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Going Forward, Looking Back
August 21, 2005
By Aria von Elbe
It's been a week since
the Congress. I start my senior year in a few days and memories of the Congress
still linger in my head. From a 2-4 Open record (better than last year, I
think...) to Midnight Madness (followed by dinner/breakfast at Denny's and more
go until 3 am). Plus Pair Go, dinner with the pros, and a tournament director
literally running away from me as I tried to report results for the E-Journal.
Not sure whether he was terrified or just terribly sane.
I ran non-stop from tournament to
lecture, meal to computer and back again , always with three things: sunglasses,
cell phone and reporter's notebook. By the middle of the week, my new USB flash
drive became the fourth critical reporter's tool as I ferried stories to my
drill-sergeant editor. My abject apologies to anyone whose toes I crushed with
those heels as I rushed into the Strong Player's Room to hand in the latest
releases.
Another memorable
week amongst friends and colleagues that I won't soon forget. And will long for,
with the start of school looming. Someone needs to invent a time machine right
now, because these next 12 months are not looking as go-filled as I would like
them to be. Sure, I've got 16 new books and games to review, not to mention tons
of screen names at my fingertips (tomaria, on both KGS and IGS if anyone is
willing to give me some stones). And let's not forget I've still got my Miami
roots and PCGC to take care of. I've been invited to the Lancaster Workshop, and
ther e are some Opens in the North East I know I'm going to be dragged to, plus
online tournaments and even some promised shidogo with the pros. I take it back;
my senior year might actually be livable. Now if choosing a college was just as
easy as picking a number between 1 and 1001, and then getting accepted was as
easy solving that same problem.
Regardless of what my future
holds, my past is full of wonderful recollections of games in the morning, at
lunch, at midnight, in common rooms, on the lawn, with a partner, blindfolded,
with only one color, against pros, even in airport for 15 long hours. Go
dominated my life for a week, and just like last year, it's taken some adjusting
to not wake up every morning, drop my bag in the Congress office and join the
masses waiting (and waiting) for pairings. If nothing else, think of this: the
21st Annual US Go Congress was a record breaker in every possible regard...just
imagine what it'll b e like next
year.
Until then, keep practicing
and studying; I know I will. See you all for the -- I'm calling it now --
562-attendee 22nd Annual Go Congress 2006. if not
sooner.
von Elbe is a high
school senior in Fort Lauderdale, FL.
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