Tag: #personalblog

Freedom Day March 2023 Edition.

All in all, I’m grateful for every last one of my readers. I think the days and months ahead are going to be filled with positivity and new experiences. My mind goes to that time when I’m living my best life, doing what I love, and supporting everyone I care so much about.

We made it this far.

This post is probably going to be pretty short given the issues I seem to be having with WordPress these days. Since last we left our hero (?) I was struggling with a serious fear of inadequacy on multiple levels, and anxiety on just about every level. Depression, too. I’ve had my SSDI hearing. New opportunities to further my dream of having a game design/writing career have sprouted up.

I’ve been working with this blog for over a year, but due to a hiccup last year, my first cycle stopped at 100 and then skipped a day. I’m not trying to brag. I’m just marveling over the fact we’ve made it this far together.

Welcome if you’re new. Thank you if you’re a regular.

My SSDI experiences have taught me a couple of things. One is that I’m pretty messed up over a year and a half out of work. Those guys did a number on my mental health on top of everything else. It’s a tough climb getting that back and I’m not there yet. Of course I’m not allowed to say who, what, or even how due to various NDAs and stuff. (Groan.)

This blog is one of my last bastions of sanity on top of being a growing source of TTRPG news and opinions. I do a little bit of everything here. It’s like having my brain backed up on a server somewhere. Plus it keeps me sane. (*Really.)

Two possibilities coming up that should be exciting.

First, the TTRPG setting Urban Arcana is getting a reboot. I’m working on 200 word submission pitches until I find a good one. That’s been a lot of fun so far.

Second is the one I have a bit more trepidation about. I’ve been talking about it the last couple of days. The RPG Superstar 2023 contest has started. I’m going to give it 100% I’m obsessing over possible monsters until I have three that I think are perfect to submit. I’ve come up with some pretty bizarre stuff so far.

Fun things on the horizon.

My 13 year old has a swim meet coming up in a couple of weeks that should prove to be a lot of fun. More on that when we get back from it. It will give me a chance to do some wandering around in one of my favorite places. (*Even though it forces me to people. Ick.)

I met a guy on Twitter from my old stomping grounds in Boone. We might get together one of these days and roll some dice. It’s interesting finding locals that are actually willing to hang out. (*Assuming I don’t have a panic attack? 😅)

It’s also concert season, the start of Little League, soccer, and even more swimming. We’re going to be running our butts off as a family for about the next three or four months. Luckily, I’m around to prep meals and drive kids to practice every evening.

A couple of quick housekeeping notes before I go.

My plans for building adventures in the GI Joe TTRPG, Operation White Box, and Transformers are on hold for the foreseeable future. My efforts to build some Cypher System and Pathfinder material are being stepped up. Trying not to let my ADHD pull me off of too many tasks and put me on others, but it’s a struggle sometimes.

All in all, I’m grateful for every last one of my readers. I think the days and months ahead are going to be filled with positivity and new experiences. My mind goes to that time when I’m living my best life, doing what I love, and supporting everyone I care so much about.

Take care. Thanks for being here. I appreciate you!

Rough Day. Brief Personal Share.

Fuzzy little bunnies. It was that sort of a day yesterday. I’m pretty wiped out at the moment. Just stopping to say “Hi” to everyone. Hope your day is going well.

My SSDI Hearing was yesterday.

(Social Security Disability Income for those outside of the U.S.) It took a lot out of me mentally and physically. I spent most of the day prior to said hearing freaking out. I spent most of the time afterward fanning it around to get my kids together for East High Family Night and the orchestra concert that followed.

Our oldest child played the violin quite well. We’re all very proud of them. It was a wonderful concert all around. My 13 year old is going to play the bass next year as well as the saxophone for band. I have no idea where the kids get all their talent. Must be their Mother, because I was a choir kid.

I didn’t realize exactly how much pain, anxiety, depression, and fatigue play a role in my life until I was trying to explain it all to a judge. It also gives me a new appreciation for money however it’s earned. I also have lots of love for all of you who have far more severe and profound conditions than I do. It’s never easy.

Needless to say I’m quite tired as I write this. At least I’m writing in coherent sentences unlike the other night. (*Still sorry about that one, btw.) I refuse to let my publishing streak go down for anything, though. (Lol?)

Please be kind to one another. Every day is full of new experiences. Every experience provides a new opportunity for joy and learning. We’re all on this planet together.

Thanks for stopping by. Lots of fun stuff on the agenda this month. I appreciate you.

A New Year Was Born.

Last night I set my intentions for the year. I kept the list as simple and as manageable as reasonably possible. We don’t do resolutions here, only intentions.

A New Year Came Into the World quietly at our house.

This is going to be kind of a quiet little personal entry into the blog to start the year. Honestly, I don’t have a ton to say right now. Mostly I’m just trying to get back into the swing of blogging on a regular basis again.

Last night I set my intentions for the year. I kept the list as simple and as manageable as reasonably possible. We don’t do resolutions here, only intentions. Life is always a work in progress. Resolutions only seem to last anyone a short time and everyone feels down when they get broken. Why set oneself up for failure?

Intentions are a year round and sometimes longer fulfilment process.

I intend to:

  • Publish something on DrivethruRPG this year
  • Publish something to DMsGuild this year.
  • Write my first novel.
  • Have a physical, standing game group.
  • Obtain regular, meaningful income for myself and my family
  • Meditate daily.

Please note these are not numbered and not in any specific order for a reason. I also left off some of the specifics because I want to flow into my intentions. These are a game plan, not specific strategies or tactics. That can all come later. There might be some rebranding of websites and social media accounts.

I might even go back to working… a day “job.” Note that I would rather be tarred and feathered than go back to an office, retail, or custodial job. I’m done working for “the Man.” No offense intended toward anyone, but my last job left such a rotten taste in my mouth, I don’t think I’m ever going back.

Am I willing to work hard?

Damn Skippy! I’m going to work hard on my personal goals. I’m going to work hard to connect with spirit every day and find my flow. I’m going to set new goals as I achieve them and be looking ahead at new opportunities on every horizon. I’m not going to quit until I’m satisfied/happy where I am every day.

I’m going to take care of my family as if it is my full time job when I’m not doing other things. They’re important. Before enlightenment: chop wood and carry water. After enlightenment: chop wood and carry water. Some things will always need doing no matter what.

I’m stepping back a bit from Ufology following the fracas that was the Añjali thing. I still believe in ETs and extradimensional beings. I still believe in contact. I’m just no longer convinced the majority of ufology and even some of the spiritual community aren’t corrupted by greed, corporate influence, or the government. In short, I’m cutting the crap out of my life that no longer belongs.

I’ve always love Role-Playing Games and that’s never going to change.

Hence why half my intentions revolve around gaming activities. No lie, #ttrpg Twitter took me in and welcomed me; a total stranger, into their fold with no questions asked. Compared to #ufotwitter, they are saints. And let’s face it, if you’re going to have LARP and fictional games, why not just play LARP and fictional games, right?

I’ve been a gamer for 40 years come June. That’s a long time to be involved in any hobby or interest. I’m kind of a renaissance man of sorts. I have had interests in electrical wiring, bicycling, woodworking, painting, sculpting, acting, stagecraft, drawing, painting miniatures, wargaming, guns, web design, making jewelry, and a bunch of other things over the years, but I always come back to tabletop role-playing games.

This is why my blog site may be changing over soon. I’ll still drop the occasional personal/spiritual/LoA/Personal Growth article, but I’ll try to section it off from the gamer stuff.

I’m also looking at Patreon and more on Ko-Fi. If things really start rockin and rollin, I might be tempted to start a monthly newsletter, too. I might also start designing websites for other people again, too. There’s always potential for growth and helping others.

Stay tuned. More to come. Have a safe, prosperous, and joyful new year.

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