Scribe.

I wish that one day I could shop at my local Micro Center without getting strange looks, or better yet, without feeling that asking a question will immediately trigger feelings of inadequacy in the salesperson I speak with. While perusing the barebones computer kits with my hubby, after becoming disenchanted by the lack of pretty (pink- so sue me, I like pink) towers, I stopped a salesman to inquire about professional-grade gaming mouse pads. After passing me both an amused and inquisitive look, the salesman led my two year old and I down the mouse aisle and pointed to the full selection of mouse pads there. Happy that he had satisfied my need, he started off; I looked blankly, wondering if the salesman just didn’t hear my full question or is trying to be an ass.

Rolling my eyes I asked, “Well, I’m partial to Razer peripherals, but I’ve heard that the Steelseries pads are good as well. Which do you suggest?” Turning back to face me, the bumbling sales guy muttered, “Oh, either of those are good I guess, I’ve also heard these [insert expensive off brand mouse pad here] are good.”  Knowing that the guy gets a commission from the mouse pad, I replied, “Ok, thanks a lot…” and went in the other direction, only to double back later and pick up the Nova mouse pad that I’d researched before coming in to the store. Walking up to my hubby, who had by that time amassed a several thousand dollar cart full of stuff, I listened in on the conversation he had with his salesperson. Looking at my man in disbelief as he tallied up the bill, the salesperson’s whole demeanor screamed, “I know that you don’t have the money to cover this bill, and I really don’t know why I’m bothering to answer your questions.” This salesperson went up to the register and, doing something unusual for a salesperson in Micro Center, stood right next to my hubby as he finished his purchase.

Leaving the store, I felt as if I might as well had done a bit  of soft shoe while eating chicken and painting my nails. Why is it that I’m not allowed to know my stuff when it comes to computer accessories? Who said that a guy can’t spend a ridiculous amount of money on his hobby without being looked at as a broke poser? Once, just once, I’d like to spend one day not being reminded about how completely fucked up people are, but I think that might be asking too much. Socially, black nerds are not the norm. Got it. Since we’re there, in your face, can you at least act like you’re not surprised to see us shop in your store? Can you pretend that you’re not amazed that we can afford to have a hobby budget? Would it kill you not to be a ass when all we want to do is get our computer stuff and go home to nerd it out when the kid is asleep?

Having to leave the store feeling this way in any regard speaks volumes. Maybe Tiger Direct or Newegg deserves more of our business anyway.

Hey peeps! So, I’ve decided to take a hiatus from blogging for approximately 2 months to focus on playing games. Sounds strange, since its probably easier to write about he games as I play them, but I want to take a break to refocus my blog to be an analysis of the games I play instead of fluff posts about the game. Make sense? It does to me, so I’ll see you soon.

In the meantime, feel free to check out my archives, or find me on one of these games: 

RIFT: LynValerie (forum name), Briarcliff server (Athaera)
DC Universe Online: Panthera Noir, Virtue and Vice server
World of Warcraft: Marlii, Azuremyst Server (Horde)

Ta-ta for now!

Here’s a funny little story I wrote a few years ago. Enjoy! 

Careening through clouds over a pristine beach of white sand, I take a second to ponder the lives of those who can’t fly. What a downtrodden population it must be, not being able to feel the wind whip their hair back sharply, caressing their shoulders as they navigate the skies. As I reluctantly land at my destination, careful to avoid the haphazardly placed palm and forest trees, a rather odd assortment for such a temperate location, I jerk a bit, my walking staggered by the evil creature known in my world simply as “Lag.”

Suddenly, my senses dull, and three flimsy, grey carpeted walls come into my sight; a large, off-white, fluorescent light glares overhead, and directly in front of me is my computer screen, with a human character standing in front of a beach house, rather impatiently. I then remember that I did not fly, and do not have physical impairments that prevent me from walking fluidly; I have yet again allowed myself to abandon reality as we know it and lose myself in my Second Life, a virtual, user created platform where one can begin life anew.

Looking around my cubicle, I suddenly feel a twinge of guilt; piles of documents begging to be processed lay strewn about, and a familiar voice looms over head- it’s that of my boss, making rounds. I quickly minimize the Second Life screen, pausing for a second to look at my character, of whom I named Shagwella Blitz (a name that I now kick myself in the pants for, as I am not able to get a decent SL job because of its…uniqueness), and pull up the company database, hammering away at the keys like a happy little administrative assistant. “Hi Paul, how are you this morning,” I squeak, rather guiltily might I add. “Oh, just fine, Linda- how are you coming along with those expense reports?” I quickly glance at the disheveled stack of papers and grimace, swiveling in my uncomfortable faux leather office chair to peer up at my boss. “Oh, they’re coming. I should have them complete by this afternoon.” Satisfied with my answer, Paul nods his head solemnly before walking around to the next set of cubicles to check on his accountants. I sigh loudly, and after lifting slightly from my chair to check out my surroundings, I hit the maximize key on my Second Life screen.

My boyfriend had already arrived at my beach home by the time I’d rejoined life number two, and my instant message box was filled with queries as to my whereabouts. I saunter into the house clad in a purple cropped jacket from Thimbles over a plain white system undershirt, Armidi jeans and silver Stiletto Moody pumps. Taking a final alt-scroll look at my appearance, I change my hair from an extravagant long curly ‘do to a bun with side-swept bangs. As I settle on the couch’s poseball next to my Second man, as I so affectionately call him, I notice he’s watching “I Think I Love My Wife” on the Speakeasy big screen.

Shagwella Blitz: hey, whatcha up to?
BillyRay Courtois: nothin much, just watching your tv lol
Shagwella Blitz: well, you should be watching something else *winks*
BillyRay Courtois: oh trust me, I am *licks his lips*
BillyRay Courtois: hey, where’s your collar? how dare you take it off without my permission!
Shagwella Blitz: oh you mean the amethyst one? I got a dari’s instead- you get more control
Shagwella Blitz: I’m sorry Master…girl will not do it again
BillyRay Courtois: w/e…just put it on so I can lock you to a metal ball lmfao

Dropping to my knees in submission before my boyfriend, my first self giggles a little bit at the exchange, wondering how such an independent woman could allow some virtual man to control her actions. I pull up my inventory, and “snap” the Dari collar around my neck; a black leather collar adorned with sharp looking spikes, it almost felt as if I had transformed into a beast- a lustful, pleasure seeking maiden who lives up to her name. Somehow my real life crept in again, and I thought about my husband- what a wreck he was in this department! Thank goodness for the magic of virtual reality.

I crawled over to my boyfriend, my stylish outfit magically transforming into a skimpy black silk teddy with fine lace detailing. Where did I get this from again? Oh, Nyte and Day! I’ll have to get another, I think to myself. Kneeling in front of my Abyss-skinned lover, I smile, watching as a pink and blue poseballs appear in front of me, with rather risqué commands listed on both.

BillyRay Courtois: get on, now.
Shagwella Blitz: yes, Mast

A sudden tap on the real life shoulder disrupts my lusty banter- it was Paul, my boss, glaring. “Hi Paul, I was just-““Linda, this is the second time I have caught you in this…this game, neglecting your work responsibilities. Do you know how many people would kill to have your position right now?” I blinked, stifling a giggle as the $10.60 an hour Administrative Assistant position at Barney and Associates seemed less important than what Paul believed it to be. “Uh, I am sure many would, sir. I’m sorry- I’ve just been having trouble concentrating…“ Whizzing around in my chair, my mouth drops as I notice BillyRay is naked on my screen, his…attachment inches away from my virtual face. I put my hands up to the screen in a futile attempt to cover my lover’s nudity as Paul looks on with wide eyes. “What! Linda what in the world are you doing? Just…just pack up your things…you have until lunchtime to be out of here!” His face beet red with embarrassment, Paul storms away into his office and slams the door, leaving a small crowd of my peers huddled around my computer screen, snickering.

Another job lost to Second Life. Oh well, there’s always virtual escorting. Thanks, Linden Lab!

I’m trying to get my Goblin Hunter to level 85 before my school break is done (I’m at 31 now…LOL), so I’ll be back next week to blog. Happy Holidays! 

I wrote this a few years ago for a self-publishing site, and felt the sentiment applies for today’s blog post. Enjoy! 

I’m a 24 year old super social fashionista who loves nightclubbing with my homegirls, chugging imported beers with my collegiate peers, and browsing vintage boutiques for quirky additions to my wardrobe.

RUSH, an amazingly splendid spectacle of squares created by Two Tribes, is my new addiction. Have you ever played a game that started off so simple you just knew that you’d have the game at each difficultly level mastered by the end of the day? Well, for those of you puzzle aficionados who appreciate a good challenge, try RUSH and see if you don’t pull your hair out by the 10th level! 

The gorgeous graphics and intoxicating music lends for not only a pleasurable gaming experience, but one that lingers after you click “exit.” A simple premise, guiding blocks to their exit points by using an arsenal of arrows and signs, turns into one that proves to be more of an exercise in spatial positioning than anything; I found myself not only expertly twisting the screen (as reinforced by the robust tutorial), but twisting my head as well to figure out in which square I should place a sign. The game sort of reminds me of Cubis in the way the puzzles are laid out, but has a distinct advantage, as you can rotate the game board completely to find your solution. 

RUSH just came out on Steam on December 3rd, and at last check in the Steam store, its only $5.00; if you’re looking for a time filler that will leave you both relaxed and wondering where the stop sign should go on the pavement, try RUSH!