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The WoW Bucket List, or, Do Not Stand At My Blog And Weep

51 Comments

Alright guys, here’s the deal.

My World of Warcraft account expires in a week. And unless I’m hit with a non-paladin Divine Intervention between now and then, I’m… not resubscribing, probably for a while. I hate to use the term “quitting” so I’m using the term “on hiatus” instead. (Plus, it sounds better if you sing it to the tune of “Rock Me Amadeus”.)

So, lemme clear up some confusion that people may have. This isn’t because I’m dissatisfied with the game. This isn’t because I had some sort of epiphany. This isn’t because I stopped loving WoW. Au contraire, I freakin’ love this game. I’d love to play it and blog about it forever.

But.

There are only twenty-four hours in a day and between my full-time job, looking for a second job (I’d like to pay off my student loans sometime in this lifetime), art commissions, my rediscovered love of drawing/writing/creativity in general, and working on publishing this NaNoWriMo novel of mine (yes, I’m serious about it), my time spent WoWing has dwindled and dwindled and dwindled and this blog has been sorely neglected and after doing a lot of thinking about it, I think that this is the best thing to do.

I like to think I’ll come back later when I have more time. Cataclysm, maybe. Or maybe before that. Or maybe after that. Who knows, really? Now is just a rather busy time in my life and I’ve gotta re-focus for a bit.

Before you ask, yes, I’ll keep blogging. Just not about WoW. I’ll write about Linux, and fish, and… uh… more about fish… *watches subscriber numbers plummet* … ANYWAYS, I’ll talk more about that when the time actually comes.

That’s not the point of this post.

The point of this post is that I almost decided to just go about my business and blog as usual and then sometime next week make my super-dramatic “Bye guys!” post. But that would feel too– not really dishonest, I guess, but I dunno. It would feel like I was keeping up a facade and pretending things were all honky-dory until D-Day. That doesn’t seem very Pike-ish.

Instead, in the vein of people who think funerals are too depressing and do “life celebration” things instead, I want to share my last days of WoW with you guys, and keep blogging about it as long as I can.

So, I’m making a WoW Bucket List. A list of things I want to do before my WoW sub kicks the bucket. In no particular order…

  • Get my warlock to 40 and nab my epic mount. This shouldn’t be difficult; she’s level 38 and pretty much completely rested.
  • Run said warlock through Orgrimmar and do RFC.  See, she’s well on her way to having the Classic Dungeonmaster achievement, but the new LFG wasn’t introduced until she was past RFC level, so it’s conspicuously missing and it bugs me.  This must be remedied.
  • Make an attempt to solo Attumen again.  Last time I tried, I didn’t have a turtle (for Shell Shield) and I didn’t have the three extra pet talent points that I previously had to stick into Avoidance.  Also I didn’t have the new and improved Misdirect.  I still don’t know how well I’ll do since I lack 2-piece T5, but it’s worth one more shot.
  • See the world.  In the event that I don’t come back before Cataclysm, I want to re-visit the Azeroth I fell in love with almost three years ago.  I’ll bring my camera– er, Print Screen button.  Maybe I’ll go for the Explorer Achievement or something.
  • Do something about my poor druid’s gear.  She still  has the mace from Heroic Nexus.  And a level 77 blue offhand.  You know, next to her ToC25 epics.  I dunno if I can give her a complete makeover in seven days but who knows?
  • Do some good ol’ Burning Crusade dungeons via LFG on my level 61 hunter Althalor.  I would’ve liked to get him to level 70 before the Final Log-Off but I don’t think I have enough time, so I’ll do a couple of old favorite instances and call it good.
  • Make some pocket change on various characters and dump it in their respective guild banks. Also, make sure I don’t have anything laying around in the AH.
  • Run Molten Core, get the Leaf, and do the Rhok quest.  …okay, so that probably won’t happen.  I can dream, though.
  • Kill Arthas?  …nah, this probably won’t happen either, but I won’t lose sleep over it.  I’m content with my WotLK experience.
  • Comb through all the billions of drafts I have laying around in the WordPress dashboard and publish the good ones.  (I probably have enough of these to continue “blogging about WoW” for a good few weeks after the subscription expires >.>) …okay, so that one wasn’t exactly game-related.

Hmm, that looks like a good start. Toss me some others that you think I should add!

Dang.

So now I’m sitting here feeling like this cartoon, wondering if I should post this or not. I can already feel myself starting to get all sappy and this isn’t even the sappy post yet.

Ah screw it *hits publish, then runs away before she starts to second guess herself again*

51 thoughts on “The WoW Bucket List, or, Do Not Stand At My Blog And Weep”

  1. We love you Pike. People don’t just come here and read your words because you talk about WoW… we come here because we like you and your personality, and what you write. Lots of luck with those student loans, and your novel!

  3. Wow, that’s quite a list! Good luck 😉

    Don’t worry, you’ll be so busy having fun with drawing and book-editing you’ll forget all about the game! Maybe.

    <3

  4. I’ll miss reading your WoW posts, but look forward to more info on your NaNoWriMo.

    In any case, like others have said we’ll still see you on twitter.

    Take care and good luck with everything!

  7. I will, of course, keep reading. Heck, Pike, you’re one of the few WoW blogs I still read now that I’m officially, ah, non-active as a Warcraft player… why would I quit reading because you were changing focus?

    Good luck with the blog!

  8. Best wishes outside of WoW. I took a hiatus a couple years ago, and it was worth it. I hope that you go far with your Nano, I barely finished mine, so I commend you on the accomplishment. I’ll be sure to keep up with this blog though, and still follow you on Twitter 🙂 Good luck!!

  9. Good luck Pike! I still like to think of my hiatus as a hiatus too. I think some people can never really quit WoW, I know I certainly like to keep thinking about the world and my characters and the gameplay 😀

    Will your Linux blog be a personal (non-WoW) Pike blog as well? Or will there be another one? I think many people love your writing style (and topics), so if you feel like puttin’ stuff out there still… … you’d have an audience 🙂

  10. I agree with Miss Medicina. Just because you won’t be blogging about WoW, it doesn’t mean nobody’s going to want to continue reading what you have to say.

    As someone who hasn’t really been able to play WoW for almost two months now, I can say that it’s really not all that bad. If nothing else, it sure gives you more time to do everything else you want to do. If, in the future, you do re-activate your subscription, all of your characters will still be there, ready to kick some more ass.

  11. Thanks for all your great work on this stylish and charming WoW blog.
    Good luck with the whole real-life thing.
    Also good luck with the bucket list. It does seem to include rather more goals than I could achieve in a week.

  12. Ah, may the force be with you. Goodness knows I would be back playing WoW again within a week.
    Please, go ahead and post your real-life adventures! I look forward to reading them.
    And remember!
    Kill the one in the dress!

  15. Pike,

    I’ll still be reading, and I know others will too. Making big choices is hard, but sometimes you’ve gotta make ’em.

    There’s an old WoW video that I found, from back in the days of vanilla, that always sums up how I feel about the old world, and about the game in general. It’s an awesome bit of nostalgia, and always makes me a little weepy, but I think it’s suited here.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRevrAUjHnM

    Good luck with your bucket list, and if you decide to come back, we’ll still be here! <3

  17. It’s a toss-up for me between leaving this comment or sending a personal e-mail. For all I know, I may end up doing both, but for now I’ll stick with the comment, since I can be pretty sure that you’ll read it.

    First, I want to thank you for keeping this blog. When I first started searching for WoW blogs, this was among the first that I found, and it’s proven to be informative and entertaining. Unless my memory is incorrect, you taught me how to chain-trap back in the day… I know it was just for a game, but I’ll always be grateful. 🙂

    And when I finally got the nerve to start leaving comments and sending letters, you were as kind and as gracious as I had hoped you would be. Even when the topic turned from WoW to the Uromastyx. (Whom I’ve named “Osiris”, by the way.)

    I’m glad that you’ll still be a presence out there. Hopefully you’ll maintain this blog, even if the focus changes, or at least one that will allow me leave comments that aren’t “Anonymous” without having to make some crazy account somewhere. Plus, I don’t do Twitter, and Facebook, if you even use that, would probably be a bit too…personal. (I don’t want to say “creepy”.)

    It doesn’t matter what you write about. I read your stuff because I like YOUR writing. And no matter what the future holds, godspeed, and take care of yourself. 🙂

  18. As a long-time reader / lurker, I’d like to say we’ll miss you, Pike. Come back soon, if you can.

    Always enjoyed reading. Your writing style is great, and you were always entertaining.

    Best of luck, sweetheart, wherever the wind blows you.

    ~Jajiko & Kali, Sentinels server

  19. /Salute

    Look forward to reading whatever you move onto next, and it’s been a pleasure. There’s always people ready to group with you on Bloodhoof!

  20. A hiatus I can understand, I will be doing the same myself on March 5th when my current card expires. And for somewhat similar ‘pressure of time’ reasons. However that said, even if I can’t find the time to grind in Azeroth I will still be passing by here regularly and hope to still get the fix of geek, art and humour that has sustained me so well to date. Best of luck with whatever you do.

  21. Out of the many people I wish would leave WoW, sometimes on a daily basis, you were/are the ray of sunshine in a somewhat bleak landscape. However, knowing that you’re moving on to bigger (curse you Student Loans) and better (curse you NaNoWriMo) things, tends to take the sting out of it a little.

    The fact that you’ll still be blogging helps too. Just sayin’.

    All the best in your many endeavors, and should you get the WoWing bug… well, you know 🙂

  22. I don’t blame you for taking time off. I’m in a similar situation with student loans so I quit all other toons except my hunter. I must say though, move that Rhok quest up on the list. Hopefully you can get the drop before end of subscription. I just did it on my hunter and thoroughly enjoyed it! Best of luck to you, and we’ll still see you here… reading about fish isn’t that bad. lol

  23. I’ll still be reading, even if you randomly decide to blog about making stuff out of pipe cleaners. Priorities Pike my dear, you’re following them quite nicely.

  24. you seem like a bit of an attention whore so why not stand on a mailbox in ironforge, take off all your clothes and dance for tips ?

  25. You can do Rhok. The leaf drops more than you think it does. It’s just that, well, you have to find a group to run the Core. If you were on Llane, I’d drag you along with my guild runs, but alas. And tonight, that silly priest eye and a whole bunch of warrior gear dropped. I still don’t have my T2 pants. Why is it ALWAYS mage pants? (end of rant)

    Anyway, you need to do what’s best for you and if that means stepping out of Azeroth, that’s what it means. I think you should still blog about WOW, but from an outside looking in perspective. Plus, drag out some of your memories. I’m sure you’ve got stories.

  26. It’s sad to see you go. You were always so cheerful and lighthearted. Someone to look up for for all those geeky girls out there. I’ll miss you as a fellow wow blogger. But a girl’s got to do what a girl’s got to do. Good luck wherever your new path will take you. I think you have some really great things to look forward to! /cheers

  27. Wow Pike … it’s always sad when a blogger stops blogging but it sounds like you have many many exciting things ahead of you! Good luck with all that stuff – and you’d better update us here when your novel gets published 🙂

  28. @Anti – Wow… you seem like a massive tool. And sadly not a useful one like a hammer or a wrench.

  29. @ Miss Medicina – Aww, thank you! (And yeah, my NaNo will need all the help it can get.)

    @ Krizzlybear – YOU MUST CONSTRUCT ADDITIONAL PYLONS

    And yeah, definitely not leaving Twitter anytime soon, I’m too shamelessly addicted… /cough

    @ Angelya – I figure I probably won’t finish up everything on the list. But, it’s worth a shot, eh?

    @ Deyndor – Yes! Definitely Twitter. I’ll be sure to keep you guys updated on the book. *sort of feels the pressure to make it reeeeally good now* x_x

    @ Nochecazador – See you on Twitter! <3

    @ Tamaren - Have fun in the guild!

    @ Llanion - Yay! My fellow Linux/KDE geek. Who has possibly defected to Windows7. Ah well. <3

    @ Khraden (GigaWatts) - I definitely look forward to seeing more of your artwork and stuff on Twitter, I love your style *grin*

  30. @ Mazil – This probably will sound kind of complicated but I think I will have both a Linux blog, and a “general Pike” blog. At this point I’m thinking both will be subdomains on Aspect of the Hare but I’m not sure yet. The Linux blog will be more of an “open source musings” blog than a techie blog, but I like the idea of having a blog with a focus. We’ll see, though!

    @ Nim (Ankh) – I sort of feel bad Hiatus’ing now that you’ve just recently found me! Haha. Good luck with your own blog, you seem to have a good start over there. And good luck being sans-WoW! =P

    @ Rhodu – It will certainly be a challenge to get it all done, so we’ll just see how far I get!

    @ Lupis Darkmoon – Thanks for the good luck wishes! I… will be tempted to play within a week too, I’m sure. Heh x_X

    @ Skyrei – Skyyyy *clings* I’m going to miss you and the whole guild. I hope I’m not kicked out when I come back. <3chu

    @ Windpaw - Thanks Windpaw 🙂 Your blog was always one of my favorites, so I hope you keep up with your writing as well.

    @ Anna - Hee, I loved that movie, thanks for sharing. I'm sure I'll still be lurking around the WoW community in general. I'm far too attached to you guys.

    @ Elnoriah - Thanks a bunch! Even if I don't finish it will have been a fun try.

  32. @ Will – Hee, I don’t even use Facebook. I think I’m one of the few people that don’t x_x Thanks very much for your comment. I always loved your comments and of course our e-mail convo. (Give Osiris a lizardy hug for me!)

    The new blog, whether it is here or elsewhere, will definitely be a WordPress one, so yeah, no sign-ins or sign-ups necessary. Look forward to seeing you there! 🙂

    @ Mugician13 – Aww, thank you so much for the compliments and good luck wishes. And than k you for unlurking briefly to say them.

    @ Avalonna – /salute, and thank you 🙂

    @ Ardprest – Thanks a ton for the support. I only hope I can continue to “deliver”. I rather worry I’ll become bland without having a set topic to blog about, which is why I’ll probably have a “Linux blog” in addition to a “Pike blog”. It’s quite an honor that you guys will continue to stop by regardless.

    @ The Rokk – D’aww shucks. Thanks for the compliment. Oh believe me, if the WoW bug hits me again you all will hear about it /cough

    Eep, gotta run to work. I’ll finish responding to all your comments when I get back tonight <3

  33. From a crusty old Dwarf………..I’ll raise a glass of Thunderbrew at the Stonefire in your honour !

    I’m a pretty new reader but have enjoyed this blog as a source of fun and good clear ‘non elitist’ information on hunters AND druids.

    Safe Travels and Watch Your Back 🙂

  34. Dammit Pike. I won’t be going anywhere; it’s YOU your readers keep coming back for. The fish feasts will keep till you get back.

  36. We’ve all gotta do what we’ve gotta do, and I hope you’re able to get everything sorted that needs sorting!

    See ya on Twitter. 😉

  37. So I actually, involuntarily just yelled ‘noooo!’ over the phone to my boyfriend, because MAN will I ever miss your WoW blogging. You’ve been my huntery inspiration/role model since shortly after I started playing this game, though I expect you wouldn’t know that, seeing as I never comment, hehe. But! If you have other things to do, you have other things to do. Life is always more important. I wish you only the best, and I hope to see you back here someday. 🙂 Good luck!

    ~Taizak (The Venture Co., Horde) & Cailan (Sisters of Elune, Alliance)

  38. Aspect of the Hare has long been a pillar of the WoW blogscape and I have a hard time imagining it missing. So, whatever you end up doing in your real life (whatever that is =) ), enjoy it and do it well, because you know when Cataclysm starts to ramp up, you’ll be back.

    Happy vacation. o/

  40. Pike, to echo everyone else, it’s YOU we read – and will keep on reading. I’ll miss your WOW thoughts (for awhile,) but I absolutely salute your ability to prioritize your time. Kudos to you, and good luck with both the paying off of the student loans, and the book!

  41. Pike, you know how I feel about seeing you take a hiatus. As one of the very few bloggers that I can say has truly inspired you are one of them, I’m both deeply saddened but oddly conflicted by being extremely happy for you also.

    And it should go without saying, I’ll continue reading whatever your right. And can’t wait to get my hands on your novel sometime.

    Keep in touch and oh! Get those headphones fixed. 😛

  42. Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
    oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

    seriously though, you’ll still be on my daily read list no matter what your yopics are. Good luck with your endeavors!

  45. Good luck, Pike. If there’s one thing that I sometimes wish I didn’t play WoW because of, it’s my writing. Good luck with your novel, and by all means send it to publishers and agents when you’re done. An unsubmitted manusript will never be published. Send yours! 🙂

  46. Dang you’ll be missed! Blog about fish if you want – I’m sure it will just as entertaining! BUT I’ll miss one of my favorite hunter blogs for sure…

    Good luck with the NaNoWriMo – that should be epic if it’s like the rest of your writing!

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  50. Good Luck Pike! If your writing and your drawing on your website are any indication, your future projects will be great successes. Hope they bring you as many fans and as much pleasure as the blog and WOW has.

    “Don’t stand in anything funny looking… it’s true for life as well as WOW :D”

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