Back home after a long journey: A story of resilience and a new chapter

[Irine]

Hello to the entire AskGamblers community,

It feels surreal to be typing this, but after over a decade away, I am finally back. I joined this forum back in 2013, and looking back, I realize just how much this place shaped the trajectory of my life.

For those who remember me—and a special, warm greeting to the old guard, including Valdes it is an honor to reconnect.

The lessons I learned here, analyzing games and meticulously writing reviews for the casinos I played at, weren't just a hobby. They became my professional foundation. That experience gave me the edge I needed to transition into the casino industry here in Asia, where I spent nearly nine years working on the other side of the table. I built a career out of the knowledge I first cultivated in these forums.

However, life has a way of testing us in the most unforeseen ways. Recently, disaster struck when a major earthquake devastated our home, leaving us with virtually nothing. To compound the challenge, I am currently navigating some difficult health issues. It has been a humbling and incredibly tough road, but I am choosing to start again.

I am reaching out to this community because it feels like the only place that truly understands where my journey began. Valdes, I would like to respectfully ask for your permission to share my story more broadly within the community. If any members feel moved to offer a small amount of support whether through advice, resources, or a donation—it would be profoundly appreciated and would mean the world to me as I try to rebuild my footing.

Thank you all for being part of my past, and for being here as I face this new, challenging chapter. It’s good to be back among friends.

Best regards,

Irine

[Afi4wins]

@Irine Hello there Irine and welcome back to this forum after such a looooooong absence.  Hope you still remember me... 

So sorry to hear about your home and health issues, but hopefully things will get gradually better for you.

[Icy]

5 hours ago, Irine said:

Hello to the entire AskGamblers community,

It feels surreal to be typing this, but after over a decade away, I am finally back. I joined this forum back in 2013, and looking back, I realize just how much this place shaped the trajectory of my life.

For those who remember me—and a special, warm greeting to the old guard, including Valdes it is an honor to reconnect.

The lessons I learned here, analyzing games and meticulously writing reviews for the casinos I played at, weren't just a hobby. They became my professional foundation. That experience gave me the edge I needed to transition into the casino industry here in Asia, where I spent nearly nine years working on the other side of the table. I built a career out of the knowledge I first cultivated in these forums.

However, life has a way of testing us in the most unforeseen ways. Recently, disaster struck when a major earthquake devastated our home, leaving us with virtually nothing. To compound the challenge, I am currently navigating some difficult health issues. It has been a humbling and incredibly tough road, but I am choosing to start again.

I am reaching out to this community because it feels like the only place that truly understands where my journey began. Valdes, I would like to respectfully ask for your permission to share my story more broadly within the community. If any members feel moved to offer a small amount of support whether through advice, resources, or a donation—it would be profoundly appreciated and would mean the world to me as I try to rebuild my footing.

Thank you all for being part of my past, and for being here as I face this new, challenging chapter. It’s good to be back among friends.

Best regards,

Irine

Why hello there young lady who's avatar I've not seen in ages

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but Valdes, he's no longer around. A forum member you used to remember, @cocopop3011, now runs AskGamblers. She's quite the feline! Although lately she's been "coughing hair balls" and will be back shortly for a nice full recovery. I'd pet her if only she wouldn't scratch me a warning.

[Irine]

4 hours ago, Afi4wins said:

@Irine Hello there Irine and welcome back to this forum after such a looooooong absence.  Hope you still remember me... 

So sorry to hear about your home and health issues, but hopefully things will get gradually better for you.

Hi! AFI! Yes I remember you it was great to see you well and alive! I hope the best foe you!

[Irine]

34 minutes ago, Icy said:

Why hello there young lady who's avatar I've not seen in ages

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but Valdes, he's no longer around. A forum member you used to remember, @cocopop3011, now runs AskGamblers. She's quite the feline! Although lately she's been "coughing hair balls" and will be back shortly for a nice full recovery. I'd pet her if only she wouldn't scratch me a warning.

Wow! That was sad and great at the same time as I remember Valdes was here. 

Yes I remember @cocopop3011 she was kind to me before as I make reviews I am so happy for her leading AG!

 

I hope she can help me a little for raising some funds. 

[Irine]

36 minutes ago, Icy said:

Why hello there young lady who's avatar I've not seen in ages

I don't want to be the bearer of bad news but Valdes, he's no longer around. A forum member you used to remember, @cocopop3011, now runs AskGamblers. She's quite the feline! Although lately she's been "coughing hair balls" and will be back shortly for a nice full recovery. I'd pet her if only she wouldn't scratch me a warning.

There is an ICY that I remeber before but I think the name is different is that you? Or you just change username? 

[Afi4wins]

2 minutes ago, Irine said:

There is an ICY that I remeber before but I think the name is different is that you? Or you just change username? 

That Icy guy is like a ghost at times, a shadow person at other times, but always the talking nuts kind! 

During your time, he was Icymod.

[Flatzem888]

@Irine now about Paz Vega 

[Afi4wins]

10 hours ago, Flatzem888 said:

@Irine now about Paz Vega 

@Flatzem888 I don't get what you mean bro...

[Maiwen]

Welcome back to the forum Irine. I hope you will get through these difficult times.

[Afi4wins]

Note: If any kindhearted person is willing to help @Irine out  endure her current disastrous moments in life, please do so privately via PM, because as you all may know, Askgamblers do not allow such personal issues to be published here in the forum.

[cocopop3011]

On 6/16/2026 at 10:34 AM, Irine said:

Hello to the entire AskGamblers community,

It feels surreal to be typing this, but after over a decade away, I am finally back. I joined this forum back in 2013, and looking back, I realize just how much this place shaped the trajectory of my life.

For those who remember me—and a special, warm greeting to the old guard, including Valdes it is an honor to reconnect.

The lessons I learned here, analyzing games and meticulously writing reviews for the casinos I played at, weren't just a hobby. They became my professional foundation. That experience gave me the edge I needed to transition into the casino industry here in Asia, where I spent nearly nine years working on the other side of the table. I built a career out of the knowledge I first cultivated in these forums.

However, life has a way of testing us in the most unforeseen ways. Recently, disaster struck when a major earthquake devastated our home, leaving us with virtually nothing. To compound the challenge, I am currently navigating some difficult health issues. It has been a humbling and incredibly tough road, but I am choosing to start again.

I am reaching out to this community because it feels like the only place that truly understands where my journey began. Valdes, I would like to respectfully ask for your permission to share my story more broadly within the community. If any members feel moved to offer a small amount of support whether through advice, resources, or a donation—it would be profoundly appreciated and would mean the world to me as I try to rebuild my footing.

Thank you all for being part of my past, and for being here as I face this new, challenging chapter. It’s good to be back among friends.

Best regards,

Irine

Hi and welcome back! Valdes no longer works for AskGamblers. I wouldn’t usually allow a post like this but since you are an old member I will allow this post to remain but as Afi said all future messages regarding donations etc should happen only via PM as we don’t allow this in the forum please.