Wow, it's been a while since we've updated this blog. Well, now that I've got a desk job that provides me more than a little amount of time sitting in front of a computer, I'll have time to gather my thoughts and compose them into written word for you to consume. Perhaps my true calling, after all is said and done, is that of a blog writer? Who knows.
Anyway, it's been a busy end of the year season - Let's start with Desert Bus, shall we? In November, I went up to Victoria, BC, and participated in the annual charity drive put on by Loading Ready Run in benefit of Child's Play charity known to the world as Desert Bus for Hope. What did I do you ask? Well, I mostly helped run the back end and keep the technology from melting down with the help of an awesome engineering team made up roughly half and half of veteran volunteers and first timers like me.
Desert Bus was an interesting week for me, simultaneously the best and worst week of November, and certainly in the running for both of 2016. While I was at Desert Bus I made some wonderful friends, met awesome people, and had one hell of a good time - and even gained the comforting knowledge that while I'm gone Final Show Films could still run itself in my absence, which was a very proud moment for me. I also had my car repossessed, got run roughshod over by my bank and it's absurd debit policies, and sank deeper and deeper into the gnawing Sarlacc Pit known the world over as debt.
Still, it was an inspiring, educational, and emotional experience all over and I wouldn't have traded it for the world. I spent a long time trying to come up with a "thing" that would sum up DB9, and I think I may have hit it - If you'll pardon a little self indulgence.
To the tune of Steven Universe "Crystal Gems"
We are the Desert Bus.
We'll always save the day.
And if you think we can't
We'll always find a way.
That's why the people of this world
Believe In
Loading Ready Run, Child's Play, and DB.
Steven Universe was a big running theme both behind the scenes and on camera this Desert Bus, and it seemed an appropriate homage.
So, that was November. December wasn't quite as impactful, but it did see me go from being marginally employed in a part time position to full time employed for a period of time as a physical security guard, guarding a warehouse for the month. During that time, I was approached and successfully recruited for the position I am in now. Thus far, the job is just what I was looking for - an I.T. position doing service support, at a company that is looking to grow my position, and with plenty of room for advancement going forward.
It certainly was a fortuitous find. While I don't begrudge the position of a security guard, and I think it was a wonderful learning experience for me, I spent enough time doing it to know that it wasn't the job for me.
Now, with 2016 on the rise, the first year of my life as an internet content producer down, and other exciting prospects in store, I think I'll take the time to focus on refining what I am already doing, making everything we started in 2015 better. Consider that my New Years Resolution.
Speaking of everything we started in 2015, we did a lot didn't we? Went from streaming one game one day a week in January to streaming seven days a week, producing comedy videos, three podcasts a week, an actual website, and a Patreon that is actually earning money. I'm stunned every time I see the monthly email from Patreon saying we're getting funding; It's sometimes really difficult to believe that people like what we do enough to actually donate for it.
So, yeah, the end of the year was interesting - but we still have plans going forward to make 2016 just as good if not better, so stay tuned!
Not sure if I'll update the blog daily or weekly yet, but it -will- get updated more regularly now that I've been able to settle into this new job. I look forward to your feedback, and thank you all so very much for making 2015 a fantastic year - I'll raise a cup of coffee, because I can't drink at work obviously, to another great year.
"Senstaku"