Thankful November, 11/9.

I wish I could remember how – and exactly when – I met the next set of people I am thankful for, and their part in Neverending Nights and my life.

The next set of people would be none other than Mario and his wife, Bethany, Garcia. I know I met them both through Adam – but for the life of me, I can’t remember when or how. And perhaps, that’s a good thing – because I can’t remember a time where I felt “awkward” in their presence (that time, when you don’t know someone yet – and you’re standing around, rocking back and forth on the back of your heels, trying to think of some conversation so there’s no awkward silence). It seems like, from the moment I met Mario and Bethany (whenever that was), there was always a sense of comfort around them – like I have known them for quite a bit of time – even before I met them. (I am sure I met them through gaming of some kind – more than likely a D&D session or Shadowrun at Adam’s place).

Mario, in Neverending Nights, was originally going to play the role of every single bartender in the series – but when Chad was unable to fulfill the rest of his role as Alan the Astounding, we replaced Alan’s extended role with a new character – Daniel the Destructive. So Mario went from having a small bit part throughout the series, to having a major role at the end of Season 1 and throughout Season 2. I loved working with Mario in the series, because when he asked how the character should be – we said have fun with it – and that’s exactly what he did. He developed Daniel’s personality by making him always ramble, and giving him a very unique voice in the world we had created. Poor Bethany got stuck with playing the role of a “Madame” (a Lady of the Evening Entertainment Kind of Thing!) I am not too sure how thrilled she was at that idea – but she was a trooper and got in the booth and had fun doing it!

Over the years, I got to know Mario and Bethany better – they were around more frequently, and we gamed with them from time to time. Poor Bethany – she’s like my sister. Her and I squabble and tease each other relentlessly! (Usually I end up punched in the arm for most of my comments – I have the bruises to prove it!) But somehow, she keeps coming back for more, and I keep coming back for more! I don’t think I have ever seen Bethany really angry – but I’d feel sorry for the soul at the receiving end of her true wrath! And when the company I was working for did cut backs, and the axe fell on my neck – I landed at Qualcomm where Mario also works. It was here that I think Mario continued to get closer as friends. As it is now, we talk all the time – and shutting us up is usually the problem! I have the sheer pleasure of gaming with Mario every other Monday with him as a DM of the game! (And Mario excels at being a DM! He gives a lot of action and story all combined, so you’re not drowned by one or the other!) He also – just like he did with Daniel the Destructive – gives each character in D&D their own voice (for example when he did the voice of the Treants in the game, he actually spoke like the Ents from Lord of the Rings)! And I can listen (and read) the various stories Mario and his son, Conner, come up with! (Check out, for example, the story of The Chomp on Mario’s site Reality-Break.com. Talk about a kick arse father, husband and friend!

Mario and Bethany are about to expect their second child (literally any day now), but you wouldn’t be able to tell! Bethany still looks like a super model! (See! That’s me being nice! So stop punching my arm!) I love’em both – and the expected child is about to be welcomed into one of the most amazing families ever!

Mario and Bethany both voiced Episode 17: Heroes Bar & Keep.