Belated Valentine's Gifts

Valentine's day was last week. Also happening last week were the crapload of exams, group projects, presentations, and meetings that Theresa and I had to endure.

Needless to say, we barely saw each other let alone had time to do anything.

Oh yeah, so romantic.

Fortunately, we have a week long break right now to catch up and relax. Also due to time constraints and being a poor student I wasn't able to get her much this year.

I managed to grab her a charm that resembles her favorite Team Fortress 2 hat from Fossil. As well as a new computer mouse because her current one is absolute garbage. Now we can properly work together in whatever computer game we chose.

Probably more Team Fortress 2.

I also got her a copy of Bridesmaids because it's the kind of movie I think she'd enjoy. She loves watching movies together and now that I think of it, we have a massive backlog that we still need to get over...

And if you've been paying attention that's only 3 gifts. And if you know anything about me, I love the number 4.

I need a 4th gift.

I however, will.

Usually I like having a food related theme as one of the gifts. I know a lot of you asked why I baked brownies if I don't like them, and if no one in my family likes them. Theresa likes them, that's why I tried to learn how to bake these. I'm considering trying another brownie recipe sometime this week, expand my repertoire.

Taking her out to eat isn't really an option because she considers finer dining to be "overpriced" IF I'm paying. When she's paying, then it's suddenly ok to be eating there. Yeah I know she's looking out for my wallet but a gentleman doesn't let a lady pay, simple as that.

Lastly, I could try and cook for her. Not sure what I'd cook and how I'd be able to do it. Be slightly odd to burst into her house one day unannounced and go "HI DARLING, I'M HERE TO GIVE YOU FOOD POISONING COOK YOU A DELICIOUS MEAL."

Looks legit.

Anyways, I still have time. I'll figure something out. I'll see you guys on Wednesday.

Brb, TF2 Halloween Event Time.

Ok, I think it's pretty obvious to most of my gamer followers that I play a lot of Team Fortress 2. While everyone is scrambling to play Battlefield 3 or pre-ordering Call of Duty 3 I'm sitting back with a game that came out 4 years ago and is still going strong.

I'm also a hat addict. Stop judging me.

In all seriousness I still love this game. The gamemodes and maps are still fun, the addition of the new items allow for more varied gameplay and styles, the characters have unique voices and personalities. Valve (the developer, nothing to do with plumbing) also supports the community and individual modders. Paying commissions to people who either design maps that become popular, or modders who create hats and weapons that catch their attention. I like developers who give back to the community.

And it's not a measly amount either. Valve gives away 25% of the money made from these community contributions which last year was over 2 million dollars. Seriously, there was a guy who made a hat and it was so popular in a 2 weeks he had made 40 grand just like that. Just for making a virtual hat for people to wear in game.

Pretty self-explanatory.

The game is currently Free-to-Play meaning it doesn't cost anything. You start with a basic account and the only requirement to upgrade to a "premium" account is to buy something from the store. There's no pressure to, you can play just as fine with the basic account and the only ways you are disadvantaged from a premium account is superficial.

If you have some FPS experience you can charge right in and start kicking butt. If you feel uncomfortable playing in a server right away you could always play through the handy tutorial as well. The reason why I'm kind of promoting the game right now is because the much anticipated Halloween Event just came out and I'm kind of giddy with excitement.

Last year we got to fight this pumpkin guy. This year we get a flying eye.

As usual, Valve has released a silly comic on their blog and it's the kind of stuff expected from the TF2 universe. I think it's a breath of fresh air, the cartoony look that doesn't take itself seriously compared to all the gritty, dark "realistic" games that dominate the market today.

I'd give you guys my Steam ID so you could add me to your friend's lists but mine is full at the moment. :( If you have time, I seriously suggest you try TF2 out. There's no risk at all, the game is being patched and updated on average every 2 weeks. The community is USUALLY very nice and friendly despite what I said about Russian kids a few posts back.

And now if you'll excuse me, I'm going to spend some time with my girlfriend playing our favorite shooter. If you have any questions about TF2 I'd be more than happy to answer them.

This is her favorite hat in the game, I don't know what to say to her some days.