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First name: Kei
Screen name: Blysse, but I’ve had a few other accounts in the past which I no longer use.
Tell us a little bit about yourself: I’m 25 years old and live with my eighteen-year-old tuxedo cat, Oreo. One of my hobbies is collecting stuffed animals; I have some that I’ve had since I was born! I have neuropathy and can’t walk too well, but I do well enough to keep the house tidy and to run errands sometimes. I’m transgender–female-to-male–and have been in transition and taking hormones since January 2013. I’m lucky to have friends and family who support me!
State, Province or Country? BC, Canada.
Astrological sign? Aquarius
How long have you been playing on Pogo? Since 2001, when I was 13 years old.
What was your first memory of Pogo? In 8th grade, I’d use the school library’s computers at lunchtime and before and after school to play Poppit!. My friends would sit next to me and we’d all play in the same chatroom, but just talk to each other instead of using the game chat.
How did you come across Pogo for the first time? I don’t exactly remember. I think it might have been when a friend showed me the site.
What was the first game you remember playing on Pogo? Poppit!.
What is your favorite Pogo game and why? I love Poppit! the most. It’s the fist game I ever played, and I’ve bought every possible badge for the game since I became a Club member in 2008.
What is your least favorite Pogo game and why? I have to go with Payday Freecell… I’ve just never been good at that game and can almost never win a hand!
Pogo has lots of features – Games, Chat, Friends, Tokens, Minis etc. … which is your favorite? I love the games most! I’m disabled and at home all day, so it’s a wonderful, fun way to spend a few hours every day. I think Minis come in a close second, though; I love dressing up my Mini. :)
What makes Pogo unique for you? The massive variety of games, for one thing. There’s always something for me to do, so if I get burned out on one game, I can easily find a few others to play for a while instead. And the badges, too! I love having a goal to work towards while playing games.
Do you have a favorite room? If so, which is it and in what game? “5 Or Fewer Balloons” in Poppit!. I always play in that room. The people are great, and it’s nice to have a “regular” room to go to.
Since I’ve been playing in that room, I’ve made a habit of sending the “Congratulloons!” gift to everyone whose name is announced in chat for playing a perfect game. To date, I’ve spent about 3,000,000 or so tokens on the gifts. :) I love the responses I get from it, it’s nice to brighten someone’s day with something so simple!
We know Pogo’s has been around for 15 years! How has your life changed since 1999? Well, I’ve lived in three different provinces–British Columbia, Nova Scotia, and Ontario. I’ve gone to high school and graduated on the honor roll. I’ve had several jobs–some good, some not so good, lol!
Who’s your favorite Pogo character? Nestor. :D He’s just adorable! I’d totally buy a Nestor plushie or toy if Pogo ever added one to the store, *Hint Hint*. ;)
What goes on in your mind when you’re deciding how to dress your Mini? I usually pick the clothing first, and then find a background, goodies, and often a pet to go with it. I try to co-ordinate it to a certain color palette or theme. And I always have the pink breast cancer ribbon, because my Grandmom is a survivor.
Do you have a favorite Pogo memory? I think the time when I was in a league. I’m usually a very shy person, and am scared to approach new people, even online. But it was so easy for me to open up to all of my friends in the league. They were all so kind and easy to talk to!
Have you made any long-term friends on Pogo? A few! For a while, I played in a Tri-Peaks Solitaire league every day and I’m still in touch with some of those people, both on and off of Pogo.
Do you do the daily Challenges? I do, every single day!
Are you a Club Pogo member? Why or why not? If you are Club Pogo member, what about Club Pogo enticed you to join? At first, it was simply to get rid of the advertisements. But once I found all the extra games and features, I was instantly hooked, and have been a Club member ever since! I don’t have very much money, but Club Pogo is, for me, a worthwhile investment.
Have you ever forgotten to do something important because you lost track of time on Pogo? Well, maybe I’ve put off my bedtime a bit too often… :P
What makes you a unique Pogo fan? I think my profuse gift giving. I send no less than ten a day in Poppit! when I see that someone’s played a perfect game. But I try not to send more than one to each person, to keep it fair and balanced, y’know?
Do you ever eat while you play? If so, what’s a favorite “Pogo” food? I frequently have candy or potato chips with me while I play.
Do you read the Pogo News? If so, what do you like most about it? I read every article that’s posted. I enjoy catching up on the goings-on at Pogo. My favorite column is the Letters To The Editor. I even had a letter of my own featured once!
Popping balloons, swapping candy, or playing cards? Popping balloons! I play Poppit! for at least an hour a day, I’m slowly but surely chipping away at rank progress.
Do you attend Amazing Mini shows? Why or why not? I’ve never been to one. It doesn’t interest me very much, but maybe I should go to one, just to see what it’s like. :)
Puzzle Games, Board Games, Word Games, Card Games or Solitaire? Puzzles and Solitaires are my favorite, but I dabble in every variety now and then.
Have you ever had a life changing moment on Pogo? Again, the time I spent playing in a league. Everyone there helped me to open up, and I talk to people on Pogo much more often now because of it. I’m not so scared of the interactions anymore. :)
Do you have any additional thoughts or anything else you’d like to tell us? I just want to thank Pogo for being such a wonderful community! Everyone in the game rooms and on the forum are wonderful and so helpful and kind. I couldn’t ask for a better site to spend my days on!
Courage and best wishes through your tansition time. Poppit can be addicting! Your generosity of gifts and well wishes are refreshing! Take care of yourself.
Thank you for the kind reply. :)
I was so moved reading your comments..You are a very kind person, and I so admire you..My best to you..Take care..
TYSM for the comment!
Hi Blysse,
I am nicki2424, have been a type 1 diabetic for 66 years, Needless to say the neuropathy in my feet was really bad! My podiatrist rec a machine called
” ANODYNE”. I went to physical therapy 2-3 times a week for about 2 months. IT REALLY WORKED! Haven’t had any pins & needles since! and it doesn’t hurt a bit!
Thank you for the comment, Nicki. :)
My neuropathy is a result of a bunch of injuries I had when I was 12-17 years old. I don’t get the pins and needles that some people do; it’s just a lot of pain.
Fortunately, the Gabapentin I take does a pretty good job knocking out the pain, and my forearm crutches make it easier for me to walk. :)
I think you are VERY courageous to share your transgender status with Pogo and thereby me and everyone on Pogo. I know not that many read the profiles, but it still takes a lot of self-confidence and courage to reveal that about yourself in public forum. I love your stuffed animal collecting, I have several little animals and they sit proudly on the backs of one of my chairs. Oreo, what a good name for a black and white cat. Lonnie Mack or Mac, not sure, does a great blues song about Oreo’s, Oreo Blues. You might be able to find it on youtube. Nice to meet you and go pop some balloons for me. Good Luck
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment.
I was nervous to mention my transgender status in the spotlight interview, but decided to go for it. In my time on Pogo, I’ve only had positive responses when people notice that on my profile. :)
Thanks for sharing with us in Pogo. Most people here are caring and considerate, I have found. Interesting name for your tuxedo cat. I’m in the process of adopting out a little tuxedo kitten that was born on my patio in the Spring. I’ll mention that name to the new owner, as it hasn’t been named yet. Thanks for the help in that area, even though you didn’t know you were giving it. LOL. God bless. Take care
Thank you, and good luck getting the kitten a great home. :)
Hello Kei and congrats on being featured in the spotlight! I have a transgender child so I know how scary it can be sharing that information about yourself with people. I know Pogo has a predominantly religious base but I also know that most of its members are supportive and kind and I hope you find them to be the same. <3
I used to have a tuxedo named Paco and he was such a lovebug. I miss that fella!
You mentioned being on leagues here. That sounds so fun but unfortunately I am such a chicken that I don't even play Canasta with *real* people. Just robots. :P
Well thank you for sharing a bit about yourself with us and I hope to see you around Pogo very soon!
Much love,
Rachael (grittyknitter)
Thank you so much for the amazing comment. :)
I was really nervous to share my transgender status in the spotlight feature, but decided to go for it because up until now, I’ve only received positive comments about that on the site. I’m really happy I made that choice, because every reply to this article and message I’ve received about it has been wonderful.
Unless it’s one of the few games that doesn’t let you play against a bot [like Backgammon], I always choose the robots nowadays, lol!
Congratulations on your transition,I have made many good friends by helping people transition,helping with clothing,makeup,gestures and just being someone they could trust to lean on.
You sound like a very kind and gentle soul and it is great getting to know more about you.
I also collect stuffed animals and own a big Tabby/Maine Coone cat who loves water!!
I hope and pray you will now find happiness in the body you were meant to have.
God bless you.
PS.I can’t win at Pay Day Solitaire either!!
TYSM for the wonderful comment, Lori.
You’re an amazing person for helping out others like that; the world definitely needs more folks like you! :)
it was so refreshing to hear your story. i have many friends who also went through their own transitions. i wish you luck and health and happiness.
pogo can be a great stress reliever. and if you’re lucky you might meet a few good people out there somewhere. i’ve made a few friends playing my favorite games.
don’t be a stranger, perhaps we can play a game together sometime.
stacy
(aka prettypoetstacy)
Thank you very much for the reply and for adding me as a friend. :)
So wonderful to meet you! Thank you so much for sharing a bit of yourself (and Oreo) with all of us. :)
Thank you for the comment! :)
Lovely to meet you..tysvm for sharing yourself & your life. We are all beautiful & unique unto ourselves…you certainly exemplify that. Have seen you send several gifts…always thought to myself…what a kind & generous soul this is…now I know. Safe travel in life’s journey & may you receive as much, if not more, of the care & grace you share :)
TY for the wonderful comment, punkin461. :)
Thank you for sharing your story, you are very brave. I wish you the best in your transition and thank you for being so kind to others. You are the kind of person who inspire others!!!!!