Bernie: This month I am spotlighting a staff member. Lexi (alexandra7213) has been a TD in Gazers for a while. She goes above and beyond the quota for running Tourneys! She steps up and puts in tourneys and in the past couple of months, she has filled in for the Staff that has been having health and family issues. We are very lucky to have her on Staff, and very grateful for her dedication to Gazers. Plus, I love her new special The Feud!!!! Here is Lexi's story...

Lexi: 1. Tell us about yourself. Your family, your hobbies, your work, anything you would like to know about someone else but in reverse.

I live in Central Illinois with my 15 year old son. I have raised him alone since birth. I work in social care and it allows me to be around more for my son. He has been my life.I graduated from college with a associates degree in Early Childhood Education and pursued it until my son was born. I was a stay at home mom for 3 years before pursuing a career in social care. That has evolved into a part time career in medical transcription. I have 4 brothers and a sister who are all nearby as well as my parents. I have 14 nieces and nephews that keep me hopping! I spend as much time with them as possible. I love spending time with ALL my family. It is something some families lose sight of as the years pass. Aside from spending time with my family and son I love being outdoors. Camping.. finding a pretty sunset or sunrise. barbecuing, gardening or even just a nice quiet walk in the cool evening air. LOVE baseball...the Cardinals ROCK! I love playing games. Especially card games.(spades!!) And spending quiet nights at home either on the PC spading with gazers or with Brian / or son.

2. Where are you from, where do you live now?

I was born in South Bend, Indiana and throughout my childhood my dad's job forced my family to move numerous times in my life. I have lived in Texas, Ohio, Michigan. I have also lived in Australia for a short while. I have lived here in Central Illinois on and off for a total of 15 yrs.

3. After coming into suicide lounge 4, what made you stay? What keeps you in gazers?

I came across gazers just by browsing leagues. The home page for starters drew me in. So nicely done and organized, I loved that str8 away! So many leagues out there now but not really any stood out to me like gazers did. I was with a few other leagues for several years before joining gazers, but this league stood out to me the most. Gazers are so welcoming and kindhearted. Its like my 2nd family. Knowing you can just go into the lobby and be with friends and have a great time no matter the time, morning noon or night, is awesome! Even on a bad day, gazers can always help lift your spirits up. And for those reasons, I stay in Gazers! :)

4. When do you play? Days, or hours?

I play when I can. No specific times or days. I try and get into play at least 1 tourney a day.Whenever I can squeeze it in! I'd miss it if I didn't play at least once a day or so ;)

5. What is your favorite game?

Regs of course and REVERSE MIRRORS is da BOMB!!!!

6. What is your least favorite game?

Mirrors or really most forced bid games. Exception, reverse mirrors!! haha

7. What advice would you give to a new member or someone wanting to join gazers?

My advice would be don't be afraid to jump right in and chit-chat with us in the lobby or at game tables. Gazers are friendly and we love new members. We have a wonderful, helpful staff too, so please remember any 1 of us would be willing to help you if needed. Heck even our members are so very helpful. But their is just 2 things, be careful of mercury's (Bernie) YANKS! lol She may yank ya, but only cause she loves ya! haha :) Secondly, tkg's (Kay) singing in lobby. She means well and just loves entertaining us gazers with her talents.

8. Do you have a special memory of something that occured in gazers that you want to share with gazers?

For me I enjoy cutting it up in the lobby with the gazers. For ex. sushi, tkg, manthinketh among others, love to joke around. So many times the ole gazer shed gets brought up lol. Good times! We all can get so silly. That's what it's about. Friends getting together not only to play the game of spades but also to have a good laugh enjoying each others company. We share our problems too, good or bad, we are there for 1 another. :)

9. If you are a Staff member, tell us WHY in the world you would want to do this for Gazers...its not like you are getting paid!

I am on staff because I enjoy running tourneys (A LOT) and in addition to that i am willing to help anyone who may need it. It's not about any money for any of us. I also do it because I love the league and more importantly I was told (shhhh it's a secret) I have a big bonus coming! So there ya go! haha

Bernie: Thanks, Lexi, for being an awesome Gazer and an even more awesome Staff member!! You do a great job TDing and if I find out you got a bonus.....well they just better have one for me too!! By the way, I haven't forgotten you still need a YANKKKKKKKKKKKKK!! Hugssss!!