It has been almost two weeks since I last saw my Wii. My boyfriend, who gave me the Wii for my 21st birthday, said, “Hey sweetie, why don’t you let me borrow the Wii until Valentine’s Day … that way you can get more work done?”

I thought, “Yeah, that sounds good. I have been playing it a lot lately and should be getting more work done. No problem!”

Little did I know just how long two weeks were and just how much I was playing my Wii. I took my Wii for granted, and now as I sit having no way to successfully procrastinate while pretending to be in a rock band, I realize: I’m addicted.

The addiction stems from the first game I ever played on Wii. The game was “Rayman Raving Rabbids.” Sitting in the bedroom of my “BFF Dee,” we threw cows, danced with disco rabbits and battled to see who could slap the bathroom door shut faster.

From there, I moved on to “Wii Sports” and “Mario Party.” Playing them at parties with friends and family is not only hilarious and humiliating, but it’s also a great way for people to learn to laugh at themselves while “getting exercise.”

Once I received a Wii of my own, there was no stopping me. I bought four controllers, four Nunchuks, four wheels, “Mario Cart,” “Rayman Raving Rabbids 2” and of course, “Guitar Hero.”

I was planning on spending that money on “stuff I needed for college,” but I convinced myself that the Wii and its accessories were stuff for college. Since then, I have actually decided it’s true.

As an interactive gaming console, the Wii is essential for apartments, dorm rooms and house gatherings – provided you have enough space and the drinks are kept far away from the actual console.

Nothing is more fun than watching people pretend to box in their pajamas at 3 a.m., which looks vaguely familiar to two people sleepwalking and beating the air. And nothing is more successful at detaining your attention just long enough that you eventually decide it would be best to wake up early in order to finish your homework. (Trust me, you won’t wake up. It’s easier to just stay up even later.)

I miss my Wii. I miss the hours my roommates and I would spend chit-chatting while trying to beat Slash, who is not only the lead guitarist from Guns N’ Roses, but also my evil Guitar Hero nemesis. The Wii brought us together and gave us a needed break from the hustle and bustle of college classes.

This year, Valentine’s Day is not only the romantic day I get to spend with my boyfriend, but also the wondrous day I become reunited with my Wii.

Contact all correspondent Pamela Crimbchin at [email protected].