day's work and opening up some Party skin tables.Whenever the Party commercials air on TV he gets a kick when the 'Party Poker" voice hits and he feels a high come over him.He said this while he scooped another monster pot at the table he had open while he talked.

Any feedback is welcome.