goodness

Obviously I have been pretty anxious over the past little while due to our move, and then with the craziness of us booking a Mexico trip just days before the flu outbreak.

But today there is some goodness! And I just want to relay some things I'm happy about:

*We found out that our package (hotel and air) can be completely transferred to another destination of our choice, if we decide not to go to Cancun! This is such a relief!

*We found out that we will have three strong guys with us on moving day to help us out! I can't be more thankful to Chris's brother and our best friends!

*Our two year wedding anniversary is next weekend! The gamer is taking me to a Brazilian restaurant and I absolutely can't wait!

*My parent's 25th wedding anniversary is later this month! This is such a big deal, and if my parents can make it that long, I have no fear that the gamer and I will be able to do the same!

*Yesterday I started receiving back program evaluations that I had given my students. I was surprised and touched to see that several students had written under the question about what improvements they'd like to see that they wrote KEEP MS. B1. How sweet is that?!

*Mom and me are going shopping this Saturday for beach gear, and then we're all going out to dinner at PF Changs! I can't wait for the weekend!

I am so thankful to all the goodness in my life right now! I always get so anxious about things, and am constantly amazed at how the gamer takes everything in stride. It's because he knows that things will always work out in the end, and I really need to work more on accepting this fact too!

vanderbilt's crib

Yes, you read right. When we travelled to the historic Biltmore Estate all my students insisted on calling it Vanderbilt's crib.

Despite their slang, I think they enjoyed the trip immensely, and I had an absolute blast with them!

Before our tour of the house we went to a place called Fun Depot. You'd be surprised to know that I have never driven a go-kart but my students roped me into doing it, and boy was it fun! I rode three separate times!
And it wasn't until the last time that I had my first ever car accident caused by ME! I was a speed demon zipping around those curves, and then I literally slammed into my co-worker, causing her cart to do a complete 180 in the road.

And I got injured!

My knee slammed into the steering wheel, and I got a big bruise and it tore some skin off! And to make matters worse the game attendant yelled at me for being an aggressive driver!

I suppose I do take after my mom ;)

It's hard to see, but I'm the red car that is literally attached to that white car. Ooops!

I was inundated with wacky, but understandable, questions from my students throughout the trip...

At lunch at the Biltmore at a restaurant called DeerPark I was asked, "Ms. B1, is this where the water comes from?"

While staying at the Hilton I was asked, "Does Paris Hilton actually own this hotel?"

And this gem, "Ms. B1, when are you going to the club with us?"

It was amazing to view the trip through my students' eyes. I was excited about the hotel suites we stayed in - I had a living room, full kitchen, and separate bedroom and bathroom, so I wasn't too surprised to find out they actually jumped on the beds because they were so thrilled!

The tour of Biltmore was amazing as always, but I especially liked the roof top tour! The views were spectacular.
And the festival of flowers was going on, and the gardens were gorgeous! But as you all know my camera is on it's last leg, so this is the best of the shots I took:
It was an exhausting trip, but I am so glad that I was able to go! The house never ceases to amaze me. Almost everyone of my students insisted that it wasn't a house, but a castle!
It makes me sad that I have to leave all my students who I have gotten so close to this year. But apparently they all want to take a road trip next fall to our new house so they can play the Wii!

I'm sure the gamer will just looooove that!

darn you PIGS!

It seriously figures that within days of purchasing non-refundable plane tickets and hotel rooms in Cancun that this damn swine flu epidemic hits Mexico.

I mean, seriously?!

I have never purchased a plane ticket in my life. Since my dad works for the airlines I have ridden standby or on a buddy pass for the past 23 years. YEARS. But this time I wanted a guarantee. I wanted a guarantee that I would be getting an actual seat on the plane of my choice.

Years of riding standby has made me bitter. Sure they were free flights, but often I had to switch my flight time or even my destination because the plane would fill up and I couldn't get a seat. I began to resent paying flyers I was always pessimistic at the airport, figuring I wouldn't get on...and more than once, had to drive back home because the flight filled up.

This time I wanted a guaranteed spot.

It figures that the one time I have to purchase an actual ticket, instead of riding basically free, that some crazy new virus erupts in the country I'm going to visit.

I am pissed right now!

Here's to hoping that they get this thing under control in the next month so I don't lose beaucoups of money!

another friday fragments

Right now I am currently touring a mansion in the western mountains of North Carolina. As part of a reward to some of the brightest students at the college I work at, we've taken a group of about 20 to the Biltmore House for two days, and that's where I've been yesterday and today.

Two days away from the gamer. Hmm....I wonder how he's been keeping busy?

Anyways, on to the fragments:

*I am so excited we are having another sunny, warm weekend here in Raleigh! It seems as though it took forever for Spring to come, and now this weekend it's going to be as hot as summer! The gamer is none to pleased about that.

*I am so done talking about our moving updates, so I'm ignoring that topic today.

*I still can't believe we will be in CANCUN at the end of May! In reaching our savings goal, we had a little money to spare. I really would have liked to de-college our house with new furniture, but nothing could bore the gamer more than taking him furniture shopping (or really, shopping of any sort). He was more than happy to use the money for a trip, and I cannot wait until we are there!!

*Summer vacation = SHOPPING! The list of things I need is growing, quickly. I insist on having a new bathing suit and camera for Cancun. That's reasonable right? What about a few summer dresses? Some new Rainbows? Lingerie? Travel-size lotions? A sarong?

*Is it possible to get a beach body in 30 days? Ugh. I think we are going back to the shred? Yeah, remember that? I gave up on it. But this 30 days, I mean business.

*This time last year I was finishing up my last semester of school, ever. I can't believe it's been a year since I left grad school and started a real job.

*Do you think the gamer would notice if we accidentally packed the guitars and drumset for GH into storage when we move? The gamer's attitude towards this game has got to go.

*My boss has been giving me a hard time about moving and leaving my job. She insists that an hour-long drive (it's really more like an hour and a half) is not that bad and that I should stay at my job and commute. Umm...that's over two hours a day. I'm sorry but time is really precious to me. I really don't think I'm being unreasonable. It's not like I'm living somewhere affordable and commuting into cool NYC. This is Raleigh people. Fresh bagels and breads don't await me when I arrive, so I'm going to say no thanks.

*Obviously I can't talk about anything else besides moving. I tried, really. Man, what AM I going to write about in June?

Alright, I'm off to spend the rest of the day at Biltmore! I love the mountains of Western NC...I can't believe the gamer and I haven't been back to our beloved Boone in over 6 months! We definitely need to make a trip out there soon.

Hope you enjoy your sunny weekend (if you have one!)! :)

game over, in pink

So when we went to Myrtle Beach a few weekends ago, I happened to come across the coolest thing ever.
A pink game over shirt!!!

That is like my blog anthem people!

When the gamer and I were engaged I had this crazy idea that once we were married that the gaming would cease. (I know, I was dreaming. I've since come to my senses).

Anyways, I bought the gamer this awesome game over shirt the Christmas before we were married:
The gamer, did not get a kick out of it. I think he might have actually felt threatened by it's double meaning. He never felt like his life was ending by getting married (good!) but he flat out told me when I gave him that shirt,

"You're kidding me right? You do understand there will be gaming still after we get married?"

Ugh. I won't recapture my response.

But anyways, the gamer proudly displayed his shirt the day before we were married:
And I proudly displayed by pre-wedding fake tiara. Yeah, it was an awesome day!

He hasn't worn the shirt since, but a year after we were married and I started this blog, it kind of people the poster idea for what this blog is all about.

Game Over is the gamer's wife anthem.

So I was thrilled to come across a version of the shirt in pink during our travels, and you know I had to get it and proudly wear it all around!
Thanks to my Mac and it's Photo Booth for capturing that picture for me. You know I hated you Mac when I first got you, but you ARE growing on me. Don't screw it up.

**Also, I am a HUGE supporter of marriage. My love of "game over" simply applies to the video game world, and not marriage whatsover!

denial, or ANOTHER 40 days

30 days ago I wrote about my thoughts regarding how I believed in 40 days my life would be more clear. Remember that?

30 days ago I thought May 1st was going to be some magical day when everything just fell into place. That I'd have a new job and a new home picked out.

When we signed our lease last year, we knew it was going to be our last year in Raleigh, and we knew we'd begin moving out that first week in May, giving us ample time to get where we needed to go before our real move-out day of May 31st.

But we had trouble filling in all the details. Job? House? No and no.

And now, May 1st is rapidly approaching, and the clearness I was expecting is not so much. Instead, we've just designed yet another path to take...

Since we don't have to be in Elon until December, technically I don't need to get a job, or find a place to live for quite some time. All I really need to do is pack and get out of Raleigh in 40 days.

I mean, it would be nice. You know, to have an income and a home.

But apparently, right now, the gamer and I are in a bit of denial.

So we are starting a new countdown...

In 40 days,

we'll be in Cancun, Mexico.

Staying at a 5-star resort.

How's that for a turn-around?

quick 10 about THE gamer

I admit I've been a little absent as of late. Since this blog's inception I've remained focused on keeping this a positive-only place. And let's face it, the anxiety I have about our upcoming move is really getting to me. But I'd really rather not dwell on that here, so I decided I'd post a little bit more info about my gamer husband, which is a bit ironic considering he stopped playing WOW almost two months ago, which was the game that led me to develop this blog!

But, as of late, the gamer has decided it is much more fun to get angry at the TV after playing the same GH song, over and over and over again. Thus, I believe as always, once a gamer, always a gamer. I suppose I had nothing to worry about!

And so here are 10 non-game related facts about my hubby, the gamer:

1. Was born in WV, so he is one of the few true dual Mountaineer fans (WVU and App State).

2. He hates cucumbers, olives, cauliflower, mushrooms, and pickles.

3. Is very introverted, but somehow manages to make girl friends wherever he goes.

4. Went on his first commercial plane ride at the age of 22 to Vegas.

5. Favorite movie is Braveheart, and his #1 all time favorite future place to visit is Scotland.

6. Didn't get a cell phone until he was 22 and hated it at first, but you'd never know since he's a mad texter now.

7. Has two older brothers that he swears hated him as a kid, but now they are some of his best friends.

8. Has been best friends with the same guy for almost 15 years (Player #2, or P2 for short).

9. Is deathly afraid of spiders but is learning to kill them as one of his husbandly duties.

10. Absolutely will not argue or raise his voice at anyone, ever.

And as a bonus...

#11. Is slightly embarrased by the fact there is a blog that discusses him as "the gamer."

g-wifey thoughts

Has it really been a week since I last posted? Wow! Well, here's an update about what's been going on in the gamer's wife world!

*In the past week I have had 2 sick days, 2 days off, and 1 vacation day. So I have worked for a total of two days. Technically, I could take a paid sick day every week until I leave my job at the end of May. Should I do it?

*Delaware over the weekend was a blast! Besides 12 hours in the car looking at miles of farmland and smelling chicken poo, I got to go the beach and win a game of canasta with the grandparents!

*Spellcheck apparently does not like the word gamer's. As in gamer's wife. Does spellcheck not think that a gamer could possess a wife? If I type in gamer's games would it say that is correct? Probably. Just to piss me off.

*Breaking news alert!! We have decided on a "moving day"! As of right now, the plan is to float this summer in NC and Delaware, and then plant some roots somewhere sometime in the fall. Unless an amazing job opportunity arises. We have a lot of back-up plans. But Plan A has us moving everything into a pod in few weeks, and then hitting the road with whatever fits in our car for the next few months. If you know me, you'd know this is SO not how I roll.

*If you are from NJ and like to check my blog out a lot, could you please leave a comment and let me know who you are? It's kind of creepy and freaks me out that you've googled my real name.

*This past weekend the gamer and I packed up a ton! I would say we are about 60% packed. Since we aren't planning on moving to a new place right away I am packing with the mindset that I might not see this stuff for months. It's a lot easier for me to throw the gamer's belongings in a box and say, "oh, he won't need that" than it is for my stuff!

*My co-workers seem to ask me on a daily basis if I'm with child. Seriously. The gamer and I have absolutely no intentions of bringing a baby gamer into this world for YEARS. No, my stomach ache is not code for morning sickness. Stop asking - it's rude.

*If you had the choice, would you use money you've saved up for a) new furniture so your house doesn't still look like your old college apartment, or b) VACATION! I'm still debating...

*In 45 days I will be out of a job, and homeless. WOW! If that isn't something to look forward to I don't know what is!

*On May 10, the gamer and I will have been married for two years. It still feels like only recently we were with our families in Vegas getting ready for the big day. Since I didn't have this blog during that time I'll be doing a feature up until that day about the week I became the gamer's WIFE. Stay tuned!

the married gamer decision chart

This flow chart totally made me laugh, so I thought I would share it with you. There was a brief time when the gamer's gaming really got on my nerves. I'd yell and scream for him to STOP PLAYING right now! I can't tell you how many times "just five more minutes" would turn into an hour.

During all my ranting I'm pretty sure the gamer was going through these exact thoughts in his head on whether or not he should quit playing for the night.

Enjoy, and Happy Easter!

You'll have to click on the photo and then enlarge it to view it better!
Photo credit thanks to www.bbspot.com - Married Gamer Decision Matrix

wifey and other code words

You might notice that although my blog is titled the gamer's wife, that my URL has the word wifey in it instead. You see, I would have chosen thegamerswife, but that had already been taken (by someone who wrote one flippin post, never to be heard from again, but I won't comment on THAT). No hard feelings really, because wifey is what the gamer tends to call me anyways.

It's one of our code names for each other.

One of many.

A recent article came out about the importance of cutesy nicknames strengthening the bonds of a relationship. It was really interesting, and discussed how the more pet names and code phrases you have with your partner, the happier and stronger your relationship will be. It explains that having a made-up language or using goofy terms that only you two understand, helps enforce a sense of intimacy in a couple because it becomes a secret between the two of you.

In case you were wondering, I don't go around calling Chris "the gamer" and he doesn't go around calling me the gamer's wife.

And no, we aren't Peach and Toad.

Instead, the gamer calls me by a list of normal names...lots of babe, sweetie, dear stuff. The typical terms that he doesn't feel embarrassed by if he uses them in public.

For the most part, the names Heather and Chris are hardly ever spoken by us.

But we do have a special nickname that we each have for each other. One that we never say out in public. Ok, I lie, if you pay close attention there are times (much to the gamer's embarassment) that I have called him by this name in public. Ok, several times (I'm sorry gamer! haha) He has done a good job of never calling me by my nickname in public, but he does tend to write it on a card once in awhile, effectively forcing my inability to show anyone else (meh).

But I like that it's part of some secret language that we share with only each other. And it's one that I can use against him if he ever decides to play rock music late into the night again, as I can scream it as the intro to a freakout when other gamers are around.

In your relationships do you use a secret nickname that only you two share? Or do you have more public pet names for each other?

go carolina!

In honor of the big game tonight, I present you with...














You know I have to cheer for my home state, and the college of my bff, Ashley! Even though I went to State, I'll be cheering for Carolina tonight! :-D

the gamer's wife freakout

It's true. I lost my cool this weekend.

Up until this point I think I've been a pretty cool gamer's wife. I've been understanding and supportive of the constant gaming, the game speak, the inability to go through a dinner with other gamers without hearing about the newest games and releases, and even the incessant texting each other about their breaking-news accomplishments as they game.

But Saturday night, I had a minor freakout.

Typically one Saturday a month the gamer's bff (I really need a code for this guy - the gamer gets "the gamer" obviously, but what do you call his best friend? Player #2? The Accomplice?) comes over for the night. It's usually a mix between the guitar hero and the xbox, maybe some Wii or something on their laptops.

I'm pretty cool with it. I'm used to the routine. We do dinner together where I typically zone out all the game speak, and then I might play a small bit of GH before I make myself invisible for the rest of the night - playing on the laptop or watching a movie. I always go to sleep much, much earlier than the boys.

Even on the nights when they've come up to bed close to 5am I haven't complained.

But this past Saturday I let the gamer's have it. I went to bed around midnight (which is late for me) and then proceeded to listen to...

tap. tap. taptaptaptap. tap.tap.taptaptapTAPTAPTAP..

for AN HOUR. Nonstop. I was fuming.

I mean, do they seriously think they can beat on the GH drums (to Metallica of all things) and me not hear them?!

Sure, I was PMSing (so maybe the sounds were even more amplified than usual) but I was in the room directly above their beating and you'd think they would have realized that however loud they're being that I'm going to be hearing it too?

So I lost it.

I ripped open the bedroom door and screamed at the bottom of the stairs for them to shut up and stop beating and how on earth could they possibly think they are being quiet, and HOW am I supposed to be able to sleep?!

And then after that rant I promptly slammed the bedroom door, and didn't hear those damn drums for the rest of the night.

But in the process I lost my cool gamer's wife status.

I wonder how to get it back?

friday fragments

I am getting used to doing these every Friday, so I think I'll try and keep up with it. You know me though, I start on a "new project" (um..like Jillian) and then eventually that dies out..Ha.

*Today I am going to Winston. Do you know that for the past six years I have brought my laundry home to Mom to be washed? I know how to wash clothes perfectly fine, but haven't had my own washer and dryer. Every three weeks on the dot the gamer and I return to Winston to wash clothes (and yes, spend time with family!). That means I have to have at least 21 viable outfits at any time. When we move we'll have our own washer/dryer and I can't wait for the week where I can wash and wear the same exact outfit every day if I so choose!

*I found out this week that I did not get one of the jobs applied for in GBO. I was a bit disappointed, but I'm waiting to here something back from the other position before I start applying elsewhere (not like there's anything really available just now). A summer off is looking more and more like the possibility around here, and I'm not quite sure how I feel about that just yet!

*I've had terrible headaches almost every day this week, so this morning I made sure to wear my St. Therese medallion, who is the patron saint of illnesses (so headaches by proxy). Now, I am probably the worst Catholic ever (I mean, I was the 7 year old who stayed up late the night before my 1st reconciliation memorizing the Hail Mary because I didn't know it yet, if that gives you any indication). But St. Therese has never failed me in the 10 years I've been wearing her on my necklace. So headaches? Bring it on! I seriously need to invest in a jeweler making me some "saint earrings" so I could wear them every day!

*The gamer and I are making the long trip up to Delaware next weekend for Easter to see his parents. I am looking forward to finally going up there during a nice-weather month, and am hoping to finally see the beach and boardwalk the gamer always talks about!

*There is a beautiful lake with a bridge and running trail about a mile from our house. There are few spaces in the two small parking lots, so people constantly park along the narrow road which is clearly marked a no-parking zone. For the past 3 years anytime it's nice outside and we drive by the lake it's almost a given that at least 20 cars are parked illegally. And it really irks me. I have always complained that no one is ever ticketed, and I am so angered that people blatantly reject the law! There is a much larger parking lot area about a quarter mile from the lake that people could legally park at. If you're going to be running anyways, what difference does that little extra make? Anyways, last Sunday as we drove by and two officers were ticketing EVERY single car that had parked illegally. Chris and I wanted to high five the officers as we drove by. Thank you Raleigh police for finally doing your job!

*I think I feel Spring outside my office window. YAY!!

mission accomplished

This week the gamer and I finally reached our savings goal.

I never stated how much we planned on saving, but just know that it was a struggle to get where we are at right now and I am so proud of us!

In the past two years, Chris and I have been able to save enough money to pay off my graduate school loan completely, pay off a nice chunk of my undergraduate school loan, and save a nice bit of money for the future. How's that for us newlyweds?!

Sure, we haven't really gone on any vacations, been able to buy all of our wants or go out to eat as much as we'd like, but I suppose it's good prep for our upcoming poor days as Chris spends 3 years in school!

You have no idea how excited I am about this! Especially at a time when we are unsure of where we will be the next six months, or how much we'll be expected to contribute (after the initial loans) for the gamer's graduate school in January, it sure is nice to feel like we have a little to rely on.

YAY FOR US!

where are you spring?

Hello April!

I saw a hint of Spring back in February. Actually, it was more like summer. Chris and I wore shorts, opened up all the windows to the house, and actually were movitated to play tennis before we got too hot :-P

Then, a few weeks ago I saw Spring again. We had a glorious weekend, eating lunch outside and spending time at the Farmer's Market.

And that's it. Two weekends of niceness. For the past two weeks we have been in the low 60s. Some people like that. The gamer sure does. He is most comfortable between 60-65 degrees. I swear, once it turns 66 he complains of being hot.

I, on the other hand, never feel quite warm until it its at least 70. 70 is spring weather to me. Not 60. I'm tired of waking up in the 40s and then it finally hitting 60 mid afternoon before it starts cooling off again.

I want warmth all day!

This is what I hate about living in NC. We will have few 70-80 days. Few days when I feel most comfortable. Instead, we'll go from 60 to 90 in about a week. That's how it happened last year, and for most in my memory. We never really get a spring, and we jump right into Sweltering Southern Summer.

Or maybe I'm just the only one complaining...

Probably.

April? Please be warmer than March. I'd appreciate it.