Go Forth (Blog)

2021 was a bit of a non-year, wasn't it? Like 2020, its particular virus-related circumstances shut-down the world for large periods. Despite that, there was still one event in 2021 where I was actually able to see people in person for the first time in years. So, as we start 2022, I've been reflecting on what to do come the new year.

I certainly feel 2022 is the year for the new start that 2021 never had. It feels the right time. Seeing my friends from uni as two of them married, back in October, was ironically a sobering event. I was so, so happy to see everyone and it just got me thinking a lot about where I'm at in my life, right now. After all, if I had been that happy, then what had I become used to now? The answer, of course, was that I'm not unhappy as such, but that I'm lonely. It's a loneliness I clearly adapted to and struggled to move away from following my marriage with Poly. However, my divorce officially went through in December 2021, after two and a half year. This made me think about why I'm currently located where I am in the country, in England. I had moved up here for work purposes and to be with Poly, but with no Poly and a feeling that my job has slightly shifted in focus to an area I just don't think I'm good at, it's made me re-evaluate what I want to do next. The answer is, given a bit more time, I would like to relocate to somewhere closer to them. At least I'd get to see other like-minded people outside of work, that way.

Virtual Reality Smaz

Crash Bandicoot also took a hit in 2021 in quite a significant way. Activision Blizzard, the publishers of the franchise games, has come under a lot of fire for sexual activities and untoward behaviour. I do not support this. The whole uncovering of this information frankly ruined Crash's 25th anniversary. It was clear there was going to be a reveal at that point, with the marketing ramping up to it regarding wumpa fruit pinatas and all sort. However, everything whimpered out as the industry deliberately turned its back on promoting anything from Activision Blizzard. Many World of Warcraft players flocked to Final Fantasy XIV in response. Many called for the publisher to face justice. I decided to not focus so much on Crash content during the latter half of the year as a result.

Crash celebrates his 25th with all his games

Looking ahead then, what does this mean?

Well, I'm going to focus more on creative writing once again. Expect more creative pieces on this website in 2022. I also would like to read more as I have gradually distanced myself from video games in general. I felt I was sort of... wasting my life with them. I'll still play things occasionally, but my focus will be elsewhere.

I'm also almost finished paying off some debts that the start of 2021 left me with as a result of the world. Not only was I on less pay during that time (which did have a significant impact), I also chose to pursue VR stuff in order to maintain some sanity in terms of contact with people. This was great for a while, sure, but the financial impact of that part of the year left me struggling for the rest of it. Once this has been levelled, I will be able to save and start looking for a place elsewhere in the country. Part of this will also involve looking for a new job nearer there (or one that offers remote work). This will come in time.

It's me in the HTC Vive Cosmos VR headset!

So, I'm confident in my plans for the coming year. I can't wait to see what everyone gets up to, as well! Let me know your plans and what you would like to see from the website in the coming year. Until then...

Go forth into the new year with your plans! Here's to 2022.