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Let the celebrations continue! In our fifth interview we meet a young woman who has quite the interesting life, made even more interesting by that special twist of Club Pogo! Meet Laurie!
First name: Laurie
Screen name: LDecker19999
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’m pretty much like everyone else in that I have an offline life. I too have a family, kids, friends, and pets. I am a divorced and not looking, working mother of three. A current AS degree holder and I’m also currently pursuing a completely unrelated BS degree. One could say that I have embarked upon a never ending quest for knowledge, so to speak! We have two large dogs and two cats. I love the outdoors and enjoy doing the usual outdoor activities like gardening, camping, fishing, and canoeing. I actually don’t get as much time to play on Pogo as I would like because I tend to prefer completely disconnecting from all forms of technology to be in the physical company of friends rather than live online.
I come from a long family tradition of military service as far back as my great-grandfather down to my Mom wearing her combat boots in the Army towards the end of the Vietnam War. As a result, I have seen and lived in many places. Above all else, the issue is not whether I agree or disagree with the job they’re directed to perform but rather supporting those who serve and the sacrifices they have and continue to make. Those who volunteer do the job so that the rest don’t have to. At the very least they deserve our support for having done so!
I love music, movies, and some TV, after all who doesn’t? The lists of what I don’t like is a lot smaller than what I do like. I don’t like “chick flicks”, the majority of country/rap music, and a specific group of comedies I consider to be “ignorant” humor. Unlike most women I have zero fashion awareness and hate shopping. Unless it’s to go to my favorite hardware store! I’m not a big “sports” enthusiast, although in the past I was an avid NASCAR fan. But that all changed on February 22, 2001 and the sport since then has never been the same. In time I have lost interest and stopped following the sport.
State, Province or Country? Just relocated from Anchorage, Alaska to Tennessee.
Astrological sign? Aquarius
How long have you been playing on Club Pogo? I have been playing on Pogo since 1999 but I became a Club member officially on November 1, 2004.
What was your first impression of Club Pogo? I loved the concept of being able to play virtual games and socialize with people from all over the country even when I was relaxing at home by myself. It was extremely difficult to play a game of spades on Saturday night without three other people at your kitchen table back in those days.
What was the first Club Pogo Badge you earned? The Club Pogo badge of course! The second was the Black Cat Badge in Spooky Slots on Nov 2, 2004.
What is your favorite Club Pogo game? Payday FreeCell
What’s your favorite looking Club Pogo Badge? 1000th Weekly Special Edition Badge
Club Pogo has lots of features – Challenges, messaging, exclusive games, ad-free gaming… which is your favorite? Ad-free gaming!!!! Which allows me to to achieve game award badges interruption free.
Do you have a favorite room? If so, which is it and in what game? For most games, I usually just click the “Play Now” button or play with robots. However, for Payday FreeCell I usually try to play in “Jack of All Trades” room.
Who’s your favorite Pogo character? Ms. Netiquette
What goes on in your mind when you’re deciding how to dress your Mini? I try to keep my mini dressed appropriately for a gaming site. Since Pogo is my home page and I am always signed in, my children sometimes play as well. Although not all people do, I like to keep it clean first and foremost. That being said, I usually change clothing and backgrounds based primarily on holidays and seasons. My mini tends to be an internet reflection of my offline reality. When I was getting married, my mini wore a wedding dress and had a related background. At Christmas my mini was decked out in holiday cheer. During the late spring almost summer season, such as it is now I am decked out in camping and kayaking gear.
Do you have a favorite Club Pogo memory? If so, describe it… The day I was finally able to complete all of the previous years badge albums. I have to confess that my motivation was primarily fueled by my competitive spirit responding to the upcoming badge being offered to those having met the criteria by the deadline. On December 27th 2012, after many failed attempts and with the help of a fellow Pogo player, I finally earned the Euchre Planet badge that was originally offered on November 17, 2004. It was the final badge as well as the only remaining incomplete album in my collection. It was on that day that I locked in the prestigious 1000th badge. A special thanks to Leea928, I couldn’t have done it without you! It’s Leea and players like her that make some of the impossible badges, possible.
Have you ever forgotten to do something important because you lost track of time on Club Pogo? Pogo is a relaxing mental vacation anytime I need a break. Just as with all breaks, they are immensely enjoyable and difficult to end. I have forgotten to do everything from washing dishes to leaving to go to work on time. After all these years, at one point or another my forgetting time while playing on Pogo was the reason I forgot to do just about everything at least once! Some things I have done countless times, like being late for work. I frequently finding myself watching the clock and playing “just one more game” because I think I can still make it on time.
What makes you a unique Club Pogo fan? I feel I’m rather unique just simply due to the amount of time that I have been a Pogo player. Many website’s and game site’s popularity has come and gone since the late 90’s. As with any business it either thrives or dies by its customers or lack thereof. I am one of many long time, supportive, loyal customers that not only have helped to make Pogo as successful as it has become, but will continue to ensure a bright future through favorable word of mouth that will create new long term customers. As days and customers come and go, those of us who have been here from the beginning find ourselves in a rather exclusive group that many can never go back in time to be a part of. Besides that, I am just so darned of a uniquely interesting personality!
Do you ever eat while you play? If so, what’s a favorite “Club Pogo” food? Over the years I’ve been known to do just about everything while playing Pogo. I have worked remotely for my job, cleaned the house, showered, ran for coffee, walked the dogs, chatted on social media, and I do have to eat sometimes too. But, I do not have any “special” Pogo foods. I do have favorite beverages though. On most mornings I enjoy coffee with Pogo and on some occasions I like to relax on a weekend night with a glass of Moscato.
Do you read the Pogo News? If so, what do you like most about it? I actually do read the Pogo news! I really enjoy Ms. Nettie (or Mr. behind the scenes?) The spokesperson of Pogo that receives and addresses player feedback on issues with their Pogo experiences. Whether I am interested in finding out about the 1000th badge award, looking for hints to winning the weekly challenges, or issues with games loading I’ve found the news to be the first place I go for information. Thank goodness I did, or I wouldn’t have my 1000th badge!
Popping balloons, swapping candy, or playing cards? Playing cards
Challenge Wednesday or Mini Thursday? Challenge Wednesday
Puzzle Games, Board Games, Word Games, Card Games or Solitaire? Card Games AND Solitaire Games
Well said Laurie, I have also been on since the inception of POGO. I was not able to complete the 1000 challenge due to two deaths in my family, and my old age, but I still feel that Pogo is part of my family. May we have many more wonderful years here.
Bev,
Understands all too well that life is a bumpy road indeed. To be honest I wouldn’t have the 1000th badge had I not used gems to purchase the “additional” weekly challenges during one of my “die hard” periods. I was able to really knock out many of those badges that I failed to earn when they were first introduced.
In the early days, if I didn’t like the game and/or the challenge was too time consuming or excrutiatingly painful for me (like days of mouse clicking on slots) I just didn’t pursue them. I started purchasing the additional ones a ways back when Pogo started offering the option out of sheer boredom because I ran out of albums and mix and match badges to earn. I was doing the max 5 for a long time before the announcement about the 1000th. By that time I only had a handful remaining.
Perhaps Pogo might consider a “Together From the Beginning” distinction for us old timers. The only requirement will be that you are one of those members. I could really run with that. A special profile and icon. Maybe Pogo needs a replacement for Nettie? Sorry, random thought there. Anywho…You may not have the 1000th but keep working on those badges because you are still in the unofficial club and before ya know it your albums too will be complete!
Nice chatting! And thanks for the kind words!
Laurie, I enjoyed reading your spot light, and as U shared I too have a life outside of pogo, but do enjoy my time on it, have made some friends and a lot of acquaintances, I have been on pogo since 1998 as one can see from my profile, I like U can not imagine pogo not existing, Continue your quest for knowledge and enjoy life…. The Bunny.
Bunny-
Wow! You still log in with the alias you created in ’98? Had the criteria for the 10 year anniversary only included profiles like yours, I wonder how many are still active out there today. I’m so envious! I had almost forgotten how furious I was when I had to start all over again with a new name and all those challenges over my break-up with AOL. In a perfect world I could call upon Pogo, explain the situation and verify my identity. Then they would wave their magic wand and meld both profiles to reflect the very first day I joined and the dates I first earned the badges. Seems so silly, doesn’t it? Ah well. My ex-ISP, the servers, and I know the truth. That’s all that matters!
Thanks for the message Bunny! Looking forward to running into you sometime soon!
I do not think she is a die hard fan even though she has been with pogo for a long time…She herself says that she has better things to do with family and friends…Only a die hard fan that spends a lot of time on pogo belongs in the spotlight…My opinion
phin, Over fourteen years (99-13)I have had many “periods” of being what you would consider being a “die hard player” and literally lived here sometimes playing up to 18 hours a day for weeks on end. However, Pogo is not the only one who has changed over the years. Sometimes life has a habit of getting in the way of what one would rather be doing instead. One thing I have learned is that everying in life should be enjoyed in moderation. I would like to think Pogo selected their top ten based solely on those of us who have been here since the beginning. I think you have an awesome idea for a future Pogo theme to spolight “Hardcore Players.” Perhaps, you might be one of them and you will find yourself in the spotlight. :-)
February 2004 aint fourteeen years… so i have been on pogo since 2000 or 2001 with a name that got recycled due to inactivaty now, do not claim anything unless….
so what i mean is there is no proof of your fourteen yrs, i just feel you’re trying too hard, and it comes off as a bit phoney that’s all
This spotlight is about long time CLUB Pogo members in celebration of the 10th anniversary and she has been a Club member from almost the beginning, just a few months after it started. I would say that qualifies as a long time member…..Congrat’s on your spotlight Laurie!
Why do we need proof?
Name-
That’s a very good observation! My proflie does not say ’99, but rather ’04. I am certain that we are not the only two members who have had more than one account alias for whatever reason.
Back in those days I had I had a shiny 54K dial-up modem with AOL. AOL initially introduced me to Pogo games. I wasn’t very tech savvy back then. So when I dropped AOL in favor of high speed in ’04 I somehow lost my ability to access my Pogo account. They seemed to be intertwined and I was unable to find a way to get back to that account.
Congrats Laurie for being chosen for the spotlight. It’s nice to read about a well-rounded individual.
Laurie’s longevity to the site makes her a fan, die-hard or otherwise, and deserving of the honour.
Thanks SusyQ!
A very nice story, Laurie! It was awesome to see you give a shout out to your friend who helped you with Euchre. If you ever need any help there and can’t find her, I’m a Euchre addict (Kcshebr). Continued good times in Pogo to you and your friends!
Always a good time on Pogo (unless you run into a loading snafu)! Thanks for kind words and we’ll have to play a hand of cards sometime, eh? Cheers Susie!
Geez phinbar52!
Everyone needs to have a life, they can’t be glued to the internet every minute of every day. I am a die hard fan, but i refuse to let any site on the internet rule my life. I have been on Pogo atleast 15 minutes of everyday since the begining but i still do the dishes, the laundry, the litter box, vacuum, shower, take a walk, cash my checks, make my appointments on time etc,etc.. Some people just need a little perspective.
In the last year and a half i have spent atleast $250.00 on Pogo not including my annual subscription.
Laura; i like you because you are not a typical female. I too used to watch NASCAR but quit a long time ago because it became boring and monotonous. I still like to dress up, but besides this you and i are so much alike. I am a straight female, divorced twice, and i live with my cat. I wish you alot of happiness in your life.
Cim,
Oh no, don’t get me wrong. I too clean up quite well. I don’t dress like a lumberjack LOL. My intention was to communicate that I don’t make weekly trips to the mall to buy my next pair of shoes to add to my ever growing extreme shoe collection. My trip through bootcamp taught me how to shower, shave, dress, and apply make-up to be ready to go on the fly. I could absolutely care less whether my pocketbook matches my shoes, whether the style or color is considered “last season.” I rock the high-maintenence look, taking care of myself without making expensive weekly trips to the salon. On the other hand you can take my dog, but you will have to pry my fishing rod and craftsman tools out of my cold, dead, hands :-) HA. Nice to meet ya. Thanks so much!
Laurie, I loved reading about you. I, too, enjoy Pogo for the relaxation of playing games, I love the challenges on Wednesday, and I completed the 1000th badge. Your background of camping is one I use too. I love to camp, go to the beach, and chat with friends and family. I love to play the games on Pogo and I love the chat when it’s clean, but amusing. You echoed some of my own sentiments. May you have continued happiness and good health.
Janice,
Despite the prelude to my introduction, I’m far from young. *blushes* I am flattered. But, shhhh! Let’s just keep that between us. OK? I like to keep it classy. Online and offline. That’s my personal choice and I say live and let live, and to each his own. When I was very young the movie “Grease” was considered completely inappropriate for me. Today it makes recurring appearances on kid’s tv stations. My how things have changed.
I’m of the opinion that there’s a proper time and place for everything. The net offers endless possibilities. I like to think of this as a virtual arcade. My grandma once said something along the lines of, you will attract a specific type of fish depending on what you choose to put on the hook. From her wisdom, I have decided there are certain baits I prefer not to use. Besides, I’m not here to fish! What use is a fishing pole in an arcade anyway? I’m here to play games!
Perhaps we will bump into each other sometime and can chat over a card game, eh? Thanks for the well wishes!
Phin: What a SHAME you couldn’t just be happy for LDecker. What constitutes a long-time die hard Pogo fan? Her longevity for me is good enough. Just because she DOES have a life does NOT disqualify her for being in the spotlight. You are prolly also one of those ppl that complains about the badges on Wed. Too bad you had to be so rude. Jealousy is not pretty, nor does it give you the right to second guess Pogo.
Jealous of WHAT……Complain about the badges on Wednesday….What are you talking about…..I love wednesdays badges..and I enjoy striving to get them thank you very much whoever the heck you are…..The only complaints are when something is not working…..Figure out your facts before you ugly rude person say someone is jealous…..YOU ARE THE SHAMEFUL ONE going after me…..RUJEALOUS
Anyone who can play and shower IS a diehard fan! Love the profile!
The robots don’t mind when I leave the card table in the middle of a Canasta game to go take a shower. Thank goodness, otherwise I’d have to develop a way to mouse click with one hand while lathering with the other. I would so earn the “extreme player” title though if I did, wouldn’t I? HA :-)
Thanks Sho!
While driving this afternoon, an after thought occurred to me. As ridiculous as the notion of showering with a mouse in my hand sounds, I took comfort thinking that if I ever got to that point I would have to acknowledge I might have a problem. That is until the next thought wiped the smile right off my face. Long story short, me and my trusty sidekick Husky spent our summer on the road parking our tent anywhere we decided to stop throughout various places in Alaska. So, there we were, lost somewhere amongst the beautiful mountains with the sun shining brightly overhead at midnight. Sitting between out tent condo and the water next to the crackling fire. Inside our mobile condo was the usual camping gear, a power strip, a coffee pot, and my computer. After all, they had wifi and I didn’t want fall behind on weekly challenges!!! OK, maybe I HAD a problem, but that was in the past! :o| ROF!!!
Laurie, you sound like a well-rounded person and for the most recent times on Pogo, a positive person. I didn’t find out about Pogo until 2005 and became a paying member in 2006. Unfortunately, the person who introduced me has passed on (lighthouse-lady) but I am forever grateful to her. I have a lot of badges but don’t really consider myself a badgehound. Some games I just can’t figure out so I let them go but enjoy the others. Congrats on your accomplishing your 1000! Good luck for your future and hope you stick around for at least another 10 years.
Lyttle-
The games I played with my Grandma so long ago before the computer age, will never get old. Pogo took it to the next level and I can’t imagine a day that I won’t be a member short of the site no longer existing. For me, I see a very close resemblence of personality types on the net that you would typically find in any common social setting. You won’t “hit it off” with everyone you meet, but sorting through to find those special few is well worth the journey! I have “internet buddies” that I’m very close to but I’ve never actualy met for over 15 years. Great people!
When addiction solitaire first came out, it drove me batty not being able to figure it out. I finally got it. Phew! On the other hand, when a badge comes out for Freecell there is an abundance of frustration for those who find that game challenging. Ive been accused of being an “auto” player because I don’t chat much, don’t lose often, and can find a solution to almost every game in under 120 moves in less than 3 minutes. Go figure!
If ya ever need help with a badge or some help with a game, just shoot me an email. Always willing to “pay it forward”. :-)
Great meeting you and thanks for the comment!
Laurie,
First of all, let me offer my ‘Congratulations!’ on you being chosen for POGO’S Player Spotlight! Also, welcome to the ‘Lower 48’! Wow, from Alaska to Tennessee…now that’s quite a move! ;~)
It’s funny, but, I was able to draw SO many parallels between you and myself…
For example, I, too, HATE shopping! (A quick peek in my underwear drawer is proof enough of that! ~lol~) All kidding aside, I also believe there’s a time and place for everything and have found that, as I get older, I’m still capable of being shocked by how some people choose to represent themselves online. I think it must be a combination of both the ‘changing times’ and the complete anonymity of being able to ‘hide’ behind a screenname. I find myself shaking my head a LOT with some of the things ‘said’ online, even in the ‘Censored’ rooms here in ‘Pogoland’.
I also was a huge NASCAR fan ‘back in the day’. But, I seemed to lose me passion for the sport the day we lost Dale, Sr. It just wasn’t fun anymore. Although I do still like hearing when ‘Jr.’ does well, simply because he has always had to work so hard to live up to the legend of his father.
On a final note, I have to say that your obvious gratitude and recognition of our Military Men and Women touched my heart in a very personal way. My husband served 2 Tours of Duty in Vietnam while serving in the United States Marine Corp. He was only 4 months shy of Retirement, after having served 20+ years in the United States Air Force when he was killed Active Duty. I share this with you so that you know that I understand first-hand the kind of sacrifices that are made each and every day by our Military and their families. So, your gratitude and recognition are GREATLY appreciated by this very proud ‘Air Force Widow’. <3
It was very nice reading about you and your life both here in 'Pogoland' and beyond…
Take Care & God Bless,
'Just'
Just-
Over the years I have found myself in multiple unofficial and often overlooked military support roles. Although the soldier is the one who officially serves, they are not the only ones who must make sacrifices. Clearly no one understands the depth of that more than you. Being a military family is definitely not for the faint of character. Many people couldn’t last a day in your shoes, let alone over twenty years. I feel that anyone who serves in a position that primarily requires a willingness to sacrifice their life for the sake of others in the job description, is automatically deserving of support and respect just for applying. While service members are closest to my heart, they aren’t the only modern day heroes out there. Police, firefighters, EMTs, as well as many others also serve with jobs that have the same common requirement-To put their life on the line.
The reception that many service members received when they returned from Vietnam was unacceptable on many levels in my opinion. That needed to change. Today there is wide array of soldier and family resources available. And they are welcomed home from deployments in the way they deserve to be.
Your story is absolutely heartbreaking. I am blessed that I have not lost anyone. Your husband was a hero. As spouses we understand the potential all too well because it haunts every moment of our lives. Unlike other jobs, that often are only at high risk for 12-24 hour shifts after they leave the house and stops when they return, the soldier is at risk 24/7 for many days/weeks/months at a time. You can’t force the thoughts out of your mind because you’ve tried many times in vain. Although your fear is strong, the love for your soldier is stronger by far. More than twenty years is a very long time to hold your breath.
Just-Thank you very much for YOUR sacrifices. Every box you packed and unpacked, PCS move you organized, BDU you ironed, and duffle bag you packed was vital to your soldier, and to our country. You did all of it solely out of love. I am so sorry that you too suffered the ultimate sacrifice.
Thank you.
I am so honored that you chose to share your story with me. We will have to chat again soon.
Laurie….I am truly sorry that some people never grow up and prefer to act out like a drama queen when someone is in the spotlight. It’s your time so enjoy. I for one, enjoyed the outline of your life, well said!
Linda-Thanks for the support. I usually try to avoid all drama as if it were the plague especially when it is within my complete power to do so. But, life itself is a beautiful drama of highs and lows and ups and downs. Sometimes it simply can not be avoided. This is why it took me an entire month of kicking the can and asking myself, do I really want to put myself out there? I’m not an attention seeker and I really dislike all eyes turned on me. There are many players and I figured the chances I would be a chosen were slim. I still threw my hat in there anyway. This was a huge step well beyond my normal “comfort zone” and I jumped in with both eyes open. Just about everyone who took the time to read and comment have been FABULOUS! This has been a very interesting experience. I couldn’t have asked for it to turn out any better.
Happy Pogoing to you Linda!
Have to say – your combat training for civilian life has done you in good stead! Chin up, face forward, you’re doing darn well! Have a happy day and tomorrow too!
Laura. HA! HA! You’re cute and funny too! ~From your response above.~
Laurie, Absolutely an impressive interview, I truly enjoyed reading it as well as all your replies to the comments that followed. From all I’ve read it appears you have many talents with the diplomacy and grace shown here. My hat’s off to you and also Pogo for choosing you to be one of the top ten. Your writings show remarkable insight much like our Ms. Nettie. Thanks for sharing!
I BEND SENT 2002 I WISH YOU ALL MAKE THE GAMES EASYER YOU MAKEING TO HARD I HAVE A HANDCUP SOME OF THE GAMES YOU MAKE HARD ON THE BADGES MAKE IT MORE EASY OK THANK YOU
I have been a member since “Ten” remember that? I have seen Pogo change and evolve over the years, I have met good people,bad people and rude people but all interesting. I have seen Pogo make good changes and bad. I know they try hard to please everyone but its just not possible. I have enjoyed Pogo for its great games and challenging badges, some took me years to finish but thats the challenge. Of course trying to qualify for the special badge rev up my competiveness. I don’t do the special badges because money is always tight and my pets wish to be fed (lol). But I don’t begrudge Pogo for doing them. I wish there was more to do with my tokens than buy mini items, maybe Pogo will think of something new. I want to thank everyone at Pogo for years of enjoyment keep up the good work.
Nice article Laurie. Congrats on being chosen by pogo. I have also been playing pogo before there was a Club Pogo. Club Pogo was a god sent NO advertisement’s. If you tried to chat during one you got booted. We had a group of about 20 people who meet every evening in Turbo 21. They are friends I will never forget. When we lost our oldest son it was pogo friends and games that keep me going. Now at age 79 it keeps my mind busy and happy. I really looked forward to the 1000th badge as no matter what else was going on I did the badges every week when they came out.
wow….this entire spot light is very interesting….almost like a book