You guys, this is totally me as a teenager
Recently, I’ve been cursing my teenage self. In particular, her lack of forward thinking.
This past term with concerts I can’t sew costumes for, birthdays I can’t bake for and a house I can’t get on top of, I have felt continually frustrated that I was so pig headed and sure I wouldn’t be a wife/mum/housewife that I actively avoided learning those skills. These moments have led me to think about what my teenage self would think of me now. I imagine she’s rolling her eyes and having a few tantrums, because I am basically (or exactly) everything she didn’t want to be, but I feel she had a little win last week when we made the trek to Playstation’s HQ for Playfest to try out all the new Playstation 3 and Playstation Vita games that are about to be released.
As a teenager, I was a gamer. A writer. Highly anti-social. I remember blatantly telling my grandmother that, if I were ever to marry (which I won’t, duh), I would never EVER prepare and cook meat for my husband, I would never pack lunches or iron clothes. I would work, have my own bank account, do what I wanted. My grandmother? She scoffed at me and my defiant outburst. I have no idea why.
‘Playing’ Just Dance 2014
We have a Playstation 3 but it hasn’t been touched since before we moved in December. Not deliberately or for any particular reason, but I have to admit that I loved seeing them really getting into some of the games and watching the change in their abilities from the start to the finish of the event.
Ellie loved the PlayStation Vita – here she is playing Jak & Daxter
Kahlei’s favourite game was Just Dance 2014, even though the three of them stood there and made no move to actually dance but whatever. This type of game I love for my kids, if they’re moving and gaming it’s a win. I’m even a bit of a fan of Just Dance in the privacy of my own home, which is definitely something my teenage self would have HATED.
Ellie loved playing the Playstation Vita. As soon as she sat down in front of them she was in the zone. That serious look of concentration? I loved it just a little bit.
Racing cars in Gran Turismo 6
Jasper was happy as long as he had a controller in his hand, even if he mostly couldn’t do what the game required. Thankfully, he was also willing to wait as there were lots of children keen to get their fix.
James’ favourite was undeniably Gran Turismo 6, though he didn’t get as much of a turn as he would have liked (2 or so hours might have sufficed). I am pretty sure he took the day off work just to get a go of the latest version of his favourite racing game.
Waiting to play Wonderbook™: BBC Walking with Dinosaurs
As for me? I decided to continue in the trend of straying from my teenage self and fell in love with Waiting to play Wonderbook™: BBC Walking with Dinosaurs. So much so that I didn’t even take any photos – I did take an Instagram video which you can watch here. There was no shooting, stealing cars, beating up people, racing or any of the other elements which I once loved in my games (and still would if I got the chance to play alone, I imagine), ‘just’ fossils, dinosaurs and the Wonderbook but oh my was I taken.
It’s on the Christmas list. I don’t care if nobody else wants it (but they do so that’s ok).
The cute.
I think Playfest brought out a bit of my teenage self. I have a desire to enjoy some games with the kids, to show them that side of me and my passion for gaming. I think playing video games can be a good thing, assuming it’s in moderation and age appropriate. Their fine motor skills were certainly stretched and tested, along with their eye-hand coordination. Just a couple of things which can benefit from a bit of video game play.
Yes, my teenage self might be huffing and puffing that I stay at home with three children. That every morning I iron clothes (so organised around these parts) and every evening I prepare lunches. I even handle, prepare, cook and eat meat. But, I think she’ll be okay with that, because sometimes I get to go do cool things like check out new games before they’re released and share that love with my family.
Playfest was worth it just for these glasses
And, I think she’d take one look at these adorable little people and be in love.
Have you followed your teenage self’s dreams?
Are you a closet gamer?
* This is not a sponsored post. I just really, really like Playstations and games and it was a great morning!