View source for Talk:Ex Libris

== Introduction Post ==
I am a gamer, and have been ever since childhood. I love all sorts of board games, online games, puzzles, pen & paper, etc. In fact it is one of the best ways that my family has been able to interact with each other as we have grown into adults. I was properly introduced to D & D when I was about 8 years old, and I played religiously (haha) much to my parents chagrin until I was in my early teens. 

Video games were not only a part of my childhood but also my family's income. Back in the early forties when the WWII was just breaking out my grandfather was working in a steel factory as a chemist. When he noticed on his breaks all his co-workers surrounding a pin ball machine he calculated the investment/return. Later he pawned my grandmother's wedding ring and bought his first machine, later buying kiddy rides, and jukeboxes. It was often joked about that he became a millionaire one nickel at a time. The family business expanded from Utah, Idaho, Montana, Washington, Arizona, and New Mexico and carried over through the decades, I remember the first day that I saw a free standing game sometime during the late 70's and it was Pong. During the eighties with Pac Man fever our garage was constantly filled with neighbor kids who would come by to play the games we had set aside for rotation. 

My favorite games are Galaga and an obscure game called Crazy Climber. With the initiation of console games the arcade game routes took a huge hit, so most of the family left or sold their business along with their inventory, /cry. Along with these games I have enjoyed console gaming and computer gaming of various types, but my favorites tend to be fantasy and strategy based. As far as board games my favorite currently is "Settlers of Catan," (1996) and the game play with family and friends gets heated. 

I'm a social creature, so I love dancing, and going out. I also love being outdoors, and spend a great deal of time with my two labs Frank Black and Mazzy Star. I enjoy reading when I can get hooked into something good, and I am known to write a bit, although I'm a little shy in that department. On the horizon I would love to learn tap dancing, sailing, and I think I'm old enough now for a motor cycle… we'll see. I'm a known Gypsy so I hope to do some traveling as well. 

I am really excited to be part of such a successful venture. I look forward to meeting with you here on the boards, and hopefully in game.