FFXIV - BETA Again

I was only able to test FFXIV Beta once this weekend. Time has been flying and I've gotten much busier. However, I was able to play for a minimum of 2 hours. It's not much time. This BETA lasted longer than the others. I missed out greatly.

This run? I decided to finish up quests, take on new quests. I did travel a bit further in the map than I had before. I got new crystal points and learned Teleport. I died probably 4 times trying to finish quests. I didn't take aggro, but the mobs I took on for the quest kicked my butt. I was having difficulty attacking this day. Auto-lock was not working as it should. My hunt log has been filling up. What's great in the game is you don't have to sit and heal. You gain your HP back as you move on to next mob or back to town. You're not quite so vulnerable like in FFXI.

I bought some new gear because a quest required me to. Also, I learned how to check your messages. I had 2 messages that I couldn't for the life of me find how to read them. There's a moogle in town that allows you to. In FFXI, you had to go thru PlayOnline viewer to read your messages. I also haven't found how to take screen shots. So I take the pics with my phone. I only took one glamor photo this run. I like my character. She's pretty.




Next time.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn - BETA

So I had an opportunity to beta test the new Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn (FFXIV), this & last weekend. I had played the original FFXIV for a very short time. Both games are a MMORPG (massive multiplayer online role playing game). This type of game allows you to play with people around the world to accomplish tasks within the game. Since it's social, you get to meet people and have fun. You also encounter the hardcore gamers who are all about hardcore gaming; only seeking folks like themselves. 

The original FFXIV startup was very displeasing. You are thrust into battle without knowing what the hell was going on and had to keep two in-game characters alive. I started that game twice. This new version is completely different. The opening story is different. You can suffice it to say, this new one is a completely new story and game.

What I liked:
1. Like all the FF games, I love the graphics. Square Enix make kick ass graphics.
2. Scenery is beautiful. The world is beautiful.
3. The game seems like it is built for both the casual gamer and the hardcore gamer. You can play alone too. From what I tested, it doesn't have to be a time sink.
4. Quests now give experience points.
5. Quest people have tells. Map on the screen. Some of the same functions from FFXI carries thru to this game. All this makes the game a bit smoother.

What I didn't like:
1. So far nothing.

The characters from the game are similar to FFXI. There are Hyur (humans), Elezen (elvaans), Roegadyn (galkas and has a female version), Miqo'te (Mithras and has a male version) and the cute little Lalafell (Tarutaru). 

In FFXI, I was Elvaan. In XIV I chose to be a Mithra. I hope the normal assumption in XI that Mithra girls are really guys do not apply. Hopefully guys will pick the male version. 



Gameplay is pretty easy with onscreen assistance. I don't know if they will be on in the final version of the game. They may be just for the beta so people know what to do. There a lot of stuff on the screen too. The macros of old are now on the bottom of the screen too. 

My husband and I are thinking of maybe joining the game when it's full time. I'm also hoping I get to keep my character from all the betas to the live game. 

If you are looking for me in the future, I'll be on the Cactuar server. Most people know me as Tigerkirara on XI. My name is Tigerkirara Junkie on XIV. This goes to show that I'm married to the guy who's surname on is also Junkie. 


I used to have a blog dedicated to my adventuring in FFXI, but I don't think I will for XIV. I'll probably post them here on this blog. This blog us all about gaming & technology. Just look for the tag, FFXIV for all posts related to the game.  Until next time. 

Do Onto Others

Whether the following is true or not, it is a beautiful story!!!


Good morning said a woman as she walked up to the man sitting on the ground.

The man slowly looked up.

This was a woman clearly accustomed to the finer things of life. Her coat was new.. She looked like she had never missed a meal in her life.

His first thought was that she wanted to make fun of him, like so many others had done before.. "Leave me alone," he growled....

To his amazement, the woman continued standing.

She was smiling -- her even white teeth displayed in dazzling rows. "Are you hungry?" she asked.

"No," he answered sarcastically. "I've just come from dining with the president. Now go away."

The woman's smile became even broader. Suddenly the man felt a gentle hand under his arm.

"What are you doing, lady?" the man asked angrily. "I said to leave me alone.

Just then a policeman came up. "Is there any problem, ma'am?" he asked..

"No problem here, officer," the woman answered. "I'm just trying to get this man to his feet. Will you help me?"

The officer scratched his head. "That's old Jack. He's been a fixture around here for a couple of years. What do you want with him?"

"See that cafeteria over there?" she asked. "I'm going to get him something to eat and get him out of the cold for awhile."

"Are you crazy, lady?" the homeless man resisted. "I don't want to go in there!" Then he felt strong hands grab his other arm and lift him up. "Let me go, officer. I didn't do anything."

"This is a good deal for you, Jack" the officer answered. "Don't blow it.."

Finally, and with some difficulty, the woman and the police officer got Jack into the cafeteria and sat him at a table in a remote corner. It was the middle of the morning, so most of the breakfast crowd had already left and the lunch bunch had not yet arrived...

The manager strode across the cafeteria and stood by his table. "What's going on here, officer?" he asked. "What is all this, is this man in trouble?"

"This lady brought this man in here to be fed," the policeman answered.

"Not in here!" the manager replied angrily. "Having a person like that here is bad for business.."

Old Jack smiled a toothless grin. "See, lady. I told you so. Now if you'll let me go. I didn't want to come here in the first place."

The woman turned to the cafeteria manager and smiled....... "Sir, are you familiar with Eddy and Associates, the banking firm down the street?"

"Of course I am," the manager answered impatiently. "They hold their weekly meetings in one of my banquet rooms."

"And do you make a godly amount of money providing food at these weekly meetings?"

"What business is that of yours?"

I, sir, am Penelope Eddy, president and CEO of the company."

"Oh."

The woman smiled again. "I thought that might make a difference." She glanced at the cop who was busy stifling a giggle. "Would you like to join us in a cup of coffee and a meal, officer?"

"No thanks, ma'am," the officer replied. "I'm on duty."

"Then, perhaps, a cup of coffee to go?"

"Yes, ma’am. That would be very nice."

The cafeteria manager turned on his heel, "I'll get your coffee for you right away, officer."

The officer watched him walk away. "You certainly put him in his place," he said.

"That was not my intent. Believe it or not, I have a reason for all this."

She sat down at the table across from her amazed dinner guest. She stared at him intently.. "Jack, do you remember me?"

Old Jack searched her face with his old, rheumy eyes. "I think so -- I mean you do look familiar."

"I'm a little older perhaps," she said. "Maybe I've even filled out more than in my younger days when you worked here, and I came through that very door, cold and hungry."

"Ma'am?" the officer said questioningly. He couldn't believe that such a magnificently turned out woman could ever have been hungry.

"I was just out of college," the woman began. "I had come to the city looking for a job, but I couldn't find anything. Finally I was down to my last few cents and had been kicked out of my apartment. I walked the streets for days. It was February and I was cold and nearly starving. I saw this place and walked in on the off chance that I could get something to eat."

Jack lit up with a smile. "Now I remember," he said.. "I was behind the serving counter. You came up and asked me if you could work for something to eat. I said that it was against company policy."

"I know," the woman continued. "Then you made me the biggest roast beef sandwich that I had ever seen, gave me a cup of coffee, and told me to go over to a corner table and enjoy it. I was afraid that you would get into trouble... Then, when I looked over and saw you put the price of my food in the cash register, I knew then that everything would be all right."

"So you started your own business?" Old Jack said.

"I got a job that very afternoon. I worked my way up. Eventually I started my own business that, with the help of God, prospered." She opened her purse and pulled out a business card.. "When you are finished here, I want you to pay a visit to a Mr. Lyons...He's the personnel director of my company. I'll go talk to him now and I'm certain he'll find something for you to do around the office." She smiled. "I think he might even find the funds to give you a little advance so that you can buy some clothes and get a place to live until you get on your feet... If you ever need anything, my door is always opened to you."

There were tears in the old man's eyes. "How can I ever thank you?" he said.

"Don't thank me," the woman answered. "To God goes the glory. Thank Jesus...... He led me to you."

Outside the cafeteria, the officer and the woman paused at the entrance before going their separate ways....

"Thank you for all your help, officer," she said.

"On the contrary, Ms. Eddy," he answered. "Thank you. I saw a miracle today, something that I will never forget. And.. And thank you for the coffee."

God is going to shift things around for you today and let things work in your favor.

God closes doors no man can open & God opens doors no man can close..

FML Musings June 26, 2013

Here's another segment of my musings at FML. 

Today, I went to a water park with a group of friends. As I went down the water slide, some complete turd waffle of a kid in the water kicked his leg out in line with my crotch. The moment I hit the bottom was the moment I think I became sterile. FML

Where are the consequences for the kid? Kids are just getting bad nowadays. They have no conscience; nor do they receive any reprimand if they done something wrong. This is why society now is breaking down. Everyone behaves as if there are no consequences. Every action will have a consequence. When I read this, I automatically thought that the kid needs an ass whooping. I think the guy should've reacted automatically and gave the kid a punch. Then he would learn his consequence of his action. However, I would just press charges. Let the kid get the fear of life in him when the cops come to arrest him. 

Today, I went into labor a week earlier than expected. My husband is four hours away on business, and my sister refused to take me unless I paid her $1,000. I had to call 911 and almost gave birth in the kitchen. FML

I say that this girl's sister is a piece of shit. No matter the differences, you should be be there for family in an emergency. I can understand not wanting to deal on a regular basis. I was just shocked at this. I wouldn't wish this on anyone.  Having a baby is a stressful enough time that ends in joy. The sister not wanting to be a part of that is her loss. Hope this woman just gives up trying to be friends with her sister. She doesn't seem to be worth it. Not all siblings have to get along. 

Today, my boyfriend and I had a threesome. He suggested we have another guy. It ended up devolving into a twosome, and I wasn't part of it. FML

Really, you didn't think this will happen? Most straight men want a threesome with "2" women. They have no interest in men or to share their woman with another man. They are selfish creatures. They rather have you and another girl. So a man suggesting another man, he is trying to test his sexuality because he's already iffy about it. Threesomes do not work for committed people though. Someone is bound to feel insecure and go ape shit. They are best to have as a single person. No attachments and you can move on. (No, I've never had a threesome, for those who may think so from my comment. I don't share.)

Today, being near-broke, I resorted to shopping at Walmart. Barely ten minutes in, an obese sack of lard posing as a human being shoved me away from the bacon I was looking at. I fell, busted my lip, then got screamed at by another woman for not watching where I was going. FML

As I said in an earlier comment, society is really breaking down. Where is the compassion for your fellow man? The man was assaulted and the second woman couldn't assist or show any compassion? Basically, nowadays you have to just go on with your life if someone assaults you? I just can't do that. I would assist the guy and get him medical help or even call the police if he wished. What's the use to scream at him for being in my way?  Assist the person or move around them. 

My 1st Anniversary!!

So I made it to my first wedding anniversary on June 16th. I still can't believe that I'm married, yet 1 year into it. I am still very happy. However, it feels like I've been married for over 5 years. Not in the bad way though. It's more like that I am so comfortable and JH is so ingrained in my life that I can't imagine him not in it.

I never felt comfortable, so unrestrained, before him. He has gotten my trust so easily and gotten me to try daring things; stuff I would never have tried.

For our 1st anniversary, we are on a cruise. We are on Carnival Liberty. We were to stop at Cozumel (Mexico), Belize, Roatan Island (Honduras) and Grand Cayman. However due to a tropical depression (very bad weather) we lost ports Belize and Roatan Island (Honduras), but we got Ocho Rios, Jamaica to make up. It would've been nice to add another stop, though. Beggars can't be choosy. At least we got one island back in return if losing 2 islands.

In Cozumel, JH and I did an ATV excursion. We chose this package thinking that I would sit behind him as he drove. So, yeah that didn't happen. The ATV were single passenger only. Meaning I had to drive my own. I was not planning on that. Lucky I bought my license with me. So yeah, I drove an ATV. OMG it was sooo much fun!!!!! I so want to do it again. I now understand why people love motorcycles, scooters and the like. The thrill of the wind against you as you drive fast is exhilarating. However, this excursion has brought us days of suffering. We got bit by a shit ton of mosquitoes. Everytime we came to a stop, we were swarmed with mosquitoes. Our stops were not fun at all!!! After we were done, my battle scars consisted of a cut on my left pointer finger and bruise right behind my knuckle on my right hand.







I never flipped over at all. I was not placed in the back with he beginners either. Not bad run for a newbie (pat myself on the shoulder).

In Grand Cayman we chose to go on a sea trek. They put on a helmet over your head and you walk on ocean floor. How cool is that?!! Once again my expectations were dashed again. I assumed we were going to walk from at least 6ft deep waters into deeper waters. Nope! That's not what went down. We got on a boat, to bring us to another boat anchored in the ocean. People, we had to climb down a ladder on second boat to 28 ft deep water!!!!!!! I was having a slight anxiety attack so I chose to go last. As I started climbing down, my fear subsided. Once I hit the bottom I enjoyed myself immensely. I got to hold shrimp and a sea urchin. Little fish tried to get into my bathing suit. I had the best time. When it was time to go, I was disappointed. I wanted to stay longer.

On Ocho Rios, we climbed Dunns River Falls. This was not new for me. I've done it in my past, but it was new for JH. I had a great time though. We got bombarded with folks trying to sell us junk. That was the only downside of the trip.

After each excursion we went to the beach. The beach in Cozumel was the only one we didn't care for. The water smelled funny. So we ended up going into the pool there. Beaches in Grand Cayman and Jamaica were the best.

As I write this, we are on our last day at sea. We dock in Miami bright and early in the morning. Wish we could cruise a lot longer. Not looking forward to returning to the real world. Gotten spoiled on the cruise. Who's going to make up and turn down my bed everyday? Who's going to provide all three meals and snacks daily? Reality is beginning to suck.

Reality is a necessary evil though. Can't go on vacation if you don't slave away 50 weeks a year.

Congrats to JH and I for making it 1 year strong!!!

I will update this post with more pictures when I have access to them!

As our captain says, C'iao.

FML Musings June 5, 2013

I love the FML website. There are some hilarious items there as well as some boring ones. But I decided to comment here on some posts that had me ranting or commenting in my head when I read them.

"Today, in the middle of our one year anniversary dinner, my boyfriend's ex-girlfriend showed up declaring her love for him. They left together and I had to take the bus home. FML"

If the above happened to me, boyfriend better not even call me. Seriously, if he has the gall to leave me in the lurch for an ex in middle of dinner, he's not worth anymore of my time. If he has some stuff at my place, I will box the shit up and drive it to his family or friend's house. Then leave him the message where to find it. No other communication needed.

"Today, my 6-year-old son was so angry at me for not buying him overpriced candy at the airport, that he told a security guard I had a machine gun in my suitcase. The interrogation was not pleasant. FML"

Ooh if that was my kid. He would get such a spanking and be on lock down for at least a year. If he thought he had toys, iPad's, etc, I would donate them to the needy. His consequence for pulling crap like that. I don't plan to raise a spoiled brat, so I would not have this issue. People forget that children are not your friends. They are your child. You are to raise your child with love, discipline, and manners that would make them productive adults. When your child becomes an adult, you can be best friends. Children should know their boundaries. Enough said. I got heated when I read this, lol.

This will probably be an ongoing series.

Michael Douglas... Seriously?!

Seiously?!! Stop misleading people!!! Don't announce things without explanation. "I got cancer from oral sex."

Men have been heading south for centuries and they have not gotten throat cancer!!! What is likely in your situation, you messed with the wrong chick, who may had an infection which led to you getting one.

Oh... Ok so your press people tried to say that you contracted HPV, which led to your cancer. That falls in line with what I stated above. This is a better explanation. I can let you off the hook.

HPV is a virus wildly spread thru various acts of intercourse. The past 4 to 5 years, they have been promoting a vaccination for teenagers and kids. There's none for adults. HPV is one direct link to developing cervical cancer in women.

I believe you now Mike. If it causes women cancer it can cause you cancer. Just please refrain from saying something without proper explanations. You make yourself look like an idiot. Which results in social media blasting responses and comments about your stupidity.

Thanks for sharing though. Now I have a bad mental image of you heading down south. Ugh.. Gross.

Mrs Know It All

I have issues. I know I do. I had an epiphany this morning. An insight as to one way I alienate people. I have this flaw that if I see something incorrect I have to correct it. It makes me a know it all and it makes people keep their distance.

Last night around 2:00 am I took it upon myself to respond to an acquaintance's FB status update. It was for a Neflix show. But as read thru the comments left, I had the compulsion to correct her. I wasn't trying to prove her wrong, just wanted the facts out there correctly. 2 am is not a time anyone should comment on anything and it's certainly not a time to start an argument either. Acquaintance didn't argue back. Has she shunned me? I don't know. She's still in my friend list. So I probably didn't chase her off.

At this point, I deleted my comments because I regretted them and feel ashamed of it. I normally let my comments stay. Looking at it after the fact, I found it to not represent who I believe I am; a smart, kind and lovable person. There's always a better way l can make my point. I'm, however, the one who says what's on her mind unless it's about my feelings. I never censor unless I am trying to keep my job. But, buyer be aware, I'm a silencer on a gun. I'm very straight to the point and get what I need to say across without a loud uproar. I do on occasion take the silencer off and got off like a shotgun.

Most of my life I've been a loner. Had only a few people around me that I considered good friends. These people are still my friends and understand my compulsions, lol. We may bicker about it, but they know I am not trying to do them any harm. I think it's hard to get to know me sometimes. So in process of getting to know someone, this compulsion may pop up and then I really end up alienating and losing a potential new friend. My friend thinks it's a defense mechanism. I don't want to run people off, I want to get to know people; build relationships. So I really don't think it's a defense mechanism.

Maybe I should come with a disclaimer, "caution, will correct you if you are wrong". That way people know what they are getting into and where I'm coming from. I will try to work on this compulsion. You know I'm always a work in progress.

Review: Dead Ever After

Dead Ever After by Charlaine Harris

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Charlaine Harris wrapped up her series nicely. The ending I expected since book 7. She did a good job. Most series doesn't give you the closure you need. However, this book closure made it as if life goes on. There will always be a world in Harris' mind where Sookie & company may return. From this book I can count 6 different spin offs that could be made without Sookie.

Good job Charlaine,looking forward to pieces (short stories) or other books that may include characters from this series.



View all my reviews

For all the detractors:
1. Sookie loves the sun, how could a relationship between Eric & Sookie last?
2. If you didn't see the ending coming, you should re-read the series.
3. Sookie does not rebound to previous boyfriends.Would you?
4. Death threats to authors are ridiculous. Let the authors move on in peace. The series was supposed to end when Bill was going to die by all the silver from the fae. Charlaine was bullied to write more books. You got a good compromise. If you miss Sookie, think up stories in your head.
5. Enjoy the book, it's not a brilliant read. It's just a good story.

The Scarest Thing This Morning.

As I am running late this morning, I get off of the 5 subway line at Atlantic Ave, making my way to the stairs to make a transfer to another train, there is a lot of commotion by one door. I automatically assumed someone was sick. I couldn't fathom something any worse, until I saw it with my own eyes. A old apparently was exiting the train and her foot slipped between the train and platform. You have people trying to hold her up so she doesn't slip down any further. You have woman screaming and running to the conductor "Stop the train! Don't move the train!"

There were enough people there to assist her so I didn't need to stop for assistance. I tried to tell people on the way down that the train won't moving any time soon due to the incident. That was my way to get people to seek an alternative route. Some people acted sympathetic and some people acted like jackasses. That's how people are; some like to be jerks than positive with a moral compass.

I am now currently on my alternate train and my adrenaline is still flowing. I want to cry for that poor woman. I wish her safety and that she will be safe and not lose her foot. I hope the MTA, NYPD, EMS and whomever comes assist her with grace and humility. She is scared and she needs to be handled with care. The rest, I leave in God's hands as I make my way to work (late).