It's another month, and that means the Silph League Arena for Pokémon Go tournaments has turned over a new theme. But while the progression has moved forward in time, the theme for this month is actually a step backward. This month's theme is called "Timeless", and it's billed as a way of reminiscing the first days one takes the steps into a Pokémon journey at certain points in time. There's certainly a bit of nostalgia in this, but there's quite a bit more to it than that, especially regarding how this works out for teams.
In regard to teams, this theme is actually slightly formulaic. A Trainer is asked to pick a single form of any of the starters from the first four Pokémon generations as part of the team. Though this could be of any stage, the most viable ones are likely to be of the second or third evolutionary stage, considering optimum CP. This starter is the only one allowed on the team and is free from any restrictions that follow. The rest of the team is made up of a selection of Pokémon from the same generations, and these abide by a set of basic restrictions.
Those restrictions are composed of type, species, and generational restrictions. No Fighting, Normal, Fairy, Flying, Steel, and Psychic types are allowed; Umbreon, Sableye, and any Legendary or Mythical Pokémon are also not allowed; fifth-generation (Unova) Pokémon and Alolan and Galarian forms are out the door as well. This effectively cuts the available Pokémon for use by about half, but to aid Trainers in verifying and battling, there is an official "approval list", just like the theme for the last month.
Among those in the "approval list", there are already some standouts. The three final evolved starters from the first generation (Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise) are likely to be top picks and top killers, with a handful from the other generations. Since Dragon types are not too restricted, they are likely to take the stage as well, and along with them their best "other" counters, the Ice types. This and the possible interactions between Grass and Ground types seems to make this a dynamic theme format for the time being.
Speaking of time, this theme is for December, but it is actually extended for the first week of January, certainly owing to the holiday season. That said, those who conceived this theme have thought of something clever. It takes Trainers back in time to a glory of Pokémon past, but in a more contemporary and future fashion. As time continues to move forward, this will likely be something that all Trainers from all points in time can appreciate. In that sense, it is really "timeless and forever".
One year ago: Local EX Raid (and the Power of Us), 12/7/2018
Two years ago: The Shops of Shuffle
Saturday, December 7, 2019
Friday, December 6, 2019
Time of Posting
Those who have been paying quite a bit of attention to my recent posts (or maybe a great deal of them) on this blog might notice something peculiar about them. It specifically concerns the times at which they are made, which are often erratic. Sometimes they would be posted really early, like the post about the chronology of bands in the lead-up to my first Pokémon collaboration with one of them, and other times they would be quite late, like an event where another collaboration transpired. I'd like to say that there is no art in them, though maybe if I could and really wanted to, it is possible for me to tailor the times of my posts.
All my posts are in English, so for example, I could tailor my posts to be available to readers in the U.S. - where there is a large concentration of Pokémon fans - at a convenient time for them to read, such as at around 8 PM Eastern Time, for example. Doing this, however, would necessitate me to be prepared really early in the morning to post at 8 AM, since I reside in Indonesia, which is half a day ahead; plus, in effect, my "today" post would be their "next-day" post instead. Given that many of my posts are actually made late at night, this actually works for them in that they can read my "today" post on the same morning. Perhaps this wouldn't necessitate a change.
As for other readers, I'm sure my posts may already be timely beneficial for some European readers as well - particularly those who understand English - who might be able to read them in the afternoon or evening as they are made. The only ones of concern may be readers in and around Asia, the same area as I am. They might be expectant for my daily post, only to find that it's been posted somewhat late and becomes their "next-day" post instead. So no matter what I do and how I schedule my post, it seems hard - nay, impossible - to please everyone. That looks like a reason to just keep doing what I do.
The erratic times of my posts do seem to prove one thing, though. I have an intricate life, and within that intricate life, Pokémon is intricately woven in it. Each day, I look for insights in what I do and how I interact with Pokémon, and then I put that down into a written form that I and readers can then look back over and enjoy. And that process of looking may take some time, even up until the later hours of the day, but that's OK. What matters is that I get to put in a post the things I intend to put in.
So, in a way, the time at which I make my posts is really irrelevant. I can put them down at any time of day and hopefully readers will still read them. What does remain relevant is Pokémon as well as how I play it and it plays out in my life. It will remain a focal point of my blogging efforts as much as it will remain a focal point in my life and whatever I do. That should fare well for me and the readers of this blog, whether it's morning, noon, or night and I've made my post.
One year ago: Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys, Waves 1 and 2
Two years ago: Watching and Re-Watching
All my posts are in English, so for example, I could tailor my posts to be available to readers in the U.S. - where there is a large concentration of Pokémon fans - at a convenient time for them to read, such as at around 8 PM Eastern Time, for example. Doing this, however, would necessitate me to be prepared really early in the morning to post at 8 AM, since I reside in Indonesia, which is half a day ahead; plus, in effect, my "today" post would be their "next-day" post instead. Given that many of my posts are actually made late at night, this actually works for them in that they can read my "today" post on the same morning. Perhaps this wouldn't necessitate a change.
As for other readers, I'm sure my posts may already be timely beneficial for some European readers as well - particularly those who understand English - who might be able to read them in the afternoon or evening as they are made. The only ones of concern may be readers in and around Asia, the same area as I am. They might be expectant for my daily post, only to find that it's been posted somewhat late and becomes their "next-day" post instead. So no matter what I do and how I schedule my post, it seems hard - nay, impossible - to please everyone. That looks like a reason to just keep doing what I do.
The erratic times of my posts do seem to prove one thing, though. I have an intricate life, and within that intricate life, Pokémon is intricately woven in it. Each day, I look for insights in what I do and how I interact with Pokémon, and then I put that down into a written form that I and readers can then look back over and enjoy. And that process of looking may take some time, even up until the later hours of the day, but that's OK. What matters is that I get to put in a post the things I intend to put in.
So, in a way, the time at which I make my posts is really irrelevant. I can put them down at any time of day and hopefully readers will still read them. What does remain relevant is Pokémon as well as how I play it and it plays out in my life. It will remain a focal point of my blogging efforts as much as it will remain a focal point in my life and whatever I do. That should fare well for me and the readers of this blog, whether it's morning, noon, or night and I've made my post.
One year ago: Pokémon Asia McDonald's Happy Meal Toys, Waves 1 and 2
Two years ago: Watching and Re-Watching
Thursday, December 5, 2019
The Social Aspect of Pokémon
Something that may be understated or under-emphasized about games and things that have their origins in games is their social aspect. It's easy for many people to perceive someone liking a game or further developments from it to be isolated - Pokémon, for instance. But behind what they like about it and how it has progressed, it may very well be that the social aspect is quite present. Pokémon is like that with its social aspect, and especially what has gone on up until today.
Many of the games, especially the main series games, appear to be and in fact playable by a single player; this seemingly makes the games apparent to be only as such. However, a look inside shows that many of its elements are apt for multiple players to take part in. While it is great to battle the A.I., the ultimate opponent would certainly be another human player. Trading is also only viably possible with another human player, and especially one who are in good relationships. Incidentally, these also illustrate three of what I consider "the four pillars of Pokémon", and they are relationships that really need other people to make them tick - thus, the social aspect.
It is this aspect that has become more prominent in modern times due to the introduction of Pokémon Go, which has become an established Pokémon game by itself. Pokémon Go is a highly social game: Lure Modules are designed to not only last for their specified time, but also beneficial for everyone. Raids too are also designed to involve a number of people working together for the same goal. It becomes a small wonder that this concept was reintegrated into the main series, in the form of Max Raid Battles, even if it's somewhat different. The rest of the "four pillars" came a bit later, but they help bolster the aspect further.
Besides the games, there are lots of things for small and big fans to like about Pokémon. Those fans, who may develop as "Pokétaku", may then be able to get in touch with others of their kind to hold gatherings or get-togethers. These may be to play together when the games are involved, or for discussions, showing off, and the like otherwise. It is surely a wonderful thing that Pokémon provides this opportunity to happen, which is why I was somewhat concerned about some of those opportunities that I missed. Things like these have persisted since the beginning of life for Pokémon, and this is a great thing indeed. It affirms the presence of the aspect.
For Pokémon, the social aspect is clear. Many of the games are meant to be played together, and many of its related things can also be enjoyed together. Though it does seem like its fans are one among few, together its fans can actually be sociable - something I can attest personally. This social aspect is what I find inspiring about Pokémon, and I'm sure it is the same for many other fans like me, whether they started life early with it or came in a little later, enough to keep the aspect alive and present after all these years.
One year ago: More Weather Boosts for Types?
Two years ago: Game Bugs and Fixing Them
Many of the games, especially the main series games, appear to be and in fact playable by a single player; this seemingly makes the games apparent to be only as such. However, a look inside shows that many of its elements are apt for multiple players to take part in. While it is great to battle the A.I., the ultimate opponent would certainly be another human player. Trading is also only viably possible with another human player, and especially one who are in good relationships. Incidentally, these also illustrate three of what I consider "the four pillars of Pokémon", and they are relationships that really need other people to make them tick - thus, the social aspect.
It is this aspect that has become more prominent in modern times due to the introduction of Pokémon Go, which has become an established Pokémon game by itself. Pokémon Go is a highly social game: Lure Modules are designed to not only last for their specified time, but also beneficial for everyone. Raids too are also designed to involve a number of people working together for the same goal. It becomes a small wonder that this concept was reintegrated into the main series, in the form of Max Raid Battles, even if it's somewhat different. The rest of the "four pillars" came a bit later, but they help bolster the aspect further.
Besides the games, there are lots of things for small and big fans to like about Pokémon. Those fans, who may develop as "Pokétaku", may then be able to get in touch with others of their kind to hold gatherings or get-togethers. These may be to play together when the games are involved, or for discussions, showing off, and the like otherwise. It is surely a wonderful thing that Pokémon provides this opportunity to happen, which is why I was somewhat concerned about some of those opportunities that I missed. Things like these have persisted since the beginning of life for Pokémon, and this is a great thing indeed. It affirms the presence of the aspect.
For Pokémon, the social aspect is clear. Many of the games are meant to be played together, and many of its related things can also be enjoyed together. Though it does seem like its fans are one among few, together its fans can actually be sociable - something I can attest personally. This social aspect is what I find inspiring about Pokémon, and I'm sure it is the same for many other fans like me, whether they started life early with it or came in a little later, enough to keep the aspect alive and present after all these years.
One year ago: More Weather Boosts for Types?
Two years ago: Game Bugs and Fixing Them
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
Off We Go... to Galar!
There's something from a couple of weeks ago that is significant and yet I haven't covered on this blog. After last month's Community Day, a Raid Hour started; it was quite a surprise, especially for those in parts of the world where Community Day ran first. The Raid Hour, as I noted - or rather Ash did - is for a Weezing of a distinctly different kind, in its Galarian Form. With this, the world of the Galar region as present in the new Sword and Shield games, which incidentally was released the day prior, has made its presence known in Pokémon Go as well.
This introduction is reminiscent of something similar to what happened last year with Alolan Forms. Like Alolan Exeggutor last year, Galarian Weezing is separate from its Kanto counterpart, though unlike Alolan Exeggutor, it has yet to be available in the wild and perhaps may never will be; it does remain for now as a Level 4 raid for those who didn't get to participate in the aforementioned Raid Hour. As well, unlike last year, this introduction is perfectly timed with a new Pokémon game (or two), rather than being some time ahead of them.
As with Alolan Forms, Weezing is not the only Pokémon with a Galarian Form; some other Pokémon too have their Galarian Forms as divulged up to the release of the Sword and Shield games. Thus, they may be and are expected to appear in Pokémon Go as well, though there is some gray area about this when it comes to evolution, like the case of Obstagoon from Galarian Linoone and Galarian Zigzagoon. Incidentally, it has been reported that the latter two may be the next introduced Galarian Forms in Go; it is most likely that Obstagoon will then be shelved until Go has caught up to the eighth generation.
In the meantime, there is Galarian Weezing to toy around with. It's funny and coincidental how the introduction of Regional Forms in Go is done with a Pokémon with arguably the oddest-looking form. Galarian Weezing is just that, though it's not quite as odd as Alolan Exeggutor as displayed in various parts. Sadly, with its oddity, it also doesn't seem to make a very good PvP contender, in part due to its assortment of Fast and Charged moves. It should still look rather funky in Gyms, especially during a raid for it.
At this point, Sword and Shield are only about half a month old. Some strides have been made for it, of course, and that includes the strides in the realm of Pokémon Go. It's an insightful look into the new games, and things will only become bigger in time for everything concerned. It has to be pleasing enough for those who are straddling and will straddle between the games.
With that, we're really off and going to Galar, even in Go.
One year ago: A Sewaddle Keychain
Two years ago: In and Out of Poké Balls
This introduction is reminiscent of something similar to what happened last year with Alolan Forms. Like Alolan Exeggutor last year, Galarian Weezing is separate from its Kanto counterpart, though unlike Alolan Exeggutor, it has yet to be available in the wild and perhaps may never will be; it does remain for now as a Level 4 raid for those who didn't get to participate in the aforementioned Raid Hour. As well, unlike last year, this introduction is perfectly timed with a new Pokémon game (or two), rather than being some time ahead of them.
As with Alolan Forms, Weezing is not the only Pokémon with a Galarian Form; some other Pokémon too have their Galarian Forms as divulged up to the release of the Sword and Shield games. Thus, they may be and are expected to appear in Pokémon Go as well, though there is some gray area about this when it comes to evolution, like the case of Obstagoon from Galarian Linoone and Galarian Zigzagoon. Incidentally, it has been reported that the latter two may be the next introduced Galarian Forms in Go; it is most likely that Obstagoon will then be shelved until Go has caught up to the eighth generation.
In the meantime, there is Galarian Weezing to toy around with. It's funny and coincidental how the introduction of Regional Forms in Go is done with a Pokémon with arguably the oddest-looking form. Galarian Weezing is just that, though it's not quite as odd as Alolan Exeggutor as displayed in various parts. Sadly, with its oddity, it also doesn't seem to make a very good PvP contender, in part due to its assortment of Fast and Charged moves. It should still look rather funky in Gyms, especially during a raid for it.
At this point, Sword and Shield are only about half a month old. Some strides have been made for it, of course, and that includes the strides in the realm of Pokémon Go. It's an insightful look into the new games, and things will only become bigger in time for everything concerned. It has to be pleasing enough for those who are straddling and will straddle between the games.
With that, we're really off and going to Galar, even in Go.
One year ago: A Sewaddle Keychain
Two years ago: In and Out of Poké Balls
Tuesday, December 3, 2019
For Want of an EX Raid
If you're a frequent reader of this blog, you might have noticed something else missing over the past four months, aside from things such as those which I've mentioned in a post about some of them. Yes, since July, I've never covered another EX Raid, the last one I participated in being a local one that happened near the middle of the month. Lots of things have happened since then that have practically and severely limited my participation in them, in fact to the point of not participating at all since then. It has left me wanting for an EX Raid.
Some time ago, there was a major change in the state of many Gyms concerning their status as an EX Raid Gym. Gyms that were expected to be able of hosting an EX Raid suddenly became able to do so, which is a good thing. And yet, that's not the full story: Gyms that were not expected to become EX Raid Gyms also became one. In other words, the presence of EX Raid Gyms suddenly increased all over the place, becoming more widespread. Even so, in my local area, only one Gym became a new EX Raid Gym, which is a shame. It remains to be seen if a new Gym can appear in my area due to nominated PokéStops and have it be an EX Raid Gym that I and some of my raid fellows can really access.
While it would be possible for me to request an EX Raid invitation and a pass from one of my numerous Ultra and Best friends, not all of them always qualify for one - in fact, most don't, or if they do, they have already given the invitation to another one of their Ultra Friends that I don't know about, or else to another Trainer they help manage. In that way, it does seem a bit frustrating, since for the handful of Trainers that do obtain EX Raid passes, the whole of the EX Raid may rest on that group of Trainers, especially if they come to raid early on.
On the other hand, I'm not the only one who may be in this situation. A friend of mine, one who I've actually mentioned on this blog, has often requested for EX Raid invitations, but few have been able to furnish one. He has recently been out of town every so often, and in fact, so do others, which leads to an interesting situation: they may have EX Raid passes for their remote locations but not for their local ones. It becomes a "want not, want not" situation that benefits none.
Technically, due to certain circumstances, I'm not desperately wanting or needing of an EX Raid. All the same, I am still interested in an EX Raid to get back in the swing of things and to cover its novelties, especially for fighting-chance opportunities. Looking at the state of things, this seems to be something that a few others may also very much desire. It is perhaps time to piece together the "missing pieces" so that missing an EX Raid will no longer be a current issue, for me and others concerned.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/1/2018 to 12/3/2018
Two years ago: Fallen Comrades
Some time ago, there was a major change in the state of many Gyms concerning their status as an EX Raid Gym. Gyms that were expected to be able of hosting an EX Raid suddenly became able to do so, which is a good thing. And yet, that's not the full story: Gyms that were not expected to become EX Raid Gyms also became one. In other words, the presence of EX Raid Gyms suddenly increased all over the place, becoming more widespread. Even so, in my local area, only one Gym became a new EX Raid Gym, which is a shame. It remains to be seen if a new Gym can appear in my area due to nominated PokéStops and have it be an EX Raid Gym that I and some of my raid fellows can really access.
While it would be possible for me to request an EX Raid invitation and a pass from one of my numerous Ultra and Best friends, not all of them always qualify for one - in fact, most don't, or if they do, they have already given the invitation to another one of their Ultra Friends that I don't know about, or else to another Trainer they help manage. In that way, it does seem a bit frustrating, since for the handful of Trainers that do obtain EX Raid passes, the whole of the EX Raid may rest on that group of Trainers, especially if they come to raid early on.
On the other hand, I'm not the only one who may be in this situation. A friend of mine, one who I've actually mentioned on this blog, has often requested for EX Raid invitations, but few have been able to furnish one. He has recently been out of town every so often, and in fact, so do others, which leads to an interesting situation: they may have EX Raid passes for their remote locations but not for their local ones. It becomes a "want not, want not" situation that benefits none.
Technically, due to certain circumstances, I'm not desperately wanting or needing of an EX Raid. All the same, I am still interested in an EX Raid to get back in the swing of things and to cover its novelties, especially for fighting-chance opportunities. Looking at the state of things, this seems to be something that a few others may also very much desire. It is perhaps time to piece together the "missing pieces" so that missing an EX Raid will no longer be a current issue, for me and others concerned.
One year ago: Pokémon Go Community Day Weekend, 12/1/2018 to 12/3/2018
Two years ago: Fallen Comrades
Monday, December 2, 2019
Being a "Love Slave"
In this day and age, people have become more communicative, sometimes with cleverly derived slang terminology. Recently, I've learned the (true) meaning of one of those slang terminologies, and it was not what I expected. The slang terminology I'm about to discuss has the meaning of "love slave", which when applied to a person, means that one would do anything out of love - not needing love, as I thought it would mean. And yes, if it's on this blog, it has a few Pokémon connections, quite a bit of which are rather personal.
The term has been applied to a certain fan who has a "fans of a fan" following in my VGC/main series group... or rather, the fan chose to apply the term to oneself. Apparently, based on my understanding, the fan has deeper and more significant connections to Pokémon than I thought the fan would have, and is perhaps something I would like myself; maybe it is this that led him to appear at one point during the coverage of this year's World Championships. Regardless, I'm sure that the fan has done many things with and for Pokémon, and has been recognized for it, thereby making the fan a "love slave" as self-described.
In the realm of my Pokémon Go group, the term has been applied to those who have spent extreme amounts of cash to play the game, especially not by the expected route that is cheaper over time and more effective. The term applies for those within my group and sometimes to those outside my group. The "slave" part is apparent in that the money spent by the person is continuous and unrelenting. As for the "love" part, it may seem slightly questionable, but if the results are as good as the money spent, then I'm sure that there is a whole lot of love there.
As for myself... in a way, I could be described as one. I have this blog, in which I've continued to post each day for almost three years, and that time is coming up real soon. All the things I've presented by way of this blog, including the most recent and spectacular collaboration yet, are by themselves also "love slave" products. I've devoted myself to this blog as much as I've devoted myself to Pokémon, and both build upon each other. I've let myself fulfill the definition of the term "love slave".
The word "slave" tends to have a negative connotation, especially as history can attest. Coupled with the word "love", however, some of those connotations may seem to vanish. It's in parallel to "dedication", though because of the nature of slang, it's almost "proletarian". Regardless, the term exists and may seem to have its place, including among Pokémon fans like me and what they do in relation to it, such that they may fully satisfy its definition for and with it.
One year ago: Cosplay: Chibi Daisuki! Japan Fest
Two years ago: A Beautiful Symphony
The term has been applied to a certain fan who has a "fans of a fan" following in my VGC/main series group... or rather, the fan chose to apply the term to oneself. Apparently, based on my understanding, the fan has deeper and more significant connections to Pokémon than I thought the fan would have, and is perhaps something I would like myself; maybe it is this that led him to appear at one point during the coverage of this year's World Championships. Regardless, I'm sure that the fan has done many things with and for Pokémon, and has been recognized for it, thereby making the fan a "love slave" as self-described.
In the realm of my Pokémon Go group, the term has been applied to those who have spent extreme amounts of cash to play the game, especially not by the expected route that is cheaper over time and more effective. The term applies for those within my group and sometimes to those outside my group. The "slave" part is apparent in that the money spent by the person is continuous and unrelenting. As for the "love" part, it may seem slightly questionable, but if the results are as good as the money spent, then I'm sure that there is a whole lot of love there.
As for myself... in a way, I could be described as one. I have this blog, in which I've continued to post each day for almost three years, and that time is coming up real soon. All the things I've presented by way of this blog, including the most recent and spectacular collaboration yet, are by themselves also "love slave" products. I've devoted myself to this blog as much as I've devoted myself to Pokémon, and both build upon each other. I've let myself fulfill the definition of the term "love slave".
The word "slave" tends to have a negative connotation, especially as history can attest. Coupled with the word "love", however, some of those connotations may seem to vanish. It's in parallel to "dedication", though because of the nature of slang, it's almost "proletarian". Regardless, the term exists and may seem to have its place, including among Pokémon fans like me and what they do in relation to it, such that they may fully satisfy its definition for and with it.
One year ago: Cosplay: Chibi Daisuki! Japan Fest
Two years ago: A Beautiful Symphony
Sunday, December 1, 2019
All the Missing Pieces
I noted in my Thanksgiving post this year that there would be a few Pokémon opportunities happening this weekend, but I would only be able to fulfill some of those due to one thing or another. In fact, I really fulfilled... only one, which happened to be yesterday's major collaboration with a band near and dear to many, including me. The rest of the opportunities have become the "missing pieces" in my Pokémon experiences so far. I'd like to take this post to consider them.
At the same time as the collaboration - more specifically on the same afternoon and evening - there was a raid group tournament with a slightly different format. I actually had thought about participating in it, but as I was considering my team for it, the invitation for the collaboration came, at which point I immediately scrapped the plan to participate. But I'm not fed up; by now a raid group tournament is routine and, by my experience, has not often led to good results for me personally, and the collaboration is far more valuable and a far rarer experience, which is why it had to take precedence. There will surely be some room for me in future tournaments.
Then there was also the theme event from yesterday, which also happens to last until today. As noted, yesterday I missed (or, let myself miss) the opportunity to participate in the J-Song (singing) competition simply because I didn't consider the effort to be sufficiently and feasibly rewarding, including the possibility of obtaining a prize. Today I missed the cosplay competition for partially the same reason, and partially because I couldn't stay for it like I did for a different two-day event earlier this year, which would minimize the amount of effort and make it feasible. The collaboration, of course, is wholly rewarding, but even more so with togetherness, which was why what happened happened.
Meanwhile, today my figure group held a gathering, which is to be a unique one because it is a collaboration with a gaming group. Obviously, it would be at the same time as the theme event, and I could only go to one or the other, if I was in the area... which I'm not, due to my return after last night. I had intended to make up for it by attempting to double back for it this morning, but I couldn't muster up the energy. However, a different group I'm involved in that has little relation to Pokémon also held a local gathering, and I went there instead; it proved to be rather insightful, and the insights could be applied to my other groups, including some of my Pokémon ones.
The "missing pieces" have certainly left some "holes" that are difficult to fill in or couldn't be otherwise. But as I've stated in the Thanksgiving post concerning gratitude, I'm still grateful and thankful for them all and their existence. That sense of gratitude will allow me to rest easy regarding those "holes", knowing that someday I might be able to find the "missing pieces" - even if they might look different - and comfortably fill them in then.
One year ago: Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee Uptake
Two years ago: Poké-Friends and Gratitude
At the same time as the collaboration - more specifically on the same afternoon and evening - there was a raid group tournament with a slightly different format. I actually had thought about participating in it, but as I was considering my team for it, the invitation for the collaboration came, at which point I immediately scrapped the plan to participate. But I'm not fed up; by now a raid group tournament is routine and, by my experience, has not often led to good results for me personally, and the collaboration is far more valuable and a far rarer experience, which is why it had to take precedence. There will surely be some room for me in future tournaments.
Then there was also the theme event from yesterday, which also happens to last until today. As noted, yesterday I missed (or, let myself miss) the opportunity to participate in the J-Song (singing) competition simply because I didn't consider the effort to be sufficiently and feasibly rewarding, including the possibility of obtaining a prize. Today I missed the cosplay competition for partially the same reason, and partially because I couldn't stay for it like I did for a different two-day event earlier this year, which would minimize the amount of effort and make it feasible. The collaboration, of course, is wholly rewarding, but even more so with togetherness, which was why what happened happened.
Meanwhile, today my figure group held a gathering, which is to be a unique one because it is a collaboration with a gaming group. Obviously, it would be at the same time as the theme event, and I could only go to one or the other, if I was in the area... which I'm not, due to my return after last night. I had intended to make up for it by attempting to double back for it this morning, but I couldn't muster up the energy. However, a different group I'm involved in that has little relation to Pokémon also held a local gathering, and I went there instead; it proved to be rather insightful, and the insights could be applied to my other groups, including some of my Pokémon ones.
The "missing pieces" have certainly left some "holes" that are difficult to fill in or couldn't be otherwise. But as I've stated in the Thanksgiving post concerning gratitude, I'm still grateful and thankful for them all and their existence. That sense of gratitude will allow me to rest easy regarding those "holes", knowing that someday I might be able to find the "missing pieces" - even if they might look different - and comfortably fill them in then.
One year ago: Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee Uptake
Two years ago: Poké-Friends and Gratitude
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