oh wait surprise 15/14. One thing I forgot to mention. I enjoyed competing in the actual tourney way more than I expected. Those 9 matches of my run (I was 1/2) were some of the most exhilarating I've ever played. Did not expect that. It helps that they were all exceptionally close matches but damn.

I look forwards to seeing you all again. Until then, you can find me on netplay. Xrd's the coolest. 14/14

just talked to more people. Maybe that's a goal for next time.

okay, let's wrap this up. To everyone I met at FF and knew online first, god it was good to shake your hands and hug you and laugh with you and smile with you. To everyone I met for the first time at FF, it was lovely meeting you. 13/X

but if there is anything I do think I failed at, it was meeting people. I really wish I had initiated conversation more, said hi to people I recognized but didn't know me, introduced myself to people I didn't know, tried to play more games (even if the connection went out at some point), and... 12/X

I just haven't been playing Xrd as much as I'd like and it would be unreasonable to expect strong placing with such little practice. So, as far as those goals, I think I mostly succeeded. I could have slept more, taken a few more pictures, and not beaten myself up about playing too little... 11/X

My goals for the event were to have fun, take pictures, meet people in person, drink enough water, play as much fighting games as I was comfortable, treat myself well (get good sleep and eat well enough), do my best in tournament. I tried not to set too many competitive expectations because... 10/X

as a further reminder to pass on kindness and support to my communities and be the best I can to those around me. My heart is full from so many's support, from the big things like rooming with me to the small things like warm hugs, checking in on travel, walking a bit slow, or big smiles. 9/X

if there is a time to start it is now. Can always learn as I go.

Outside of controller woes, the event as a whole was magical. I was only able to actually attend due to the goodwill of a few wonderful people so I feel so indebted to this community for supporting my being there. It serves... 8/X

okay, continuing. A lot of the leverless controllers on market do not fit my Frankenstein hands so i probably just need to either make something myself or get custom. Haven't opened up Fusion 360 in a while, and I doubt I have the expertise to see such a project through to its end, but... 7/X

lots less after the connection issues started happening. I think it might be time to switch over to a proper leverless controller if I want to attend more of these, which may be unreasonable of me. I have to go to dinner but will type more later. I have a few more thoughts 6/X

genuinely more difficult to engage with people. When I started having issues with the setup (my controller disconnecting seemingly randomly), it created a miasma of anxiety about approaching people to ask for games (I didn't want to bother people with technically faulty games), and I played... 5/X

Being able to play on keyboard was great too but the actual experience of using a somewhat faulty system that required troubleshooting was pretty rough. I kinda like the idea of being the weirdo with a keyboard on a ouija board or a trashcan lid playing Xrd, but the setup's faults made it... 4/X

my in-game repartee needs some serious labbing. I'm generally a low energy person too so it was nice to be able to ride the tailwinds of liveliness that Frosty Faustings facilitated. I threw my voice out yelling in support of my friends and I haven't done that in maybe 5 or 6 years.

3/X

and playing Gear (Xrd in my case) in person is so much more energizing than sitting alone at home.

The energy of the event was enthralling and exhilarating, and the whole event felt out-of-time.

I need to work on my banter though if I want to do more of these... 2/X