I'm still here

Hello everyone!

I can't thank you enough for following me on this blog, but I've moved! I've migrated to Tumblr, so if you have a Tumblr (or if you don't it is extremely easy to join, follow and post) please mosey on over and follow me there! Just click on the image below!

Thanks again!

Torchlight - First Impressions

I am bored.

My character is about twenty levels into Torchlight and about twenty levels down and there is quite a lot of repetitive landscape, monsters and battles. So much so that I’ve even second guessed my location, thinking that I accidentally entered the same portal twice.


I do really love the pet aspect. You can choose between a dog (wolf) or cat (lynx) to accompany you into the depths. Along the way you can equip them with two rings, an amulet and two spells (which they will automatically cast). They can also carry a large quantity of items if they won’t fit in your pack and if you send them into town while you are dungeon crawling, they will sell everything in their pack and return with the gold; VERY useful.

I chose a lynx and named him Loki after my own cat to accompany my hero Melissa into the depths under Torchlight. I chose the Vanquisher class because I’ve always been intrigued by ranged combat and combined with my pet, I’ve been pretty unstoppable thusfar.


I was really excited to try out Torchlight and Torchlight II after hearing such great things about the series and I do hope it improves. I’ve never given up on a game yet, and I don’t plan on giving up on this game either, but I definitely don’t feel the urge to play it as often due to it’s repetitive nature.

2014 New Year's Resolutions

Happy New Year! I can’t thank you all enough for your support and interaction throughout this past year!



I believe in making resolutions; they give you the focus to complete certain tasks. Resolutions can be made any time of the year, and should be in some cases, but it’s traditional to make them for the fresh start of a new year and it’s all in good fun!



This year I have created 14 resolutions to complete before next New Year’s Day. Some of them I have already begun to work on and I’m feeling really positive about getting everything accomplished!

1. Find two blog sponsors. 
2. Finish a paint-by-numbers painting. 
3. Get one of my planned tattoos. 
4. Learn and practice Yoga. 
5. Learn calligraphy. 
6. Learn to play the Piano. 
7. Plant and utilize a “Kitchen” garden. 
8. Prepare for pregnancy. 
9. Purchase My Father’s Daughter by Gwyneth Paltrow and try every recipe in it. 
10. Reach 400 subscribers on my blog. 
11. Read 20 novels and/or graphic novels (5 our more must be classics). 
12. Scan and archive family albums. 
13. Solve a Rubik’s cube. 
14. Travel for two year wedding anniversary.

Trine (and Trine 2) - Final Verdict

I have to be honest, I had pretty much completed Trine 2 when I wrote my First Impressions article. Both games were so fantastic that I finished each of them with in a weekend, respectively.


Trine and Trine 2 are fantasy puzzle platform games that challenge the player to beat hazardous puzzles and enemies by creating and using physics-based objects and abilities. Trine begins with the three main characters of both games; Amadeus the Wizard, Pontius the Knight and Zoya the thief, being bound together by a mysterious device (coincidentally called the Trine). You can choose whichever character is best suited for the current challenge or puzzle at any time during gameplay. Zoya is my favorite character to use and I always find myself switching to her the majority of the time. She’s light on her feet, able to grapple onto wooden surfaces and deal ranged weapon damage. Amadeus and Pontius each have unique and useful abilities too; Amadeus can create objects and move objects with his magic and Pontius can perform feats of strength and fight off enemies with sword and shield.


Story elements exist, but the majority of it must be learned from a narrator during loading screens in between each level, especially during Trine. Trine 2 incorporates more storytelling elements through in-game scripted sequences and documents players can find hidden in each level. Both stories are intriguing, but I found the plot-line of Trine 2 a lot more appealing to myself.


Beyond storytelling, these games are audibly and visually stunning. I received the soundtrack with a Humble Bundle and it’s incredibly heroic and adventurous. And while the graphics may not be the most advanced on the market, the designers really put a lot of thought, time and effort into making each area beautifully colored and lit.


And while there are different settings to test your skills, these games were pretty relaxing and enjoyable for me to complete. In other words, no nerd rage over impossible areas or boss fights, just smooth sailing. I didn’t feel the need to compete or prove myself by completing ridiculous achievements or getting a high score, which doesn’t happen often for me, but when it does I appreciate it.


Trine and Trine 2 are definitely worth your time and money for a unique fantasy game experience.

Disneyland!

Mike and Celia

My family and I visited Disneyland this past week and it was marvelous!



My family goes to Disneyland as often as possible, but I never lose my enthusiasm. I have been to Disneyland at least once a year, every year, for almost my whole life. This might sound cliché, but it is my happy place. I have many fond memories of being there (more recently Cameron proposed to me there in the middle of a snow swirled main street at Christmastime) and although the times have changed and the prices have become outrageous, I still enjoy being there with the people I care about.



My favorite time of the year to visit is the fall/winter. The park goes all out for the Halloween, and then Christmas decorations. Christmas is my favorite holiday and it is one of the best experiences for those that love Christmas and Disneyland together.

I was able to get a few shots of some of the attractions, you can see more on my Flickr!

Boo and Sully

Monster Sushi

Angry Celia

Sending Boo Home

She actually said "Cheeeeeeessse"

Ariel's Treasure Trove

Under the Sea

Kiss the Girl

Small World Holiday

Haunted Holiday

Jack Skellington and Zero

Pirate Skellington

The Lady in Red

Trine (and Trine 2) - First Impressions

Here I was thinking I’d play Trine as my Gaming Heartily selection for the month of December, but it was so excellent I finished it in one weekend and moved on to Trine 2...before December ever had a chance to start. So here I am playing both Trine and Trine 2 as my Gaming Heartily selections for the month of December.

Trine and Trine 2 are fantasy action games that challenge the player to beat hazardous puzzles and enemies by creating and using physics-based objects and abilities. Trine begins with the three main characters of both games; Amadeus the Wizard, Pontius the Knight and Zoya the thief, being bound together by a mysterious device (coincidentally called the Trine). You can choose whichever character is best suited for the current challenge or puzzle at any time during gameplay. Zoya is my favorite character to use and I always find myself switching to her the majority of the time. She’s light on her feet, able to grapple onto wooden surfaces and deal ranged weapon damage. Amadeus and Pontius each have unique and useful abilities too; Amadeus can create objects and move objects with his magic and Pontius can perform feats of strength and fight off enemies with sword and shield.

Some of the puzzles can get a little challenging, depending on what setting you select, but overall I find both Trine and Trine 2 to be thought provoking in a relaxing and non-competitive way.

Trine 2 is even more beautiful than the first if that's even possible. The color tones and light quality are absolutely gorgeous.


If you are interested in playing Trine or Trine 2 with me during the month of December, you should be able to find them pretty cheap on multiple sources around the internet, including Steam and Good Old Games.