My life as one of those Pokemon Go players

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I’m not big into movement, or peer pressure. Laying on my couch is one of the most exciting things I could possibly do and being different than everyone brings me so much joy. That was until my roommate convinced me to download Pokemon Go.

To gain precious room on my phone I first had to uninstall several other applications, including Tinder, where I no where near “catch ‘em all,” so I figured this would be a step up.

I’ve walked more kilometers (yes, the game uses the metric system – oooooo) in downtown Piqua in the last three weeks than I have since moving there last June. I have walked probably some 20 kilometers, or 12 miles. And I’ve made it to level 13, and collected 45 “monsters” as my mother calls them, who is also playing the game.

I wouldn’t say I’ve become obsessed, some days I simply don’t have time to play, or it’s way too sunny and hot out for my pale body – but yes I’ve gotten a Pokemon-related sunburn.

This game is inspiring people everywhere to get up and move, even if they’re still staring at their phones. My slight brown-ness and increase in leg muscle is because of trying to catch those silly little creatures.

I haven’t really gotten into the battling; I’ve still got a ways to go, but it sure is fun. And with not really being able to beat the game because you can keep catching stuff, trading them in, and upgrading your strong ones, I see the game continuing on and on and on.

As I drain my phone battery while walking back and forth to PokeStops, I am reminded how much this game has brought people together. As we are all out walking around we usually give each other a head nod, or a thumbs up to acknowledge each other, get into playful verbal arguments about what team we’re on (I’m on the blue team – Mystic), and give each other heads-up about where special Pokemon are.

I was surprised when I heard the police haven’t had many issues with people playing the game, for I feel some take it way too seriously and would probably risk trespassing into places at inappropriate times of night to catch those rare creatures; but I guess it’s a good thing to hear people are behaving themselves.

If you’re considering downloading the game, I suggest you do, it’s fun, silly, and the little bit of exercise is worth it. (Don’t be Pokemon-ing and driving, like my mother does, though.)

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By Alexandra Newman

Staff columnist

Staff writer Alexandra Newman contributes columns to the paper when she isn’t busy chasing down regular news stories, napping, or eating large quantities of ice cream (and now playing Pokemon, I guess). You can contact her by email at [email protected] or by phone at 937-538-4825.

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