Local chess tournament

Well its finally happning, im playing in a friggin tournament. I was not able to go to the university tournament, but thats ok now. Tomorrow ill be participating in a provincial tournament and to say the least im CRAZY nervous. Still ive set today out to prepare, prepare, and prepare some more. Now i know ill be playing some "out of my league" oponents, but i guess thats what its all about right? Still ive read that the swiss system allows you to play people who within the tournament are doing as bad or as good as you are, so it should be fun.

The tournament will last three days and its two games a day. Its one hour and 30secs added per move and i really have no idea whats going to happen. First of all ive NEVER competed and second of all ...i dont know im just nervous. The good kind of nervous tho. When i went to sign up for the tournament i played my first over the board 5 minte blitz games against one of the club locals and i must say, it felt great. He won 5 out of the 7 games we played, which i think is pretty good considering im a relative newb. Three years does not hold a candle to 20 years of chess experience.

What do i want to get out of this tournament? well first of all to associate with other chess freaks, to expose myself to the stress of competition, to be able to review and dissect my games when im home and to have fun.

Ill report in tomorro night with the first two games and results, wish me luck.

PW