After I revived my interest in pokemon, I started rewatching all of the original season anime episodes, as a nostalgic past time. In May 2009, I noticed a fake banner advertisement for PWO, while watching an anime episode online. The concept of a pokemon MMO was always something I was fascinated of, even to more so of an extent after I became an avid fan of the franchise again. I can't recall if I actually attempted to download PWO from the fake website or not, but it reminded me of the concept of a pokemon MMO, which incited me to hop on google and search for one.
Then I found the real PWO website, downloaded the client, then registered (back when registration was open 24/7 and we could register instantly through the client). I actively played since, but my addiction to the game declined after I obtained all 8 badges (back when Johto gyms weren't open, and only Kanto gyms were). Then I went on hiatus, and I have played on and off since (mainly during holiday breaks, and other times I had enough free time on my hands). My last hiatus from the game was after the summer of 2010 (discounting off-time from the game during events such as the C&D, which caused an extended period of downtime), then I started playing the game in January of 2011, when the game was brought back online. I have been active in the forums, IRC, and game on a regular basis since.