MapleStory

Ok, I'll admit it. I have an addiction. It is a game called MapleStory. It is a massive multiplayer online game or MMO. About 2 years ago I would never have thought that I would like this game or any online game for that matter that would have me interact with complete strangers. I like to play games all by myself. I don't need other people to interact with. Well, my mind has been changed. It all started with my brother-in-law's family. They started telling Dwayne about this new game that they are playing online and wouldn't it be cool if we could play when they were on and all play together? Well, Dwayne checked it out and decided that he enjoyed the game and frequently played when he had some free time. I always looked over his shoulder and laughed at the "stupid game." How can he enjoy that? I hate role-playing games! Well, I succumbed to peer pressure one day and created a character. But I was going to figure it out all on my own. I didn't want any advice and in fact I didn't want to play with anybody so I created a character in my own world away from everybody I knew would be playing. After a few days of playing, I decided I was right! This game was stupid and I don't know why they liked it. (It turns out that my characters stats were way wrong making me extremely weak. But I didn't want help! LOL)

Well, about half-way through my pregnancy with Sam I was extremely bored one day and decided I would try again. Especially since Dwayne showed all the signs of someone enjoying himself. I even decided that I could ask for some advice and connect with my family in the same world. I chose a different job and followed others' advice and you know what? I was hooked. Over the last couple of years we've been able to spread our insanity to several family members and it is fun to catch them online when you least expect it. My mom even plays!

So what makes this game so special compared to other MMO's? It is hard to say. I like that it is 2-D vs 3-D. That helps extremely with some of us who get lost easily or even have trouble with motion-sickness in a 3-D environment. The characters are brightly colored and cartoonish. The graphics make me feel comfortable playing the game with my kids running around the house. No big boobs or scary monsters. In fact, my son cracks up hysterically when one of the monsters that is scary and tough in my opinion starts attacking me. I love the fact that this game is free. No monthly service fees or contracts required. They make their money by having a "cash shop" that you can purchase items to enhance your gameplay if you want. But let me tell you that you can have a wonderful gaming experience without purchasing any of those items ever. It is a high quality game. I love that you can interact as much or as little with other gamers as you want. There are a couple channels that if you are a social butterfly has tons of people and you can chat away to your heart's content. Or, if you are like me and want to just work on your quests and enjoy the game by yourself you can. Though I have made some online friends that I interact regularly with now.

Well, enough plugging of this game. I could go on and on because I love it so much. Dwayne and I are completely and totally entrenched in the game and even have our own guild of players that we lead now. If any of you want to try it out and join me in this online adventure you can find me in the Bera server under the name RoseDaughter. Here is the link to the official website. http://maplestory.nexon.net/WZ.ASPX?PART=/Main I'll be happy to walk you through and help you get started. Surprisingly it has been a good way to keep in contact with some family and friends better than when we were left on our own. And no, the makers have not paid me in any way for endorsing their product. LOL

So if you are ever calling me and I seem distracted it is probably because I have the game up and not giving you my full attention. I have gotten much better at turning away now though because I was realizing that the game was taking away time from my kids, my housework was getting neglected, and things weren't getting done. Balance is the key and I have gotten much better at finding that balance. But heaven forbid there should be a game update with new material. I get very excited.

As far as the rest of the news. Nothing much else is going on right now. We are still in recovery from being sick. The kids are doing much better too. No plans as far as I know for Mother's Day except to catch up on all the neglected housework. Well, I better go trim Sam's nails and keep a better eye on Evie and the pen she has found. She already has done some pretty artwork on her face.