Today is December 31, 2023, in the mid-afternoon. In less than ten hours it will be 2024.
2023
2023 was a good year. But all years are good years. Both good and bad things happen: personally, with friends, and around the world. Happiness is our choice, in spite of what happens.
In 2023 I attended Gary Con and ran and played games and I attended UCon and ran and played games. I ran my Roll20 AD&D campaign, but took a hiatus at the end of May, which continues. I am still active in the Wednesday night Roll20 OSE campaign. I still have attended every session.
My longest travel adventure was to go out to the memorial service for my aunt and uncle and visit family this Summer. I had hopes of extending that trip, but I had to get back home as I had to be there to accept delivery of my new laptop for work.
I got inspired to rejuvenate my interest in genealogy and found the death certificate for my aunt. Her mother died of pneumonia on her 1st birthday and Grandpa never explained to her what happened.
My hiatus from my Sunday game has been devoted to other things. Rather than being tied down to home, I’ve done other things.
In September, I attended my 40th high school reunion. We’re all getting old, but some of my classmates are looking good for women their age, but they’re happily married….
I’ve been hoping to date, but so far online dating is coming up dry. I did meet some new friends and they have gotten me out of the house and our of my comfort zone. There have been a few closer to home adventures.
2024
January, 2024 will be the 50th anniversary of the publication of Dungeons & Dragons. There will be celebrations and focus at all of the game conventions. I only plan to attend Gary Con and UCon. My wallet can’t afford more in 2024.
50 years of D&D means I’ve been playing 47 years since I started playing Holmes Blue Box Basic. My brother, Robert, convinced me to buy it and he became my first DM and is the best, in my opinion. I was a terrible DM until I got back into gaming on Roll20 in 2014 and resumed attending gaming conventions.
While I started blogging in 2009, my output of new posts is a trickle. There is a similar slow pace to new videos on YouTube, or new podcast episodes. I do manage a few posts on social media.
I won’t promise to commit to anything. I had hoped to get the card game out in time for 2024, but my drive to finish it is not what is needed to accomplish it. I will publish it someday instead of talking about it. Don’t worry, I will announce when it finally happens.
I don’t know how much gaming, blogging, podcasting, streaming, or other game related activities I will have, but I will continue the adventure of both real life and the imagination.
I hope you all face your real life fears and challenges with the same fortitude as you do in the games you play.
As always, Game On! Or in this case, Roll On!