Guitar Hero Saga

As most of you know, my husband is a HUGE gamer. He's got every console (Playstation, XBox, Wii, etc.), and he's in the process of upgrading parts to his PC to better handle the newer games coming out during the holidays.

On a regular basis I am treated to a play by play narration on his latest gaming experience, the newest games coming out, or the latest and greatest upgrades for his various consoles.

Generally, I don't mind any of this. Games are his passion, and he has the right to enjoy them.

The problem is that he is constantly trying to convert me into being a big gamer, too. Now, I do play games, but most of the ones I play are adventure/hidden object/mysteries, etc. Basically, the low grade games that don't require a lot from my computer, or a lot of time from me.

Once Guitar Hero came out, he started lobbying for us to get it, so we would have something to play together. I took one look, and said no. I had no intention of spending any of my time trying to be a rock star. Let the teenagers have it, I said. I wanted no part of it.

Well, Big Dave kept up his campaign for months. He eventually bought one for his game room, where it has sat mostly untouched. I kept up my resistance, more as a matter of principle than anything else.

About a week ago we were at Walmart, as Big Dave was on the hunt for a PC game. I stayed in the car with Kaylee while he went inside. When he came out of the store, though, the box he carried was WAY larger than any PC game. He strolled up to the van with a big smile on his face. He opened the door and showed me the box, proudly proclaiming, "I bought something for you! I saw it and I automatically thought of you!"

It was the Guitar Hero set for the Wii, complete with guitar and game.

I was speechless. He bought it for me? Has he not been listening to me at ALL during the last few months? Did he think for some reason my continuous NO! really meant Yes?

I waited for him to explain.

"They were on sale - only $20 for the whole box! I thought what better time to get you to try it than now, when it was so cheap! I think once you try it, you'll like it."

Again, I was speechless. I knew perfectly well he didn't get it for me. He got it because (A) it WAS so cheap,and (B) he really likes playing things on the Wii.

But in the interest of marital harmony, I said no more. I agreed to try the game once, and if I didn't like it, for any reason, the matter would finally be put to rest. No more bothering me about trying the stupid game.

Once home, we set it up, and Big Dave handed me the guitar. He started me off on easy mode, and I chose three songs.

By the end of those three songs, I was hooked. Damn that game.

I can't get the songs out of my head, and I find myself trying to practice my guitar finger moves on flat surfaces like the dining room table. Damn that man.

Now my husband has been gloating (albeit quietly) around the house, singing the familiar phrase of "I told you so". Fortunately, he is too nice of a person to gloat too long or too much. But it's gloating nonetheless.

Fortunately, I know when to take my lumps when necessary. I've let him gloat, for now.

But the next time we go head to head on Guitar Hero, I plan on wiping the floor with him.