First of all, thanks for taking out the time to answer some Q’s for the TXD X-Spot. What is your name? and where do you reside?
Hi, nice to be here! I’m Maranda, and I live in Ottawa, Canada. And no, not in an igloo.

HotelQueen, how did you come up with that Gamertag?
It’s been my handle since my early PC gaming days, and it’s a play on my career at the time in hotel management.

What is it you do for your job?
I’m a mom of four, and I do home daycare. That means I get to play, a lot

When not at your job, what hobbies do you have that aren’t videogames?
Um, is Twitter a hobby? I’m also into digital scrapbooking – creative photo layouts using Photoshop. And I love all kinds of board games, card games, table top games… the great thing about having four kids is there’s always someone to play with. I also help out my other half, Sinnix, with co-writing 360Prophecy, a comic that is distributed on Inside Xbox in Canada and on xbox.ca. I like to write when I can find the time, and have appeared on sites like What They Play and PopChiX. I’d do it more if I could find the time. And I have a new project in the works for the new year too, stay tuned!

What is your favorite thing or feature about the Xbox360 or its LIVE services?
I like that all games have chat, or you can just chat in a party. My Dad and other relatives are on Live and we can meet up online so easily. It’s a great way to keep in touch, since we don’t all live in the same city. I also like the variety of games available, and having a selection of casual games immediately available for a quick play session. You know, so I don’t have to walk aaaaalll the way to the console to put a disc in.

What Xbox360 games are you currently playing?
I’m a huge fan of Bioware RPGs, so of course I’m playing Dragon Age: Origins. It reminds me of the Baldur’s Gate games, which are my all time favourites. I’m also playing Modern Warfare 2, Beatles Rock Band, Forza 3. It’s a busy time of year for gaming!

What game do you most dislike?
I’m not a big fan of the retro arcade games, but other than that I play just about anything.

What is your funniest/best moment on Xbox Live?
I’ve had some pretty funny moments playing Gears Of War 2 with my family on Xbox Live. You don’t want to get into a chainsaw duel with my step-mother!

Any games next year you’re really looking forward to?
Definitely Mass Effect 2! I really enjoyed the first one, which I played through a few times. The second installment looks even better, and the space setting will be a nice change after Dragon Age.

Any last words for the Xbox Community?
Xbox Live and the many community web sites out there are great places to meet people with similar interests. Don’t be afraid to get involved and meet people! I have met so many other gamers, women, Canadians, mothers… it’s incredible. It’s so nice to feel connected a real community, especially since I don’t have a job outside the home. Xbox Live, community web sites and Twitter are my lifelines to the outside world!

If you would like to be on TheXboxDomain XSpot, feel free to email me miguel[at]thexboxdomain[dot]com.