It's been weeks since I have played a game. Well, just over two weeks. The last game I tried to play was SimCity 4. Someone left me a copy but it won't run on my laptop. I had access to a working power jack during the NYC blackout, but even rare juice wouldn't power Maxis 3D graphics on a 2001 machine.

So I had to be content with writing, and experiencing. I went to Finland, and then there was a family emergency. It was shocking! And totally immersive, involving. Dealing with the enormity of loss and groping for normalcy, games were the furthest thing from my mind, except that I kept checking GGA when I had a few moments on my computer, hoping the conversation was continuing.

The comments here continued. Search engine results likely fueled that - we could stop posting new entries on Game Girl Advance and there would still be discussions about Halo, Rez, GTAGBA and gender in games. That's nice to see. But curiosity continues.

It was entirely overwhelming, stunning and sad to have to deal with a surprise demise. What free time I had, I spent checking my email, keeping up with my paying deadlines, corresponding with kind friends, or installing SpamAssassin. Now that the family affairs are settled, and the housekeeping chores are done, I was happy to have a Sunday afternoon free. I took my place on the bed, turned on the TV, and punched on the XBox. There was my KOTOR game, just as I'd left it. Actually, two. I was playing good and evil, two characters. I reloaded my evil character and headed into the valley of the Sith lords. The sun slowly crawled across the wall as I swung my double-bladed yellow lightsaber. Jane retreated to the couch downstairs to sleep, away from the sound of persistent blasters from the tomb of Marko Ragnos. I was alone, in a finite electronic universe and I was on my way to nefarious successes.

Playing an evil character in Knights of the Old Republic is a provocative experience. Games make me think! So I'm eager to rejoin the discussion online.