Merry Christmas to all... and thank you for being here.

I'm talking about add-ons... Which ones are your favorites, or use regularly? For me, it's:

• Auctioneer Suite
• Gatherer
• Atlas
• FreindsFacts
• WoWHead Database for Gatherer
• Azeroth Advisor

In the past I have also used a few others, and the top ones I like, but I am not using right now are:

• Carbonite
• QuestHelper
• TitanPanel

One for me I have tried, and definitely NOT recommend...

• TomTom - It's supposed to be a simple direction plotter. Problem is, I fought with it for over 3 hours, and couldn't get it configured.

What's In Your Game? Are there any particular ones you have found, that are really helpful in your gameplay?

For me, it's A Charlie Brown Christmas. It's was my all-time favorite of the Peanuts classics.

Films I can't stand... A Christmas Story (how many times do I have to hear "You'll poke your eye out"... AAARRRGGGGHHHHH!!!), and It's a Wonderful Life. TV scheduling killed those for me, with the repetitive play.

I had never explored the Borean Tundra as Horde, except as a way to pass through to get to Shalazar Basin. As Allance, and my first Alliance toon to get to Northrend, I took Democogg to Borean Tundra, instead of coming in to Northrend by way of Howling Fjord, as I had in the past with all of my Horde toons. I'm finding more and more I really like the Borean Tundra zone. It's a fun area to adventure in, at least for me as an Alliance convert.

Although I originally started playing WoW as Alliance, most of my play has been as Horde. More and more though, I am coming to appreciate the Alliance. I think that after playing both sides, Alliance is where I am going to stay for now. With Cataclysm on the horizon, and the possibility of playing a Worgen, it firmly cements my decision to continue to play Alliance. Even though I enjoyed my time as the Horde, I always missed the gate of Ironforge, the statues of the Heroes at the entrance to Stormwind, the hallowed halls of the Exodar and the rich tapestry of Darnassus. I missed the Alliance homes, and now that I am back playing there... it's funny, but I don't feel the same way about the Horde areas. I think I've finally made the full circle, and Alliance is where I'll stay. If I were to play Horde toons again, I would play on a different server. Personally, I just don't like mixing my factions on the same server.

Well, with that said... I hit 71 with Democogg last night. I am loving my first Alliance experience in Northrend. I love my guild, and I'm enjoying the play on my server. Fizzcrank Realm is my new gaming home... and I am enjoying it immensely.

Well, I dinged 70 with Democogg this weekend (Saturday evening, to be precise).

Having fun with Borean Tundra. I've never adventured there, so it's been really interesting. Alliance is proving to be a lot of fun again. Horde was enjoyable and all, but I'm sticking with Alliance for now. I have a guild I am really pleased with, and I am enjoying my time playing. What's even a little ironic... a few of the players in the guild only live 1 town over from here.

Well... back to Northrend.

That about says how I feel right now. When you have to make decisions like, "Do I buy someone a gift, or put food on the table?", you know things are truly awful.

Gee, President Obama keep trying to tell us how the economy is strong... but how can it be? When I have to make choices like these, how can it be? When I have to make decisions like I may have to give up playing World of Warcraft, because of the financial woes... how can it be getting better?

When, to buy a simple DVD at about $16, I have to plan 2-3 months in advance as to how I can work it into the house budget... how is the economy getting better? Two years ago, I wouldn't even give it a second thought.

So, I positively dread Christmas... I have nothing to give. I'm spent, both financially and physically. I'm working like a dog, and I have nothing to show for it.

Okay... I did splurge a little. My budget hurts, but I am tired of not having a bit of fun. I'm probably going to pay for it later, but right now I just don't care. I'm tired of having to make decisions that I resent. I work hard, probably harder than I should... and for what? To not be able to enjoy things.

Well... I did it.

Democogg is my first Alliance toon to get to Northrend, and start adventuring. I did a few quests outside of Valiance Hold in the Borean Tundra.

This is the first time I am ever trying out the adventuring there.

Here you go graceysbane...

Okay, now before anyone says I'm a Scrooge, let me say that I do like Christmas, but... There are really only two days I want to be left alone. Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The reason for this is mostly due to the type of work and business that I am in. I work in Retail. Thanksgiving Day, is the day before "Black Friday", the huge, first shopping day of the year. I like to rest and relax with peace and quiet. Christmas Day, the shopping season is over... and the 2-3 weeks of exchanges and returns take place. Not as hectic as the shopping season, but not without it's pitfalls. I like to rest on both those days.

My lady works overnite for the same store... so she hasn't had to deal with the level of people that I have. The store is closed when she is working.

Well, Cece took it upon herself to invite her family over for Christmas dinner... and told everyone I would cook. I'm not happy!!! We have been together for 13+ years, and she knew how much I hate having people over those 2 days... I want my peace and quiet. I spoke with her the other day about not even respecting my wish for privacy and quiet. Well, I told her I will cook... and after dinner is made, I am getting myself something to eat... and shutting myself in my room with the computer. I will have what peace I can manage. I don't care if people think I am being a Scrooge.

I don't want to make merry... I just want my Peace on Earth.

Stolen from Oldwolf:

1. Elaborate on your default icon.
My favorite Muppet, Dr. Bunsen Honeydew.

2. What's your current relationship status?
Living with Cece, my lady.

3. Ever have a near-death experience?
I've had a death, and near death experience.

4. Name an obvious quality you have.
Outgoing

5. What's the name of the song that's stuck in your head right now?


6. Name a celebrity you would marry.
Kirstie Alley

7. Who will cut and paste this first?
Uncertain, except that it won't be Oldwolf... since I got it from him?

8. Has anyone ever said you look like a celebrity?
Nope... at least not to me anyway

9. Do you wear a watch? What kind?
Yeah, a cheap Casio... I need a cheap watch when I'm at work.

10. Do you have anything pierced?
Left ear.

11. Do you have any tattoos?
Heck NO!!!

12. Do you like pain?
Not really, I live with enough physical pain... that at least I can tolerate a lot

13. Do you like to shop?
Sometimes, especially when I'm looking for something special for Cece.

14. What was the last thing you paid for with cash?
Bread.

15. What was the last thing you paid for with your credit/debit card?
My new ATi Radeon video card i got from Newegg.com.

16. Who was the last person you spoke to on the phone?
Karlene

17. What is on your desktop background?
The Fall of the Lich King

18. What is the background on your cell phone?
Starry Night

19. Do you like redheads?
Very much so!

20. Do you know any twins?
Yes... I have twins.

21. Do you have any weird relatives?
All a POV, but I'd have to say YES to that one!

22. What was the last movie you watched?
X-Men Origins: Wolverine

23. What was the last book you read?
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

***

1) How old do you wish you were?
What I am, but less physical problems

2) Where were you when 9/11 happened?
I was working for Walmart then... I was at the morning meeting, when the broadcast from CNN appeared on the Walmart in-house broadcast.

3) What do you do when vending machines steal your money?
I don't use them.

4) Do you consider yourself kind?
Yeah

5) If you had to get a tattoo, where would it be?
Not going to happen.

6) If you could be fluent in any other language what would it be?
Gaelic

7) Do you know your neighbor?
Not really... but does anyone truly know their neighbors?

8) What do you consider a vacation?
More than 2 weeks away from here and knowing that I didn't need to come back anytime soon.

9) Do you follow your horoscope?
Depend on when it strikes my fancy.

10) Would you move for the person you loved?
Sure... and I have before.

11) Are you touchy feely?
YES!!!

12) Do you believe that opposites attract?
They do... Cece and I are very opposite.

13) Dream job?
Owning my own game and hobby shop.

14) Favorite channel(s)?
ESPN

15) Favorite place to go on weekends
Don't really go anywhere.

16) Showers or Baths?
Shower

17) Do you paint your nails?
Why?

18) Do you trust people easily?
Yes... perhaps in some cases too much so.

19) What are your phobias?
None that I am aware of...

20) Do you want kids?
Moot Point... I have children already.

21) Do you keep a handwritten journal?
Yes.

22) Where would you rather be right now?
In bed with my lady.

23) What makes you feel warm and safe?
Snuggling.

25) Are you paranoid?
No... at least I don't believe so. But, if I were, it doesn't mean that they really aren't out to get me... does it?

26) Are you impatient
No... perhaps too patient.

27) Who can you relate to?
Most people

28) How do you feel about interracial couples?
Love is what it is. It has no creed, color or preference. It just is, and it's a choice each person must make for themselves.

29) Have you been burned by love?
Yes... definitely in my first marriage. To some extent my second one as well.

30) What's your life motto?
"If you are not enjoying things, why are you doing it?"

31) What's your main ringtone on your mobile?
Dean Martin - Ain't that a kick in the head

32) What were you doing at midnight last night?
Playing World of Warcraft

33) Who was your last text message from?
Karlene

34) Who's bed did you sleep in last night?
Mine

35) What color shirt are you wearing?
Black, with the Guitar Hero logo on it.

37) Name four things you have on you at all times.
Cellphone, wallet, watch, money

38) What color are your bed sheets?
Satin Sheets - Leopard print

39) How much cash do you have on you right now?
$438 and a hunk of change. Haven't done my bank deposit yet, or gone shopping for groceries.

40) What is your favorite part of the chicken?
Legs... I like the dark meat.

41) What's your favorite town/city?
Boston... I love the mix of old and new.

42) I can't wait till...
The holiday shopping season is over.

43) Who got you to join livejournal?
Did it on my own...

44) What did you have for dinner last night?
Spam Sandwich

45) How tall are you barefoot?
6'1"

46) Have you ever smoked heroin?
NO!

47) Do you own a gun?
No.

48) What do you prefer to drink in the morning?
Tea... usually either Stash Tea Super Irish Breakfast or Stash Tea Double Spiced Black Chai

49) What is your secret weapon to lure in the opposite sex?
Personality I guess. I like dealing with people.

50) Do you have A.D.D.?
No... Ooooow SHINY!!!

51) What time did you wake up today?
6:35am (EST)

52) Current worry?
Work.

53) Current hate?
Work.

54) Favorite place to be?
With Cece.

55) Where would you like to travel?
Ireland... Dublin to be exact

56) Where do you think you'll be in 10 years?
To far away to tell.

57) Last thing you ate?
Hard Boiled Eggs and Spam with Wheat Toast

58) What songs do you sing in the shower
none.

59) Last person who made you laugh?
Rachel

60) Worst injury you've ever had?
Car Accident... I was actually dead twice. on the trip to the hospital

61) Does someone have a crush on you?
Yes... And I do on them as well.

62) What is your favorite candy?
Gum Drops

63) What song do you want played at your funeral?
May It Be - Enya

64) Why do we do these stupid surveys?
Because we all want to fit in... to be accepted.

65) Where did you get this from?
Oldwolf

Something for Christmas... a song that doesn't suck!!!

The realm servers are still down... so a little diversion to pass the time.

I canceled my City of Heroes subscription this morning. It officially expires in January, but it is done. I enjoyed much of my time in City of Heroes... but I also saw a really ugly side of gaming there as well, which was something I never experienced with World of Warcraft. It's funny too, because with far more subscribers to WoW, you would think you would find some of the things I did in that game... but no.

City of Heroes is a fairly good game, but not without it's problems. Map Server issues, daily server restarts, repetitive missions, a weak player driven economy... these are just a few issues which really sent me back to World of Warcraft. Maybe I'm just a little bit spoiled? I say this because my first delving into MMOs was with World of Warcraft. It has become the measuring stick by which I judge other games in the MMO format.

Besides... I'm also a pretty big Blizzard Entertainment "fanboy". StarCraft was for so long my game of choice, along with Diablo & Diablo II: Lords of Destruction. These are the games that slowly started to change me gaming wise, from a primary console gamer to a primary PC gamer.

Well, I'm solidly back with WoW... and I'm happy. I'm in a guild I like and enjoy. It's not without it's problems or flaws, but I am pretty happy with this guild. We have a fun mix of newbie players, as well as some veterans... and we are building a guild from the ground up. Working on the leveling, helping to get players up in level, and teaching them the basics of the game. Helping them to understand that you have to work on things... and not expect them to just be handed over to you.

All in all though... I like my time now in World of Warcraft. Democogg is level 63. I finished out Hellfire Peninsula for the most part, and I'm working on Zangarmarsh. I'm having fun with Warlock, but that doesn't mean I'm not looking at new characters. I'm thinking about a Priest, a Rogue, a Hunter, or a Druid. I don't know right now though... I'm just in the "planning stage". I know I'm staying with the Alliance, but other than that, I am just not sure.

For now though, I'm playing my Warlock, and having fun with it. And right now that is all that matters... I'm having fun, and enjoying myself.

WOOT!!!

I hit my next goal, Democogg got his flying mount at level 60, as planned.

Now, I can do some serious leveling work towards my next big goal...

Getting to Northrend.

Well, here he is... Democogg is now officially in Outland.
He is only my second ever Alliance character to go to Outland, and I never thought I would ever get a Warlock there, mostly because I seem to lose interest around level 25.

No this time though.

I'm really enjoying Warlock, and what's more... I'm loving playing Alliance again. I have a guild I really like being in, we have a good amount of activity (except for the GM right now, mostly due to real life issues... but he pops in to say "Hi". He seems to think things will get better for him in a couple of weeks, but if not... he will be transferring the guild to one of the senior officers), and they are a helpful bunch.

Being in a "leveling guild" is where I've wanted to be all along. Yes, we do plan on doing raids and PvP together, but for now it's just about enjoying the game. It's even a little Ironic that some of the people in the guild live in the adjacent towns to where I live, and a few are right here in my town.

Funny how that works out.

Well, gonna go eat... and then go back to Outland.

I went to Northrend with Democogg last night, to try an experiment. A few members in the guild told me it was a fools errand, but I went anyway.

I wanted to see if I could purchase my Master training skills through the Grand Masters in Northrend, since now Democogg's professions are maxed out at 300 (and BTW, I am still level 56 with him... WOOT!!!). Members of the guild assured me that I had to go to Outland and train first there, before the Grand Master would train me.

Well, as I got the Achievement for Master Cook, Herbalism and Inscription, and I got a few "grats" from some of the guildies, I sent private messages to the players that told me it couldn't be done.

They immediately logged off after I sent them the PM... what a couple of yutzes. Hey, at least I found out it can be done, and now the guild will know as well. To me, that is what was important. Now, granted this means that you have to have the Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King installed... but it was worth it to find out.

So now, Democogg is gaining skill in his Herbalism, but he will only be able to get to about 315 in each before He will have to go to Outland, but at least I will have a head start. I need to still work on my Fishing (and I'm not doing First Aid, I used the cloth for making some money, and Reputation gains).

At least I know now that my theory was correct.

Well, I hit 56 last night with Democogg last night, and his Inscription is at 295. I should easily make my goal of Inscription 300 before I hit Outland at Level 58.

Inscription to me has probably been the easiest leveling I have ever done with a profession. Makes me want to consider it if I ever play a Death Knight, considering they do not start with any professions. I do have one created... just not sure if I want to play one though. I do need to go somewhere like Loch Modan or Westfall though, to farm some "low level stuff" for my Inscription Research though. I suppose I could buy some on the AH, but I am trying to avoid spending money there, so that I can get my flyer by level 60. I'm over half way there now, and I'd hate to lose sight of that goal.

A Gnome Warlock has proved to be a lot of fun for me, and it's made the experience so much more fun. I've never taken a Warlock above level 25 before, until Democogg... and now look, he's so close to Outland, I can smell the green grass of Nagrand.

Democogg will be my first Alliance level 80 character, and although I am thinking about a new character to work on, it's not so much of an important thing. I really enjoy playing around with this toon... it's a lot of fun, and more fun than I have ever had with any other character.

All of the characters I have toyed around previously with have taught me some very important lessons about the game, and have made this one a snap for me. I still find all sorts of new things that I didn't know about... and that's half the fun of it. Still, the game is new in some aspects... and not so new in others. There's a good mix, and it's still got me enjoying it after 3 years of play.

Black Friday was hell...

And it was far worse than it should have been. I hate it when people don't listen to your suggestions, even though you have proven yourself right time after time.

Not looking forward to more of the same tomorrow.

This is from one of my favorite local bands... The Dropkick Murphys.

Brought Cece to the ER last night, she was having extreme difficulty breathing. They wanted to keep her in the hospital, but she refused to stay.

Needless to say, I am a bit worried, and a little frustrated.