Kris, Jessamyn, and Abigail Milo

I’ve been mentally consumed lately by what chess sets I like and want to buy. I’m not in love with the one I bought. I’ve saved enough money to buy another set, but I’m nervous that I won’t be happy with that either. I don’t have enough money to buy the type of set that I really want, so I’m left trying to decide which compromises are ok. I’ve decided to self impose a new rule … I can’t buy myself a chess set until my www.chess.com rating jumps up a class:

The United States Chess Federation (USCF) classification of players:

• 2400 and above: Senior Master
• 2200–2399: Master
• 2000–2199: Expert
• 1800–1999: Class A
• 1600–1799: Class B
• 1400–1599: Class C
• 1200–1399: Class D
• 1000–1199: Class E

In general, 1000 is considered a bright beginner. A regular competitive chess player might be rated at approximately 1750. I’m currently a class C player (1457 right this moment). So, I will not buy a new chess set until my rating is 1600 or higher. That will give me time to think about what I really want … and will encourage me to get better at chess.

In no particular order:

• We’re trying to teach Abi to stick her tongue out. While rude, I’m certain it’ll be very funny.
• I’ve decided not to buy Halo Wars … I don’t see myself getting into a real time strategy game.
• My Halo 3 Lone Wolf ranking is up to 18. My goal is 25ish.
• Jessamyn is slightly, but noticeably better than me at backgammon.
• Our new $135.00 backgammon set RULES! We play almost every night now.
• My $140.00 chess set gets no use whatsoever, but that hasn’t slowed me one bit in wanting another set. I can’t afford this exact set, but I’m liking how it looks. What do you think?
• Sibling Summer Vacation plans are underway … as are the expected bumps in the road … nothing too bad yet though
• Jessamyn thinks she heard an animal in our attic … hopefully she’s losing her mind.
• I love chess … I should have been a professional chess player. I’ve missed my calling in life.
• I can’t think of anything else at the moment.