A ces shocker

Before the tradeshow was known as "E3" (Electronic Entertainment Expo) it was called "CES" (Consumer Electronics Show), and it was usually the best and the worst 8 days of my year.  It was a treat to see all the new titles, but it also meant 4 days of standing on my feet, twice a year, showing off whatever new game we were working on, or had just released.

I don't remember what year it happened, but on the final day of the show a short man and his wife stopped by to see the booth.  I noticed that he was from "Microprose" but I didn't see a name on his tag and if I recall I thought he was just some marketing dude.  I did sort of a half-assed demo of some game I had been working on (I was soooo tired), and then I asked the guy about his job.

He said, "I'm a game designer.  My name is Sid Meier, it's nice to meet you."

It was like someone punched me in the chest.  I actually stumbled a few steps backward before I re-gained my steely composure and asked, "Whatsa how -- Sid Ma-- hammana hammana..."

I honestly don't remember what happened after that, but I recall that he sort of wandered off looking a little bewildered.  Always nice to make an ass of yourself in front of one of your idols.  <sigh>