Today is the ninth anniversary of the day I started writing this blog. Nine years ago…wow! It feels like both a lifetime ago and just yesterday at the same time. Today I’m sitting down with a cup of coffee reflecting on what an unbelievable ride it has been.
When I began writing my first posts I was essentially just journaling about “what happened at laser tag” in my little local arena, never for one moment thinking that anyone would actually read what I had written. I was just toying with the idea of blogging as a hobby. It was around the same time that I was retiring from my role with MMV and I think I had bought a book titled something like “So You Want To Build A Website” that walked me through some rudimentary steps. Ta-da…website! That’s where this all began for me.
In those early days I knew so little about any laser tag outside of my own home arena and my posts certainly reflected that lack of awareness. However, they also illustrate where the spark of passion for laser tag began and with each new experience I wanted to learn more, play more and absorb everything I could. That turned into an amazing adventure that I believe will continue with me in some way for the rest of my life.
I started my blog just a couple of months after attending the very first Phocon at XP Laser Sport in Laurel, MD. I had no idea at the time that this was where I would meet so many people who would continue to play such important roles in my laser tag journey throughout the years that followed. All I knew for sure was that at the Phocon celebration (the 30th anniversary of Photon/laser tag) the love of the game and enthusiasm among the players was infectious! There is no question that this event is absolutely what lit the fire in me to want to experience as much laser tag as I possibly could.
Only a few months later my father’s health was rapidly declining. I remember sitting by his bedside in the hospital room, reading aloud from my blog posts just to have more words to be able to keep talking to him. I know he didn’t really understand what laser tag was about, but he was so supportive of everything I ever took an interest in. Sharing my blog with him was special because it was a memory between just the two of us. My father passed away in 2015 and what I never could have predicted was what an unexpected catalyst his passing became to my whole approach to tag and travel from that point onward. I know he would have loved to see me doing some of the things that I have done since. I also believe the words my friend David Stay shared with me upon his death… “no miles between you anymore.”
At the beginning of this year we sadly lost David as well (who, by the way, I also met at that first Phocon) and I think back on his words often. I realize that life is too short to not make the most of every day and every experience. I have done my best to make the days, moments and opportunities I have had count and to share them with others through this blog medium (and now through my podcast as well). If you have come along for any part of my adventure, please know I appreciate you! I had no idea that when I started writing this blog nine years ago that it would have brought the kind of purpose to my journey that it has or that it would connect me with so many like-minded people, literally all over the world. I am blessed and fortunate to have had all sorts of laser tag adventures to document and that I have met and known many wonderful people because of the amazing, wide world of laser tag. I look forward to continuing to share my journey and my love of the game. Thank you for coming along and joining me for the ride! :)
Comments or Questions?
Contact: Tivia@tiviachickloveslasertag.com
Websites: www.tiviachickloveslasertag.com and www.photonforever.com
