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Andrew L.
United States
Topeka
Kansas
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Wow. It's been a while since my last post. I figured I would break this post up into two parts. First, I'm going to talk about the law school stuff that has kept me from blogging/gaming, and then talk about a few games I have bought and a new experience that I am really excited about.
First: Law School
We finally got our final grades and class rank for the semester. I'm happy with my performance, but definitely need to put in more work this semester. The learning curve has passed, so at least I have a feel for what I'm doing now, and my classes this semester are more tuned to what I want to end up doing, so I think I'll be fine. For those wondering, I was in the top half of my class.
With these classes, there is a lot more "busy" work; drafting clauses for contracts, writing mini memos over 4th Amendment search and seizure issues, working on negotiation tactics, and a lot of other stuff. This doesn't leave a ton of time for gaming, especially since the Wife may be taking a new job, so I've been helping her prepare for the interview process.
With that being said, I'm really excited for new games that are on my radar; I have either bought or Kickstarted these.
Tobago: This was an impulse buy. I get Rewards Points for doing research through the 2 main legal databases (WestLaw and Lexis), and with those points I can buy Amazon gift cards. So, I cashed in on my research from last semester, and was able to pick this up for $2. I'm looking forward to the problem solving aspect of it; my wife and I had a roommate who loved Clue. We played it so much that I refuse to play it anymore, because it wore me out. I feel like this will fill that Problem solving itch, and it seems to be a quick game. And the components are fantastic looking! It is out for delivery now, so when I'm done with this post I'm going to do all of my reading for tomorrow so hopefully the wife and I can try it tonight.
The next game I bought in an auction here on the 'Geek is Patton's Best, a solo war game. This is the genre that first got me into gaming as a whole, and I have been told time and time again that this is a must play for solo war gamers. There is a bit of a family connection too, as my Great Uncle Elmer met Gen. Patton twice in WWII. I don't want to go into too much detail because I don't know a ton about it and don't want to alter my ideas without playing it, but I'm excited for the opportunity. Hopefully I will be able to get it to the table soon.
The last game I hope to get is the one I kickstarted; Agents of SMERSH. This game has been described as Tales of the Arabian Nights, but more complex, which is fantastic, because that is the reason Wifey and I don't play ToTAR that often; it's a fun experience but not necessarily worth the time it takes, esp. with a lot of people. The Cold War Spy theme is also fantastic, as we are both huge James Bond fans. I really hope this one makes its goal, and if funding stays at the same rate, it should.
A link for those so inclined;
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1545517208/agents-of-sme...
Lastly, I took advantage of the 'Geek's offering of RPG Play by Forum for people who have never played an RPG before. I have never done any sort of RPG before, but have always wanted to. The thing that held me back is that it takes me a while to open up to a group, especially when I am doing something new. I don't like feeling like I let people down, and so if I don't live up to any expectations that people in that group would have about the way an RPG should be played, it isn't fun for me. I feel like the play by forum option is a great way for me to try things out. I'll be playing in the Agents of Oblivion setting of the Savage Worlds Deluxe ruleset. It's going to be a high conspiracy spy sort of setting, so again, the Cold war/Espionage thing I have going for me will be able to shine.
Well, I should get back to reading. I'll keep you all posted on school, but especially on the games I mentioned above.
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Andrew L.
United States
Topeka
Kansas
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This is going to be a pretty lengthy blog post. It's going to talk about my game group, my last free weekend (before the semester starts) and why I game. Maybe the three will tie in together, but maybe not.
I am a member of the Topeka/Lawrence Gamers. We get together in both organized meetups and also spur of the moment private gatherings. This past week, some stuff happened that affected the group. I'm not going to go into details, because it's been dealt with, but it made me think about why I like gaming, and why I was so upset that something happened to influence my feeling about the group, even if those feelings were only around for a day or two (meaning I don't feel the same way now).
Gaming, to me, is a social stress reliever. I have anxiety problems, and the fact that I have found something social to do that relaxes me kind of amazes me; most of the time, when I am stressed, I want to be alone and do anything to keep me unfocused on the stressor. Gaming has the opposite effect; I want to be with people, enjoying a social activity. This usually makes me forget about my stresses, whereas when I play a video game, the stressor is still in the back of my mind. When I am with people, the social aspect really helps me totally forget that I had a rough day at school, am having troubles with my wife, or am overreacting to some guy that I cut off on the roadway (I have issues with potential conflicts, that's what really sets me into an anxious downspin).
This is why I was frustrated when our group had a conflict; I couldn't have that escape for the time being, because it had invaded the gaming time. Instead of being able to escape, I was forced to face my anxiety again, and I just didn't want to do that...not when this was my one constant where I knew I wouldn't be anxious.
I also play games for the mental aspect; figuring out the strategy, trying to beat the system (when I play solo games), and so on. But primarily, I do it to be social, and to hang out with like minded people. I mentioned to one of the members of the group, who I've really grown to look up to, in a way, that I don't even want to play my co-op games solo or solitaire games anymore, because I can just wait a few days and someone from the group will be gaming. I like this feeling, the feeling like I am accepted, and I know that's what brings a lot of other people to the hobby as well; we tend to be a non-judgemental group, and if we are judging you, it's usually about the game, not the person. Because of this game group, I'm even planning on attending my first Con in May (Geekway to the West).
Anyway, I was anxious/pre-ocupied about things for a bit, and then (with some help) I pretty much got over it and decided I couldn't let anything interfere with MY stress relief, and I had a fantastic weekend playing games. Our group met on a spur of the moment thing, and I played quite a few games that I really enjoy, such as Trophy Buck(simple, press your luck), to The Castles of Burgundy (more advanced, and I really love this game), to trying to figure out Caylus and Yggdrasil on my own, so that I could teach my wife at some point this week. Our Risk Legacy group met and played two games of that as well. I'm also recieving copies of Doom: The Boardgame and Eminent Domain from trades this week. It's been an amazing break, and I really can't think of a better way to end it.
I know this post was a little deep, and maybe a little TMI ranting for some, but it's something I wanted to get off my chest. I'm glad I belong to the gaming community, and I'm glad I'm a Topeka/Lawrence Gamer. And I'm glad that I'm not going to let anything interfere with that (except law school) 
Feel free to leave comments on this topic; Why do you game? or anything like that. I will do my best to respond to any and all comments and questions.
I'm going to start ending my posts with a famous board gaming quote, because it sums up what gaming is to me:
"'When playing a game, the goal is to win, but it is the goal that is important, not the winning' - Dr. Reiner Knizia"
I may lose, but I'm going to have a great time doing it.
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Andrew L.
United States
Topeka
Kansas
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Well, I had my first day of work today, and it wasn't bad. I didn't really have to do anything except hand out free swag to incoming students, and I got paid for it. I'll take it
Haven't played very many games lately, but I'm planning on playing yet another Solo game of Flash Point: Fire Rescue tonight. I may even invite Samantha. 
I'm actually okay that the semester is starting; I haven't known what to do with myself. I found myself setting up games, playing a few turns, and then getting board with it (pun and misspelling intended). I think when I have precious free time instead of an abundance of it makes me appreciate gaming more. Furthermore, I'm really interested in my classes this semester. For those who are legally inclined, I'm taking Contracts II (drafting and interpretation, instead of formation and defenses), Criminal Procedure, Civil Procedure, another Legal Research and Writing Class in which I will write a 30 page brief and argue it in front of a panel of professors, and Constitutional Law, which I hope will be my favorite class.
But this is a gaming website. And speaking of gaming ,I'm getting back to my wargame roots this year with preorders. So far, I have preordered D-Day Dice (Line for Life Kickstarter), Thunderbolt/Apache Leader (My name is on the box preview, which I must admit is pretty awesome), the three games in the D-Day Series (D-Day at Omaha Beach is a reprint, and then there are two new ones) and two games from GMT: Navajo Wars and The Hunters: German U-Boats at War, 1939-43, and I will play all of them, as long as they are printed this year (which, for most of them, is questionable).
I'm also recieving Eminent Domain (which has some amazing art done my my game group friend Eric J. Carter) and Doom: The Boardgame in a couple of trades. So, while I will soon have less time to play all of these games, its going to be a great year for gaming.
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Andrew L.
United States
Topeka
Kansas
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Hello Everyone!
This is my third attempt at blogging here on BGG, and this time, it's going to stick. I just finished my first semester at Washburn University School of Law in Topeka, KS. I have a local game group that I am a part of, and I got married 8 months ago. I'm starting this blog the same night my wife is starting a blog about her hobby (cooking). EDIT: She also just made a BGG account so she could start following my progress and look up games she wants. Send her a hello, or some GG to get an avatar!
Samantha L
United States
Kansas
I made a few New Years Resolutions: To become a more active BGG'er, to be a better student and husband, and to work out. I thought I could share my experiences here and get some motivation and feedback.
As part of my resolution to become a more active BGG'er, I have started recording plays, and I'm going to write up some session reports and provide some pictures here as well. Unfortunately, the only thing I did tonight was record a play, but our camera is on the fritz, and I didn't want to use my cell phone camera. Rest assured, the play is there, Flash Point: Fire Rescue. The wifey and I played it tonight as it was a Christmas gift to myself.
Well, stay tuned. I think my next post will be about the classes I am taking this upcoming semester. Leave me some comments about games you think my group or wifey and I will like, or anything else.
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