Change and a Challenge

It may be hard for an egg to turn into a bird: it would be a jolly sight harder for it to learn to fly while remaining an egg. We are like eggs at present. And you cannot go on indefinitely being just an ordinary, decent egg. We must be hatched or go bad.
C. S. Lewis

The above quote by the renowned author of "The Chronicles of Narnia" is a great example that everything changes. Without change, we cannot grow and learn. Every experience in our life changes us, good or bad, and whether we are aware of it or not. That being said, there are a few times in my own life that have profoundly changed me and I was well aware of it. Two of my greatest changes in life occurred because of the game Wizard101. I will never forget those who have helped me change for the better because of that game. Thank you Kings Isle for making the game.

The first occurred around May of 2010 I believe. (I said I would never forget the experinces, dates are another matter.) I had requested a run with my favorite team of helpers, Mercenaries for Hire. I had ran with just about all of them on various quests and more than their help, I just enjoyed their company. It was only me and one other Mercenary, the leader at the time, Christo Deathgiver. We had just finished pounding the smoke out of Smogger when he stopped me before I ported back to Reagents Square. We talked for a bit and then he said that it had been decided unanimously amongst the other Mercenaries that I be asked to become a member. I think I played it cool and said, "Sure." but behind the pixels I was thrilled beyond belief. From the Mercenaries I learned not only game tips, but confidence, the importance of teamwork, and that I don't need to apologize for being me. (Still get fussed at for doing that a little..)

Perhaps the most important change I learned from my time with the Mercenaries was the friends I made and the friendships that have developed from my time there. It started with my two best friends, Cassandra Dragonheart and SorceressMiklai. From just those two, I met enough people to fill up my friends list on the game with nothing but purple names. Although I am no longer a member of M4H, it is a part of me and of who I am. I still speak frequently with the current Mercenaries too. They are still the best on Central for help with quests. Always will be.

The second change happened just a few weeks ago when some of those purple names needed help. One of them had some things IRL to take care of and she was a moderator for the podcast Ravenwood Radio. *Waves to Miss Icywiz* She consulted with the rest of the crew and they decided to ask me to sit in for her. I said "Sure." again (hehe). Icy is now back in action and ready to roll. I was grateful for the opportunity to assist the Ravenwood Radio crew but I was also in for a surprise. I was asked to stay on and assist with episode 50 and beyond. You see, Ravenwood Radio is being remodeled and moving to a new location. On iTunes, it is now known as Ravenwood Radio LIVE. Still the same great show, just with a new name and location. I can't wait to see what other surprises Steve, Fallon, Icy, Ditto, and the rest of the crew have in store.

I don't ever plan on being as well known as the rest of the crew, (I am extremely shy) but because of them and what they have given me, I will be proud to be just me. Once again, I want to thank Kings Isle for Wizard101. It has given me so much.


A Challenge

Here is a challenge for everyone. I am sure everyone has friends like mine who give so much joy in life that it is immeasurable. No amount of kindness can ever repay them so I would like to challenge all my readers to pay it forward. Do something nice for a total stranger this week. It doesn't have to be monetary. It can be anything from telling someone they look nice to giving a treasure or card or two if you have extra. It doesn't even have to be limited to the Spiral. Let someone go ahead of you in a grocery line or at a restaurant or help your mom with dishes. (Sometimes her face is worth the work on that one.)

For those of you who are thinking, "What's in it for me?" Let me tell you, it is so so much fun to see someone's reaction to an unexpected gift. I have been called twit by my sister so many times I lost count. Tee hee.

Since I started with a quote about change, I will finish with a quote about giving:

“No person was ever honored for what he/she received. He/she was honored for what they gave.”

– Calvin Coolidge