My dad ran a tree cutting business when I was a kid. The sound of a chainsaw revving was both as common as dirt and as comforting as a warm blanket. I've carried that into my adult life, smiling as I walked past men felling great trees. Then I met Mystic Violet. Specifically, I met her in Gears of War and wouldn't you know it, she likes chainsaws too! The problem is she likes to kill me with them ... and then she giggles. My warm blanket has been ripped away, now all I can do when I hear that chainsaw rev is run like hell and hope it's not being wielded by an otherwise charming lady with more class than any of her victims in Gears. This is her profile, enjoy.

Who the devil are you?

Level 24 Female Human Artist currently specced in Struggling. I'm not liking her so far. I should reroll.

My name is Vivinia. For those of you who are confused right now, remember phonics? I do. Because I'll tell you right now that it does NOT read as Vivian, Vivianna, Vivianne, Vivia, Virginia, etc. Yes, I have been called Virginia. The lady behind the DMV counter did not remember phonics. Say it with me now: VEE - VEE - NEE - AH. It's spanish. You can also pronounce it the english way with short "i" sounds (like in igloo). It doesn't bother me either way.

Well, now that we got that settled, you should all know the truth. Who am I? No one of importance. Also not Vivian.

What are you supposed to be doing during the day when you're reading GWJ?

It's different every day. School work, some artwork, grinding my MMORPG characters to keep up with Will (priorities!)... I'm in the middle of job hunting so my days are somewhat free for now. Not that it matters. I never had a job where I could surf the web freely. Maybe this time!

How about family? Kids? Pets? Particularly meaningful inanimate objects?

There's my husband, William. He's a U.S. Navy sailor. We met when I was visiting a friend's house for her birthday party. He was 19 years old and I was jailbait (16!). He didn't notice me or anyone else when we arrived. Nope, he was sitting in front of the television very involved with a Playstation game. The other guests continued through the kitchen to the backyard but I hadn't moved from the living room. I had to get a little closer just to make sure. That game... I know that game!

"Hey! You're playing the Legend of Dragoon! I have that game too!"

It was the slowest head turn I've ever seen. I wish I had of photo of the look he gave me. It was one of shock, awe and disbelief. Is this... a woman? She has a Playstation?! Priceless. He never responded by the way. A very long stare is all I received before I was called to the patio for the birthday happenings. We started dating three years later and the rest is history.

I know what you're thinking. "Vivi, how do you tolerate his gaming habits? How can you possibly allow him to ignore you like that? The nerve! He should be with you all the time! " I tolerate his gaming habits because I have my own! And, you know, he's an individual. I guess it helps when you understand why he goes into Karazhan every Friday night. The raid group needs their dps and their comic relief. He's a squishy mage and doesn't understand that he's not suppose to gain aggro. What? You died? Again? Why do they bother inviting you anymore? Oh! I know why! You excel at deaths-per-second!

I kid, of course! But not about the deaths-per-second. That's true (sorry hun... you know I love you!). Oh, and don't start with me about LoD. We were young and didn't know any better!

What was your favorite game over the last year or so? Why?

You know, it's been a while since I've beaten a game and felt a sense of epic awesomeness. So I don't think I could answer this question honestly. I played a lot of games last year but none of them stick out enough to make it my favorite.

No wait. Portal. That choice is satisfactory. The game was so unique and refreshing. I felt nothing but joy from start to finish and that rarely happens. Never before has a game combined the first-person perspective with puzzle-solving and cake. I like cake.

Which game are you looking forward to most?

Most of the games on my radar are either a hit or miss depending on their reception. Currently, there are two games on my "must buy" list for the rest of this year: Metal Gear Solid 4 and Gears of War 2.

I don't know why I bother looking forward though. I'm practically drowning in unfinished games.

What is your fondest gaming memory?

When I stuck a chainsaw in your mom. No really. Okay I'll be serious!

I remember using my NES a lot when I was five or six years old. We had about eighty games back then and I have fond memories of dying constantly in each and every one of them. Super Mario Bros., Contra, Castlevania, Metroid, TMNT, Bubble Bobble, Bionic Commando, Gyruss... These games were nothing but death traps and I enjoyed every minute of it. A continue was never wasted. Game Over meant try again. Again! Again!

Then it finally happened. I've worked so hard to get here. I memorized every enemy encounter. I timed every jump. I discovered the weaknesses of every robot master. I used their own weapons against them. I invaded the fortress. I destroyed everything he could throw at me. Wait... What's that? Is that... me? A copy? A COPY?! He does everything I do!? WOW! I'm fighting myself! This is a tough battle but you can't stop me. I've come too far to die now!

I've never made it to this stage. Ever. There's a boss up ahead and I don't know what to do. I'll have to try everything! I have plenty of lives to spare! You're time has come, Dr. Wily! ...What? Game Over?! Aww man.

Success wasn't quick in this case. After many hours of trial and error, the final battle was won. This is the first time I've ever seen the names of the men and women who created this game. Not that it mattered... I couldn't read them anyway. I was too busy jumping up and down screaming "I beat it! I beat it! Yay yay yay! I beat Mega Man!" Mega Man. The title of the first game I ever completed. I've never had a gaming experience like it since.

Finally, why do you play games at all? Why haven't you outgrown them?

Why do I play games? Honestly, because I had no choice. They weren't just video games to me. Nintendo, Sega, Sony... They were my babysitters. My immediate family was completely useless back in the day and I was left with no other options but to play video games. I was one of those kids raised by being left in front of a television. They used video games as an excuse to ignore me and I used them as an escape from a harsh reality.

My life isn't like that anymore but I haven't stopped enjoying video games. However, the older I became the more I've toned down my playtime. I don't think I could ever stop. It's all I really know.

Yes, I know. Killjoy. Nothing a few chainsaw kills can't fix.

Thanks for taking the time to answer our hard hitting questions! Any last words?

LOOK BEHIND YOU.