A farewell to Final Fantasy XI

I began playing Final Fantasy XI Online in March of 2008. After years of pleading, my friend finally had the ultimate reason to get me into yet another game that would pull me away from reality. I had never really played an MMO before, my only real experience in the online fantasy world was java-based RPG chats from my awkward teen years.
Installation took much longer than I anticipated, and I eventually fell asleep. I'd mostly decided to play to A: keep said friend at bay, and B: because the first month of play was free. A few hours later, I logged into the world of Vana'diel for the first time.
I chose to play a Mithra character, which are mostly played by unfortunate gamer guys who like to watch female rears on their screens; that is, however, besides the point. Upon logging in, I was introduced to a world where I could interact with people...without really having to put forth much effort. When you're as socially awkward as I am, being immersed in a virtual world with people just as awkward as you is almost soothing.
I began to play. I played, and played. I logged sick hours on that game within the first month. Sadly, I had become hooked.
Throughout my months, I met many new and interesting people in this virtual world, and it brought me closer to a lot of cultures and gave me experiences I never would've had. I met one of my best guy friends, Jon, on FF, and we even got to hang out for a week! Sure, my interest waxed and waned, as it usually does with almost anything; that is to be expected, however, when one of your main side acts is playing an MMO. FFXI had gotten me through some times that would've been incredibly shitty if I hadn't had something to keep my mind off of the rotten hole I was stuck in.
In the past few months my attention has been drifting even further. I still enjoy the conversation and amusement I get from everyone in MLP, but my kitty char has been standing in one spot for almost a month, with my only online to make a funny comment or two. I figured now, since I am also rather low on funds, I should maybe take a break.
Perhaps it will be my last time playing, perhaps not. My interest in actually playing may return sometime, and if that is the case (and my monetary situation improves) I will reactivate Zbag and return to the world of slash-n-burn pixel monsters while doing jigs. Many of my friends were saddened to see me go, and some of the assholes wanted all my gil (NO). I've managed to get emails and facebooks of anyone who wanted to keep in touch, so in that way I can still socialize with all of the amazing people I've met.
By the way, if anyone is having a hard time beating Maat (that decrepid old manslut...) I suggest bolting in with Smack My Bitch Up playing and just go slice his geriatric ass.
Paladin Kitty, over.