04-16-2023, 10:26 PM
(This post was last modified: 04-21-2023, 11:20 AM by xenosthelegend. Edited 1 time in total.)
Look, I'm a sentimental person. Especially once I've started drinking. So buckle up.
One of my favorite sayings I use in scouting conversations is: "I came for the football, but stayed for the friendships." And I truly believe that for 98% of us, that rings true. Don't get me wrong, the dots are cool and all, but no one spends 5 days, 11 hours, and 36 minutes on this site (as of right now) because they life to see "their" dot move on a screen. So, thank you, @JKortesi81, for this media prompt. This is the kind of thing I want to read and the kind of thing I want to write.
Well, I suppose we should start from the top.
I first heard about the ISFL from my long-time fantasy football pal @TubaDeus. My first thought was, "huh?" To be honest, it all seemed very confusing to me at the time, though intriguing. It took me FOREVER to figure out the forums because I'm an old man in the brain and I don't go on the interweb forums very often. But several of our mutual friends from a fantasy football server were joining so I thought what the heck, I'll do it. And boy, let me tell you, I was very whelmed. Update threads didn't make a lick of sense, I didn't know how to hyperlink claims, nor what a claim was. So it was to no one's surprise that I was basically IA at the end of my rookie season on the Grey Ducks.
BUT THEN, @Painted the Minny GM at the time hit my dms asking if I would take over the Minnesota Grey Ducks official Twitter account since I "had experience" on the platform. And although I quite literally missed the bare minimum of that job, the positive pressure of responsibility for a shared thing like that motivated me to keep going; as well as the general compassion that painted showed in "rescuing" their 4th round pick from inactivity and going out of his way to make sure that the locker room conversation had room for me to join. So, realistically, I have to thank both of you friends for the simple fact of being in this league at all.
From there, I began to meet more and more people in the Minnesota OPEN locker room (I won't get political here, I promise. Just wanted to make it known that the open locker room was a benefit to me as a newb). And those people turned into friends. We started doing lateral puzzles that I would spend literal hours trying to solve every other day, as well as other riddles, jokes, and harmless shenanigans. For you, dear reader, you would probably agree that the friends I am about to tag are some of the best company that this beautiful league has to offer: @TwoSocks, @Jaywe88, @RockbotRockbo, @Twenty6, @Dindog, and I guess even technically @IceBear32. So yeah, I have a lot to thank, and I'm thankful that I have a lot to thank. You guys are amazing and have been a big part of the longevity of it all.
Detour into specific tenderness:
I feel like we all kind of have that one or two people in or around your first class in the ISFL that you just kinda cling to. You picture it like you're just coming up in the league together. You hit milestones are generally the same time, you learn the league the same pace, you just make friends with your virtual roommate, y'know. Well, that guy for me is @TwoSocks for sure. A gem if there ever was one, with a cute dog, a sucky knee, and a genuine heart. I'm not so good with words all the time, but just know that you are exceptionally appreciated.
There is also that first person in the league that you interact with in a non-league capacity. Well, that person to me was @Jaywe88, probably the most genuinely funny person I've met thus far in the ISFL. He knows just how terrible I am at Fortnite. As a matter of fact, I even had to re-download Fortnite onto my xbox after maybe 4 years of it not being there so that I could play with him haha. Jason, you're one of my favorite people. In the back of my mind, I sub-consciously enjoy every discord channel I share with you just a little bit more than all the others. I mean this with as much sincerity as I can possibly muster: you are a true delight. And may the Heavens bless @MMFLEX for having to deal with our clueless wanderings in Fortnite :kekw: (don't worry flexxy, I'm getting to you soon).
@RockbotRockbo I miss you, I hope life is going well for you and that you are happy, healthy, and well-fed.
Now, back to the chronos. All of my love in this league was housed in Minnesota until I branched out a little more and got into a league job (auditing), where I met my all-time favorite scot, @Asked Madden. And although that's not where we got to know each other, really, it's where I first remember thinking you were neat (-: I won't digress too much, but I do want you to know that every time in the last 4-5 months that a league/team or even just an international team (go Suriname) has been pitched to me, I just check to see if you're there. If yes, then I'm in. If no, then I have to think about it xD
Beyond auditing, I began to do other jobs, like DSFL HO Intern (@nunccoepi is too good to be on HO tbh, he deserves way better then how HO is often treated, but that's a different post), technically like 6 days of DSFL HO before I accepted a job to become the co-GM of the Kansas City Coyotes (don't worry, nunc knew it was a possibility when I accepted the HO position, I didn't just leave him high and dry) with @firstfray. This is a public challenge to each and every one of you. Name ONE thing that FirstFray has done that you would consider malicious, rude, selfish, or mean. He's quite literally the best of us. FF you are an absolute joy to be around. I am incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to work with you and to ride your coat tails to an Ultimini. You'll be nice and say I was "helpful" or something, but no one buys it. I was just there to occasionally a thing or two that you just didn't have time to do yourself, like the stupid audit sheet or check in with an IA. In my book, you're the GOAT ISFLer.
For those of you keeping up at home, I've not poured my second generous glass of Buffalo Trace whiskey. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. For multiple reasons. Last time I drank and wrote, magic happened, but I swear on my life that I got to read the second half of that article the next day as if it were someone else that had written it. It was the strangest feeling. But also I get even more sappy, yet even worse with my words. So, I guess, know that the rest of this is written with a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat.
Alright, time to give up the chronological approach and just start talking about people.
Oh, also, I started the ISFL Dynasty Fantasy Football League from the suggestion of @.simo ( I miss u) and let me tell you, @DREAMSLOTH was instrumental in getting that up and running to what it is today: 6 groups now going on our 5th season of existence. He probably won't say it in public, but sloth knows that I am hopelessly disorganized yet horrendously idealistic. I have a lot of thoughts about a lot of things, but have no real way of achieving those goals because of my utter lack of organizational awareness. So, to all of you who are enjoying the mediorocrity of the ISDFFL, thank Sloth for that.
OK so people now.
@MMFLEX I told you I was coming back to you. We've been in so many shared spaces man, and it's been so fun. You have a great sense of humor, and more importantly, a great sense of when to be serious and when to be silly. I can't count the number of times you have diffused a situation either by humor or affirmatiion + listening. I try my best not to have "favorites" yknow, but I just can't help it. You're one of them. Thank you for being a great friend.
@TheNC206 If it weren't for your constant @everyone pings, I might marry you. But alas, I'm forced to just adore you instead. Honestly man, we're just so alike. I appreciate your candor and that you are exactly who you are and don't try to change or hide it. You push boundaries, but yet are reasonable. I so very much enjoy being in a server with you. You can cut through any social barrier with your charm and wit. Love you, friend.
@ZootTX I probably ought have a whole Yellowknife section in the chronological section, but realistically it would just be me talking about how welcoming you are, on top of your incredible work ethic and pleasant presence. Thanks for taking a shot on me in the 3rd (or was it 4th?) round haha. I hope I made you proud, dad.
@RussDrivesTheBus If we're tracking generationally, then technically Russ is my invite grandad, since he is the one who recruited Tuba who recruited me. Russ my man, you've been a constant presence throughout my time here (and several other sim leagues) and I appreciate you tremendously. You are a selfless man with a compassionate spirit. Thank you for letting me into your NFL Mock Draft last year (and this year, too). I had a blast, and honestly, now that I think of it, was another big part of my submersion into this community. You do a lot of thankless jobs, so please accept this on behalf of all those who don't think to say it: Thank you.
@ThunderTitan82 Listen, you probabaly already knew this from our DMs, but I am like your biggest fan. You might be the most multi-talented person I've ever met. Your creativity and attention to detail are superb. Please send me the next bit of Roland, I've been dying over here. I don't want to keep bugging yout about it xD but forreal, if you ever do decide to get Roland out, please please please send me the link. I want to support you as much as I possibly can. You have immense talent that I am proud to promote (even if I just want to say that I know you). There are a lot of people in this league that I truly believe that I would be great friends with if I lived in the same area as them, but I think you might be close to the top of that list. Love you, friend.
@zaynzk I want to know you better. Let's go on a date.
@lordcoolcats I will never stop asking you for pictures of your dogs. And honestly, I'm a pretty non-confrontational person and I hate hate HATE asking for favors, but I will never be ashamed to ask you for pics of your dogs. But more than that, I truly love your dedication to your role, yourr casual yet imense sense of hummor, and your fervor. I've always wanted to go to Detroit, but now I want to go a little more.
@zeagle1 my MAN, what do I even say. You have always been about me the person instead of me the player. You are able to completely change my mood in a day when I really didn't want my mood changed. Whether you know it or not, or whether you've tried to or not, you have made in impact on my life and I love you for it. Thank you for being you and for being a friendly friend.
@mithrandir I'm not a big barbershop quartet guy, but I've never been more intrigued to hear one than when you put your charity auction out there. Dear reader, if you were wondering what kind of generous soul Mith is, listen now. As a bit of a tease, I told Mith that my wife and 4 month old daughter was going to pass through his town on a trip and asked him if they could crash at his place. And this man began working out HOW HE COULD MAKE IT HAPPEN. If that doesn't illustrate his heart perfectly, I don't know what else can. Thank you for your generosity, your kindness, your faith, and your wit. I appreciate you immensely, my friend.
Man I really could write until the sun comes up. But I'm also pouring my 3rd drink, so if this posts in the middle of a sentnece, I'm sorry.
@Bayley I think you're scouting convo might have been my favorite as I was coming into the ISFL draft. I don't remember which team (lol) but I remember feeling valued, appreciated, and welcome. I want you to know that on your wedding weekend, I felt genuine joy in my heart for you. Love you, friend. I pray that your life is exceptional and that your love is intoxicating.
I'm probablu leaving people off and it's killing me. I just have so many emotions man, I dont know how to communicate them effectively.
@Pvtpenne You rock. I value your opinion more than is probably natural. You have a lot of my respect, friend.
@DarknessRising Australia is better with you in it.
Really, there are lots more people I want to say I love you to, but I have to wrap this up before I pass out on the keyboard.
To wrap it all up, this league holds a very special place in my heart. yeah yeah, I know thats cliche, but it's true. There is so muc love in my slihtly inebriated heart that I dont know how to put to words. Just know that if you're reading this, I probably love you and would love to talk to you more. There is nothing more important in the entire world than the relationships we build with each other. If we haven't talked much or at all, please please please reach out to me. I want you to hold a special place in my heart, too.
But anyways, that's enough drunken rmbling for one night. I hope htis is coherent and readable. I'll say it one more time: dear reader, I love you and treasure you deeply.
One of my favorite sayings I use in scouting conversations is: "I came for the football, but stayed for the friendships." And I truly believe that for 98% of us, that rings true. Don't get me wrong, the dots are cool and all, but no one spends 5 days, 11 hours, and 36 minutes on this site (as of right now) because they life to see "their" dot move on a screen. So, thank you, @JKortesi81, for this media prompt. This is the kind of thing I want to read and the kind of thing I want to write.
Well, I suppose we should start from the top.
I first heard about the ISFL from my long-time fantasy football pal @TubaDeus. My first thought was, "huh?" To be honest, it all seemed very confusing to me at the time, though intriguing. It took me FOREVER to figure out the forums because I'm an old man in the brain and I don't go on the interweb forums very often. But several of our mutual friends from a fantasy football server were joining so I thought what the heck, I'll do it. And boy, let me tell you, I was very whelmed. Update threads didn't make a lick of sense, I didn't know how to hyperlink claims, nor what a claim was. So it was to no one's surprise that I was basically IA at the end of my rookie season on the Grey Ducks.
BUT THEN, @Painted the Minny GM at the time hit my dms asking if I would take over the Minnesota Grey Ducks official Twitter account since I "had experience" on the platform. And although I quite literally missed the bare minimum of that job, the positive pressure of responsibility for a shared thing like that motivated me to keep going; as well as the general compassion that painted showed in "rescuing" their 4th round pick from inactivity and going out of his way to make sure that the locker room conversation had room for me to join. So, realistically, I have to thank both of you friends for the simple fact of being in this league at all.
From there, I began to meet more and more people in the Minnesota OPEN locker room (I won't get political here, I promise. Just wanted to make it known that the open locker room was a benefit to me as a newb). And those people turned into friends. We started doing lateral puzzles that I would spend literal hours trying to solve every other day, as well as other riddles, jokes, and harmless shenanigans. For you, dear reader, you would probably agree that the friends I am about to tag are some of the best company that this beautiful league has to offer: @TwoSocks, @Jaywe88, @RockbotRockbo, @Twenty6, @Dindog, and I guess even technically @IceBear32. So yeah, I have a lot to thank, and I'm thankful that I have a lot to thank. You guys are amazing and have been a big part of the longevity of it all.
Detour into specific tenderness:
I feel like we all kind of have that one or two people in or around your first class in the ISFL that you just kinda cling to. You picture it like you're just coming up in the league together. You hit milestones are generally the same time, you learn the league the same pace, you just make friends with your virtual roommate, y'know. Well, that guy for me is @TwoSocks for sure. A gem if there ever was one, with a cute dog, a sucky knee, and a genuine heart. I'm not so good with words all the time, but just know that you are exceptionally appreciated.
There is also that first person in the league that you interact with in a non-league capacity. Well, that person to me was @Jaywe88, probably the most genuinely funny person I've met thus far in the ISFL. He knows just how terrible I am at Fortnite. As a matter of fact, I even had to re-download Fortnite onto my xbox after maybe 4 years of it not being there so that I could play with him haha. Jason, you're one of my favorite people. In the back of my mind, I sub-consciously enjoy every discord channel I share with you just a little bit more than all the others. I mean this with as much sincerity as I can possibly muster: you are a true delight. And may the Heavens bless @MMFLEX for having to deal with our clueless wanderings in Fortnite :kekw: (don't worry flexxy, I'm getting to you soon).
@RockbotRockbo I miss you, I hope life is going well for you and that you are happy, healthy, and well-fed.
Now, back to the chronos. All of my love in this league was housed in Minnesota until I branched out a little more and got into a league job (auditing), where I met my all-time favorite scot, @Asked Madden. And although that's not where we got to know each other, really, it's where I first remember thinking you were neat (-: I won't digress too much, but I do want you to know that every time in the last 4-5 months that a league/team or even just an international team (go Suriname) has been pitched to me, I just check to see if you're there. If yes, then I'm in. If no, then I have to think about it xD
Beyond auditing, I began to do other jobs, like DSFL HO Intern (@nunccoepi is too good to be on HO tbh, he deserves way better then how HO is often treated, but that's a different post), technically like 6 days of DSFL HO before I accepted a job to become the co-GM of the Kansas City Coyotes (don't worry, nunc knew it was a possibility when I accepted the HO position, I didn't just leave him high and dry) with @firstfray. This is a public challenge to each and every one of you. Name ONE thing that FirstFray has done that you would consider malicious, rude, selfish, or mean. He's quite literally the best of us. FF you are an absolute joy to be around. I am incredibly thankful that I had the opportunity to work with you and to ride your coat tails to an Ultimini. You'll be nice and say I was "helpful" or something, but no one buys it. I was just there to occasionally a thing or two that you just didn't have time to do yourself, like the stupid audit sheet or check in with an IA. In my book, you're the GOAT ISFLer.
For those of you keeping up at home, I've not poured my second generous glass of Buffalo Trace whiskey. This is both a good thing and a bad thing. For multiple reasons. Last time I drank and wrote, magic happened, but I swear on my life that I got to read the second half of that article the next day as if it were someone else that had written it. It was the strangest feeling. But also I get even more sappy, yet even worse with my words. So, I guess, know that the rest of this is written with a tear in my eye and a lump in my throat.
Alright, time to give up the chronological approach and just start talking about people.
Oh, also, I started the ISFL Dynasty Fantasy Football League from the suggestion of @.simo ( I miss u) and let me tell you, @DREAMSLOTH was instrumental in getting that up and running to what it is today: 6 groups now going on our 5th season of existence. He probably won't say it in public, but sloth knows that I am hopelessly disorganized yet horrendously idealistic. I have a lot of thoughts about a lot of things, but have no real way of achieving those goals because of my utter lack of organizational awareness. So, to all of you who are enjoying the mediorocrity of the ISDFFL, thank Sloth for that.
OK so people now.
@MMFLEX I told you I was coming back to you. We've been in so many shared spaces man, and it's been so fun. You have a great sense of humor, and more importantly, a great sense of when to be serious and when to be silly. I can't count the number of times you have diffused a situation either by humor or affirmatiion + listening. I try my best not to have "favorites" yknow, but I just can't help it. You're one of them. Thank you for being a great friend.
@TheNC206 If it weren't for your constant @everyone pings, I might marry you. But alas, I'm forced to just adore you instead. Honestly man, we're just so alike. I appreciate your candor and that you are exactly who you are and don't try to change or hide it. You push boundaries, but yet are reasonable. I so very much enjoy being in a server with you. You can cut through any social barrier with your charm and wit. Love you, friend.
@ZootTX I probably ought have a whole Yellowknife section in the chronological section, but realistically it would just be me talking about how welcoming you are, on top of your incredible work ethic and pleasant presence. Thanks for taking a shot on me in the 3rd (or was it 4th?) round haha. I hope I made you proud, dad.
@RussDrivesTheBus If we're tracking generationally, then technically Russ is my invite grandad, since he is the one who recruited Tuba who recruited me. Russ my man, you've been a constant presence throughout my time here (and several other sim leagues) and I appreciate you tremendously. You are a selfless man with a compassionate spirit. Thank you for letting me into your NFL Mock Draft last year (and this year, too). I had a blast, and honestly, now that I think of it, was another big part of my submersion into this community. You do a lot of thankless jobs, so please accept this on behalf of all those who don't think to say it: Thank you.
@ThunderTitan82 Listen, you probabaly already knew this from our DMs, but I am like your biggest fan. You might be the most multi-talented person I've ever met. Your creativity and attention to detail are superb. Please send me the next bit of Roland, I've been dying over here. I don't want to keep bugging yout about it xD but forreal, if you ever do decide to get Roland out, please please please send me the link. I want to support you as much as I possibly can. You have immense talent that I am proud to promote (even if I just want to say that I know you). There are a lot of people in this league that I truly believe that I would be great friends with if I lived in the same area as them, but I think you might be close to the top of that list. Love you, friend.
@zaynzk I want to know you better. Let's go on a date.
@lordcoolcats I will never stop asking you for pictures of your dogs. And honestly, I'm a pretty non-confrontational person and I hate hate HATE asking for favors, but I will never be ashamed to ask you for pics of your dogs. But more than that, I truly love your dedication to your role, yourr casual yet imense sense of hummor, and your fervor. I've always wanted to go to Detroit, but now I want to go a little more.
@zeagle1 my MAN, what do I even say. You have always been about me the person instead of me the player. You are able to completely change my mood in a day when I really didn't want my mood changed. Whether you know it or not, or whether you've tried to or not, you have made in impact on my life and I love you for it. Thank you for being you and for being a friendly friend.
@mithrandir I'm not a big barbershop quartet guy, but I've never been more intrigued to hear one than when you put your charity auction out there. Dear reader, if you were wondering what kind of generous soul Mith is, listen now. As a bit of a tease, I told Mith that my wife and 4 month old daughter was going to pass through his town on a trip and asked him if they could crash at his place. And this man began working out HOW HE COULD MAKE IT HAPPEN. If that doesn't illustrate his heart perfectly, I don't know what else can. Thank you for your generosity, your kindness, your faith, and your wit. I appreciate you immensely, my friend.
Man I really could write until the sun comes up. But I'm also pouring my 3rd drink, so if this posts in the middle of a sentnece, I'm sorry.
@Bayley I think you're scouting convo might have been my favorite as I was coming into the ISFL draft. I don't remember which team (lol) but I remember feeling valued, appreciated, and welcome. I want you to know that on your wedding weekend, I felt genuine joy in my heart for you. Love you, friend. I pray that your life is exceptional and that your love is intoxicating.
I'm probablu leaving people off and it's killing me. I just have so many emotions man, I dont know how to communicate them effectively.
@Pvtpenne You rock. I value your opinion more than is probably natural. You have a lot of my respect, friend.
@DarknessRising Australia is better with you in it.
Really, there are lots more people I want to say I love you to, but I have to wrap this up before I pass out on the keyboard.
To wrap it all up, this league holds a very special place in my heart. yeah yeah, I know thats cliche, but it's true. There is so muc love in my slihtly inebriated heart that I dont know how to put to words. Just know that if you're reading this, I probably love you and would love to talk to you more. There is nothing more important in the entire world than the relationships we build with each other. If we haven't talked much or at all, please please please reach out to me. I want you to hold a special place in my heart, too.
But anyways, that's enough drunken rmbling for one night. I hope htis is coherent and readable. I'll say it one more time: dear reader, I love you and treasure you deeply.
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