Yesterday I mentioned that I have a touch of the writer’s block and I think part of the issue is that I am so tired. I think it may be a combination of staying up until 1 a.m. and having a mild case of insomnia. It certainly doesn’t help that I have someone who wants to wake me up at 5 a.m. to tell me they need to go to the bathroom and then I have to remind P that he can go to the bathroom anytime he wants and doesn’t have to tell me.
Part of what’s been keeping me up until 1 a.m. is my obsession with Pathwords. For those of y’all who don’t know what that means, Pathwords is a game on Facebook that’s basically crack for nerds.
About a month ago, I had the highest score among all my Facebook friends and I’ll admit that I struggled with some pride over the whole thing. I had to restrain myself from leaving comments on my high school friends’ walls saying, “Who cares what Jimmy Buffet song most represents your personality? Check out my Pathwords score!”
They may remember me as the girl who couldn’t pass Algebra II without resorting to bribing the teacher with apple fritters and excessive flattery, but I am a genius when it comes to anything involving letters that don’t represent arbitrary math equations And, sure, a guy I know from high school has a laboratory research facility at Harvard that’s named after him, but I bet what everyone will really be talking about at our twenty year reunion this summer will be my Pathwords proficiency.
Then, two weeks ago, a guy who was in my church youth group in high school surpassed my high score and I am obsessed with beating him. (Let me state again that I have NO IDEA where Caroline inherited her competitive nature.) It’s a sickness and I’m planning to quit cold turkey. Tomorrow.
So I’ll admit that I took a nap while Caroline was at school yesterday. At least I say it was a nap. I spent the morning cleaning our bathrooms so it’s entirely possible that I just passed out from the Tilex fumes, but the important thing is I caught up on a little sleep.
When she got home from school we pulled out the paints again and watched the newest episode of Planet Earth which was all about caves and has singlehandedly caused me to develop a huge cave phobia. I googled “phobia of caves” because I wanted to impress y’all with a big word, but all it gave me was “claustrophobia”.
Hey Google, tell me something I don’t know. I’m well aware of my claustrophobic issues because they are all that kept me from hiding in the trunk of my car in an attempt to get some sleep when Caroline was a newborn. I would prefer an exotic word for my new fear of caves.
I also found this helpful piece of advice on a website regarding cave phobia:
If the mention of ‘Caves’ by someone sends chills down your spine then it’s time for you to consult a trained psychotherapist as quickly as possible.
Risky Career Options for People with the Fear of Caves
- Jobs where Caves are involved or anything which resembles or is connected to “Caves”.
Good Career Options for People with this Phobia
- Jobs where Caves are not involved or anything which resembles or is connected to “Caves” is not present.
Seriously, what did we do before the internet?
I guess that means I should tear up this job application for Spelunkers, Inc.
Even though they really wanted me because they heard about my high score on Pathwords.
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Insomniacs unite.
I shared your pathwords addiction until my friends started pleading with me to “please stop climbing the pathwords ladder!”.
The shame was too great.
They were figuring out just how much time I was spending spelling out words like “QA”.
Really.
Is that a word?
I personally would use spelunkaphobia. Just sounds good rolling off the tongue……. probably would sound really good echoing in a cave.
I always think it is funny to see the first line of your post as, “I have writters block” and then see the 20,000 word post to follow. Too funny. Wonder what you are in real life and what your husband hears everyday when you dont have to type out all of your thoughts.
Oh my. If you are scared of caves NEVER watch The Descent. It scared the crap out of me. I had no idea I had a cave phobia, or was nervous about tight places until I watched that movie. Seriously! It still gives me chills thinking about it now!
Big Mama,
I am a fellow PW addict as well. Did you know you can find out how many games you have played. I am embarrassed to tell you I am almost topping 1000 games. Multiply that by 5 minutes and I am ashamed at how much time I have spent on that game. Also, did you know you can DRAG the letters?? You do not have to click on them! It’s faster and no carpal tunnel. It takes a little bit to get used to dragging but that’s all I do now after clicking through my first 600 or so games. What’s your high score?? I am at 1550! Yes, I’m bragging!
Big Mama,
I too share your Pathwords addiction as well and would love to play you anytime. I also have a fondness for Mafia wars…
I’m a former PW addict. I quit playing when the same games kept coming up and I wasn’t challenged! I was also going to mention about dragging the letters instead of clicking on them. I wish I would have known that back when my sister and Dad were challenging me!
Too funny.
I really enjoyed reading this post.
Writers block – I don’t think so!
As your FB friend, I am so tempted to say, hey lets play pathwords together…but that would probably be very bad for me. Please kno…you can make it through this addiction. I was OBSESSED with it a few months ago and also suffered insomnia b/c whenever I closed my eyes, I saw letters. I played and played until I got a score that surpassed 2,000 and my husband told me that I needed serious intervention. Part of what helped me quit was that people stopped playing with me because apparently they weren’t up for 7 or so games a day….per friend…
But you are still managing to write well…still as funny as ever.
What’s your score??? My husband loves that game (and my 8 year old can top 400!).
Must.Not.Look.At.Game….
But I bet I could win! I know I could! I almost made it to the National Spelling Bee in 6th grade! (Back before it became the province of people who need to get a life…)
Oh, and those Tilex fumes can be dangerous. That’s why I don’t clean the bathroom anymore.
So it would be bad if I added you as a FB friend and challenged you to a game of Pathwords? At 1 a.m.? Cuz I’m fighting the same battles.
While we are confessing, I found this game on my Blackberry (brickbreakers). I play it in carpool line, in grocery lines, at red lights, traffic jams, etc. It’s a stupid game, but I’m hooked … as soon as I see an opportunity, I’m fumbling around in my purse for my phone.
Hi Big Mama,
I’ve been reading your blog for about 2 weeks now and it’s become one of my favorites! I read it while I have my coffee and my (almost) one year old daughter has her morning bottle. It’s become a little routine I really enjoy. I always feel a little happier after reading because everything you write makes me laugh. Thanks for inadvertently brightening up my day.
Did I see Caroline’s pic over at Matilda Jane??????
If not, this girl looks exactly like her.
http://matildajane.typepad.com/my_weblog/2009/03/phone-calls.html
You are a RIOT!!! I really feel that you should stop doing pathwords and write a book! Thanks for my morning ‘non-caffeine’ jolt.
Amy
1190, what is yours? Don’t tease me! If you say 1200 I am gonna be up all night. No pressure.
Tell me about it! You are #1 on my ladder and I am #2–I cannot even imagine how high your friend’s score must be that yours won’t top it. I have spent way too much time (in 5 min. increments of course, which makes it better, right?) trying to rule my ladder…you make that tough
I totally love Scramble and am addicted to it like you are to Pathwords! I must have the high score and have lost many hours of sleep to prevail!
Linda
Pathways aka crack for nerds! I must not even go near it.
Scripture is clear…..flee all sorts of evil! Maybe in the greek you will find the word pathways in there somewhere.
I’m just too susceptible, ya’ll! I have to look the other way!
I’ve heard too many sad “addiction” stories….dang that FB! Family destroyer!
i don’t know how old your “P” is, my my “A” wakes me up when she has to go potty too. i have explained 617 times that she can JUST GO IN AND PEE AND GO BACK TO BED, but it’s NOT GETTING THRU.
i feel your tiredness.
I don’t think it’s Writer’s Block so much as Writer’s Crack. I love it when you get this way.
So, what’s your score?
E-mailing you here in a bit.
Laughing soooo hard at the first paragraph! You got me!
I have not heard of Pathwords… but maybe it’s better that I don’t know what it is…
I too have a pride issue with Facebook. I have the high score in Tetris among my friends. If someone passes me by I can hardly sleep until I regain my title. I’ll quit with you. Tomorrow.
Well, I must admit that I have chosen to NOT start down the pathwords road to addiction. Just checking FB a zillion times a day is bad enough.
However, the Hubby and I are addicted to Scrabble! We MUST PLAY every night! You would’ve thought Hubs had won the Heisman or something the other night when he broke 300! He walked around with a HUGE grin ALL the next day. Pathetic, I tell ya. And, we, too, know a gazillion 2 letter words like, AE, QA, and NA! And did you know that ZOO can, also, be spelled ZO?? Oh the things you learn when you’re an addict and VERY competitive.
Best wishes to you on overcoming your addiction. Maybe you can start up a Pathwords Anonymous!
Writers block? I think not! My goodness you make me laugh woman! I also don’t always have much luck with google unless I am looking for a music video, etc.
And your hubby telling you he needs to pee? LOL Priceless!
Haven’t tried this pathways you speek of –but you could beat me easily since I am horrible with letters!
I cannot stop laughing!
I love Pathwords! I am top of my friends list right now. I’d love to add you. I’ve only played solo. I’ll have to figure out how to play with someone.
I have never tried pathwords…guess you will know what ill be doin next…
As always, you crack me up! And I think you are over your writers block!
funny stuff. you’re addicted to facebook pathwords, i’m a blogaddict. there i said it. i’m a blog stalker and can’t get enough.
i think what you have is quanocockroachaspelunkaphonbia. because what you really have is not only an aversion to the cave, but stepping on a guanoengorged cockroach while a bat craps on your head.
that would seriously creep me out.
Speluncaphobia: Fear of caves
Sometimes I’m frightened by my Google skills.
Just FYI, your Pathwords score MORE THAN DOUBLES MINE.
I guess one can only score so many points with the word TAG.
Stupid Pathwords.
Funny stuff girl! And I will not go check out PW as I am already conficted with all the other useless time sucking stuff I’m addicted to!
LOL, oh gosh, you crack me up!
Good stuff to get me going in the morning.
Okay. It’s not all wordy and intellectual (unless you count banking shots off the side walls) but you MUST check out BubbleTown. It is so freaking addicting that I now have to ground myself from it until all my chores are done or I will waste the entire day in my comfy computer chair. I guarantee you’ll be addicted!
http://apps.facebook.com/bubbletown/Default.aspx
Hysterical post.
I only recently joing Facebook, (I’m a tad older then you and therefore a little less familiar with the whole social networking thing.) but I now have 13 friends. Yeah! I’ll have to check out pathwords as I like words much better than math as well.
I’m so glad I am not alone in my addiction to Pathwords. And my desire to always have the high score. I was so proud to reach 1340, and now a “friend” has 1430. How dare her! WordTwist is just as bad. Don’t start if you haven’t played!
I really like Pathwords, but not as much as my mother. She doesn’t have a FB page so she logs onto mine to play. She is GOOD, too! All my friends think I’m a PW snob, and it’s not even me. Ha ha.
Hey, if you’re looking for a natural remedy for the PW induced insomnia try kava kava. You can find it at any health food store. But make sure you only use the recommeded dosage. The stuff is potent.
I ? your blog.
I absolutely love it when you have writers block and insomnia! Quite the combination of words with real sentences you create in a post when these two hindrances collide! Maybe you should send P back to the dentist! Now, that’s some material right there, girl!
I love pathwords! Did I just say I loved Pathwords? I hate Pathwords! No, I love it, but I hate it. It is too consuming, and my competition is between my niece who is 10+ months pregnant and waiting impatiently to give birth. She is also my main competition for Bejeweled… don’t go there… you are warned!!!! It is only 1 minute long, but it usually lasts three hours!
How can people dislocated parts of their bodies to climb through little openings in caves? I didn’t have claustrophobia until I watched a cave movie.
Love your blog.
I completely understand your Pathwords obsession. I have actually considered defriending people over it.
I didn’t give in to that temptation and now I just convince myself that my friend with the highest score must have cheated!
Now I’m curious. I think I need to check-out Pathwords.
-FringeGirl
I so relate to the Pathwords thing. And Word Challenge. And Twirl. It’s so addictive. I get so frustrated with all the vowel stacks, though.
okay, obviously you need to tell us what your score is! and could you give some tips?
Very funny stuff. I too have claustrophobia and I don’t think I would have been able to watch that show. The idea of CAVES does send chills down my spine.
I developed Pathwords elbow… seriously, my right elbow has been in pain since I got addicted to Pathwords. I’ve tried quitting but my competitive spirit will not allow me to fall another place behind one of my freinds.
Funny thing- my longest word is FORNICATE. Did you know they display that on my Homepage? Aghhhh- I work at a church.
Dish the score, Big Mama! Are you up for it?
evil laugh
I’m cracking up at your Internet finds. What DID we do? Oh yeah, in my house, we looked it up in the encyclopedia. Seriously? Does anyone still have those things anymore?
As for your Pathwords obsession, I would just like to point out that clearly words are MUCH more relevant to real life than Algebra II. I mean, it’s not like there’s a Facebook game about algebra.
And oh my gosh, if there is, please do not tell me because that would just be too much.
What?
All that and you never even told us what your current Pathwords score IS?!?!
Mine is 1640. That was before they brought on a whole slew of new boards. But *after* my husband and I discovered that we needed to get a 12-letter word to get the highest score. [I googled "12-letter words" to give me a leg up. I know. Embarrassing.]
My sister in law has 2080 and it KILLS ME that I can’t get a higher score than her.
From one Pathwords addict to another,
~Stacy
Writers block is the worst, though it seems my case is worse than yours as you have already posted something today!! I have never even heard of Pathwords…I shall go investigate.
We should all be so lucky to suffer from writers block the way you do. Even with the block you have me laghing out loud on a daily basis!
“They may remember me as the girl who couldn’t pass Algebra II without resorting to bribing the teacher with apple fritters and excessive flattery, but I am a genius when it comes to anything involving letters that don’t represent arbitrary math equations”
And therein lies the reason I read you daily because that is exactly how my classmates would remember me too! Forget caves…the words “a train leaves the station…” make me hyperventilate!
dern that pathwords game!
I can’t beat my own high score of 1090. and there you are every time smiling at me with that 1450 something or other the whole time I’m playing. I may have to resort to duck tape on that part of my computer so the pressure is not so great!
this is me, bowing down, arms outstretched, to the Master… Good at this game, you are (that’s Yoda’s voice, since you can’t hear me).
Pathwords is hard to put down!
Yeah….
I most definitely was NOT up until 2:30am playing Twirl. OhMyLord.
And then, I most certainly did NOT take a nap from 10am-1pm.
Stay-at-Home Momhood at it’s finest. Please do not ever, not never, tell my hard working Hubs.
I haven’t tried Pathwords but Mafia Wars is getting a bit old now so I may give it a shot.
I share your fear of caves. I had my one and only true panic attack inside a cave in Tennessee and I will never set foot in one again or watch documentary TV shows about them. I left the creepy cave and waited 6 hours in the hot sun alone for all my adventure-seeking crazy college friends to come back out. It was a wise decision on my part. Plus I got a tan, they didn’t.
This reminds me that I need to go to bed. NOW. Before I end up in your shoes. For me, it is not a Pathwords addiction, but rather a Twitter addiction. That and the inexplicable curiosity to see how Hell’s Kitchen ends. But I must shut down the laptop and go upstairs to bed. Besides, listening to Chef Ramsey is making my head hurt.
I’m glad you posted about this… I listened to your pod cast and it has been driving me crazy to remember which game you talked about… I must go try now
question… do you twitter? I could totally use some more of your humor…
The lack of sleep thing is workin’ for ya Melanie. I’m serious. HILARIOUS stuff you have going on. I’m always up from 3-5 so find me on twitter…i’m sure to be online. Stupid.
I finally gave up on pathwords. I spent a good 8000 hours trying to beat my score. MY score. I had to give it up. I went cold turkey. Never looked back. I play once every 2 weeks now and it means NOTHING to me.
Hang in there.
What in the world? I thought I was doing so well on Pathwords with a 980!! You people are crazy!
Love pathwords!! Hubs makes fun of me, as I log on quite a bit.
Oh that had me laughing out loud. Finally someone who actually admits to the fact that they give up sleep to play Pathwords! I have been eternally annoyed for months (Did you hear that?? MONTHS) that I am ranked #3 on my little Pathwords friend ladder. I have wasted hours of my life trying to improve me ranking with nothing to show for it! So I’m off to try again…you’ve inspired me NOT to give up!
I’m going now to check it out.
You had me at crack for nerds.
I feel your pain. I’m madly addicted to Scramble. I even hide with my computer so my family won’t know what I’m doing. I think we need a 12 step program for word game nerds.
You are so funny!
I’ve never tried Pathwords. I try to stay away from internet word games because I think I have an addictive personality. I know once I start playing word games, they’ll have to crash my computer to get me to stop…
I am so glad that I am not the only one who’s exhausted b/c of PW! I get really annoyed when someone sends me a chat message during a game b/c then I am distracted by the fact that they might think I’m ignoring them:)
Here’s some more Facebook Notes fun with Google if you’re ever stuck again:
Google “[your first name] needs” and share the first 10 results.
Here’s mine:
Ruthe needs crazy Jay Blue
Ruthe needs hugs
Ruthe needs goosing
Ruthe needs Moola Moola!
Ruthe needs a halo
Ruthe needs her own lawyer
Ruthe needs moolah moolah!
Ruthe needs the staff request
Ruthe needs potentially dangerous lake
Ruthe needs our help
Spot on! Who doesn’t need Mooola and hugs and goosing?
Yeah, I just can’t get into the Facebook thing. I figure having a blog is enough for me, mainly because I’m using the little times I do find to write it. Those times? Oh, 4 AM… the time when the house is quiet and I can’t sleep anyway.
Call me when you’re up! We can do coffee together while you strive to teach me fashion and I’ll tell you about my latest book or dance lesson. The best part is that it would be interruption free. It would be a win-win!
Have you gotten an iPhone yet? Or iTouch? Anyways, Word Popper on there is similar, but I think a lot more fun than pathwords. Easier for me because you can pick letters from anywhere, not necessarily strung together.
Just something for you to look forward to.
~Donna
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