Category Archives: Large Events

XCOM 1.5

Art, Daily Life, First Impressions, Games, mur, October 2015, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things, Stories

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is something I only noticed vicariously.  I got more excited about Starcraft II and the Tomb Raider reboots.  I also picked up Civilization V around 2012, another addiction of mine.  My husband-at-the-time kept trying to tell me how much I’d like the XCOM games but it wasn’t until I met Jerry at PAX this past September that I took any notice of the game.  The very next weekend it was on sale for a pittance and I indulged myself with a new vidyah game.  At this point I enjoy XCOM: Enemy Within more than Terraria… where I’ve logged 400+ hours with no regret.  Continue reading XCOM 1.5 →

831

Art, Black Lodge, First Impressions, Large Events, mur, Reasons for Things, Stories

Cooper-Young is an epicly quaint place where post-retirement hippies & post-graduate hipsters form a swirling nexus of open minds, mostly-liberal principles and Association Fees.  Further north, the debauchery of Overton Square is lauded by every college student I’ve ever met.  This length of Cooper Street is than the gulf between freshman and senior year.    With The Roo supplementing our crumbling infrastructure, it’s the best place in Memphis to randomly find a good time.  Continue reading 831 →

The PAX Plague

Daily Life, Haiku, mur, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts

I came into the weekend running on fumes, putting me on the front line of the war against disease. I used hand sanitizer like someone else’s money. I slept at least 8 hours each night. The closest I got to another human was sitting at the Pathfinder tables.  Since home, I’ve neti potted every day and amped up relevant vitamin & mineral supplements.

Still, I woke up this morning with distressed sinuses and a raw throat.  I blame the food poisoning from Sunday night.  It was a very short spell but the Plague wormed through the chink in my armor.  Zinc supplements, excessive hydration, and more neti pots this morning.  For lunch, miso soup (Japanese penicillin) and sushi (lean protein).  With a Constitution of 18 and +4 Fortitude I will have this anomaly under wraps by tomorrow morning.  Just to be sure, I’m staying in tonight with a gallon of orange juice and funny movies.

I CAN DO THIS!

My second PAX Prime.
Excessive shenanigans.
Caught the Plague. Worth it.

 

Twitter

Daily Life, First Impressions, Future Plans, mur, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things

I’ve decided to start using Twitter. I’ve been on it for a second before and connected it to the blog this summer but my functional knowledge is still infantile.  Continue reading Twitter →

PAXiphany!

Art, Daily Life, Future Plans, Large Events, mur, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things

Flew out of Seattle at 22:30 yesterday while fighting mild discomfort and chronic irritation the entire way. After a 4-day rager at PAX Prime 2015, I’m suffering from fatigue for at least 2 rounds. I have a pretty high constitution but suffered a critical hit from some bad squid on Sunday night. It’s a shame, I enjoyed the ambiance there.  Continue reading PAXiphany! →

Thanks Seattle

Art, Daily Life, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things

MY second year of PAX has come to close. It took me a minute to get into the groove this time, probably due to extreme fatigue from my “real life”. Despite over 8 hours of sleep both Thursday and Friday nights I did not feel fully rested until Saturday morning. Fortunately, I don’t make plans for this convention. Expo floor bells & whistles, merchandise doo-dads, and enticing panel descriptions all blur together. I simply show up and let the con happen to me.

A particular highlight this year was the chance to pull up a chair to chat with Jerry (Tycho) during an autograph session.  I confessed that my Surface Pro 3 purchase was almost entirely based on their endorsement.  Then, extolling it’s wonders of multi-tasking and effective portability, I described how my blogging life grew and developed thanks to PA’s influence.  I inquired about Windows 10 and Jerry assuaged my fear of a Microsoft “free upgrade”.  My copy is reserved.

I gave him a copy of my card and half-jokingly told the boys I’d see them again soon.  I am determined to get hired onto the PA staff.  I asked Mr. Khoo last year and again this year if I can have a job.  I am 100% sure that I have a skill set not currently represented in their office.  Nothing against the current staff, who all possess extensive talents I can’t even begin to fathom.  But I have the power of invisibility and get a +20 bonus to diplomacy in any business setting.  My past is as curious as Alice’s Wonderland and the direction I’m heading has nothing but sunshine on the path.  Really, anyone I work for is lucky to have me.  In the case of Penny Arcade, I would be equally lucky to learn from them.

As a business model, PA is as unique as I am.  This can not be ignored.  I’ll keep asking Khoo to hire me every chance I get – no matter how inappropriate.  The worst thing he can do is keep saying no.

 

In the realm of gaming there are a few things on the horizon I’m keeping an eye on – Hob, Doom, Superfight, Fallout 4 and Uncharted 4.  I might have to date someone with a PS4 when that last one comes out.  😉

 

Flight is boarding.  See you in Memphis.

Mike & Jerry

PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts

Just like last year, the line to meet Gabe & Tycho was non-existent. I pulled up a chair and sat down to talk for nearly 20 minutes. We discussed the benefits of a Surface Pro, incredulity at the lack of line, and commiseration on the number of pieces involved in a Star Wars board game.

I will ask for a job every year. One day, I will succeed.

Day 1: PAX Prime

PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts

Riding up the escalator pressed in a warm mass of humans, it finally hits me – I’m back at PAX. Exactly as last year, organized chaos seeps out of the walls. Endless entertainment for anyone patient. Non-stop frustration if you attempt to plan any goals. I float nondescript, occasionally stopping at a vacant table to learn something new.

I bought a game called Superfight. It’s a better version of Cards Against Humanity. Better for me at least.

I also checked out a game called Hob. This is a game I will play.

Seattle

Art, mur, PAX Prime, Quick Thoughts, Reasons for Things

I haven’t seen this much flannel since the mid-90s. Still, I feel at home. Often I forget my appearance. Nondescript most of my life, changing my hair color doesn’t change that. Worried about the intimidation of a big city, decked out in all its individuality. A debutante ball for introverts.

Detached from the results, this is my time to be odd in a sea of strange. Smiling and eager, I can’t get enough of the discomfort when I talk to a stranger without preamble. Southern accent, overalls, purple hair. I fit right in here. Fun to be around.

Patience and openness guarantees a good time. No room share facilitates good sleep. Liking who I am exemplifies why I came here. Surrounded by chaos, even sitting still is entertaining.

I want to reach out to the heart of the world and show them the serenity of a faceless mob. We’re all here to have fun. Be nice or leave!