Ready to Start

Getting to the point where we’re ready to start the gaming process has taken longer than expected. First there was the delay when we realized my laptop wasn’t going to be able to handle Grounded, even though the system check said it could. FacelessJim then had to order the parts and build it, as detailed in the post “New Computer Build” from March 27. After the build, Faceless loaded Windows & some essential stuff, then I had to pick it up, and buy a couple more things that I thought Faceless was getting, and he thought I was getting. I had no controller, mouse or keyboard. I swear he told me to get a PS2 controller, but when I called him from the store to say I couldn’t find any he insisted he’d said an X-Box controller for Windows 11. I could hear his thought process – “Oh, no, this is going to be disastrous!”

I decided to make a separate profile for gaming, as I have grandkiddliewids that also use this computer when they’re here, and I don’t want them getting into the OldGeezer3 account. By the time I was ready with the profiles and downloading other software and applications that I use, it was time for me to fly off to the American Southwest to present a paper, and attend other presentations, at a conference. I got back in the early hours of this morning. One of the bonuses was that I saw a bird there that I had never seen before, so one more for the life list (I’m also a birdwatching twitcher). It was a yellow-crowned night-heron.

A few things that I had noticed when I got back. Faceless’ followers had risen to 273, up from less than 100 when we started this project. The fundraiser for Hemi, Faceless & Vara’s son dog’s operation had exceeded both the original target and a supplemental one, thus allowing them to go ahead and book it, which is going to happen in May. I’d mentioned earlier that Faceless and Vara are living on a shoestring budget as neither has a job, so we are hoping that gaming will help in that regards. Many, many heartfelt thanks to those that donated, and for those who joined in the games they played and participated in the rewards and sent them the various effects that they get a percentage of the price of them. At some point I’ll get the lingo down – that is, after all, the point of me starting to game with them, to teach and old doggie new tricks, even though trix are for kids.

I’d mentioned to a couple of gamers at the conference what I was doing with Faceless and Vara, and they expressed interest in hearing about the journey at the next conference, at which point the light went on. What I am in fact doing by documenting this journey is an autoethnography, and yes, I could present a paper on this at next year’s conference. Interesting idea, that I’ll have to run past Faceless and Vara.

Anyway, I feel primed and ready to go!

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