World of Warcraft has pretty much worn me out. I log in for a bit and try to get into it, but no more magic happens. I guess after two level 70's, a level 65, and a level 52 I'm just done. I still love doing instances with my guild, but that doesn't seem like a focus of theirs right now. So I'm thinking of cancelling my account until something changes or a new expansion comes out.

Lately, I've been playing Lord of the Rings Online and that seems pretty cool. So far I have a level 19 Champion and a level 12 Hunter. The Champion is my favorite, it plays like a Gladiator -- high melee DPS, Medium Armor, and no aggro grabbing skills. It's fun for now.

My big wait is for Pirates of the Burning Sea which was supposed to be released June 1st, but was delayed. I'm hoping to get into the beta as they expand it at the end of June. This is the game I've been waiting for for a long time. Pirate ship combat, what could be cooler?

I'm also waiting for Gods and Heroes to be released this summer. It looks like a fun Roman themed MMO. It's party based so each player has a number of minions under his control. It'll be different at least.

So, I'm basically on holding pattern for games right now.

Here's a post I think would be fun. The top eight things about me that no one knows:

1. I am a lifelong Republican, though I voted for a Democrat once (Dennis DeConcini, he was an incumbent and I had no clue who his opponent was)...I learned my lesson.

2. My favorite author is John Steinbeck.

3. My two favorite Barry's in music are Barry Manilow and Barry White.

4. My favorite movie is The Longest Day.

5. My computer wallpaper is a tasteful shot of Monica Bellucci.

6. My favorite WW2 general is Gotthard Heinrici.

7. I love watching Masterpiece Theater.

8. My favorite book is Anna Karenina.

I took a creative writing course this spring. It was a nice introduction class that covered all of the genres, fiction, non-fiction, poetry and a little drama. I loved it! It was nice to get back into the swing of things again, it had been awhile. I'm hoping to take another class soon, but my work schedule may get in the way. I've been saying it for years, but eventually colleges and universities will have to accept that they are service organizations and offer classes when the students can take them. Colleges are a bastion of thick-headed liberal professors who think their jobs are above "common" concerns like making your customers happy. They won't have a choice eventually...

So I've taken the class and now I'm focused on my novel. I've always been good at doing research, but not so good at actually writing the novel. I'm taking a more writing-focused approach to the work and will go back and fix any inaccuracies that arise. I need to get it down on paper. Badly.

My first post in quite a while has been long coming.

What's new?

Well, I'm buying a new house in Tempe. I love it. It's a nice three bedroom townhouse south of ASU. I signed today and get the keys next week I'll have a period of time where I will be busy with home improvements and upgrades. It's already in great shape, the previous owners did some nice work on it.

Top 3 things I'll love about my new place:

1. Being able to listen to my stereo again.
2. Grilling!
3. Designing and setting up my office.

I'll post some pics of the place once I get in and clean it up a bit.