The previous post is On the hunt, II.
The next post is Premature Immolation.

No Kill Bill signed in to Xbox live · Aug 28, 09:33 PM

Saturday was a lot of fun, and left me very, very guilty.

[ BEGIN LONG ORDEAL YOU DON’T REALLY NEED TO READ ]

After a morning of agonizing over a roommate decision that had already been made for me, I just didn’t yet know it because I was too uncertain to call, after that I decided to buy an Xbox 360. Right then and there. Except that my “there” was here in Newport, and neither the local Walmart nor the nearby Game Stop had the new model in stock yet. It hasn’t been officially released (and may never be, just like the upcoming Falcon motherboard which people are drooling over like it matters).

So I had to drive off-island, which is as far away as Istanbul or the North Pole once you’re a Newport local. At six I set out for a Best Buy 30 minutes away in Warwick. I drove west across the Newport Bridge, across Jamestown and it’s bridge, and then drove myself right back: (a) traffic was backed up at least 15 minutes at the exit to US1, and (b) I hadn’t confirmed that the Best Buy actually had the new model. I drove around more (another Game Stop on-island confirmed not having the new model), then went home briefly before leaving again for the Best Buy.

There was no traffic now, and it was getting dark, but I had plenty of time to spare. Except that I miss-remembered my directions (which were scrawled correctly on a piece of paper in my hands) and drove off the wrong way for a 20 minute detour.

Oh dear. This story is sucking something dull.

[ END LONG ORDEAL ]

In summary:

  1. I bought an Xbox 360.
  2. I picked up a Halo 1 & 2 and Lego Star Wars II.
  3. I signed up for a year on Xbox Live.
  4. I felt really guilty.
  5. I now “own” a number called my Gamerscore. The mere thought of increasing it consumes a small portion of my brain and activates my pleasure center. What I will be saying in a couple months: “Gamerscore, I wish I new how to quit you!”

To assuage my guilt, I concocted the following excuses:

  1. Can seduce new friends with co-op play.
  2. Will use Halo 3 and Gears of War to keep in touch with Chuck.
  3. Need hobby that’s not because-it’s-good-for-me.
  4. Purchase balanced by choice of new living situation.
  5. Must defeat my cousins at the next reunion.

Maybe I’ll mention that Burning Man started yesterday. I am SO glad I chose to stay here—not because I don’t want to be there, but definitely because this is a seriously critical week at work. Besides, if I had flown out to Reno last Friday I wouldn’t have met Lynn.

The new housing situation is looking ready to rock. More later.

EDIT Comments disabled due to spam robots EDIT

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  1. You made a very wise decision…and the Achievement points will consume your soul regardless of the strength of your will.

    Just add ‘Powerslave’ to your Friends List so our souls can atrophy together.

    — Ed    Aug 29, 08:28 PM    #

  2. Hey, did you hear about the early burning of the Burning Man??

    — Katie    Aug 29, 10:43 PM    #