How Gaming Helped Me Understand Women

Ok, so this is really a misleading title. I don't understand women, but I learned something through video games that has given me insight into a particular area (not sure if I could be more vague).

To the uninitiated, the title seems like a contradiction. It is not the actually gameplay that has taught me; rather, the purchasing of games that inadvertently provided the lesson. Bare with me as I map this out.

Through various relationships with women, I have often been in the situation where a female feels compelled to show me her newly purchased clothing items. Some situations have been more enticing than others when I've experienced the fashion show (wink, wink nudge, nudge). Through all of these experiences, I have never understood why buying a plethora of clothing on sale that you may or may not use was a good idea. You are still spending as much money as though you bought a few items that you actually really want or need. I have over the years been better in not providing my opinion on this topic, which I erroneously thought was the superior perspective.  

I am a t-shirts, jeans, and sandals guy. I don't understand buying more than is needed. If I need a pair of jeans, I go straight to the section, if there is a sale, good, but otherwise I find my size, take them to the counter, purchase, and go home. None of this buying seeming superfluous items because they are hanging precariously on the sales rack. Just because you bought a clothing item at a drastically reduced price does not mean it has any more significance/potential because you know Goodwill or Salvation Army are going to get it near enough to brand-new because of your sale-purchase.

Exhibit A

Exhibit B

I will concede that I have spent a lot of time show shopping before for a new pair of motorcycle boots. Yet, it is playing video games on my PC that the interesting parallel can be drawn. There is a platform called Steam that is a digital distributor of video games. You sign up for free, and can purchase games that are strictly digital downloads- no hard copies to loose or damage. You download the application on any computer, sign in, and your library is at your disposal to download. Steam has sales regularly. On top of this revolving sales, there are the seasonal sale. Hundreds of games are up to ninety percent off regular price. . We are not talking about the boring or bad games that no one really wants; rather, many titles that I did not want to pay the $60 when it was first released. During the seasonal sales, I have to stay away because I will scroll through and fill up my virtual cart. 

As of this writing I have 87 games via digital download. I have approximately six games downloaded to my PC and one game downloaded to my Mac. I generally play one to two games a week, usually the same games for an extended period of time. I now know how women feel when they see a clothing sale. There is something compelling about spending less and getting more items. The problem is it pulls you in and next thing you know you are blowing loads of cash for a bunch of stuff you don't necessary need.

One evening after a particular over indulgent purchase, I realized the connection. Instead of a significant other, I have to communicate with Madlaugher of my most recent purchases. After listing my most recent 'gets,' I realized that this is no different than the various women that have had to tell me about their clothing purchases. I started laughing- a lot. So thank you video games, Steam, Humble Bundle, GoG, you have enlightened me on an area of female activity that I was previously ignorant.

Until I ramble on again. . . 

An Adventure in Two Parts: Part 2 Shoe Shopping

For Part 1 of this adventure, go here. 

After 615 miles (this is only an approximation as I did not have any of my mileage counters on), late starts, and Atlanta traffic, we arrived to a luxurious setting in the foothills of the Appalachian. Mr. Fred and Ms. Pat, Eric's father and step-mother respectively, provided us with a delightful home cooked meal, beer, and beds to sleep (fluffy, cloudesque beds).

When I awoke in the morning, I was initially confused. I slept so soundly and was basking in the lap of luxury that I did not where I was or if I was still dreaming. A part of me was half expecting/hoping a beautiful women to murmur next to me to ensure that I was sleeping/dreaming. With a slight sense of disappointment, I hopped out of bed and bounded upstairs hoping to witness the grandeur of the rolling hills outside of Mr. Fred and Ms. Pat's home.

The rain that we had hoped to avoid on Saturday was rolling in and across the hills. Overcast, a mist of rain, and fog seemed to be the forecast for the entire day. The 30% precipitation predicted was 100% in effect. My childlike optimism was not abated by what some would consider "bad" or "dire" conditions. I rode along Blue Ridge Parkway in slightly worse conditions this summer (see post here). I have been feeling more confident in my riding abilities and believed with care the day would provide safe, clean, wet fun.

The plan was to go through North and South Carolina by way of various winding roads. This was actually a last minute change as we were planning of heading to the famed Dragon's Tail, which was the impetus to this adventure. However, with the conditions as they were we thought it best not to attempt such a challenging road.

Eric loaded up his GPS with a different route and we were off.

The roads were fun, but at some point Eric should have turned left and turned right, or vice versa. Nevertheless, we ended up doing a large three hour circle that brought us to Dahlonega, GA, about 15 minutes from our start point in Big Canoe. Unsure of exactly where we need to go, we ventured to find appropriate directions.

Through a series of probing inquiries, we ascertained the geographic coordinates of an establishment that could provide pertinent information. In other words, we walked into a boutique and they told us to go to the local motorcycle shop.

What started as a 10 minute information gathering session turned into two hours of "should I buy the Sidi Charger, which they have in my size, or wait and order the Sidi Adventure Rain. Decisions, decisions. . . I mean on the one hand the Adventure Rain. . . " Side information: Sidi is a brand of Italian motorcycle shoes. They are high quality shoes. I'm sure I mentioned they are Italian shoes. At some point, I pulled Eric aside and made him listen to my pro-con list. I have never cared about clothing in my entire life. I spent most of my life in jeans, various t-shirts, and sandals. Yet, I become an indecisive prima donna when shopping for motorcycle shoes.

Once I got the shoe shopping out of my system (I ended up not buying the shoes that day), and realized that I had wasted hours, we made a plan. Essentially, Eric's wrong turn prevented us from entering North Carolina, and my shoe shopping prevented us from entering South Carolina. With our limited time, we decided to find some lively roads in and around the area.

I took the lead when we left Riders Hill. Coming up on a section of road that we knew would be difficult, traffic came to a standstill. There was an accident ahead of us. It was bad, but did not appear to be fatal. Eric pulled up next to me and I could see fear and anxiety mingling in his eyes, which would be apt in this situation. He stated that he was nervous, but would follow me if I wanted to continue. There was a moment that I thought it might be wise to turn around and head safely back to the storage unit to the cozy confines of our accommodations.

Yet, I had no real intentions of turning back and wanted to conquer the fear that was brewing in my chest. I wanted to dig down, find that nagging fear, kick it in its proverbial testicles, and later drink a scotch in celebration of vanquishing my foe. Lads and Lasses, I enjoyed the hell out of some scotch later that night.

Epilogue Bullet Points

- I slept so well that night. Shoe shopping and motorcycle riding wears a person out.
- I headed back Monday, solo.
- I completely circumvented Atlanta, GA
- I traveled approximately 1,600 miles in total

Until I ramble on again. . .

P.S. Eric has been recording our trips on his GoPro. He posted a video that is a collection of photos taken every 10 seconds or so from the side of his motorcycle. You can watch the video here, and see our riding conditions.