Ruby in the Sky

Do you know those times when you order something, and from that moment, you’re waiting in utter excitement for it to happen, and it feels like a lifetime every second? That’s the feeling I’ve been having since… I think it started during the summer of 2014. It has been that long that I’ve been looking forward to EQC, the European Quidditch Cup. First, it was just a dream: “Imagine, if we were to compete at EQC in Oxford next year…”. Then, as time progressed, teams merged and plans were made, it slowly molded into a reality. After a winter of being closed in our homes, sheltering from the cold, it was time for the first international tournament of the year. And before I knew it, it was april and it was time to kick some well-rounded ass at EQC, in Oxford. As I covered most of the happy stuff in a video (here), I felt it would be good to cover the more personal, emotional side of a tournament on here, as they are huge learning experiences that I would like to share with as many as I can.

First of all, my emotional rollercoaster was already well on it’s way uphill when I got into the car to EQC on friday morning. I have a tendency to feel lonely and isolated, and the level of personal attention I get from the people around me affects me quite easily. On top of that, I’ve had a worry about my nan weighing down on me since january, which I didn’t want to tell anyone about, and, as a result, made me feel even more alone. That being said: the combination of little sleep and a lot of exercise is what generally makes tournaments such a confrontational experience for most. Here are some things to consider:

#1: you are going to be confronted with yourself

Even if you’re with a huge party, there will be times, especially on car rides or planes, that you will be very much alone with your thoughts. You can bring a book, you can bring headphones, anything you want, but it will happen. Whatever you’re confronted with, try to have something around to write it down in, like a diary, and try to approach the issue in a positive way: not “why does everything suck?” but “how can I make this better?”. Even if it’s hard, it will help you in the end, and by writing it down you are both slightly relieved of the stress, and you can look back on it at a more “serene” time and really figure it out, or maybe even see the people you need.

#2: you are going to be exhausted both mentally and physically

There are few things you can do about this, but that doesn’t mean you might as well not try at all. Stretching and cooling down after games really does help, as does feeding yourself with the appropriate foods (fruits are awesome!). As for sleep, it is nearly impossible to get enough of it, especially if there’s socials in the evening you’re going to. You can however try to make the most of what little time you have, by putting together a little soothing nighttime routine or anything else that gives you comfort and enables you to fall asleep quicker. Also take time to set alarm clock(s), depending on how strict your schedule is and how easily you get up in the mornings: nothing makes sleeping a waste of time more than waking up and immediately being sucked out of all energy because you’re in a rush to get where you need to be.

#3: everybody is going to be exhausted

Yes, yes, I know: OBVIOUS. But, have you ever considered how moods affect each other, particularly when you’re spending the majority of your time physically and mentally close? Because they do, in a big way. Although it should be your priority in most scenarios to get your own act together before helping out others, do remember that they have feelings too, are probably having as tough a time as you are, and cannot smell how to handle you when you’re in this situation. Some people like to be alone to calm down, others need to be around people; some you shouldn’t even so much as touch, others may really need a hug. Be clear in what you need, even if you’re not directly asked for it. Whoever you’re with, they’ve got more to deal with than to decode your anger or upset face. Bear in mind that odds are they do want to help you, but are scared to take a wrong approach. 

This also works the other way around: don’t just assume everyone finds comfort in the things you find comfort in. When you feel it an okay time to help someone out who you think is struggling, don’t go all confronting on them: instead, ask if they are okay. If they say yes, they’re either fine or do not want you there right now. If they say no: don’t ask what’s wrong, ask what they need. Then give then that. Pretty easy, huh?

#4: your body is not going to like you

This one seems to be obvious and point in the same direction as #2, but by this I actually mean: dress appropriately for the weather. Tournaments, especially quidditch ones, take place mostly outside, even when you’re not playing. This means that your body constantly has to shield itself from either sun, wind, rain or who knows what else. Help yourself a little bit by checking the weather forecast beforehand – then still bringing all things you could possibly need. Last weekend, the forecast promissed two sunny, cloudless days. I packed happily away with not too many layering items, since I wouldn’t be needing them anyway. Guess what: the clouds only left the sky on sunday when we left the pitch, and the wind was freezing both days. Not recommended.

#5: you will experience withdrawals afterwards

Tournaments are the best (once again, especially in quidditch). They’re a great learning experience, you get to meet tons of new people, or bond with old friends. When you get home after a tournament, you will not only be tired, sore and in need of some tlc, you will also experience some serious withdrawals of all the love and hugs and excitement of a tournament. That is entirely okay! This one is pretty personal, but I try to spread the “aftermath”, by first recovering and then putting the photos on my computer. Obviously, I will see a lot of stuff going around on facebook during those early days, but I just try to limit my own imput at that point to a “after-tournament appreciation post”.

#6: it will stay with you

This is not a bad thing. At all. Tournaments are like big romantic gestures only they’re not romantic. They do tend to sweep you off your feet though, so that should count for something. I find that with tournaments, and the pains they involve, it’s like tattoos and piercings: They may hurt for a while when you get them, maybe longer than you would’ve liked, but that is nothing compared to the joy you will have with them after that. Time heals all wounds, pretty much. The longer ago the tournament, the less important the little pains become, and the prettier the larger picture. In the end, it’s all worth it.

Well, I feel like that was reasonably deep for something about quidditch tournaments. I’m just trying to be more exposed on here, if that’s what you’d call it. Basically, I’m still soppy (see #5…), and I love writing. Do what you love right?

Have you ever been to an international tournament? 

Love, Ruby