Fortuitous Friday: Reflections on Father's Day (Nothing to see here, move along)

So it appears from the various calendars that I encounter that Father's Day is around the corner. I keep getting asked what I want and the answer remains the same: nothing. It's supposed to be a 'special day' where dad gets thanked for all the things that he does: a recognition, if you will, for his hard work. I think it's ridiculous, personally, because all those things that a father does, he's supposed to do- especially for his kids.

I take the Chris Rock approach to Fatherhood. If you haven't seen his 'Bigger and Blacker' comedy show (available on DVD and various internet sites) I highly recommend you check it out. In it he makes fun of fathers who make a big deal about 'taking care of their kids'. I've always liked his response: "N***er, you're supposed to take care of your kids."

Don't get me wrong- I'm not opposed to those of you who will take the day to escape and get some me time in. If you get a few extra hugs, a funky tie, and some macaroni-pictures for your fridge, I won't begrudge you those. I get it, I just don't want to participate. Being a father, for me, was a long time in coming (42 y.o. when she was born) and it's something I wanted. I don't need to be thanked for doing what is both natural (being a parent) and enjoyable. I suppose there are a lot of Dad's who stumbled into all this, but not me. I can't think of anything I want because I don't feel that my life has been altered, or hindered in any meaningful way.

Before becomming a father my life was dominated by games, chllin' with the missus, and heading out for pints and food once in awhile. I still play games daily, I still chill with the missus, and though it doesn't happen as much, I still get out for the odd pint when I want to. I like being a father and I see it as my job to do everything I can to be the best that I can be. Thanking me for doing my job is silly. It's like winning the lottery and then getting thanked every year for buying a ticket!

But holy shit it's tough sometimes, isn't it lads? Ha! Enjoy your Father's Day in whatever form you choose and Happy Friday Everyone!

Man Can Not Live On Tanks Alone

No, it's true. I've been primarily playing WoT for a long time now, but I'm always on the look out for cool games to play. I've made a decision to never pre-order, or pay full price for any game so I often wait a long time to try out new ones. I will, however, try really interesting looking indie games that are reasonably priced (less than $15).

I am currently trying Sang Froid, A Tale of Werewolves (half price Steam Sale purchase) which is a unique tower defence game from a Canadian company. I couldn't resist the call of Canada, the 19th century setting, and the supernatural as the baddies, and the price ($8 in said sale). I have next to no experience in tower defence games but I do like this one. The story is hokey (twee) but  I did say it was Canadian and if you have any experience with Canadian T.V. you'll know what I mean (Beachcombers anyone). That said, who plays a tower defence for the story? It's not that bad, however, and it does server to get you from night to night where the real game is.

The real game sees you defending an increasing amount of buildings against wolves, werewolves, sprites, and other nasties. In addition to traps, you can melee, or shoot (with 19th century rifles) the baddies and level up your character (there are two in the game). A lot of good reviews are out there on You Tube, so check them out. It's awfully refreshing to play a game where you're loot is .60 cent for completing the night (19th century prices) instead of purple gear and thousands of gold. I've been too tired lately to play much of this one but so far (6 nights in) I highly recommend it.

Fortuitous Friday: At Least You've Got Your Health

An old phrase and a dumb one I always thought.....untill recently. Eight weeks, four doctors, one lung specialist, three antibiotic prescriptions, two inhalers, thirteen vials of blood, one jar of urine, two lung x-rays, and fifteen sick days later, I'm still not better. It's ridiculous. I was initially diagnosed with pneumonia but now they aren't sure, and they can't rule anything out- including cancer due to my previous smoking history (quit years ago, but still). The chance it is cancer is slim, but there does seem to be a nasty infection 'somewhere' in my body (X-Rays keep coming back clean) with the concern being it may move into an organ, or my bones or something and THAT would be baaaaaad news indeed. I remember working on human remains (bones) that had evidence of nasty infections in the bones and thinking, 'ouch, that's what likely killed this guy'. Hmmmmm...

There is a sligh chance I'll be hospitalized (yikes) this weekend, but more than-likely I'll stay free (and sick) until I get an 'emergency' CT-Scan. I say 'emergency' with the parenthesis because as an outpatient that still means at least a two-week wait. Yes, free universal healthcare is wonderful but you do sometimes pay for it with time (waiting). The plus side to being hospitalized is that I'd get all my tests done very quickly but the downside is.... well, I'd be in a freaking hospital. On days like today where I feel so bad (I was up from 2-3am with chills/sweats, and cough) I think it would be best, but I really hate hospitals (don't we all). Never fear, I've got some coverage above and beyond the basics so I wouldn't be thrown in with the sick and dying plebs on the 'free ward' but still. How would I play any decent games? With everything being on Steam, or online these days, I've lost the art of playing games without an internet connection.

Yes, even sick I worry about my gaming. And speaking of, I've only just realized I played my 10,000th World of Tanks battle last night. I was checking my stats today and saw that magic number. I can't even remember which match it was lol, but I do remember it was a win simply because I always quit on a win.

I've also gone over to the dark side as She Who Will Be Named Later and I have got I-phones (so long Android). So far, I'm not impressed. It's not very intuitive and getting stuff set up is a pain in the ass. The wi-fi range is a joke and needs tweaking so we can use it throughout our own house. I've always said that if soooo many people like something, it must be shit (farmville anyone) and I may be right. Time will tell, and since we have a two-year contract I have to lump it. Maybe I'll grow to love it as much as the other brainwashed idiots apple users. Who knows.

Happy Friday Everyone!