Played chess tonight for the first time in years. Funny enough, the last time I dragged out a board was four years ago in the same place with an old friend for Whisky Wednesdays. He and I were the only people on station with Wednesdays off (we were both on the Galley schedule) and took advantage of the time to drink ourselves silly playing intellectual games (chess, go, risk, connect four, etc.). But I digress.

I played chess tonight and lost. No biggie on that account, there’ll be more games to come. What was worth noting was both a good moment with a good friend and a remembrance of the give and take of strategy. In games and life (though it’s far easier to see and think through on a board) I forget how much I enjoy a challenge that leaves you searching a constantly changing scene for answers. Whether the solutions work or not (not so much today) there is something uniquely rewarding about giving the best with what you have, then having to reevaluate and do the same the next turn. There are great analogies to be found in decisions over what to risk, what is worth taking a stand on, and withdrawing to a point of greater strength.

We have sixty individuals on station and as such, sixty different approaches to issues that arise, sixty different styles of compliment and criticism, sixty different viewpoints… When an issue comes up that involves the whole community in a public response, there is as much intrigue for me to see differing approaches as there can be frustration. A number of us joke about the psychological experiment that we’re taking part in but that’s what it is. Short of the horrors and stresses of war and disaster, few other planned opportunities will test the human mind and spirit like the long dark of an Antarctic winter. If one can observe as well as react (kudos to anyone with the strength to hold back their own personal feelings, if such a person exists), there is a great opportunity to learn how others and self tick.

News came my way today as well regarding several dreams that are no longer possible to pursue - at least not in the context first imagined. Tonight, in response, I took stock in my place, my resources, and my goals. I reevaluated the scene, looked at what is important, and chose to explore opportunities for the next year in a different fashion.

I’ve a few moves to make yet, as does the world, but I can see a potential check-mate on the horizon.

___________

Also, music.

I forgot how damn nice it is to have such easy access to the collections of tunes of others. There are few places (short college) to have so many different influences tossed your way and to toss so many back. On top of that, we have a number of very talented musicians here this year, so I catch my fix for live shows as well.

Really, I can’t complain. Maybe I’m easy to please but the benefits still outweigh the annoyances. This place still makes a good home.