Turning a Leaf

This is an interesting tale.

I started this game around the time when I first started playing Chess. I wasn't sure what I was doing, I read a few defenses, etc. I definently did not have the experience. To be honest, I was almost stuck on this game.

Well, my opponent went on Vacation. During that time, I have played a few games, read a ton of articles, read through some books I purchased, etc. When he came off vacation, I noticed it was my turn. He had just moved:  17. Re1

I immediately saw a hole. And I saw exactly how I could try to capitalize on it and get there. The following annotations in my game starting with move 17 will explain my train of thought, hopefully I was heading in the right direction.

Thanks Chess.com :)

Before move 17, I have no idea why I did anything :) It was awhile back and this was one of my first chess games I started lol.