Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Digital Buddy

So, I have this habit of logging in to EQ2 just after I have made the kids their dinner and going /AFK until I then get them settled in bed later. Just me being lazy really so as soon as the little ones are asleep I can get straight in to the action. But I'm very happy that last night I did that.

I was walking past the computer and saw in the chat box "Naadir has logged in". I couldn't hardly contain myself. Naadir is Jahf, an old friend from way back when in EQ2 history and we have stayed strong buddies ever since. He's a sterling fella and I have a great fondness for our friendship. So, after not seeing him for so long online (it's been, well it's been bloody ages!) it was wonderful to be able to chat to him again and catch up. Really made my week that did.

He's digging out his mic so tonight we can chat away the evening just like old times, putting the world to rights and generally having a right old laugh. That's what I love about EQ2 and online gaming in general, especially MMOs where the community is central to the game. I've tried explaining it to folks who look at me like I have just been crowned the 'King of the Nerds' when I tell them I indulge in a bit of online role playing in a Massively Multiplayer Online game. But what they don't realise is that whilst they are sat on their couch watching Coronation Street, that I am reaching out around the world and making new contacts and feeding existing friendships. That's right you don't have to have physically met someone to be their friend!

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

I'm Back?

Well, it looks like I'm back! Well, until I get too bored or busy again.

Quite a lot has happened since my last post way back when on Thursday November 10th 2011.

My real life has been chaotic, crazy, heartbreaking, joyful, and in some circumstances, very lucky!

My wife of 13 years left me, but we're still good mates and are sharing custody of the kids. All is happy in that arena now. I also got a new job. A pretty well paid one with quite a lot of responsibility and that seems to be going well too. My youngest daughter hit 4 years old, my oldest will be 11 in January.

Gaming wise, I am still dabbling in EQ2, but to be honest haven't done anything constructive really in either the Age of Discovery Ex-Pac, or indeed the new one, Chains of Eternity. I have them both, but just seem to dabble in the quests or mentor down helping folks when I log in. A couple of nights a go I took part in my first raid for an age! It was fun to see Volt way down the parse with the healers after a couple of years of top end hiatus. I certainly have a lot of work to do in exploring the last two ex-pacs and getting the old codger up to speed. 18 months ago I was used to seeing him near the top of the parse always. It's nice to have a challenge.