I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

-“The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost

From St. Louis to Oklahoma City to... Amarillo, TX?

Mile 796… Oklahoma City, OK

 You might be asking yourself, “what could possibly be in Oklahoma City worth blogging about?”  Memories of course.  Believe of not – this will be the 9th time that have driven through Oklahoma City.  Most of those trips have been en route to events hosted by the Cyber-athlete Professional League (CPL).    In 2002 at the ripe age of 18, I traveled to my first major gaming tournament, The CPL 2002 Summer Event.

One of the biggest misconceptions is that gamers are not social people and prefer to only interact with people online.  I can easily say that gaming tournaments are some of the most socially charged experiences that I have ever witnessed.

I’m also reminded that gamers come from all parts of the world and all cultures.  As I kid, I would have never believed you if you would have told me that in my twenties I would have friends in Europe, Asia, and even Oklahoma.

I miss the days when I could go to an event, kick back, and just game with my friends.  However, it’s really cool to know that I am now in the position where I can help gamers create their own memories.

Top: I may or may not have assisted in the kidnapping of this fellow. Bottom: Verge DotA – 2006 CPL Champions… trying to look hard.

Mile 1054… Amarillo, TX

I split off the familiar interstate and head West instead of taking the path south to Dallas, TX.  It’s late and I’m tired, but my adrenaline and copious amounts of caffeine keep me going.  This part of the trip is also brought to you by Subway and Motel 6, who have kept me well fed and rested during the trip so far.

I can hear rowdiness all around me.  It’s Memorial day weekend and the parties have already started in the great state of Texas.  I wish I could stop and join in the festivities, but I have miles to go before I can sleep.