A While

Phew! It's been a while. One post, a year ago, and then nothing. I deleted that one, it's not relevant. Enough time has passed, that I can't even string a couple posts together to link that one to this one, so I'm starting fresh.

Ahhhh.

Fresh.

I"m struggling with Seasonal Affected Disorder. I'm not sure if that's how it's spelled... I don't wanna look it up. That would be too much like admitting that it's there. I fight it with denial, and chastisement. I flog myself mentally for not getting anything done until I'm angry enough that I do something. Then I play a video game.

I finally burned through my Christmas gift cards. I bought Sins of a Solar Empire and I bought Elder Scrolls IV, Oblivion. Both came highly recommended. I've played a little of the former, and while it's too early to pass judgement, here's mine: it's not so great. It's got great points, but it really lacks that Grab-You factor. Like a book or a movie that doesn't engage the reader/viewer, I'm just plain bored. I'm not having fun. I think I'm getting old.

I'm not sure what else to talk about. Let's pretend this is the beginning- I'm a recent student at a school that has only just opened its doors in September, Flashpoint Academy. I'm studying video game development, with an emphasis on design and writing. I'm loving it. I've been wandering around in my life, lost, for a long time now, and this feels very much like something I could do happily until I retire. I'd be dancing if I hadn't broken my foot a couple weeks ago.

Oh yeah, I broke my foot a couple of weeks ago- playing indoor soccer. Everyone wants to know how, but the best I could come up with is like so: I was running left, and kicking the ball right. There. Now you know how to crack your heel bone. I can put some weight on it these days, though. I'm hoping that means I only have another few weeks with these crutches until I can be mobile again. That'll be just in time for spring ,and I can ride my bike.

Riding my bike is a weird phenomenon. It's exhilarating, and yet I'm scared shitless of it. I'm scared because this is Chicago, and drivers here are only just beginning to realize that there are bike lanes. I dodge doors, cars, pedestrians, you name it. People don't pay attention. I had a buddy who was husband to a college friend of mine who once said that the Loop would be great if only there weren't so many people walking around (he's a automobile engineer, go figure). I shot back that the Loop would be ten times better if cars weren't allowed in to get in the people's way. I stick to that. Once a month cyclists congregate en masse for an event they call Critical Mass, where hundreds of 'em all ride north from the Loop together. I love it. I'd participate if only I weren't so time and schedule-ly challenged.

Give it a try sometime. Chicago's changing after all. Bike riding now is different from bike riding ten years ago. I can't stand Daley, but I've got to give him that much credit. Take a ride this Spring. Go slow. For some reason, cars look out for you better, the less you appear to know what you're doing. Enjoy a day outside.