I'll start off by saying that this is merely a rant to vent my frustration.

TL;DR - For the second year in a row I won't be going to Regionals, and I'm pissed about it.

I got into X-Wing at the beginning of last year, and it quickly became an obsession for me. I stalked the forums here quite a bit and quickly dived into the competitive tournament scene. It was fun as hell and I couldn't get enough.

I turned to Vassal to play more often, as in my personal life my wife and I had our first child and things were very not centered around leaving the house often to trounce around my FLGS.

Every day I wanted to play more.

When MajorJuggler started up his tracking of Store Champs and Regionals I watched closely for my favorite list to pop up, and it never did. I thought to myself, maybe I have something here that's unique and very competitive. It was few and far between where I found people that could topple my mighty squadron (bwahaha). I was psyched to go to Regionals, despite being relatively far away.

Long story short, I didn't have the money to go. It felt like a crap hand to not make it due to something as stupid as money. My local players went and I found out that the turnout was 16 players. 16 players...more people showed up to Imdaar Alpha than that. I was blown away and completely frustrated, as with that low number I was convinced that I would have placed high in the ranks, if not taken first place.

I slowly spiraled out to where I didn't have time for even Vassal, as there are times where a game on there takes longer than one in person. My non-stop X-Wing parade was dwindling, and I was heart broken.

This year I got back into the game after an invite to my FLGS from a coworker. Man, how I missed this game. Everything came back to me, and despite not having any ships that came after Wave 4, I hit the ground running.

I heard that Regional season was upon us and I resolved to go this year, no matter what. The list I had planned for last year still appeared to be very competitive, and I was confident that I could go all the way, finally scoring some sweet alt dice and some sexy templates to replace my stock cardboard ones that I painted up. I had two months until the closest Regionals which is 350 miles away. My wife, who isn't the most independent person, would need to come with if I were to go. Turning it into a family trip means more money. All in all after gas, hotel, food and whatever else might come up, the price tag of ~$400 emerged.

Ugh.

Whatever. There's plenty of time to save that much. I just started a better job and things are looking up. I can do this.

I won't bore anyone still reading with the details, but the end result is that life happens and we can't afford to throw $400 into a weekend adventure. I can't really describe my frustration in words. For two years in a row now, I feel confident in my ability, feel excited to play the greatest mini game on a competitive level to finally know where I stand, and feel ready to take on the challenge...

...and two years in a row I will have to skip it.

I can't help but wonder how many countless people are in the same situation as me. I have to wonder, if everyone could throw their hat into the ring that had a desire to, how different would Worlds look?

One day I may go to a Regionals. I just hope it happens before I get so discouraged that I lose interest.

Once the kid gets old enough to come play as well it is a lot easier!

Once the kid gets old enough to come play as well it is a lot easier!

I seriously cannot wait for that day. He's on his way to being a SW fan, but the day he can sit down with his dial and try to figure out what his old man has planned, that will be a proud day indeed.

That's a tough one for sure. I've gone to about half the events this year that I originally planned to attend and it's looking like I'll be going to half the regionals too. Annoying that the 2 closest regionals to me fall on Father's Day/my dad's birthday weekend, and 4th of July.

Oh well.

Not that it's any of my businesses, but have you tried revisiting the subject with your wife? If Life prevented it from being a family trip sized budget, maybe you're in the day trip for one range?

Best of luck!

I couldabeen a contender

Not that it's any of my businesses, but have you tried revisiting the subject with your wife? If Life prevented it from being a family trip sized budget, maybe you're in the day trip for one range?

I thought about that, however because it's so far away, it's a 5 hour drive. Trying to squeeze it into one day would be impossible while driving. The shortest trip would be a 2-day event, where I get up crazy early in the morning, get on a plane, land, and drive to the store just in time. A Regionals with 64-players would easily go into the wee hours, at least it would be wee to me as I'm used to going to bed at 10pm these days being the father of a toddler. That would put me on a plane the following morning.

I haven't looked into it, but I imagine it would be as much if not more expensive.

just a small note.

Dove is a type of bird

Dived is the past tense of dive

just a small note.

Dove is a type of bird

Dived is the past tense of dive

I used to carry a cage of doves with me to set free after a successful Store Championship.

Despite that, I fixed my horrible spelling. Thank you kind sir.

With your wife and child, it would make it much more difficult. If you are looking to go solo, there is almost always a hotel room with fellow x-wingers willing to split the cost.

Having said that, if you only go to one x-wing event go to worlds. It is a wonderful experience.

just a small note.

Dove is a type of bird

Dived is the past tense of dive

*sigh*

You know, I'm not even going to cite a dictionary here. I'll just let you consider the wisdom of double checking one's facts before correcting the grammar of another.

just a small note.

Dove is a type of bird

Dived is the past tense of dive

Just a smaller note. Dove has been an acceptable past tense of dive since the 1800s.

just a small note.

Dove is a type of bird

Dived is the past tense of dive

Unless everyone and their mother uses it, then it's part of the language and no longer just a bird.

As I'm not as much interested in the grammar debate I'll stick to the OP.

I totally understand the situation but I'm a little confused on some of the planning considerations. While I get the frustration and such, have you thought instead of reaching out to have people hear your frustration, perhaps asking for help?

Have you sought out friends or family that could assist with your wife for a day? It's a great place to start. He'll I bet people would even split the day to help if they couldn't stay for it all.

The community here is the best. Absolutely the best. Sure they gripe but they are the best. I'm betting someone here has a couch or if the stars lines up even a bed.

This could turn out to be a thing you could do. But it all start with planning. Good luck dude. Fly casual.

I'll start off by saying that this is merely a rant to vent my frustration.

TL;DR - For the second year in a row I won't be going to Regionals, and I'm pissed about it.

I got into X-Wing at the beginning of last year, and it quickly became an obsession for me. I stalked the forums here quite a bit and quickly dived into the competitive tournament scene. It was fun as hell and I couldn't get enough.

I turned to Vassal to play more often, as in my personal life my wife and I had our first child and things were very not centered around leaving the house often to trounce around my FLGS.

Every day I wanted to play more.

When MajorJuggler started up his tracking of Store Champs and Regionals I watched closely for my favorite list to pop up, and it never did. I thought to myself, maybe I have something here that's unique and very competitive. It was few and far between where I found people that could topple my mighty squadron (bwahaha). I was psyched to go to Regionals, despite being relatively far away.

Long story short, I didn't have the money to go. It felt like a crap hand to not make it due to something as stupid as money. My local players went and I found out that the turnout was 16 players. 16 players...more people showed up to Imdaar Alpha than that. I was blown away and completely frustrated, as with that low number I was convinced that I would have placed high in the ranks, if not taken first place.

I slowly spiraled out to where I didn't have time for even Vassal, as there are times where a game on there takes longer than one in person. My non-stop X-Wing parade was dwindling, and I was heart broken.

This year I got back into the game after an invite to my FLGS from a coworker. Man, how I missed this game. Everything came back to me, and despite not having any ships that came after Wave 4, I hit the ground running.

I heard that Regional season was upon us and I resolved to go this year, no matter what. The list I had planned for last year still appeared to be very competitive, and I was confident that I could go all the way, finally scoring some sweet alt dice and some sexy templates to replace my stock cardboard ones that I painted up. I had two months until the closest Regionals which is 350 miles away. My wife, who isn't the most independent person, would need to come with if I were to go. Turning it into a family trip means more money. All in all after gas, hotel, food and whatever else might come up, the price tag of ~$400 emerged.

Ugh.

Whatever. There's plenty of time to save that much. I just started a better job and things are looking up. I can do this.

I won't bore anyone still reading with the details, but the end result is that life happens and we can't afford to throw $400 into a weekend adventure. I can't really describe my frustration in words. For two years in a row now, I feel confident in my ability, feel excited to play the greatest mini game on a competitive level to finally know where I stand, and feel ready to take on the challenge...

...and two years in a row I will have to skip it.

I can't help but wonder how many countless people are in the same situation as me. I have to wonder, if everyone could throw their hat into the ring that had a desire to, how different would Worlds look?

One day I may go to a Regionals. I just hope it happens before I get so discouraged that I lose interest.

I want to tell you I just had a son last year, my first, and surgery on my shoulder this year,(its another three months before i can fully use my arm) along with that my wife had a life saving emergcy procedure at the beginning of the year, and lots of issues with her eyes not working so we are seeing specialists after specialists. I want to encourge you to hang in there. Kids are amazing and so much joy, but it is hard to balance their needs and not going insane. I really wish I could spend 1000 dollars on gaming as the only person working in a household, but I know my family has to come before me, and it would mean less clothes, food, or something else that is needed in the house, so 0.00 is spent on x-wing unless I can find stuff to sell. Being a Husband and Parent is a lot of work, and to be a good one at that is even harder.

I have gotten 3 games of x-wing within the last 7 months. I have my last purchase sitting on a shelf above my monitor hanging out not doing much next to my armada ships. Busy seasons come and go, just hang in their x-wing is not going anywhere any time soon, and this community is there with you.

I feel your pain. My SW:LCG was in my city (10 minutes away) but I had family obligations that took me out of town that weekend.

But for me, I think it just helps me see that competition isn't my jam. It's just fun to be able to play. I mean, these tournaments are $15-$30 for entry.

"We could almost buy our own ship for that!"

--Luke

A little perspective for the OP: if you think making a regional is tough, imagine what it's like for the rest of us to make it to Nationals/Worlds.

A little perspective for the OP: if you think making a regional is tough, imagine what it's like for the rest of us to make it to Nationals/Worlds.

In other games, mostly video games, players are sponsored by companies. This pays for their plane ticket and room.

just a small note.

Dove is a type of bird

Dived is the past tense of dive

False?

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=dove+definition

https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=dive+definition

I think it's a regional thing, but dove, at least where I am, is more acceptable.

A little perspective for the OP: if you think making a regional is tough, imagine what it's like for the rest of us to make it to Nationals/Worlds.

In other games, mostly video games, players are sponsored by companies. This pays for their plane ticket and room.

I'm aware, and I don't see how that's particularly relevant here.

Get x-wing tattooed on your face and maybe ffg will sponsor you.

Get x-wing tattooed on your face and maybe ffg will sponsor you.

Or Disney might sue you.

Can I just ask where you live where the closest regional event is 350 miles away and what list you were thinking on running?

Just one parent to another, my social life has taken a back seat to two kiddos, I know the pain. However it's not really pain because the kids are bleeding edge awesome. As they get older I get out more and the fun is still there. I don't think xwing is going to fall off the map anytime soon.

It's frustrating, but I look at it the same as I saw nice restaurants and movies in a movie theater after 5pm. They are all still there now that I can get back to them, and bringing the kids, or leaving them with a sitter, both make getting them back a little sweeter.

First, I bet your wife is independent enough to take care of the house and kid for the 2 days you would be gone...she was doing fine before you met.

Second, OK...you missed this year. Money is the problem. Soooooo...Get a jar or can. Or even a star wars lunch box to remind you.

You drink Starbucks? Stop. (Its not that good for you anyways). Take the $4 you would have spent on the coffee and stick it in the jar. The can of soda on break at work? Try water. $1 in the jar. Do you buy lunch? Bring some sammich from home along with a piece of fruit and juice or water. Another $5. (you realize that alone can be several hundred dollars a month p1ssed away without even thinking about it) Its payday. Hooray. Drop a 20 in the jar.

Third: Next season open the jar. Suddenly you have enough money to go to Regionals and probably Nationals. With a pretty slice left over to give the wife so spending dough while your gone.

Fourth: Go get a 2nd jar. Repeat the steps splitting the money between each jar. Don't open the second jar when Regionals comes around. After 3 or so seasons when you cant shove any more money in jar#2 open it. Go buy a new car. Pay cash. Have no car payment. Ever again!

As hobbies go, this one is pretty easy on the wallet. Since you already have a good set, you can get away with less than 20 a month just to get some new hotness to play around with. Once you get that PITA nickel and dime spending under control (firkin debit cards are EVIL!!!) your heading in the right direction.

my FLGS is sponsoring about 10 or so of us. They rented a van for a 6 hr-ish journey, and we wear the stores logo. Our local Xwing group is also sponsored by Little Debbie.... They send us a ton of Cosmic Cupcakes