Hello! Welcome to Gamer Girl Confessions. For those that haven’t been here before, I’m Chestnut! I talk a bit about a lot of different nerdy things here, so I hope you find something that you connect with! I am today’s host for the Blaugust Promptapalooza, hosted by the ever-amazing Belghast. Today’s prompt is, “Tell us about a person(s) or thing(s) that has greatly influenced you.”

Before I get into my prompt, I want to give a quick shout out to Heather of Just Geeking By for sending everyone over here with her prompt. I also want to introduce tomorrow’s prompt-bearer: Syp! Syp’s blog, Bio Break, is something that has influenced me to try and be a better writer and blogger (look at me tying in the prompt!), so I am honored to be able to introduce such an amazing blog and human being to those who may not have had the luck of reading his content!

Also, a quick Content Warning before I tackle this prompt myself: This post discusses depression and may tackle the plethora of things that can go with it, including suicidal ideation. I am okay/safe, but depression and anxiety are two things I don’t shy away from discussing on this blog in an attempt to normalize a condition that many (including myself) deal with on a day-to-day basis. If this makes you uncomfortable, please don’t force yourself to continue reading.

Sailor Moon

I am a Moonie (see 4) for life. I thought I’d discussed this before in the blog, but upon some scrolling and searching, it seems I haven’t actually discussed this in length. So perhaps it is something that I’ve mentioned on Twitter in passing. Regardless Sailor Moon is something that has greatly influenced me, because Sailor Moon saved my life.

As a pre-teen, I had the unfortunate experience of discovering my anxiety and depression (genetics, man…), but not having the words to describe them, or the people in my life to try and listen to what I was going through to get me help. I didn’t know what to do with myself, or how to make it go away. But you learn early to pretend to be okay so that you blend in. I was in a bad spot, and I didn’t have many friends in school as the fat girl.

I found myself in a dark place, but something that drew me out of that was Sailor Moon. In a way, it became a sort of obsession (and has remained one, to a degree). But that’s only because it was something that made all that pain go away, even if only for the 20 or so minutes it was on the television. I timed my days around Sailor Moon, ensuring that I was up early enough before school to catch an episode, and that my homework was as complete as possible before it came on in the afternoons after school so that I wouldn’t get in too much trouble if I watched it.

I even role played as various characters online for years (and that’s in fact how I met one of my two best friends whom I’ve known over 20 years, now). As an adult, I still very much enjoy everything Sailor Moon. I won’t say goodbye to it, because it kept me alive as a pre-teen and teenager. That little bit of light of Sailor Moon in my day kept me from ending my life multiple times. So it will always remain a very big influence in my life.

I had other thoughts on things that have been big influences in my life. My journals, stickers, my internet friends (whom’ve helped me through some rough times in my life, and I again wouldn’t be here without them), but I think the overall biggest influence in my life really is Sailor Moon. So, I’m going to leave it at that.

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And show off my Sailor Moon ink, too, of course. It’s my first of many planned Sailor Moon inspired tattoos!

Seriously Geeky Sundays is a new weekly blogging prompt put together by Heather of Just Geeking By. The idea is to answer some questions about various topics. The nice thing is that she gives you all of the prompts for a month up front so you can decide if you’d like to participate in particular ones, or go ahead and start scheduling posts for Sundays to answer the questions.

Kings and Queens

I think this set of questions are going to be difficult for me to complete because I don’t consume a lot of media with royalty in it, but I’m going to try!

Who is your favorite female royal character?

So figuring out the answer to this one took me longer than I wanted to. I had to eventually settle on Queen Nehelenia. Don’t get me wrong—I love me some Neo Queen Serenity, but I always loved the villains in Sailor Moon more than the main cast. To the point of making a Geocities fan-site dedicated just to all of the villains, including the single-episode monsters of the week. Yes, seriously. I think it was the goth-aesthetic that they all presented that captured me more than the story of them. I would have chosen Wicked Lady for this question, but I don’t think that she was technically classified as royalty, even if Chibi-Usa technically is. While I enjoy the Black Moon Family arc, Queen Beryl was never as interesting to me as Queen Nehelenia. Honestly, the whole Dark Moon Circus arc was more interesting in general.

Who is your favorite male royal character?

Mmf, there was some serious lusting after Prince Diamond as a young girl. Earrings, white hair… Needless to say, this line just got better with age.

Who is your favorite royal couple?

I thought long and hard about this one. It was a tough call. Do I choose more Sailor Moon characters? Do I partake of another fandom? I ended up deciding to mention another fandom. While the movie is nothing like the book, I have a soft spot for Stardust. It’s one of my go-to movies when I’m feeling down, and I need something to cheer me up. So my favorite royal couple is actually Tristan and Yvaine. (Plus Charlie Cox, I mean…)

What is your favorite story line involving a royal character?

This was another tough one, but I decided on one of my favorite book chronicles. The Hythrun Chronicles by Jennifer Fallon. The Wolfblade trilogy within the Hythrun Chronicles has some of my favorite characters, and Marla is a pretty intense character that I can’t get enough of. I should add all of those books to my reading list and pick them up again, soon.

If you could live in any fictional royal residence, which one would it be?

I honestly have never thought about living in a royal residence. Any time I think about living in a fictional residence, it’s always some witchy cottage filled with plants and cats. So I sadly have no answer to this question.

The main character of the last fandom you experienced just became King/Queen of their universe; how do they react?

Oh goodness. I most recently watched some Stargate: Atlantis, which happens to be an ensemble cast. So there’s no true main character in the series. Besides, nobody can beat Harry Maybourne as a king. And the one and only time I’ve seen Wayne Brady not be the one making jokes.

This is post 10/31 for Blapril. You can find out more and sign up at Belghast’s original post. You can view those participating on Twitter via the Twitter list I put together. Nogamara of Battlestance has put together an RSS feed of all Blapril participants.

Pre-orders for the Sailor Moon Zine ARE OFFICIALLY LIVE!
Retweet this post to be entered into our giveaway! Support the creators and purchase your copy of the Moonlight Zine today: https://t.co/3R2SaZCPkS pic.twitter.com/jTRE8poKVh

— Moonlight Zine (@sailormoonzine) August 9, 2018

I honestly don’t remember how I stumbled on it. But there it was, in my Twitter timeline—a Sailor Moon zine. First thought: “Holy crap! A zine! I haven’t seen zines, since, like, high school!!” and second thought: “IT’S ALL ABOUT SAILOR MOON AND THERE ARE PHYSICAL GOODIES AND I NEED THIS IN MY LIFE.”

I don’t get hyped about many fandoms, day-to-day. I have a lot of interest in various fandoms, but there are none that get me excited like anything Sailor Moon does. My obsession with Sailor Moon knows no bounds. If I could have every single thing both officially and unofficially created that was even remotely Sailor Moon themed, I would.

Though, to be completely honest, I’d buy it just for the Black Lady content. She has always been my favorite Sailor Moon character. I don’t particularly have a favorite Sailor Senshi; I suppose by extension it would be Chibi Usa. But there’s just something about Black Lady that has always called to me. I consider her of “waifu” status.

If you browse the official Twitter or Tumblr for the Zine, you can get previews of some of the artwork featured, and I’m super excited.

There’s a contest to win a copy of the zine, but I personally think it’s worth purchasing, regardless of which package you picked. I ended up moving money around in my budget and picking up the Galaxy bundle, because I think it’s important to support all of the work that’s gone into this.

…And also because I really want all the pretty things that come with it.

Art by Momo-Deary

Favorite holiday movie?
White Christmas is away and by far my favorite holiday movie in existence. I’ve always loved the movies that my Grandmother would play for us as kids (1950s movies and the like), and White Christmas just stuck with me. Plus, it’s Bing singing great songs.

What are 3 things on your wish list this year?
The Saga graphic novels collection, Sailor Moon Season 1 DVDs, and Sailor Moon graphic novels. Two of which I received from Chaide for Christmas, and one from my brother. I feel very lucky that they got me them. I may or may not have squeed a bunch over all of it.

Why yes, I do have a Sailor Moon addiction. Problem?

Does it snow where you live? 
Not usually. Living in the south pretty much guarantees it’s a rare occurrence. But when we do get snow, it’s Snowmageddon.

Which winter holiday do you celebrate?
I was born and raised Catholic, so I grew up celebrating Christmas. While I consider myself more spiritual now, than following any particular religion, we still celebrate Christmas. However, I really just enjoy the season and that it tends to bring out the best in people–which really is the true meaning of the Holidays.

Worst gift you’ve ever gotten?
For Christmas? Uh, I’m not sure. I don’t think I’ve ever thought, “this is a terrible gift”. I’m always thankful that people take their time to get me something, because it’s definitely not a necessity.

Biggest pet peeve about the holiday season?
Aside from it “starting” before Thanksgiving? (Which is completely my biggest pet peeve in existence–let each holiday have its own time to shine without overlapping!) The fact that people get all righteous over the holidays. Not everyone is Christian, or Jewish, or Pagan. And while not everyone of these faiths gets uppity, the few that do are very vocal. Why can’t we all just get along and be decent human beings to each other, which is the prime teaching in every single religion?

Favorite seasonal song?
I think it goes without saying that it’s Bing’s version of White Christmas.

Would you rather it be cold and cloudy, or be kind of warm out?
I prefer cold and cloudy. Because maybe we’ll get some snow that way.

Hot chocolate or eggnog?
I used to adore eggnog when I was younger, but I think I’ve just grown out of it. I’d give it a try if it were that homemade stuff, though. Hot chocolate would have to be my answer–though it’s a year-round thing.

Favorite thing to wear during the holiday season?
Leggings! Even though I’m plus size, I love to wear leggings. Though I usually wear them with dresses because who needs “winter dresses” when you can wear summer ones with leggings?!

Anybody you’re hoping to bump into under the mistletoe?
I think mistletoe is kinda dumb. Always have. Always avoided it, and still do.

Embarrassing holiday story?
I don’t know of any embarrassing ones. Though I do remember in middle school one of the few times we had Christmas Eve at our house, my grandpa had a heart attack and had to be carted to the hospital in an ambulance…

Favorite holiday treat?
One of my grandmothers makes these “ginger cream” cookies that are to die for. But I can’t share the recipe with you–it’s a family secret. But seriously, they’re this molasses cookie with spices and icing and they’re soft and oh-so-tasty.

Latest you’ve stayed up on New Year’s Eve?
I’ve done the ball drop a couple times. Honestly, it’s not my thing. I’d rather stay up and play video games. Which I think is the plan this year, too!

Favorite holiday character?
I honestly don’t know that I have one. I can only really think of the Grinch and he’s not a favorite or anything.

Do bird boyfriends count as holiday characters?

What are you doing for the holidays this year?
This year we flew up to visit my family for the holidays and spent some time with them, which was very nice. Though I think next time we might make it a bit shorter because the poor cats were so upset.

Favorite pie flavor?
I know it’s a sin, but… pie really isn’t my thing. So no thanks. I’ll take some home-baked cookies!

Your favorite holiday tradition growing up?
My father’s birthday is early December, so we’d always decorate the house for his birthday, and then put the tree up a week or two later.

White lights or colored lights?
Depends on which ornaments we’re using to decorate the tree! And if we’re not doing a tree and just lights, depends on the area and the general lighting/decoration situation.

What tops your tree?
Chaide and I don’t do a tree at home (three cats…), but my parents have an angel topper that my mother made to top their tree.

Candy canes – Yum or Yuck?
I love minty things! Gum, candy canes, soft peppermint candies…

Favorite gift ever received?
Just being able to visit my family for the first time in 2.5 years was pretty much the greatest thing ever.

Favorite seasonal activity?
Does staying home and doing nothing but gaming count as a seasonal activity?

Favorite seasonal story?
I don’t really know that I have one…

Which of the “12 Days of Christmas” would you most like to receive?
I’ll take the ten lords a-leaping. Especially if they look like some sexy Otome boys. *fans self*

I can’t wait to play this~

Aywren, one of the Blaugust participants, posed an impromptu writing prompt on her blog asking:

Do you have a game you feel changed your life? Blaugust about it!

Contrary to how I view gaming now, gaming was not a big part of my life growing up–I classified myself more as a geek and nerd than anything (and I still do, don’t get me wrong). But it’s not like I didn’t game, either.

As I’ve mentioned before, it’s not like gaming wasn’t a part of my life growing up. I played Berenstain Bears on 8-inch floppy while in pre-school. I was one of the first kids with a computer in school. But while gaming was something I did, it wasn’t as big a defining part of my life.

I loved to game–I played Pokemon on my gameboy; I played Mario Kart on our N64; I purchased a PS2 to try out various games… but they weren’t the only thing I did.

What girl growing up being born in the 80s didn’t want to marry Jareth?

As a kid, I mostly read. And if I wasn’t reading, I was watching a fantasy or sci-fi movie (that wasn’t too scary). And when I wasn’t watching a movie, I was out in our back yard, pretending to be in the fantasy world–whether it be near the trees or in the pool. I mostly saved video games for when I was out with my parents and bored, or when we had friends over. Sometimes my brother and I were allowed to play the N64 together, but it wasn’t very often. Looking back on it, my parents were pretty strict with monitoring our play time as kids (not that it bothered us much as we had other outlets).

As a teen, while I played more games on the PS2, and kept playing on the N64/Gameboy video gaming was not a defining factor of my life. Again, I was a big reader. I was also very involved in my high school–I was in musicals, and plays, and band, and choir. I even wrote for the school newspaper for two years. I was in lots of clubs, and was involved in community theatre during the summer, as well as working various summer jobs.

My favorite Sailor Moon villain.

While I spent a lot of time online, it was mainly writing fan fiction (primarily song-fics), or working on a Sailor Moon Villains website (I was kind of obsessed–and I still am!), or creating dolls (you remember those–they were pixel models without hair or clothes or sometimes eyes, and you had to digitally add everything), or designing websites for fun, or lots and lots of chatroom RP.

It wasn’t until I hit college in 2005 that I really started to get into gaming. I joined some clubs and started using my PS2 more. I started playing more games with my (now) best friend, and we would have girl-nights where we’d play games, watch movies or anime, and binge on pizza. Despite this, no one game caught my interest as something that would keep me gaming consistently. When we gamed, it was mainly multi-player games, and if they weren’t multi-player, we’d take turns when one of us died. While I remember having fun with all of them, none of them quite left an impression on me.

When I transferred to a different college in 2007, I discovered World of Warcraft. And that is a story of it’s own. So look for Part 2 later!

Off to the Races

The one thing I was looking forward to the most at the saucer was the Chocobo Racing. And I found out I kind of suck at it. Most of the time I ended up in eighth place.

I did win once, but I call it luck based on how terrible I was doing the rest of the time.

The animations for winning are so adorable. I’m looking forward to getting some more racing in to learn the tracks and figure out Stamina management better. I’m also looking forward to breeding, though I don’t particularly want to retire my current Chocobo because I love her name.

Yep, that’s right. She’s named after my favorite Sailor Moon character–Black Lady. Speaking of Sailor Moon, I want to start watching Crystal again (too bad it’s blocked at work). I’ve only watched the first two episodes, so I might sit down and watch them again and write a blog post on them. I’d also really love to get the mangas eventually. Maybe they’re online somewhere for free…

WildStar

We played a lot of WildStar this weekend. Saturday evening was “Dungeon/Adventure Day” where we ran about ten total dungeons/adventures with all of the groups that we had running in-guild (not all at the same time, mind). Sunday we did much of the same, plus some dailies. It was lots of fun to hang out with guildies and start back up on finishing the reputation for Crimson Badlands.

On one of the dungeon runs, we had the Torine Headdress mount flair drop, and I happened to win the greed roll. It looks quite fabulous on my War Woolie. He now has a feather crown.

QueueTimes

I’ve been enjoying creating Let’s Play videos so much that I’m going to be doing a Let’s Play of Shadowrun: Returns (and the player-created campaigns) weekly over at QueueTimes! There’s a lot of great folks over there from the WildStar and gaming community in general, so you should check them out.

Chaide and Chestnut Play TSW (With Cam!)

Speaking of Let’s Play videos, I’ll be adding another to the repertoire here on the blog. Chaide, Camara (a guildie from WildStar) and I have all picked up The Secret World and are playing together, so I’ll be posting those every so often here as well.