Ways to Spread a Gaming Infection

It's not that hard. And of the things you can catch or give to others it can be reasonable. Moderation and all - unless it becomes addiction. And well...as far as addictions this isn't so bad either. Or at least that's what I'm telling myself.

Take today for example. I went to the DMV without an appointment to register my car and motorcycle. I was given a number (so dehumanzing! :P), then sat in the designated purgatory section with the colorful cast (I include myself - I had no scheduled appointment), that is different but somehow always the same crew just hanging out and waiting for their number to be pulled. I spent a few moments to determine the pace and reasoned I had at least a good 20 minutes to relax before becoming just a little bit poorer. So, I whip out my trustee little Nintendo DS and prepare to do some dungeon crawling.

And that's when the infection began. Curiosity was the first symptom, darting eyes taking in the vibrant pink of my DS system (It's pink not because I'm a huge pink fan but so there is no doubt that the system belongs to me). The denizens of the plastic-chairs-of-pain-from-the-60s check it out, casually. Eyes flicker to the screen to watch the vivid color display. Then they take in me, a woman dressed in in regular clothes with her motorcycle helmet tucked by her side and they give me "looks". I am able to recognize pure curiosity, measurement of my approachable nature, polite acknowledgement and I'm even able to recognize some guy just checking me out ( a victory, this is one of my personal fatal flaws unless obvious I never know that stuff...). Anyway, looks flicker across the faces and can be counted. But there is this other look among a few not censure...not disgust...I'm thinking it might be envy. Envy not that I have a game system, but that I remembered to bring something to pass the time. At least I think.

Anyway, the infection festers a bit in this part (Stage 1) and it is a tenuous time, they could still shrug it off. I wonder, if they'll tell themselves it's ridicuous and move on (and I can resume my game!) or will curiosity take them further? Today, curiosity progressed to interest (Stage 2), an incubation sets in. This is commonly accompanied with outbursts like, "Excuse me, is that a game system?" or "Is that a DS?" or (my fav) "Wow...I think my has one of those...what is that called again?"

I responded enthusiastically to them about my system and noticed as I spoke with one person, that five others slowly leaned in to observe, then began to ask questions. I showed them my game (Final Fantasy III) and another game to be poilte and show a little variety (Advance Wars - that went over well). I talked about the price point being reasonable as well as game costs especially if purchased used. And that it was fun, that when a book won't do it, or the newspaper or daydreaming the game is fun. We laughed and I found my own enthusiasm sparked as one person got very detailed in questions about the types of games offered and how long the battery life lasted. Thats when I knew for certain, I had spread the infection along. They are now in to the final stage, (Stage 3) where incubation can blossom into a full blown gaming infection.

By the time my number was called so that I might ascend to legal vehicle driving status again ,we all shook hands and exchanged smiles. I feel pretty confident at least two of my fellow DMV companions will purchase a game system (likely a DS) within the next few paychecks...and since I also told them about this site (I share this not be a kiss-ass but to share something good), I hope to see them around, too. Who knows?

But...infection accomplished. Just call me Typhoid Mary! Hmm. Ewwww. Actually, no. On second thought don't call me that...maybe Electronic Ellie? I'll think of something. As a side effect for me I should note I did not get to enjoy my dungeon crawl...maybe later.

Aside from that the only other thing of 2O2P note was the continuation of my self-learning of this site and its features. I discovered earlier this afternoon that my Firefox browser was waaay out of date (i.e. I popped into a chat room and could see names but no text even when I typed...unless of course everyone just got quiet when I came in... hmmm, forgot that could be it...). I'm all set on that now so I hope to say a more real-time hello and get to casually know more of you enthusiasts in the days ahead.

Really, it's been a good day. Hope yours is too.

Thanks for looking!