You're a Canadian! And you have an adorable avatar. <3 I hope they also made a Squirtle plushie sketch like what you have there. o3o
But yeah, welcome to PC, Addy! I've also played the games for about the same amount of time as you. :D First game I ever played was also Yellow, so I have fond memories from playing that spectacular game. I'm using an unevolved Pikachu in a competitive battling tourney right now, too, so it brings back even more memories. <3 I envy you for getting a stuff pack though! I could only dream of trading with someone back then, haha. Good thing wireless exists now! :> I mean the franchise has certainly evolved from its old days, pun intended.
You mentioned that you played off and on; I think its something I can relate with, really. Especially when the Gen IV games came. :( Not that the quality degraded at that particular moment, but I guess I just lost interest at an unfortunate time. So before Nathan jumps on me for bashing his beloved generation, I tell you, it was largely coincidental. :p And I got back into the franchise before it ended anyway, lol.
You have amazing selection of favorites, too. Fennekin is adorable. <3 And I love Charmander, the Eeveelutions, and Arcanine (which, like you've realized with your White 2 game, is as cool as the Vulpix line, if not cooler) as well! Since Charmander is your favorite, and Squirtle is mine, it's safe to say that the first gen starters are just unbeatable in that aspect. ;D I'm just kidding, but you agree that they have that unmistakable charm, don't you? :3
Anyway, I sure hope you're having a blast so far! Your welcome thread is really popular, haha. I suppose Google has done it again. We owe a lot to Google for bringing all kinds of people into these parts! Don't forget to message me if you need anything, Addy. I'll try to help as much as I can. Or if you just wanna talk over a cup of coffee, then that's fine too. :D