Gaining Perspective in Our Fantasy World

Hey Fellas, as we get ready to embark on another weekend of hoops and shenanigans I'd like to take a second to both reflect on the events in Boston yesterday and what we are getting into this weekend.

In times of tragedy, horror, and (potential) terrorism there is an instinct in all of us to stop and think more conciously about the state of our world, both the world itself and our personal world.  Questions begin to arise about what is happening in this societal bubble we live in as Americans: Who did this?  People are crazy, why would this happen?  Are we going to end up going to war for 15 years if we find out this was a terrorist organization?  Do I truly feel bad/sorry enough for what is happening, is this registering to me with the historical significance that it should, or moreso that it was intended to have?  There is an innate trigger in our minds that forces us to think about how random these acts are and question how truly safe we are just living our normal lives.  For me, with that comes more personal questions: Did I tell my wife I loved her today?  Should I call my parents and let them know I am thinking about them?  Should I reach out to the socially awkward guy at work and just ask him how his day is going?  What can I do to positively impact my family and friends, and the world around me?

There is a vast majority of good versus evil in the world.  If that statement was not true the world and our species would not exist.  And with that comes a deep breath and level of comfort.

Now how does this relate to PCTI?  As all those questions above were scrolling through my mind I got lost and forgot about our 4-5 day journey on the horizon.  As my mind descended from the clouds and back to real life I couldn't help but think at how special this group and this event is within my own world.  I can't think of anything more American than a group of 16 dudes (with very irrational views of their own games) getting together and blowing a 7 game series of mediocrity out of proportion and into a year long web of entertainment.  I truly appreciate what we have here, that we are able to get together once a year and be important to something that is so important to all of us.  Gentelemen, we have something very unique and so very special here.  In the wake of the events yesterday, I take solace in the fact that I am afforded the freedom to get on a plane and compete, talk trash, laugh, and create memories.  PCTI is something that is a very big part of my life, it is something that I will never forget, and it is something that no one can take away from me.

CAN'T WAIT!  See you dickwads in two days.