War`Cry Winter LAN '09

That's right, it was that time again! This is the second time I didn't show up with the mohawk and there is still a demand for it! I really think I need to make it happen for the one this Summer.

It was really great seeing everyone again, as well as meeting a few new faces and getting to know another small handful of the people on a closer level. Each time I go, I find there are a few people that I get a chance to talk to for a while and start to get to know beyond just playing games. Highlights this time included a female member of the airforce, a guy who works with printing on non-flat surfaces while running a game review website on the side, and a paint-baller from Massachusetts.

Unfortunately Kyle and Maria could only make it for one night this time, which left me there without my original connection to the group, but I think it worked out well since I found myself doing a little bit better of a job socializing with others to a greater extent. My one regret is that I didn't step up and ask people if they wanted to come with me when I'd go get myself something to eat. I think the folks there tend to do a decent amount of bonding over meals, and it's something I still haven't put myself into. I'd like to think I've grown over the years, but I guess I still haven't kicked the habit of always waiting for someone else to invite me into what they are doing instead of the other way around.

We got these sombreros on Friday night that we all wore into the bar (which had changed its name to "The Happy Sombrero" between this LAN and the previous one), which was fuckin' sweet. I love how we just roll in and take over that place. I guess it makes me feel like I'm in the "popular" crowd which I've never had much of an experience with.

Which reminds me of how warm the folks are. All these folks have to know is that you're with War`Cry and they are pretty much instantly accepting of you. There have been a few exceptions (there tends to be one or so every LAN), where someone just doesn't quite mix with the rest of the group, but if in a room of 50+ people only one isn't meshing, I'd say that's pretty good.

I won our 50-50 raffle, which scored me $223 if I recall correctly, and I couldn't believe I won it. I actually felt a little guilty having it knowing that the money came from these amazing people there. The other $223 (hence 50-50) got donated to the server and LAN fund, and I would have done that, but I remembered someone else trying that at a past LAN and I believe Moon refused to take it from him, so I needed some way to give back to the community. That's when I bought 40 shots at the bar to pass around to everyone! Another member bought another 10 to make sure we had enough, and I actually feel bad that she did that now, because I wasn't expecting to get the killer deal they gave me on them and figured I could only buy about 40 with the money. But everyone rejoiced, and they had me make a toast, it was very nice, and people were all thanking me, so I felt good (even though in reality it was their own money buying the shots).

It was another fantastic weekend with the community, and I can't wait for the next one in the Summer.