I’m a bit of a geek, so it is only natural that my geek journey leads me to new reaches. In my spare time, I’ve developed an interest and career in networking. Time spent studying binary and routing protocols helped me achieve my first of hopefully many Cisco certifications. I am a network analyst – providing support to the technicians who monitor the devices that facilitate my company’s global communication. I get to interact with people who are 5,000 miles away or 13 hours ahead of my time zone, so that we can work together to find ways to improve cost efficiency, time management and process oversight. I occasionally work on projects that require investigating whether or not my company’s network is at risk. I could ramble on and on about the diversity of my job description, but I will spare you. Basically what I am trying to say is that I have opened up new geek doors – and this new path is filled with opportunities.

That being the case, I am closing a chapter in my life that I never thought to part from so soon. Just 2 years ago, I tried out for this team and was embraced with open arms. I planned for many many years of conventions, tournaments and Frag Dolls Fridays, knowing in my heart that my geek dream had been achieved. But when conquering new ground, eventually the size of that land grows larger. I was presented with an opportunity to explore a different kind of technology; information technology (IT). When you gamers turn on your Xbox 360, log into Xbox Live, join an online multiplayer match, shoot bullets at your friend, take a knife to the back and re-spawn, all of that information is being passed through a network much like the one that I get to play with at work. I am in the world behind your virtual world.

Before I can close this chapter, I have very important messages for the girls that will continue to represent the Frag Doll initiative:

Dolls, you rock. Some of you have been at this for years and some of you are new to this journey. You have achieved great things since this team was formed - creating a healthy environment for women gamers and breaking the stigma is not an easy task. But we have come a long way and it’s heartwarming.

Rhoulette – You have been a rock on the team. And when times get rough, you are the glue that holds all of us together. I can tell that you like a challenge, hence why you try to juggle 10 things at a time. And you have been so good at making sure this team never hits the floor. You are truly remarkable.

Seppuku – You are the ultimate teammate. You are always supportive and encouraging, and you always have a cool head when things get heated. You are the FD Zen Master. I’ve never met anyone like you and I hope we never lose touch.
Valkyrie – You are like family to me. If anyone knows anything about the Frag Dolls, they know that you are like the mother of FD. You are honest and nurturing, with a hint of “I’ll kick your ass if you act like an idiot.” Beyond that, you are truly a life-long friend. But I am sure I will see more of you, so I will save the sappy words for later.

Brookelyn – You are thoughtful and always find a way to relate to the people in your life. You make people feel good about themselves and you are so fun to be around. There are some other qualities about you that I also see in myself. And as with Valkyrie, I am sure we will see each other often, regardless of the physical distance between us.

Psyche – You light up a room and make your presence known. You are addicted to having fun, which is always an attractive quality to have and makes you an important element to any group you’re with. You never judge a book by its cover and you are so welcoming.

Phoenix –You are so spunky and genuine. You aren’t afraid to ask questions and you have such great enthusiasm and confidence. Working with you has been so enjoyable. I am so glad you only live a few hours away! Be prepared for visits.

Spectra & Fidget – Welcome to this team of great women. Meeting you at E3 was delightful and I can’t wait to see you at PAX! You are both what I would expect a Frag Doll to be and hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

With that said, my last hoorah as an official Doll will be at Penny Arcade Expo next weekend. There’s no way to celebrate and say goodbye like a few days at the biggest (and totally sold out) gaming event of the year. PAX 2007 is where I competed for my position on the team and will be the last place I work by the name “Pyra.” My heart is heavy, because I will sometimes wonder if I made the right decision. But without regrets, I know that my life is moving in the right direction and I am excited to see where it will take me.

To all of our community members, I wish I had been around more to get to know you all. But even though I won’t be a Frag Doll, I will join your ranks as a Frag Doll supporter. See you at PAX!