So we’re a month out from Texas Challenge in Taylor TX. As we get closer, I am running into tons of little decisions and actions that comes from being near the finish line of an undertaking like this. I’m a little worried because, well, I know me and I’m feeling a bit of imposter syndrome. I know where I’ve made mistakes and how I’ve gotten lucky regarding a few things. I know that it’s going to go off with a minimal number of hitches and I have no doubt that a lot of people will like it (we’re theoretically having attendees from a lot of states I don’t normally see represented in the Will Attends). That said, it has been and still is a daunting task and I don’t know that I would ever do something like this again if the opportunity arose. But, to paraphrase my nemesis Sir Issac, if I have done well it’s because I’ve been supported by giants. The team that’s been helping me deserves most of the glory. No thanks I give them will be enough, but I’m going to try to thank them in whatever way I can.
In other Challenge related news, I will not be competing for the first time in quite a while. As the organizer, I feel it’s in appropriate to be in the competition when I’m helping plan the currently secret course and will no doubt be part of the scoring. It is my duty to remain impartial and supportive of every team. Unofficially, however, victory or mild annoyance!
This year, elections for TXGA officers have been going on for a little bit. Every year there are four races: there’s President or Vice President in alternating years (this year it’s VP) and half the Regional Representatives. This year, however, though Central is up for election, my name is not in the hat. I am stepping down as Central Representative. When I took up the mantle six years ago in Round Rock, I told myself that I would stay until Challenge returned to the Central region, fulfill my responsibility to organize it, and then step aside. Organizations need new people with new ideas and perspectives. More importantly, they don’t need to become cliquish, calcifying with the same people in the same places forever. If I could, I would try to make sure that everyone has a turn in the chair to help make decisions and perform duties for their friends and fellow cachers. But I do know that I have almost finished my job and I need to put my money where my mouth is. Just between us though, it’ll be nice to go to Challenge again one day and just enjoy it.
All I know it this: once the screaming is all done, I’m going to get back on the road the first chance I get!
Geocaching While Black 