Well everyone, it's now official.

I have finally achieved the ultimate badge cementing me into the upper echelons of gamer circles the world over...  Carpal Tunnel.


The condition is caused by severe repetition in the hand, fingers, and wrist which causes nerves to be pinched due to abrupt swelling of blood vessels surrounding these fibers. In my case, constant work and harder play behind a computer and game controller.


                                    
                                                             Might as well feel like it...


It doesn't help much when the diagnosis comes following a 64-hr. stint on one of my most favorite rpg's of all time. But should I have skipped the 9-hr. leveling session prior to the final boss battle?

No fucking way.

You can never be about the journey if you're not gonna enjoy it. In fact, I prolly shoulda spent more time before completion, which is actually all I could think of in the Doctor's office... then I went home and got started on the next game title in line.

Meh, what the hell? My wrist is shot to shit, I'm stuck with a cool-looking brace for 5 months, and no one will expect me to help them move or carry boxes for quite awhile. I'll try to remember to lessen my monotonous button-mashing sessions when this flare-up subsides, but until then - well, let's face it, even LONG after - I still plan on continuing with my favorite personal pastime.

And deep inside, yes, I do feel proud of my new ribbon.