After I'd been here awhile, I started to get a little bored, because I'd already spent so many years doing the traditional UO stuff. I loved the game, though, and didn't want to be without UO again. I figured I may as well try to apply for staff, it would be a chance to view the game from an entirely new angle and open up a lot of different gameplay options. I sent in my application and spoke to the existing staffers as much as possible to get to know them a bit, getting really hopeful as the weeks went on. It was a little while before you were ready to hire another staffer, and I remember being super nervous the first time you interviewed me. But I thought you were funny, and a bit silly, and I really liked that. It was very encouraging to me, I like to work with people I can laugh with.
A bit more time passed, you interviewed me a couple more times, and then one day it happened - I was hired! Then followed months of training, which then turned into years of ups and downs, ins and outs, fun and frustration. It's been just over 6 years now, and I can honestly say I still genuinely love UO, and especially love UOEX.
So many things have happened in those years. I've learned so much about this game I've always loved, and gone from never even having heard of xml to being proficient in its use. I've learned so much about other cultures, met so many wonderful (and interesting and funny and sometimes downright disturbing) people. I've laughed, and cried, and yelled and joked and gnashed my teeth and basked in exhilaration. It's been a bumpy road indeed, but it has always remained worth it to me. I (and all of us who partake of what UOEX has to offer), owe that to you. Because of you, we have this great place to come together and be our nerdy selves. Because of you, I became close with +Mocha, who is now one of my best friends in game and out. Because of you, I met +V, the most magnificent male I have ever met.
Because you took a risk and hired some random Texan redhead, +V and I have had 5 wonderful, happy years together filled with all the bumps and bruises and joys of this thing called life. Thanks to you, +V and I started a journey together, a journey that just a few nights ago, resulted in our engagement. +V proposed to me on our 5 year anniversary, under the fireworks, and we have you to thank for introducing us all those years ago. So, thank you, +Colibri. For everything, but most especially for that introduction.
