The Marathon

I know my life is not that hectic. I am not being chased across the English Channel by a pack of sharks (with or without frickin’ lasers). I am not running for my life in some terrorist ridden country. I am not training for ANY sort of marathon (including the much desired sleep-a-thon). I just feel busy. It’s like I’m gasping for air. I get a break once every week or two, where I can really kick back and just not think about anything.

And then, when I do have time to do fun stuff (like update my Lack-of-Blog): I don’t. ‘Cause it seems like too much work. And that’s what I’m trying to take a break from. And so I don’t, and I get further and further from my last inconsequential post.

So, tonight, I’ll watch my soap (The OC) and kick back a little.

And tell you (all none of you that care), that I’m really doing OK. Because I’m going to have a car to drive in a few weeks (after I pay for registration and insurance). Because the plans for my wedding are well in hand (even though it’s only 4.5 months away, with lots of details to work on). Because I have a handle on money and time and stress (despite my overt, gasping, dramatic panic). But mostly, just because.

And I’ll put this post in my blog (that is still not a blog) and I’ll feel good.

(Except about my grammar, which sucks, but makes for nice conversational-style writing. So there!)

Not a Gamer Yet

I don't play non-stop video games. In fact, I hardly play video games at all. I like games with story and challenge and depth. I suck at first person shooters. I have no twitch gaming skills. I don't want a game that will scare me out of my skin or gross me out with realistic gore and violence. I want something I can sink my mind into.

I also have never owned a console or hand-held system. All my young life, my only exposure to game systems was from friends and the occasional rental. I liked to play games, but never often and never too much.

And yet, I love games. They are a part of me. If only because I have stories I want to tell through that medium. There are games I've fallen for and can play for hours on end.

Is there hope for me to become a true gamer yet?

I just bought a Gameboy Advance SP. My first ever handheld. My first ever game system. Probably not my last. I may be late, but perhaps I'll get there yet.

Stupid Consumer Instinct

I've officially made the top contender for "Stupidest Purchase Ever". I just bought (pre-ordered actually) the Special Edition of Jade Empire. Jade Empire is an action RPG developed by Bioware using a totally unique intellectual property. The game is set in mythical China and features kick-ass martial-arts styled fighting. Now that I've officially pitched the game (and not gotten any money for it), I'll tell you why I wanted to get it.

Besides the fact that the Special Edition comes with a bunch of exclusive bonus features, I've always been a sucker for Bioware games. I live in Edmonton (you may start stalking me now!) and have kept an eye on Bioware since I was in Junior High. These guys are my very own "Home Town Heroes". All the better that they make top-selling computer and console games.

I was actually fortunate enough to visit their offices not once, but twice. Each time I saw them, they were bigger, more impressive and more fun loving than ever. I'd love to work there, and I know that I'll have to work my butt off to even get a chance. Needless to say, I'm a fan. And not just because they are local. They truly make games that are fun, engaging and story driven. That's the part that gets me. I love the story. Graphics are nice, sound is wonderful, but if it lacks a compelling story and a way to explore it, then you've lost me.

Ever since I first heard about Jade Empire being released as an Xbox exclusive game, I said that they were going to force me to buy an Xbox. This leads me back to the reason buying Jade Empire was so (so!) dumb.

I Don't Own an XBOX!

Yet.

Fuck.

Spectacle of Myself

I love cheesy titles. Don’t you? But enough about you – I got new glasses! After finally admitting that maybe all the headaches I was getting at work were from unfocused vision and not my boss (unfocused vision of a different sort), I scheduled an Eye Appointment. I got my prescription and proceeded to procrastinate in actually getting replacement glasses. I love to procrastinate. It makes the pain last longer.

At any rate, I finally found a pair of glasses that looked good and (thankfully) had nice magnetic sunglass clip-ons. So I forked out the cash for them. And waited a week. I had to call to check on them, but low and behold they were ready.

Now I just need to adjust to them. I’d worn my previous pair for 5-6 years. They were wearing out, true, but they were comfortable and familiar. These are all stiff and new and… crisp. I can see clearly. I can read at a distance without squinting. I will hopefully get fewer reading related headaches. I have sunglasses again. I guess I’m as happy as can be. I’d post a pic, but I lack a digital camera.

New glasses good. I like to be able to see what I’m doing. It makes it easier to not make a spectacle of myself (worked it in there, didn’t I?). I wonder if anyone will notice (who I haven’t already told). So far I’m 0/3.