to all the players at New Dimension Comics in Butler, PA.

I have been having a pretty awful couple days, and playing heroclix tonight really put a smile back on my face.

On Sunday afternoon, I spilled a scalding pot of coffee all over my hand at work, and went to the ER that night to be told that I had 2nd degree burns over a substantial part of my hand, and 1st degree burns on the rest. I currently have a blister the size of a ping pong ball on my hand, as well as several smaller ones. Yesterday, I went to a burn specialist in Pittsburgh for a follow-up exam and got a prescription for some pain medicine, but by the time I got home, the weather was bad enough that I couldn't go out and get it filled.

Today, I got my prescription filled and called my friend to inform him that I still wanted to go down of heroclix tonight, even if I would have trouble using my hand. I figured I couldn't do anything ELSE with my hand anyway, and it would beat sitting around staring at a wall all night. So, I drove my car as far as my friend's house, at which point I gave him the keys so he could drive the rest of the way to Butler. We had to take a detour because of a bridge closing, he missed the exit from the interstate, and then turned south instead instead of north from THAT road, so we were running a bit late. And along the way I learned that my pain medicine made me nauseous, and spent several minutes vomiting in the mall parking lot before being able to go in and play.

And when I did, I had a great time. Our judge (Harpua) let us jump in late and start playing, and I went 2-1 tonight. All three games were a blast, and I met a guy that I had never played before that I had a really fun game against. Everyone there was really helpful, volunteering to move between rounds so I wouldn't have to gather up my stuff with one good hand, helping me turn dials that I couldn't get with my hand in its current condition, and letting me borrow some maps because I was without mine. And I ended up taking home the fellowship prize (although I think that's just cause Harpua felt bad for me).

That was exactly what I needed to put me back in a good mood after having a couple painful and upsetting days, and I just want everyone to know how awesome all the folks are at New Dimension Comics. Check it out sometime if you're ever in the Butler area.

Speaking from experience, I know that sometimes the best thing for pain is just something to take your mind away from it all for a while.

I am nowhere remotely close to Pennsylvania, but I am glad that you had a good time.

Sorry to hear about the accident man. You can probably apply for workers compensation, ask your boss about it, if you have to miss work you may be entitled to some or part of your lost earnings, and they may have to pick up all the medical bills too (not sure about Penn law, I live in FL). Glad you had a good time at the venue, and glad to hear Harpua isn't such a bad guy after all. =P

BTW, are you the Vlad that used to play Pirates?

Yeah, I am getting worker's comp. Harpua's a pretty cool dude in person, and it's pretty useful to have someone so rules-savvy as the local judge. And nope, I didn't play Pirates. Just Heroclix and Horrorclix.

I feel your pain on the burn, dude. Taking out the embarrasing details, when I was around the age of 16 I winded up getting a pot of boiling water onto my right foot. I manage to keep any and all profanities from escaping my mouth, but I went to my mother and said, "Hospital, now!". I told her what happened and we rushed to the hospital. Kinda funny, since it was such a lame story on how it happened, the doctors kept asking me over and over on how it happened (trying to find out if it was possible child abuse) but after awhile, I told them that I was really that stupid and I just needed something to relieve the pain. Not the most fun of nights, let me tell you!

Good to hear as well.

Once when I was much younger, I was using my father's power washer and the engine stopped I had trouble restarting it so I placed my hand to stabalize while I reached for the pull start. Unfortunately I placed my hand right on the hot motor. It litterally burnt and imprint of the motor right into my hand. Thankfully, unlike the movies it went away in a few days after using that silver nitrate cream.

I had no idea there was a Heroclix scene in Butler, or that that's where Harpua hails from.

I vacation near there every year (if you live there, take a wild guess) and it might be fun to sneak off for some Clix action during the week.

Harpua is GREAT for rules, and a real asset to this site!
Glad you had a good time and got your mind off the pain.
Something similar happened to me last night.
I had an epidural last week for pain from my car accident, and it was really helping - up until late yesterday afternoon! By then it started wearing off and the pain was once again driving me through the roof when I was on my feet any length of time.
Chris (Wolviefan9) had already planned to come over and deliver some customs he made for me as well as have a game.
I almost cancelled because of the pain, but decided to give it a shot.
Well, we played "old school" Avengers vs Masters of Evil (a lot of customs involved for the MOE!) and had an amazing time!
Clix fun got my mind off the pain for a while.
It may be "plastic crack" but it's nice to know it does have some medicinal uses!

now now now....dont get carried away...all these posts saying harpua is a nice gent and all...c'mon...I know better...!!:knockedou The Butler venue has been 'plagued' by the dude for years now. If Only I could tell you the stories and all the lies and drama

heehee

anyhow I know the dude...I even have his cell phone number for super fast hotline to Heroclix questions & answers....you want that ... Ill post it all over the interet.

Dudes that harpua is a bad seed dont let all that propaganda fool ya:knockedou

I mean he even gave me a personal call y-day about the tournament last nite....the guy is just evil I tell ya

peace

wes

ps: ya...I second that he is one of the good ones! Happy New Year Harpua!! hahaha