Blue Poo 1 2

So my kids have really been into this online game called RuneScape (http://www.runescape.com/). It is basically this medieval cyber-world where you create a character and develop different skill levels as you roam around the world of runescape! You have all kinds of skill levels, from cooking to construction to fishing to fighting to magic and even mining (there are about 25 different skills).

Well, they were so into it that I wanted to check it out and see what it was all about. I thought that if I develop a character, I can see how the interaction between players actually works. I wanted to make sure it was a safe game and a game that I knew about.

I got addicted! It was fun!!! But what is funny is that I played the game totally different than my kids. They just went from place to place developing skills and experiences because they were new. I immediately figured out how to develop a skill that would make me money, and all I did was work on that skill. My goal in the game: to make money. Their goal: to have fun!

Kind of telling, eh!

Well, after 2 months, I am retiring. I made 1.3 mill gp, developed my mining lvl to a 61, my cmbt lvl to 35, and basically nothing else. That being said, I was also able to buy him full addy w/ an h2 shield, as well as full blk w/ an h4 helm and shield. I also got full rune for the other character, even though I couldn't wear it b/c I was only lvl 30 def. I also got them another addy h4 kite. I was gonna buy full addy (g), but it was like 300k. Instead I opted to give both the boys all my money!

It was fun while it lasted, but I would like to give one last shout out to my character: I will miss u Blue Poo 1 2!

Now, one of my kids has taken over Blue Poo 1 2. If u evr c him on, give him something for free! I'm sure he'll say tyvm, or nty, depening on what u offer! :-) Also watch for Panther 2678! He's our other character.

I must say, I'm glad I joined b/c it gave me a better insight into the game and it's potential pitfalls. I was able to talk to the boys about certain things to watch for, certain things to avoid, and how to play the game right. It really was a good thing! I'd definitely recommend playing your kids games with them -- for your kids sake -- and for fun!! :-)

Smith Mountain Lake

I love lake vacations! We've been doing the ocean for the last 5 years, and we're doing it again next week. But 2 weeks ago, we went to Smith Mountain Lake, and I was reminded how much I love going to the lake!!!

Our friends, Cliff and Heidi Ludwig, invited us out to a lake house where they have a boat and their own private dock, along with two jet skis. It was awesome!!! We rode jet skis, swam off the dock, went tubing, went cliff jumping, rode the boat to dinner each night, and just enjoyed the lake! Here's a couple pics:

The Hot Dog Tube that Noah and Sammy rode, along with Austin and Alex.

Noah, Austin and Alex actually riding the tube

On our way to dinner

Cliff Jumping! (that's Noah w/ yellow life vest in mid-air)

Travel Team Soccer

Noah LOVES soccer, and plays very well. In fact, he was offered a position on the Travel Team this year. We were all excited (I should say Noah and I were excited)! We went to a practice, talked with the Team Manager, and the Coach, and were ready to join. Than we found out all the games are on Sundays!

All the sudden, we are faced with a decision. Give up our regular Sunday morning attendance and try to find a Saturday service somewhere, or give up Travel Soccer!

To many, this is not a tough decision. To a sports lover, and a father who wants to give my son every advantage at succeeding with everything he does, this was a tough decision!!!

At the same time, we felt strongly that this was going to set a precedent for our values as individuals, and as a family. So we made the tough decision, and we are going to quit going to church! Wait. I mean, we are going to pass on Travel Soccer!!!

When I talked to both the coach, and the manager, they both were disappointed, but also respected the decision. I know it was an important decision for our family, albeit tough! After all, isn't this what determines the path of your life? It's about choosing the right decision.

Someone said something to me the other day, and I laughed b/c it was so simple that it sounded dumb ... but I think it applies here: The right decision is always the best decision!