Furthering the Obsession

by sithel

My name is Sithel and I love Aishas. Some might ask, what is there to love in the little creature. They are one of NeoPets' more undeveloped pets and are slowly declining in popularity as the months (and years) go by. But look at me. See this? I don't care. I love the Aisha, and the obnoxious little green one by the name of TiccaTicca in particular.

How does an old-timer like myself express my love? Well, unfortunately I'm not active in the Battledome or popular, I haven't won a bazzilion trophies, and I most certainly don't have the amount of Neopoints a person of my age should. But gosh darnit, I still play. This winter will be three years for me and I do not foresee quitting any time soon. So how can a person play that long and maintain the interest? You have got to try, go above and beyond, and this is my story.

Crafts

Yes, NeoPets are currently just little graphics on our computer, but who's fault is it for keeping them there? Yours! You have the power to draw your little friends out into the real world, so why aren't you doing it? I know I personally can't wait till the Aisha toy is produced, but till then it wouldn't hurt for us to experiment on our own. It doesn't take Martha Stewart to create simple at home crafts and here are a few that I tried!

Stuffed Animals. There are varying degrees of how complex your stuffed animal can be. You could do the simply side view/2D type picture that has been plumped up onto a pillow or go all out as I did and prick your fingers to death over a nifty life like/3D type. All you need is a needle, thread, and fabric. An old T-shirt can do for material if your family lacks the bundles of discarded fabric that mine has, and in all honesty a sewing machine is not required. For my (as yet, incomplete Aisha) I sketched out a pattern on some sheets of paper, to cut out and trace, before working. Always remember that you must leave room for sewing space (1/4th to 1/2 inch) around the borders and that you should have space for it to bulge outward. When sewing, work with the drawn-on side facing outward so that when you are done you can invert it and hide the stitching (remember to leave a gap to pull it inside-out with!). Anything from cotton balls to shredded rags works for stuffing!

Sithel's nearly complete Aisha

Sculptures. A little more demanding, material wise, these are a fun and yet challenging to do. I personally used my school's pottery clay and kiln but its understandable that not everyone can do this. Soap carving is an easy and cheap alternative, but make sure you talk to your parents about using a knife first! Wood carving is very tricky (I have yet to master it! Hee hee!) but perhaps painting of wood blocks or thin plywood cutouts would prove entertaining. I don't even want to get started on stone carving! But remember those cute painted rock creatures with glued on parts that you did at camp? Yes, I see a piece of art in the making!

Personality

Loud, vain, obnoxious, cynical, bossy, self centered, and on rare occasions good company. This is how I would describe my NeoPet TiccaTicca. Sound a bit rough? Well, you must keep in mind that I am one of those older players who have progressed a bit beyond the cute and fluffy phase- but that isn't what matters. What matters is that when chatting with my friends and someone asks about TiccaTicca I know just exactly who she is. She has a personality all of her own and is a defined entity. Talk about taking a game too far, no? I figure as long as I don't start setting a place for her at the dinner table, I'm okay. Here are several ways that you too can become overly entrapped by your pet!

Artwork. Ever been bored in math class? How about in history as your teacher drones and drones on? This is a perfect time to flip your homework over and start a' scribbling on the back! Not only does this help you develop character, your artistic abilities improve by leaps and bounds! Sketch your little Neopian friend in different poses, moods, and if you're an advanced art student- styles. The only drawback here is confused looks from your teachers on the matter of the little creatures parading about your homework assignment. Stories. Dread the pencil? Then pick up the pen (or keyboard in most cases) and write out your pet's life. Some fun ways to do this would be to join one of the writing Role-Playing-Games scattered about Neopia. These are triple bonus for they not only let you "play" with your pet but also meet new people and allow your writing talents to bloom. Pet diaries are also another good way to build up your pet's sense of Self. Role-Play. Role-play, Role-play, Role-play! That clear enough? Get with a group and let your pet's personality come through! From chats, to message boards, to mailing lists... Enough said?

The joy of having a NeoPet

Actives

Played that new game fifty times already? That Battledome just not the challenge it used to be? That's no excuse to log of NeoPets! A little effort on you part can provide hours upon hours more of entertainment while you await the next new development of the site.

Games. Now I might be no programmer, but I know I attempt to fiddle around with Flash every now and then. For those of you who are Net/Programming savvy, why not attempt to make your own personalized games? A little bit of JavaScript can go a long way for an inventive person! Or perhaps you could try and personalize a pre-made game to Neopian styles. (Warning: Don't even bother trying to make a Sim-skin that resembles an Aisha. It just doesn't work, people... trust me on this!) But hey! Who needs the Internet even! Why not make your own off-line game?

Guilds. Probably one of the strongest ties that has kept me devoted to NeoPets. Find birds of the feather and all that. It's always comforting to know that "you're not alone" in your love for a NeoPet Guilds also give a strong sense of identity to yourself and your pet. I know that my guild, The Aisha Pack, has shaped not only my NeoPet actives, but a large portion of my overall Net activity. These are also areas fit for stirring up your own ideas with others!

Well, there you have it. These are just a couple ideas you can try to help improve not only your overall Neopian life but perhaps your daily life as well. NeoPets is a beautiful foundation for fun and actives if you would only open your eyes and mind to see them.

Hoping you have fun-