End of the 2013 Line

I'll see y'all next year.

Last Monday

It's the last Monday of the year. I'm happy for it.

Waiting For It

Only a couple more days...

That's It

It's the last weekend of the year, and I'm working. I guess that's good.

Day Well Spent

It's a Friday, and I'm going to spend it on Pokémon. Sounds like a plan.

It's Over

And now it's no longer Christmas. Wow.

December 25

Happy Christmas to y'all!

Tuesday's Eve

Christmas Eve is today. This might lead to an interesting Tuesday...

No Likey The Start

It's Monday yet again. How... dreadful.

The Small Things

So I learned today that I'm semi-okay at billiards. I guess I got that going for me...

End of the Week

Indeed it is... and I think it's about time for some kind of a collapse.

It's Getting Weird

Oh, man. Today's just getting interesting.

Thursday Again

Thoisday is now. And now I'm gone 'til tomorrow.

No Middle Climate

It went from sunny to dismal in a matter of hours. The weather, I mean.

No Change

Another Tuesday is here. Still got my coat...

No Way

The horizon is beginning to darken...

No Choice Made

I need to figure out what to pick...

No Sense

I've lost all sense in days of the week. It just dawned on me that today is Saturday...

No Friday

It's tiring when I think about how much work needs to be done.

That's It

It's Thursday. I'm done for today.

The Obvious

Middle of the week. That's what today is.

Just Okay

Well, today certainly started weird. It's ending on a good note, though, so I guess I got that going for me.

I Know Not The Answer

And so another windy week starts... will it get better, or will it get worse?

Another Part Gone By

And so the fine line continues to be treaded...

And the Cycle Continues

Another end of the week. We can only guess what next week brings.

Later On

Coming soon... is something I really want done.

Both

Good things and bad things just have to go hand in hand, don't they?

Apex

The middle of the week gives way to the tail end, where things will certainly go into motion...

Gales

Tuesday's here, and I have my coat. Good thing - the winds are blowing strong tonight...

No Better Time Than Now

As this week starts, so, too, do my troubles..

One More to Go

The last month starts now...

Halfway Done

With Saturday down, that means Sunday is to follow.

Not Used To It

It feels weird not having to work today. Weird in a good way.

Turkey Day is Now

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in America today!

Mid-Week Revelation

On the eve of Thanksgiving, I find myself realizing something mildly interesting to me: the fact that I don't have to work one bit on Black Friday weekend for the first time in years.

Holy shit. I think I'm actually excited for Thanksgiving weekend for once...

Fatigued Again

I am tired. That is all.

Already Drained

It's Monday, and yet I feel as though I've spent all of this week's energy...

Starts

For the first time in my history, I'm trying something that I thought I'd never do... and I'm liking it thus far.

Ends

That's what Saturdays feel like nowadays...

No Time Off

It's Friday, and yet I'm thinking about doing some work on the weekend...

Losing Touch

Indeed, this is what I'm beginning to feel like in terms of inspiration and writing in general.

Pun in the Middle

The middle of the week brings rain down upon us. Guess I'll just storm off.

It's Tuesday

I brought my coat!

It Figures

Mondays never turn out the way I expect them to.

Here We Go

Weekend's over. Time to start up again.

Work Once Again

I forgot how much work some of this stuff can be.

Digging

I got some interesting situations to get out of...

Plan Now

I'm going to have to figure out something soon, because things may not end well.

Busywork

So much work to be done on Pokémon Y...

Just a Tuesday

It's Tuesday, and that means... absolutely nothing right now.

And Now We're Back

Back to some mostly-dreary scenario after spending a maddening-yet-awesome weekend being away from it all. I think I'm having some withdrawl or anxiety issues over here, because life almost seems dull at this point...

And Now, The End

The madness now draws to a close... what madness shall return from it?

Second Down

Something's going down tonight. Or someone. I'm not sure.

And The Madness Begins

Let's see how it goes...

Incoming Gamble

It's getting to the point where I might have to roll the hard six real soon.

Taking Both Paths

It's always when you're at your lowest that one of two things happens. You either sink lower than you already are (which confuses the hell out of you, by the way)... or you start climbing back up. For some reason it looks like I'm at the point where both are going to happen...

Scoped

Everything seems so far away, no matter how close it all is.

Two Timers

Two timers count down at the same time, but I don't know which one is to hit zero first. I have my preferred choice, but I know better than to gamble on it with the way things have been lately. However, the gamble reaps the bigger reward - one I can't seem to grasp.

Where Is The Time?

The new week has started, and Daylight Savings has given us additional time back. But I feel it wasn't enough.

And I Must Scream

I need to. It's really wigging me out.

Already Behind

It's the start of November, but I didn't want to begin it this way...

The 31st

It's Halloween, and sadly I've no treats to give. Just tricks, but I'm not (that) heartless.

Holding

Everything seems to be on hold. That's not good...

It Got Worse

Just when things couldn't possibly get any worse... it does.

Approaching a Void

My stomach keeps knotting up as this morning takes forever to move along. I think my subconscious is bracing for the impact of a long-overdue nervous breakdown. For all I know, I could be wrong. Then again, I could be right. Either way, it's going to be hell for me.

In other news, I beat Pokémon Y last night. Woot.

Inescapable

And the last chance to descend begins tonight as things become darker...

Farther Away

It's now beginning to slip out of reach. I think I've got to snap...

What's Due

I think something's due. Something involving my life lately. But not today.

Another

And here comes yet another curveball. That's quite a lot of 'em now.

Where To Go

Life seems to take you on adventures and places you never expected to go.

Mix-Up

How is it how it is? It's confusing, and so is the previous sentence.

A Claim

I don't know if I'm starting to lose it or not, but there exists a gnawing madness in the far recesses of my mind. It wants to claim me, and yet I refuse to give in.

What May Come

Life needs to happen soon.

Even More Fatigue

I don't know if I'm done or not. It certainly feels and looks that way, but...

Continuous Drain

I'm getting tired of how drained I'm getting...

Conflict

It seems like things are getting out of hand and calming down all at once...

Time Freak

Time seems to be moving slower for some strange reason. It's kind of freaking me out.

Time is Gone

I need time, and that's a luxury I don't have anymore.

The Feeling of Survival

I feel something fading away... and yet something holding on.

Developing

It goes to show that certain things might get interesting as time goes on. I wonder how this week will play out.

Not Even Here

And today becomes long gone because of some new things in life.

And We're In For the Long Haul

We certainly are. Well, I am, at least. It's going to be crazy, chaotic... and above all else: straining.

Tiring Out

I'm going to have to figure something out soon.

The Thick of It All

I don't know what's going to happen - but I know I have to press on...

A Turn for the Worse

And suddenly, I find myself yet again in a pickle. It's worse than what I've dealt with, but I'm certain I'll find a way to pull through.

...well, I HOPE I can pull through.

The Wait For My Unretirement

Saturday, October 12, 2013 will be exciting for a certain sect of gamers. Many grown fans will be purchasing one (or both) of a set of games that supposedly seem to be aimed at (little) children. I myself will be amongst the list of "grown fans" and will be making my purchase as well.

For those not in the know, the TL;DR is this: I'm getting Pokémon Y.

Those of you who've been following my life probably remember me saying that I retired. I did - and as such it's left my copy of White Version unfinished - the only main Pokémon game I've left unfinished. By the end of the week we'll get to see if Y fares better than its fifth-generation predecessor.

Preparatory

I want to write. Honestly, I do. But something tells me this week is going to be more taxing than I want it to be.

And the Last Time Begins Now

I'm going to have to save myself tomorrow.

Funday?

Sometimes I wonder if Friday really is the best day as everyone claims it is. As far as I can tell, it's not all that enjoyable.

Curses Again

Between the work I've been working on and the fact that I totally did other things, it's a wonder how I was able to post something on here. I'm knocking myself off-schedule again. Blast it all.

One Last Thing

I'm going to relax for a bit more today. Tomorrow... I think tomorrow's gonna look good.

Warring Wills

I told myself that today would be spent on personal work. The kind of work that involves creativity and writing. However, actual work left me quite exhausted (it was much busier than normal, and I was bouncing all over the place. I want to just find a nice, comfy piece of shady land (particularly grass-covered) and just take a nice, long nap.

So the question for today is: when your mind and when your body want two differing and conflicting things, who wins, and what is the cost of victory? I think I might just get an answer for today. Do I sleep and become rejuvenated at the cost of getting nothing done? Or do I work like crazy on this project and lose a bit of my sanity in the process?

The Last Day to Sleep

I could sure use some rest...

Fatigued Out

I'm totally out of it.

I Figured This Would Happen

I totally didn't do anything productive for myself today. And I could care less.

Written Off

When it comes to writing, it's been ages since I've written anything down.

I don't mean the work I have going for my tabletop RPG campaign. I mean actual writing. Me grabbing a pen(cil) and writing words on a piece of paper. Continuously - to the point where these words become fragments (much like this paragraph), which in turn become sentences. These sentences start spelling out ideas that I have (well, had), and they in turn help breath life into some other idea that inspired me to write said words in the first place. Wordception, perhaps - but it all makes sense to me.

It's all for inspiration. And I think it might help.



So the question is: why the frak have I not tried this sooner!?

Four Digits

I don't know about you, but this particular day holds a slight amount of significance for me.

Wait for it... wait for it...

The cloudy sky this morning slowly gave way to the shining sun. (Slowly.) Despite the sunny optimism, it wasn't that bright out. I had a scheduled shift at work today during a busy lunch rush. It left me tired and broke (it's not yet pay day) and unwilling to do anything. I was running out of ideas for projects to construct in Minecraft. (And now I don't know what to do with all the spare rails I've made.) All that just makes me feel spent.

From that last paragraph, I've made it sound as if Thursday, September 26, 2013 is just another one of those blah days, and it certainly is beginning to look as such, isn't it?

That's where you'd be wrong. Today's a great day, and I'm going to prove it to you with a surprise revelation that only revealed itself to me a week prior to today. "And this surprise is," you ask?

This is the 1,000^th entry on this blog.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT.

So, how to celebrate? As can be seen here, it's not really that big of a deal to me (even though it kinda is). While I'm proud to have gone this far in my personal blog, this is just that - a personal blog. Now, if I had been doing this on some other kind of blog (say, for instance, a food blog), then that would be considered a higher accomplishment.

Regardless, I'm happy to have made it. While I have this up here as a sort-of motivator to do something with myself, the real reason I have this up is so I can look back and see what my life was like, and because some of my friends read this. I don't usually say it, but I appreciate whenever I get a view. Every time I do, it makes me feel a little giddy, knowing that someone took the time (willingly or otherwise) to look into my life. Thanks, readers. *smiles*

As a treat to myself, I'm going to take the rest of the day off. I'll get myself resumed and on schedule tomorrow. (Hopefully.) Happy 1,000! Let's see if I can get to 2,000!

Time to Improvise

I really need to work on my DMing skills... but at the same time, everyone seems to be having fun with the whole "improv tabletop RPG" thing that's going down. I'm happy with myself.

Lost Free Time

I really need to plan my free time more carefully...

Last-Second Drainage

I'm tired. I'm feeling bloated from lunch. And most of all... I'm feeling drained.

The Recuperation

I worked much longer than I intended to today. It took out my drive to type things up. I'm going to go recuperate with games and rolling back on schedule... potentially tomorrow.

By Virtual Design

Sometime in my teen years I began to notice that I possessed a rather peculiar talent. A group project would show up in one of my high school classes, and the teacher would state that a presentation was to be given. As the class started to look around the room in search of potential project mates, some people began eyeing me for a few particular reasons.

1. I actually did the necessary research and work.
2. I could write a killer paper and/or speech if necessary.
3. If we used digital visuals (e.g.: PowerPoint), I knew how to make our work stand out from everyone else's.
4. Our work (combined with the results from reason 3) netted us nothing but "A's."

In short: I made things look good. (I just wish I could say the same about myself. =P)

Yeah, I know - such a talent isn't of any particular use in the real world. Sure, you have some people go into some kind of job with the generic title of "{blank} Designer." In the end, most of them are (unfairly) ridiculed for not possessing an "actual" job like "other people." What makes these people stand out is the fact that the people with this kind of talent are usually proud of it - with some of them going to great lengths to show their skill (or "skill" - some do suck) to the world.

In my case, I use it in video games. In games with some kind of character creation (be it an MMO or a fighting game), you can count on me to make a character who fits my aesthetic designs. These have ranged from the exceptionally beautiful to the plain everyman to the horribly disfigured. (In one particular case, I took someone beautiful and had her scarred. It happened in her storyline, so it would make sense for me to do that.) In games where I'm given free reign to construct objects (such as Minecraft), I've set up various buildings - from the practically-designed to the kinds that demand that you look at them.

Just what lies beyond the door of this rather large building?

So what happens when I apply this skill in a social simulation game like Animal Crossing: New Leaf? Well, allow me to show you... if you're willing to keep reading on. Prepare to be amazed (at how dorky I can be)!

Upcoming Remodel

Eventually I plan on remodeling this blog. But today, I'm gonna focus on remodeling my house in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. You'll get to see the awesomeness tomorrow!

Processing the Laptops

I'm currently in the final processes of transferring any important files from Old Faithful to the silver. This is a massive transfer - Windows 8 is clocking an ETA of 40+ minutes before completion. To those of you wondering how modern technology can be that solow: yes, I'm transferring that much data.

Two laptops can really occupy a lot of desk space.

Surprisingly, the silver has proven itself to be quite a formidable laptop. It's getting close to the point where it just may permanently take over work as the lead laptop... leaving Old Faithful to become an auxiliary. As sad as I am to say that, it's almost time for me to retire the behemoth desktop replacement. As I mentioned before, the black laptop has been in service since the middle of 2009 - far past the average lifespan of your average laptop. (I think it's due to my care and treatment - it was essentially my baby.)

And believe it or not, I've also begon to get used to the messy OS that is Windows 8. *le gasp* I've learned a few tips and tricks to help make things useful and sacrificed some precious time learning how to adapt certain things to others. For example. that change to how default programs work in 8? A real pain in the ass... but at least I got VLC and KMPlayer as my prioritized video players rather than that "app."

There's just a few more files and "tests" I have to run, but that'll be in due time. I'm still wondering if the silver can run games like World of Warcraft and StarCraft II. This thing surprisingly played Command & Conquer: Red Alert 3 despite SystemRequirementsLab saying otherwise (granted, all the graphics are at a bare minimum...), so who knows what could happen?

An Honest Attempt

I find it highly amusing how easily it is for me to get distracted. It's beneficial at times, and at other times it's detrimental. But that's always okay - it's part of what happens. Yeah, I know - there's supposed to be something here. But that's just how I've been lately - distracted by life, the universe, and everything. *sighs*

Of course, I did say I'd type something. I'm gonna see if I can even focus and type something... anything. Here goes, here goes...

*limbers up*

Impending... What?

I decided that tomorrow I'm going to blog well. This time, there's going to be nothing stopping me.

I hope.

Acclimatization

It's officially been four days since I received the silver. That's 96 hours for the people wanting to do the math - and of those hours, about a good third of it was spent on fiddling around with this new toy. Of that third (read: approximately 32 hours), about two were spent typing things out (read: Friday's entry) while the remaining 30 were used to replicate vital files and data from Old Faithful to the silver. It sounds boring, but at least I was able to entertain myself on Imgur and a new gaming acquisition of mine: Rogue Legacy. (I'm gonna have to dedicate an entry to this fun game sometime this week.)]

Now that the migration process has been (mostly) completed, it's time to actually test this thing properly. Now I can see if my computer mannerisms and my data can survive in this "fish out of water" experience that is Windows 8.

Fun fact: this is the first entry I've posted on the silver. The keyboard seems rather interesting - the keys seems less weighted like a keyboard, and it's a tad scrunched together. I'm not used to it (I actually made a few typos I normally avoid - and that's not counting the dyslexic mistakes), but I'll just blame the obvious fact that my fingers were disciplined on Old Faithful's keys for the past few years. For example, every time I reach for the "delete" key, I end up hitting "insert" instead. While the latter's use in most modern computers has diminished over the years, it's still annoying to see something I want gone to not be gone when I wish it to.

I think I need to get my hands attuned to the silver's key arrangement. And the best part about forcing myself to do something like this? I get to type things out - maybe things such as "good" blog entries! Only time will tell if this laptop does me wonders.

A Rogue Path

Remember how I said I'd have something up today if I wasn't distracted?

...this counts, right?

Well... I got distracted. *blushes*

Tedious Entertainment

I've been working on making the silver much more user-compatible. By that, I mean I've been altering the user settings and appearances so that it mimics what I have on Old Faithful. It's kind of fun, and at the same time, it's been tedious. Quite tedious.

As such, a good entry will show up tomorrow. Provided I'm not somehow distracted.

Curse of the Eight

It seems fitting how recent circumstances in my life have culminated in me making this entry. As evidenced by the previous... well, lacking quality entries, it's surprising to see me finally post something. And of all days for me to type, it had to be this one - a Friday the 13th.

Now, I know I'm an anomaly when it comes to my beliefs. I don't follow any religion, yet under certain circumstances I get spooked by (childish) superstitions. I'm sensible enough to realize that the "bad luck" today supposedly unleashes is only what we make of today's events. Despite this, I can't help but feel that something conspired to punish me today.

I haven't been posting like I said I would. I feel stupid for failing to do so. But if there is/are (a) god(s), there must be some kind of schadenfreude-styled puppeteering going on here. If not, then it's karma biting back for some event that I've forgotten... or a set of poorly-timed events that spiraled into the topic of today's entry.

And this is how the fates saw fit to punish me - with a migraine.

Today's story warrants the use of a TL;DR notification now - before I even explain what the hell is going on. Most average people who read this blog don't even need the TL;DR if they view the above picture - they're now asking one question:

TL;DR: "You've met with a terrible fate, haven't you?"

The answer is "yes," by the way. Sans the moon. *cringes*

The Nightmare Begins

I think I just walked into a horror story with no escape.

Biding Time

I think I'm priming myself for something awesome.

Time Spent

I should go get some sleep. It's been quite a day.

Self-Frustration

I really need to sit myself down and type something. I'm getting tired of this.

Stuff to Do

Can't talk! Got plans today!

Saturday Realization

The first thing I need to realize is that I'm totally not doing much right now.

Completely Out of It

I'm going to make sure something comes in tomorrow. Too much work tonight.

Weathering Lower

And it has cooled down. Mostly. So much in fact that something SHOULD come up tomorrow.

Cooling Down

It's still warm, but not as much. I'll probably be able to type something tomorrow.

Heating Out

It's too warm to think properly! I need a cool room to get a cool mind to type something cool!

No Labor Today

The title says exactly what today is.

Commencing Soon

The regularly-scheduled programming commences... on a day that's not today.

How Does It End?

Enough laziness in August. Time to start anew, methinks.

Fatigued

Holy HELL am I tired!

Work Time

Lots of work to do all over the place. I'm gonna have to hold back again.

Busy Relaxing Time

Enjoying my day off today. I'll throw something on here tomorrow.

Working Detour

I don't really have any sort of topic I'd like to talk to you about today.

I know, I know - this looks like the ominous start of a foregone conclusion - one where I basically post a few sentences, call it a day, and only worry about blogging the next day. It's disheartened anyone who used to read my blog like crazy, and it's also lowered my morale over the last two-thirds of a year. At this point, it looks as though that this entry is done - I'll crawl back to whatever hole I live in with a "content" feeling inside my mind and the readers will just call me a cheapass.

Well, that's not today. At least I don't think so...

Serene Abduction

Friday, February 9th, 2007 –
The day when you kidnapped me from the world
And I was to be your captive for the weekend.

You took me across 22 miles of ocean
And settled me in a place called Avalon
To bond with 40 of my peers from class.

Never in my life would I picture myself
Temporarily residing with you and your sisters
Who dotted the vastness of the Pacific.

During my time there, you showed me peace
And brought forth within me a hidden sense of strength
That, while repressed within me, still keeps me going.

You also showed me of beauty and love,
The concept of having confidant(e)s,
The sweet luxury of being at ease with the world.

Alas, your tutelage was finite
And as soon as I felt your soothing embrace,
I was tossed back towards the chaotic mainland.

As I looked back on the boat ride home,
Your exotic-sounding name spurred within me
A deep longing for serenity that I may never have again.

So whenever I find myself on the waterfront,
I take the time to look your way and say,
"Catalina, I will forever thank you."

That Time Again

Looks like it's time to go to work tomorrow.

The Last Weekend Off

I'm taking it easy this weekend - I want to say it's the first proper weekend off that I've had in a while. Yes, I know - I had decent time off in-between jobs - but this weekend is the first one in a while where I was both employed and have Saturday and Sunday off.

I'm going to start revving the gears on Monday. I can see some of you not holding your breath on that one, and I don't blame you. But as next week is the last week of August, I think I should leave this eighth month with a decent note as opposed to the crap we've had to endure so far.

Until then, I think I'm just going to stay in the shade. Maybe hang out with some friends. Play a game. *shrugs* I don't know. I just know I'll be resting up... and then posting. I hope.

Small Entry, Big Plan

Okay. I've basically given up on posting anything substantial this week.

Life seems to get in the way of things - I get called in to work earlier than expected; friends invite me out to lunch; I get distracted by shiny things on the Internet; fatigue from being up too long, et cetera. I'm not saying this isn't my fault or anything like that - I'm sure it is. Poor time management (or rather, poor focus - hey, is that a StreetPass tag?) just makes things difficult for me.

Ah, well. It's okay in my book - I'm just going to do small things here and there to improve how things are going.

I think that was my mistake thus far this year - my rather large ambitions tend to be more overwhelming than I anticipate them to be, and as such, very little "good" entries have shown up.

So let's start small...

Not the Charm

This day was just... well, it was a lot of work. Sadly, this work was at actual work - not for here.

Another Sideline

...okay, so there isn't anything good here. That's my bad. I got distracted by people and other activities, and it's my day off from work. If it's any consolation, I've got something in the works. Barring any major shiny object that lands in my lap, it should be up by tomorrow.

Of course, that remains to be seen...

Not Unlike Before

I'm going to post something tomorrow. It's going to be good, unlike this one.

Cultural Inclusion

During my birthday I was with my girlfriend and some friends at Topper's Pizza (not to be confused with the Topper's Pizza of the Great Lakes region of the United States), discussing some things involving Terani and the role-playing game engine system (d20 Modern). As we were talking I was asked a question:

What are the cultures like for each country?

...frak. I forgot to do that. All my work with getting enemies, NPCs, storylines and what not fleshed out and what not... all undermined by a simple question that covers something I should have had done a while ago. *sighs* This seems about right for me to do something as forgetful as this.

To be honest, it's probably a good thing that I'm doing this now. Since I have (most of) the technical aspects covered for this campaign, I now have time to help bring this world to life. Done correctly, the entire world will become the players' oyster. For example, players can hear a name or language and realize that a certain NPC hails from such and such a country. Said country consists of a sort-of "conqueror's culture" of sorts that considers running away from a challenge as the most dishonorable thing ever. Using this knowledge, the players can use this to their knowledge and challenge him for the woman he and his cronies are holding captive. (In this example, the PCs' taunt would work.)

Of course, I've got more work now for myself to take care of because of this. With over sixty countries on the Terani map, I've got to start creating the cultures.

The Last Day Off

As my birthday weekend comes to a close, I think I'll just take this last day off before I continue on as scheduled.

Próto Savato

Now that my birthday has passed, it's time to get serious. Seriously silly.

I did say yesterday that I'd try to get us back to our regular schedule, and this is my attempt at doing so. (It's also an effort at getting back to typing decent entries more often.)

"Happy birthday to me" indeed.

Well, let's not keep you waiting. Keep on reading if you feel like finding out what happened during my birthday!

Time to Be 24

It's my birthday today, everyone! I'll be back to post something about it all tomorrow! For now... I'm gonna sleep and be happy with how today was. Hehehe. I promise you, we'll get back to schedule in due time.

The Last Post of 23

In my experience, I've found that I tend to be more forgetful the closer it is to my birthday. As such, in my time spent enjoying my last day as a 23-year-old, I almost forgot to post something on here. *shakes head in amusement* Seems almost typical these days, and yet we find ourselves drawn here, waiting for some kind of blossoming sequence.

I'll see what I can do to make sure my first few entries as a 24-year-old 18+6-year-old will fare better than the bulk of this year's... "entries." For now, I'll just go to sleep, never to wake up again as someone who is only 23. I'll be two dozen years old after I stir... and that kinda has me feeling a tiiiiiiiiny bit jittery.

Allowed Laziness

I'm enjoying some time relaxing. It's my birthday week; I think I'm allowed to slack off a bit and not type much on here. Maybe once my birthday weekend's passed, I'll get back up to speed.

It's Really My Birthday Soon?

I find it slightly amusing that I haven't really cared much for my birthday just yet.

It's not that I don't care about my birthday. It's just that I don't seem to be in a celebratory mood. Don't take this as a bad thing or anything. I do like my birthday. For one day, people have to worship me, throw positive comments my way, and offer me gifts lest I murder them ostracize them from the current group I happen to be with at that moment. I enjoy that.

For some strange reason, though... I'm not in the mood for my birthday just yet. Maybe as it gets closer...

Anyway, I had work earlier today and now I'm off to be with some friends tonight. I'll post something better tomorrow.

Playing With Work

Before I went to sleep last night, I told myself I'd work a bit more on the whole "Terani" project I'm doing for my tabletop RPG campaign.

Normally, whenever I get focused on a project as fun as this one, I get easily distracted by some other form of amusement. I might be typing up a storyline or developing stats for (originally not-vital) NPCs when all of a sudden I get caught up in one line of thought (e.g.: How much damage would a semi-automatic Steyr AUG A1 do in-game using the d20 Modern system?). Initial research done on the Internet soon has me winding up at TV Tropes looking up something completely off topic like the "Funny" page of Game of Thrones - all within a span of five minutes. While entertaining in its own right (hearing sweet Lena Headey constantly insulting Joffrey with curses in the second episode's commentary: frakking hilarious, especially when you consider who she plays), it usually puts me behind.

The above paragraph is true - it only took me two minutes to type it out, yet the overall time spent using those two minutes ended up being a half-hour - getting the link for Cersei Lannister somehow got me to read TV Tropes - and as I typed this out I kept switching from Blogger to Tropic Thunder's trope page. *shakes head in amusement*

Okay. I'm getting distracted. I need to focus. *deep breath*

Anyway. I said I was going to put myself to work on Terani, and here I am, typing things up and... and, uh... *looks below*

This is "work." It's me taking a picture of (Lego!)me taking a picture of... me. Photoception?

...what the frak am I doing...!?

A Day Off

Sometimes, I deserve one. I'm going to use today to get my bearings back and relax. We'll resume with the awesomeness tomorrow. For now... I'm gonna go relax.

Besides, it's my birthday week - I'm allowed some slack, right?

Resources in Warfare

Remember yesterday's talk about me trying to come up with a reasoning behind why things are the way they are? You don't, do you?

After a discussion with one of my friends last night, I think I came up with a believable idea. While I could tell you about it now, I'm not. Rather, I'll just give you a rough backdrop of the world I've created... and more of it will be coming soon as I keep working.

Legitimate Shaping

While I've spent quite a bit of time trying to come up with a storyline for my tabletop campaign, it just occurred to me that I should come up with a logical explanation for some of the things that exist in the game universe.

When confronted with a question that seems to break the "logic" behind a universe's physics and technology, the average dungeon master will (attempt to) handwave some crappy excuse and try to make it canon. In a few cases, the players will buy it, but the more meticulous and/or clever ones will find a way to turn their query into a (legal) loophole of sorts. This can either end badly (i.e.: time that could've been spent playing the game is wasted on arguing) or end in a worse manner (i.e.: verbal wars that end years-long friendships).

Of course, I'm not an average dungeon master(-to-be) - I'm a beginner dungeon master. There's a few things here and there that I feel need some kind of justification. I'm not just going to half-ass an answer and say something stupid like "That's just how it works, okay?" No - I feel like I'm better than that. So now my mission for the rest of the night is as thus: create a few believable (read: "not likely to sound like arguable bullshit") reasons as to why my game's world is the way it is.

This sounds like a fun mini-project in itself. I'm wondering what I'll be able to come up with - and how believable it is.

No Inspiration

I must admit that inspiration did not strike me today for anything.

Figma

As I look, they stand there
a piece of my life staring back at me
they say nothing, think nothing
yet every time my eyes wander to them
they instantly dance to life

So full of joy and so full of emotion
their livid plastic pulsates vivid color
as they smile at each other
wave to me from their anchored position
offer me entertainment in the lulls

At times they're like fashion models
strutting flair and appeal to the masses
but I think of that as incorrect
They're more like girls that're best friends
same and different, plastic and real

As they stand there
they gaze at me
watch as I work
guide me to entertainment
when I tire of tedious jobs

They sit atop my desk
living it up like none other
because that's what Figma figures do
decorate, educate, dance, smile
and I can't help but do the same

Trolling for Shoes

I found this little gem in my documents a little while ago: a pre-typed response to this... (counter-)troll (for lack of a better term) I encountered long ago in World of Warcraft. Now, I'm usually not one to post anything on Trade Chat. If I do, I'm looking for business offers or trying to make money by Alchemy.

Comic Education

This is going to sound quite weird, but I'm giving myself the day off to re-read Darths & Droids. It's a great way for me to learn more ideas involving tabletop role-playing games. That, and I feel like I could use a little me time.

No, this isn't what it seems. I'm not going to revert back to making crappy posts. But with yesterday's entry, I think I deserve a break, don't you?

2013 Birthday Gift Ideas for Me

It just occurred to me right now yesterday that in two weeks, it'll be my birthday.

Wow. How could I forget such an important day for me this year? I become another year older in a mere thirteen days (counting this one)! I can officially be referred to as someone in their "mid-twenties!" While I could blame me and my bad memory, I'm not going to - this year's not a substantial birthday.

In about thirteen days, I'm likely to get something similar to this.

Confused? Keep reading to find out both what I mean... and what I want. *shifty eyes*

An Expanded Mini-Project

Due to time constraints, I won't be able to type something substantial on here today. What was originally planned to show up on here became much larger than I anticipated - which is a good thing, considering how much this blog needs decent entries as of late.

Expect it to show up around tomorrow afternoon - and by then, you'll see why I let it get bloated. I apologize if you were expecting something cool today - perhaps tomorrow will make up for that.

A Fortune in the Stars

I once heard these words from a magnificent bastard known as Revolver Ocelot:

"There's no such things as miracles or the supernatural - only cutting-edge technology!"

For the most part, when I began to actually think for myself as a teenager, I took those words to heart. Normally, I'm not one for delving in supernatural things and believing in them. I don't believe in any religion, having lost faith in God when I was a teenager (though that doesn't stop me from tolerating most of my friends' beliefs - it's their lives, not mine).

Death and Rebirth

In all seriousness, I'm pretty sure I was dead for some time. No, we're not talking about some metaphorical "he's been off the radar for gods-know-how-long; where the frak is he?" version of death. I'm talking about the "deceased long enough to qualify for a black arts ritual or an alpha zombie" kind of dead.

When you think about it for some time, you'd probably agree with me. Let's take a look at the last seven months that 2013 has witnessed so far in my life. Just how many good quality entries were there on this blog? As I'm too lazy to look back at the last 212 entries or so, I'm going to guess that less than 10% could actually qualify as "decent" or better. (If the last qualifying entry was written nearly two months ago, then I'm sure my guess seems accurate.)

I did attempt to get myself revived at the start of July. Truly. I mean, (I tried. We can see how that resulted.) While it led to self-disappointment at how weak I've allowed myself to become, it led to something I didn't expect to show up.

Forgetful

I should stop forgetting to post on here. *shakes head*

No Tuesday For Me

Nothing today, because I said so.

In Comes More Statistics

Just when I think I have the aspects of amateur DMing down, here comes a few new rules I totally wasn't paying attention to. Figures that this would happen - and now I have even more reading to do at a time where I thought I was finished. That's just great.

Well, I suppose that encountering all this now is good as compared to encountering it all at an actual gameplay session. Otherwise, I'd be screwed in attempting to create a fair fight for my players to experience.

Relaxing Time

Here's the plan: I'm going to go relax this day. We'll figure something out later.

Developing Backstories

So much backstory needs to be created if I want to immerse everyone in an intriguing adventure. But the backstory in my current life won't be revealed on here just yet. I need more time.

Headspin

Long days at work and long planning sessions tonight. My head's spinning from all the stuff that's going on!

Forgetful Announcement

Guess what? I totally almost forgot to place something on here!

Planning and Planning

Over this past week I've found that creating this tabletop role-playing game campaign has done wonders for my creativity. I've fleshed out storylines that I had yet to use in any of my previous works. I've created characters that (hopefully) make the story interesting (provided the players don't kill them outright). I've even worked on making Lego-based miniatures of said characters (after our prior entertaining experience using Legos to represent the battlefield and what not, we had to do it again).

Now all we need is a bit more time for me to tweak the stats out and a day for all of us to get together and run this shindig. Muahahaha.

Planning by Play

Planning things... is a lot of work. Even if it looks like I'm just playing.

Fun Monday

Somehow, this Monday is actually pretty decent.

Looking Up

Today is starting to look better. Let's hope that it looks that way... even if the skies do not.

Pain and Gain

I'm going to take a gamble here and say that today is not really my day. It most certainly has that feel to it, but at the same time I can't really give up hope, can I?

*takes a look at all the stuff he wrote up for that role-playing game campaign*

...okay, with the amount of pain my wrist is in... I'm going to have to say "yes." Alas, I must go through it - otherwise, we won't have anything fun to play with.

self-Advice

Remember the formatting of your passwords. Otherwise, you'll be ONE character off... and you'll drive yourself mad in the process.

He Needs Sleep

This post has been claimed by fatigue and sleep. I apologize.

Swept Away

For the first time in ages I've actually begun work on that tabletop campaign that my friends wanted me to run. I'm about 90 minutes in, and I can safely say that I feel frazzled.

Right now, I can probably hear one of my friends laughing in the background and thinking, "Josh, I told you that this isn't that hard. You're making this look more difficult than it is." I'm sure he's right. At the same time, though, I need to find a way to bring all the eventual party members in to this game (I'm not doing that stupid "y'all meet in an inn" bullshit) in. Granted, it's not that hard... and the fact that I know I'm making a mountain out of a molehill is just making this worse.

However, I'm certain I can come up with something. All this panicked thinking is actually making my head think in other directions... other parts of the game as a whole. Potential plot lines, possible non-player character names, locales, battlefield scenarios and the like - all of that is just surging through my mind. As I attempted (and still currently attempt) to pick through the best waves to surf through in this torrent of ideas, one realization dawned on me:

This is going to be frakking awesome.

Drawn Out Again

So I just got distracted by a lot of things. Between people I haven't seen in a while, working at work, and just realizing that it's a quarter to 2200... well, yeah. You can see why I haven't really done much.

I know, I know - I haven't posted what I said I'd post yet, but I'm working on it. I'm going to see if I can get it up before the weekend's out, so let's see if I can hold myself accountable for this.

Something Like That

I'm gonna have to hold off on today. Things came up and I got distracted (like always), so we'll just have to see what I wanted to throw on here today... tomorrow. Somehow I'm not surprised.

Growing Something

Something will be here tomorrow. It won't be short, but it won't be as silly either. (Okay, that's a lie.) This is due to not keeping up with time as I'd like to, so we'll just have to pin this on me yet again.

Blooming

That work I was talking about yesterday? I'll admit that it was video game-related. I was testing some things I read about for Animal Crossing: New Leaf...

Blue pansies!

...and I think I got them. Wahoo! Now to keep repeating this!

Let's See

Something's coming tomorrow.

Not Focused Yet Again

Sometimes it's hard to get fully focused on something 100%. Well, for me it is, at least. Between getting distracted by numerous things (and numerous websites) and having waaaaaaaay too much on your plate at all times, it's kind of hard to concentrate on what you want to do.

And indeed it is. I wanted to try working on some things (a few writing projects and some things on Minecraft, among others), but... alas, here I am, typing something relatively short. It's how it is, even though I promised you.

And now my girlfriend's making me play Super Mario Sunshine after she found out I only played about the first five minutes of it. Welp... here I go!

Waiting is Hell

CURRENT MUSIC:
Nobuo Uematsu - "Timber Owls"
Final Fantasy VIII Original Soundtrack

I feel like this particular piece is one of the most definitive "I'm bored!" musical pieces ever.

Scatterbrained Again

I don't know what to write. I'm not feeling 100%, to be honest.

Errand Running is Work

I've had to run a lot of errands today. It sucked, but such is the way of life. Some things need to be done so that other things can happen - it's a known fact. And I think it's going to work out to my benefit sometime soon.

Well, at least I think it'll work to my benefit. Ah, we'll see.

Looking Back to Look Forward

Back when I first started this blog, I had the crazy intention of making this a personal blog for me to fall back to when I become famous. Some of the more casual celebrities maintain personal blogs that they update - they post pictures of their lives, talk about their next big appearance, or just write things that their fans seem to enjoy. I told myself that if I were to become well-known, people would follow this here blog and what not.

Two-point-five years later: I'm at the same level of fame that I was at before: nonexistent. And that's okay. I have some friends who (for some godsforsaken reason) check this site out frequently, even at this trying time when the quality seems... well, infrequent. That's what this month is for - to recharge myself and get myself back to an operating condition strong enough to start posting higher-quality entries more and more frequently.

And then after that, I'll work on the whole "getting famous" thing. Seems like a challenge right now, but I have the feeling that I will one of these days. Y'all just watch.

Aching

I need to work on some things today. That, and I feel achy as well. Which sucks considering that my "work on some things today" involves typing some things out, which is a little problematic considering that it's my wrists that feel achy. Carpal tunnel or too much Minecraft, I don't know just yet. Either way... the rest of the day ought to be entertaining...

I Hate When I Find New Things

This is because my friends keep showing me cool things that I end up getting addicted to. Dammit, friends! Why do y'all do this to me, you crazy jerks with amazing tastes in things?

Freedom of Idiocy

With all the illegal fireworks that keep going off all around the neighborhood, I'm expecting one of three things to happen before midnight in this area.

1. A (child) fatality due to a mishandled explosive.
2. The smell of brimstone and gunpowder will make the rest of the night stink.
3. Someone's vehicle or house gets hit. Results will vary.

Seriously. I get that the United States of America is a (somewhat) free country and that its apparent birthday is today. However, that doesn't mean one should be going off and lighting every single firework that possesses a string fuse. (Or any explosive, for that matter.)



*sighs* At the rate things are going outside, I think I'd prefer getting hit by a tank shell.

Regardless of things outside, happy Fourth of July to you Americans out there!

Building Things

And it's a lot of fun!

Musical Rainfall

CURRENT MUSIC:
Martin O'Donnell and Michael Salvatori - "Deference For Darkness"
Halo 3: ODST Original Soundtrack

Remember long ago when I posted something about Halo 3: ODST's soundtrack? Of course you don't. That was a long time ago, back when I was posting good-quality entries like a madman. Nowadays, I just feel like a poor bastard in need of catharsis. A different time... a different era. But I digress.

Let the Second Half Commence

The second half of 2013... what does it have in store? What events shall unfold?

Halftime

Thus ends the first half of 2013. Let's see how the second half fares.

Not One of Those Times

Today is one of those special days that I feel that I don't need to post anything about its specialness. Because sometimes... I don't have to tell you everything.

Greasing Process

Eventually I'm sure that I'll get my bearings back. For now, I just have to keep re-greasing them until they're able to roll properly. When that time comes, it looks like they'll be put back to service.

Wondering Soon

Sometimes, I wonder if I can make things more awesome than they already are.

Listen to the Child

The inner child in me is screaming that I do something silly that nurtures my creativity. I want to do that, but at the same time, can I?

Cravings

There are some days where I want nothing more than a tasty Philly steak and cheese sandwich. I could really go for one right now... loaded with peppers, onions, mushrooms, and (of course) steak and cheese. Gods, I need to make myself one now!

Say Something

I wanted to say something, but nothing comes to mind. I guess we'll have to see if anything will come to mind eventually.

Not Today

That's what I told myself when I logged on. Didn't have the heart to type anything. Maybe tomorrow?

Chaos in Town

For those of you with a Nintendo 3DS that live in the United States: y'all already know about Animal Crossing: New Leaf, the game that came out back on June 9.

I'm going to be honest when I say that me having this game is a very bad thing. No, not in the sense of me hating the game or anything of the sort. (Au contraire - why would I own something I hate?) Rather, it's detracting me from having fun with other things, because it's one of the few game that secretly installs a "Play me forever!" voice in the back of your head. Depending on the person, they can either ignore it entirely, or be suckered into listening.

Here's me saying hello from the front of town hall. And yes: that's an actual screenshot of my copy of the game. All the photos accompanying this entry were taken from my 3DS.

For me, the voice is as strong as the voices I get whenever a new Pokémon game is released. And seeing as how this is a sim game of sorts, let's just say I'm screwed.

Something Tomorrow

Yeah, something. As for today: nothing. That's okay, I guess?

Too Much Fun

Too much fun and too little time to talk about it. *goes to have fun*

Time Off

And now I want to relax. I'm going to do just that.

What is Known

If I could describe just what exactly I'm doing, I would. Thing is, I don't know.

And the Drawing Board Continues

Indeed it does. I remember when I said before that planning would give me problems, and only now am I realizing just how difficult this is. *scratches head* Oh, what did I get myself into...?

At the Drawing Board

Or rather: the metaphorical one. Gotta plan, gotta write, gotta organize. As a result, no decent entry for today. We'll see how fares the week as it rolls along.

Game of Haikus (You 5-7-5 or Die)

An entry like this
is small due to addiction
dammit, Game of Thrones!

Addictive Personality Strikes Again

I hate getting sucked into things that I like. It makes time fly so swiftly that it becomes next week when I think only an hour has passed. Nevertheless, it can be quite fun and entertaining, and every once in a while I get an idea or two that fleshes itself out on some level. Therefore, it can't be all bad if I'm typing things out.

Co-op Madness

I really love and hate co-op games.

Mind's Conflict

I'm tired. Very tired. And yet my mind just got lit ablaze.

Building Blocks

Too busy building things to actually write anything. Sorry. Will type something tomorrow.

A New Leaf

I'm much too busy enjoying my newest acquisition for the 3DS (Animal Crossing: New Leaf) to post something decent today. Besides, typing yesterday's entry did a number on me... *sighs*

Me saying hello from Main Street!

To make up for it, here's proof that I'm having fun in-game. *goes back to playing*

S'more Smooth Suribachi Stratagems

After four seven eight days* spent not typing anything (worthwhile), I felt that it was time to post something of good quality. While it hasn't been a stellar year so far in this blog, it's still alive (albeit barely), and so I figured it deserved a little something for holding out this long. Refusing to die off like a voice in the wind... it's worth something, and that something... would be words. (A six-year-old somewhere is asking: "What the hell kind of gift is that!?")

Words are a complex crop that I haven't cultivated in a while, and so it took a lot more effort than usual to get them ready for presentation. A lot. But with a careful eye to watch them grow, some time to help them adapt to being summoned on such short notice, and (hopefully,) people bored/curious enough to read them, I'm sure these words I've labored for ought to do the job.

* = The entirety of last month was not counted in this statistic. Hell, the majority of this year wasn't counted. Ignorance can be bliss sometimes.

This was me earlier today.

Now that I've typed this all out... let's see if today's words can form sentences that make sense (as opposed to this entry's ridiculous mish-mash of a title). Let's go and rock out the rest of this long (and hopefully engaging) spiel!

Surrealistic Confusion

There was a day where I didn't feel like doing much.

Donut Time

In about 90 minutes, I'm going to go get donuts. Delicious donuts. And that makes me so happy. Donut happiness. Shame how I can't share the donut happiness with everyone.

Away I go!

Tuckered Out and Out of It

Standing in line for a long time really can do a number on you. It sure did on me...

Levelgrinding Again

This is what happens when I get time and an RPG to play.

Kidnapped by Time

Today's work was interrupted by a discovery from the past that I have just unearthed for the first time ever. In due time you'll hear about it, but for now... I think I need to learn more about this discovery that I just made, so.. well, I'll guess I'll see y'all tomorrow. *laughs*

Caught By the Flavors

After getting caught up by various things (most of which involve cooking, shows, music, and the like), I realized that I don't really have the time to process everything that was done. And that's because good food is so distracting! It truly is, and it pisses me off that I can't have scrumptious, salivating, succulent foods such as the ones I've just seen on the Travel Channel.

But tonight... tonight, I dunno. I feel like I wanna try making something that I thought was interesting. Let's go!

Splitting Decision

I had this plan to work on and type up something, but out of nowhere came this head-splitting migraine... *moans*

Avoiding June Already

Time for other things that don't involve the Internet!

May Bits

The last day of May... well, I did say I'd talk about a few things, so I'll see what I can do.

Fun Times to Be Had

Yes, there were times to be had. I'll talk about it tomorrow.

Distracted By the Flashbacks

I'm also not feeling like typing today. Yeap. Too much fun reliving things.

Self-Demonstrating Entry

I feel like not writing much today. And I think I did just that.

Reading Time

There's not much out there that can top a nice, cool day under the shade, snacks, and a bunch of books you said you'd read when you have the time for it.

Guess what? Today's the time for it. *plops down and reads*

Sidetracked Training and Emblems

Remember yesterday how I said the Internet claims my project time? Well, it did it again. As I loaded up Blogger and got myself in the mindset to type out an entry, I got sidetracked yet again. Through a combination of various activities such as:

• Imgur links found on Facebook
• an hour's worth of ambient music playing while I mindlessly surfed TV Tropes and Wikipedia
• some insight into myself
• and the dawning realization that today is in fact Sunday*

I was able to come up with an entry for y'all to read... despite the fact that it was far from the original idea I had when I first logged on. Sometimes my inability to stay focused on things ends up paving the road better than the best-laid plans I could ever conceive.

* = I could've sworn that yesterday was somehow this Wednesday, which caused great confusion last night when I attempted to refresh some of my favorite webcomics and was left wondering why they weren't updating. Of course, I was all the more sad when I found out it wasn't Wednesday - I want my Oracle of Ages / Seasons on the 3DS eShop already! =O

I feel like this sometimes when I'm attempting to focus on work. Sometimes it works out... sometimes it doesn't.

Anyway, enough bantering. Let's read before I get distracted by somethi- oh, hey, Blackadder is on!

The Internet is a Shiny

You wanna know what happens when I dedicate time to write something for a project? The Internet.

As shown by the elders of the Internet.

White Knight Live: The Amtrak Train

It's been a long time since I posted anything with a "White Knight Live" tag. This is primarily due to the fact that posting things on a cell phone while on the move is ridiculously tedious. That, and there's usually no stable Internet connection.

The best way to enjoy a train ride? Shooting up those Covenant sons of bitches on Halo's Legendary difficulty.

Until now. While it's been a while since Amtrak adopted wireless Internet on their passenger cars, this is the first time I've used it in my life. (Mostly 'cause this is my first Amtrak train ride ever, but let's not take that into account.) So I'm going to go ahead and enjoy the four-plus hour ride from San Diego to Oxnard. It's fun, it's cozy, it's fast, and it's something that sounds really entertaining.

Almost Slipped

Frak, I really need to remember to post on here before midnight. Otherwise I'll just slap myself silly.

Thanks for the reminder, Wendy. I know it's not much, but at least it makes sense that today's entry is short as well - vacation does that to you, huh?

Out of It

You ever have those days where you're just stupefied over what to do? I'm not sure if today counts as one.

Who Has Nap Time Now?

You know what sounds really, really good all of a sudden? A nap. A nap right before a long trip, where I'll probably take another nap. This is all because catching up on sleep (a theory that can potentially be discussed on a later date) is a very nice thing.

Regardless, all I know is that nap time comes before pants time, not after. And no, I'm not just making up these times. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm off to dream land where I can come up with ideas for projects.

A Loser is Me

Losing to an elite AI on StarCraft II is one thing. Getting utterly stomped by the same AI when you've got pals to back you up? Oh, Lords... you better believe that's downright humiliating. In my quest to prove myself "smarter" against the machines, I'm going to go weep in the corner as I attempt to develop a strategy to beat it.

This is almost as bad as cutting myself... only instead of blood, it's mind-numbing screams of terror and confusion. "HOW THE FRAK ARE THEY TECHING THAT FAST!?"

Here We Go Yet Again

Almost forgot to type something on here. That would've been bad and messy if that were to have happened...

...guess that's what happens when you get distracted by life and what not.

The Lunatic Diaries, Part 1

Okay, I'll admit: that thing I wanted to post up on here by the weekend? I didn't finish it. No surprise there, really. However, in lieu of that I decided to work on something else to make up for it. I don't know if it was going to be as pointlessly informational as my original idea, but I figured I'd go ahead and roll with it.

Considering how I actually have the notes for this (as opposed to the original idea), it's better that I do this. But what is "this" exactly?

Okay, so remember how nearly two months ago I wanted to write a silly series involving marriages in Fire Emblem Awakening? (Of course not; nobody reads personal blogs - let alone mine.) That was the original thing I had planned to put up by today, but since I got sidetracked by about forty-five different things, that obviously didn't happen.

Four hours of pain and sixteen hours of level-grinding later... and I'm still getting my ass handed to me.

One of the aforementioned "different things" that sidetracked me was the promise I made to myself weeks back. After beating Fire Emblem Awakening, I told myself I'd go on and attempt to beat it in Lunatic mode, the game's second-highest difficulty. (Lunatic Plus, Awakening's highest, has to be unlocked by completing the game in Lunatic first.) I remember reading reports on how the two are nightmarish in their challenge, and after trying out a few missions in the campaign, I've found they weren't kidding.

I started my Lunatic run earlier this month, and since then it's been utter hell for me. To prove it, I've been keeping a log of thoughts, comments, and reactions I've had to this profanity-inducing run on my cell phone. I've transcribed everything from May 5 (the start of my run) to now for your viewing pleasure. So, if you've played the game and/or feel like laughing at my anguish, then feel free to read on.

I Am Tired

I am tired this Friday. Mayhaps that thing I promised will actually show up tomorrow.

Snapshots of Work

Working on things takes a lot of work.

Getting pictures is hard work.

Trust me... I know. Hehehehe.

Dusting Work

I keep having days where I don't know what to do in terms of writing. So when I do, I usually go back to an old project - one I was previously working on but stopped for whatever reason(s), or one I announced and then did nothing on afterwards.

Today's one of those days. After running some errands across the county, I found myself with a bit of time to kill before one of my friends gets off work later in the afternoon. As such, I figured I could dust off one of the metaphorical project folders I have lying around. This time, I have a bit of a goal: get a piece of it done by the end of the week for presentation purposes (read: I'm posting it on here).

So, if you'll excuse me, I'll work on that. Until the 'morrow. Until then, I'll just have to figure out what to do in the face of great danger some other time...

An Armed Choice

I didn't believe my ears. My life was at risk? For what? Sure, I've paid a prom night's worth of speeding tickets and pissed off some friends to the point of burnt bridges. However, none of it seemed worthy of taking my life. I didn't have any enemies wanting me dead. (As far as I knew, at least.)

"What do you mean by 'my life will be at greater risk?' What exactly is going on?"

The Mysterious Caller

"Mister Blanco, I know you're there."

I didn't know what to say. Hell, I didn't know what to think. A mysterious voice on the phone who knows who I am... said phone wasn't even mine to begin with... a twisted ankle that had no known cause... this was both mystifying and perplexing. Whatever the case, it was shudder-inducing.

The voice on the phone spoke up. "You do realize you're going to have to talk sooner or later, Mister Blanco."

A moment passed before I let off a sigh. The voice let off what I assumed to be an amused chuckle. "I'll take that for now. Anyway, you must have some questions going through your mind right about now, such as 'Who is this person?' or 'What is going on?'."

I flatly responded with: "Yeah. Though to be honest, I'm more confused about the phone."

Rung In

*RIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!*

The audible chirp of the desk phone echoed in my ears as it roused me from my sleeping state. I merely groaned in response - it felt as if I didn't get enough sleep. Four hours? Six hours? I couldn't tell because I didn't remember what time I drifted to sleep.

As I wondered whether or not I should catch up on my z's, I felt an impending sense of dread. Scratch that - it wasn't like fear. This was more of a sense that something seemed wrong. I couldn't quite figure out what - I was just waking up.

Postponed Once Again

I should really figure out how to manage my time, because now I have no time to post the thing I wanted to post today. This is what happens when I don't pay attention to the clock and get myself involved in other things that weren't initially on my list of things to do.

Such is my life, isn't it? *hangs head dejectedly*

Last Seconds

Okay, there's something going on that's all last-minute, so I have to take off! I'll give you something good tomorrow!

Inanity

Sometimes I like to think that my life is magic.

Yeah, that doesn't make sense, but for some reason I felt like typing something that truly had zero sense to it. Call it a twisted state of mind or some weird psychosis involving boredom or a lack of ideas going in my head, but hey - that's what I felt like typing. I blame my brain. I blame the fact that I've yet to play The Wind Waker. I blame the fact that people have too much time on their hands and show it off by speedrunning games I love. I especially blame the fact that my mind works like jelly at times and that it does its own damn thing because it feels like it wants to. Weird, brain. Really weird.

Hunger Ideas

It's a bad idea to be hungry. It's a worse idea to shop for food when you're hungry.

But when your hunger combines with recently-bought food and the sudden spark of culinary ideas...

Good Times Needed and Spent

So I spent today trying to learn how to do the moonwalk and I have to say... I suck at it. Hehehe. I wouldn't say it's a total loss, though - between getting to do that and eat tasty spaghetti, I'd say I had a day well spent.

Okay, I'll admit: I'm feeling a tad lazy today. I'm over with my cousins' and we're just having a good time. That's what these days need - good times. Not just good times for me, but good times for everyone around here and there in the world.

Recharge

When I woke up this morning, I took a look outside. The sky was a dismal gray and it threatened to stay bland and darker than it should be. It had just rained, too, and I was left to wonder if the weather would once again claim my motivations to do anything.

I powered on my laptop and plugged in my iPod and phone to charge. While that happened, I just lied there and stared out the window, empty as an ocean without fish. No ideas on what to write for today's entry... no thoughts about anything in particular... no raison... no ganas. Today pretty much looked like another hum-drum day in a hum-drum life.

As I kept watching time flow outside the glass, the cloud cover began to dissipate and the sun started shining on the ground. Things began to look brighter and I was certain this was meant to be some kind of sign. I got up, walked over the window and watched the gloomy clouds give way to billowy white ones. In a way, it represented my overall mood - my sunny demeanor broke through and now it wants to say something.

My iPod looks bored as it charges. My phone, on the other hand, believes in Harvey Dent the Lich King.

But what, exactly? As I said, I didn't have any ideas on what to type out - and yet I wanted to do something on my blog. To this moment I have no idea... so I figured I'd just type about this whole ordeal and continue with my day.

Because sometimes, even the mightiest of devices need a little time to recharge their batteries.

Sleep Needed

So I almost forgot that I had to post today.

Unfortunately, I don't have anything planned in my head, so I guess we'll have to deal with a short entry. Again. Oy. *smacks head* I'll see if I can make up for this tomorrow. Until then, I'm going to go sleep. G'night, y'all.

Cuisine in the Flames

Originally I was going to write some kind of silly introduction for today. It would have involved food- and fire-based puns that I'm sure people (read: me) would get a kick out of. However, not everyone can digest cheesy banter of that magnitude, so I decided to lower the heat.
The last thing you want to do right now is to burn yourself off something with enough spice to make a smuggler cry blood.

This fire's really heated up the air the last few days. Pun both intended and not.
(Photo taken by Karen Quincy Loberg of the Ventura County Star.)

I'd advise people with poor taste palates (read: those that can't stand the heat) to stay out of the kitchen. I don't feel like scalding anyone's tongues or soft skins, so I might as well warn you now.

Okay, enough puns. (Even if the local fire here in California is a hot topic.) Without much further ado, I present to you: the stuff that made Thursday a hot day.

(Please don't extinguish my life due to these indigestible puns. I'm on fire!)

Incoming Proof

That info's gonna be a bit late, but it's there. Trust me. As proof:

...here: a photo showing food trucks.

...and fire. Once I get the time to write it all down, I'm gonna show you. That's tomorrow!

thinking on an empty stomach

There WOULD be something here today, but... FOOD TRUCKS ARE CALLING MY NAME. Info tomorrow - cross my heart.

Transformer (Re)Boot

Okay, so it's officially May now. May - the fifth month of the year and... well, I don't know what else. And speaking of not knowing what else, I don't know why, but I feel compelled to type today's entry out while I listen to an eclectic playlist.

*puts on a personalized "tanking" playlist on WinAmp*

Switching Months Soon

It's the end of the month, but not the end of the line. That makes things interesting...

This Somehow Looks Familiar

I should really refocus on some things before the summer starts... but for now, I'm going to just focus on today. And maybe that's how this month is going to end - with nothing substantial. But next month... it's a new one, so we'll have to see what's in store.

(Whoa - just got extreme déjà vu...)

Another Lazy Sunday

A Sunday off equals more laziness and research into the future and the projects that await me.

In the Oven

I'm cooking up something delicious and tasty for me and everyone near me! This is quite awesome for my cooking skills. More info later on next week.

Playing With Fire

Something tells me all this dormant energy inside me is just going to explode real soon. And when it's there, I better have the keyboard ready to type down and record whatever comes out.

I don't know what it is (oh, hell, I do know), but I'm about ready to just go all out. I either burn up... or become something far greater than any firebender can ever hope for. All I know is this: the flames are ready to be stoked. They just need someone to trigger it all.

Of course, this may require some safety gear. Let's check on that first.

Cravings

I want food. Good food. Good food I cook. Because apparently I'm addicted to my own cooking.

No Path Ahead

And the journey continues to make sure I get all this done before spring's end. All this work, and hopefully it'll pay off later when it matters the most. For now, I just got to keep on walking.

Over His Head?

I really need to figure out what it is I want to do with this campaign. So much work to do...

almost Doesn't Count

With all the things that were going on today, it slipped my mind to post something on here.

That would have been bad. Let's make sure that doesn't happen again.

Sunday Off

This has certainly been an interesting weekend. Maybe if I'm up for it, I'll actually post decently tomorrow. For now, I'm just going to relax and keep myself relaxed.

Early Saturday Retirement

This weekend is quite fun and interesting. It's also something of a drainer, because I was cooking like crazy. In more ways than one. Either way, I'm going to go sleep. Because sleep sounds good.

The Wait...

And the weekend will start momentarily. Just an hour and a half more or so, and then...

Thursday Seems Normal

I keep getting interrupted by life to do anything productive. It's not half-bad.

Lazy Planning

I don't feel like typing anything today. Plans just keep changing and I just figure I might as well go with the flow. That's life, and I'm kinda used to it.

While I think y'all are used to it, too, I've a feeling that I should just do something about my scheduling by next month. Otherwise, I won't be happy by myself.

Scratch That

Okay, I lied. It's a four-day weekend. Tomorrow for sure.

extended Leave

It's a three-day weekend for me, and as such, I'm cutting myself short for today. I'll try to get us back to our regularly scheduled programming tomorrow. For now, I'm gonna relax.

Admittals and Admissions

The weather this weekend just made me very, very lazy. I'll admit that... but I'll admit more tomorrow.

Lazy Saturday

It's a lazy Saturday. That means it's a short entry today.

Drabbling Poetry

And through the closing hours, our hero holds true
steadfast in his desire to stay alive
but in this course corruption lingers and claims
and twists the man into something but
though no longer pure, his heart beats as if
it were real and alive like the person
of his dreams he sees to be.

And through it all the world must ask
why he has yet to give up
for to do so would commit nothing -
naught guilt, not shame, but an easy life
one where suffering seems nil and void
but the hero chooses to take the bullet
and prove himself worthy of a title once owned.

Somewhere Sleeps Fate

And today proves to be the trying point in a time where all should have seen me collapse. And yet I have not - perhaps this means I had the strength to stand through this whole time? I'm not sure - but fate shall see tomorrow.

Cryptic Much?

And crunch time begins NOW. It could be over, or it could be beginning. We'll see what fate has in mind...

So Many Answers to Receive

Coming up with the necessary details for a tabletop roleplaying game is quite the task I've set for myself. Simply put: I'm wondering what I'm getting myself into. Is it too much? Is it too little? Will the players love what happens here? Will they hate it? Will they stay on the rails or will they fall apart when they decide to put a bullet through the head of the big bad? Is there more to the game than developing the weapons and the story and the characters and the fights?

Will I stop asking questions?

Channeling Some Garfield

It's a Monday. I hate Mondays. And all the dullness that comes with them.

But at least I'm having fun.

Addictive Personality Strikes Again

There would have been something decent on here, but I got sidetracked because I'm discovering the awesomeness that is The Legend of Korra. *watches with great intensity*

What?

I wanted to see if I could do something amazingly interesting for once. Maybe I succeeded, but we'll never know.

¿Por qué no los dos?

I think I decided what I'm going to do with that project idea of mine. I'm going to see if I can DM it as a tabletop campaign (or at worst, be a player while I feed the plot to whoever I get to DM)... and then write the stories of the adventures that are had.

Or better yet: write out separate stories set in a different timeframe than the campaign goes.

Something tells me that I'm going to regret this decision in the future...

While this seems like a novel idea, something tells me it's going to be just as complicated as it is "simple."

Goodbye, Number Four

It's rare for me to make an entry that involves politics. Seriously, take a look at the "Politics" tag - as of April 4, 2013, there are only three entries marked with the aforementioned label, including this one.

Part of it is due to personal ignorance because of my personal view on politicians (where I believe 93+% of them are self-serving idiots sharing loyalties to those willing to financially back them as opposed to the people), while most of it is due to the fact that speaking politics on a personal blog and then posting a link to it on Facebook would only start a flame war that doesn't need to be held.

Nevertheless, whenever I get myself involved, it's because I heard of something so putrid and corrupt that my brain demands me to say my piece about it. Publicly. But what has gotten me repulsed at the government, you ask? Let's find out.

At Least He's Honest

I feel like typing things. However, I don't feel like typing things today.

Distracted By the Typing

Once again I found myself caught up in planning out this wonderful little world of fiction I've created. As such, it's left me little time to work on anything substantial here, so we'll see what tomorrow has in store. FOr now, I'm going to go back and keep at it with this whole fiction-mapping I'm doing. Once the backstory's established, we can see what happens if I write out the story... or if I have friends play through the world.

Fooled on April

I find it utterly fascinating how I tricked myself into thinking I'd post something today. How utterly mistaken I was. I pulled an April Fool's joke on myself and I didn't even notice? Clever, Josh. Quite clever, indeed.

Ah, well. Maybe I'll be able to post something tomorrow in lieu of this. For now, though, I'm just going to go ahead and keep reading these guide books. *keeps reading profusely*

Fusion Potential

An interesting idea came up yesterday while I was discussing this project idea with my friends: the combat and class system of tabletop RPGs. I've played my fair share of systems, and each one has its own advantages and disadvantages. What weapons can be used, what skills and feats can be used at what levels, and so on and so forth. Choosing one system over the others brings up a problem: some feats and weapons can't be used with other systems, and that might detract from the realism of the campaign.

But what would happen if I were to combine them...? *flurries through all the pages he's read so far*

All of the Reading

Still looking through all the rulebooks here. There's a lot to wrap my head around, and it's making me both excited and nervous. *keeps reading*

Not-So-Light Reading

I recently got my hands on some rulebooks for a few tabletop role-playing games. After spending about two hours prying through all the pages and looking up various rulesets and what not, I realized that deciding to make this "new world of Terani" project into some kind of d20 campaign would be... quite challenging.

And yet I still find myself drawn to the task.

All the things I've been looking up have made themselves look quite appealing should I decide to run some kind of tabletop campaign. Whether it's the medieval-esque nature of classic Dungeons & Dragons or the street-savvy technology present in the d20 Modern Roleplaying Game, each book I've taken the time to look at has shown potential in my eventual selection of a campaign ruleset.

What I'm aiming for is some kind of (semi-)modern setting. I'm envisioning Terani with a technology level that's relatively close to our level (give or take several decades). Despite this, magic would sound quite interesting. Imagine it... a world with both guns and arcane magic. Trippy, isn't it? There's already a few rulesets that attempt to fuse this desire into reality (Urban Arcana looks very interesting right now...), but I've only begun to scratch at the surface. As I keep reading over all of these rules, I keep getting more and more ideas. Gods know that I can use them all in some way to affect this potential campaign (if I indeed make this world an RPG campaign).

There are other books I need to look over, and now I think I'll take the time to go through them. As I keep going, I'll keep jotting notes down and figuring out things here and there.