Hello Readers,
Well, 2022 was quite the year… I’m going to leave it at that and avoid the profanity bubbling up.
Writing
1. Write a monthly serial story (Success)
I’ve managed to finish this one and have plans for next year. It’s the only real witing I managed after my injury in June. Read from the beginning of the Aetherverse.
2. Write Guise and Dolls Faymous with Jen (Success)
This went famously (haha). I loved writing this story and I’m glad that it’s now vacated that part of my brain that it’s been occupying for the past decade. Unfortunately, a spin-off series has decided to move in.
3. Finish Copper Tarnish (Fail)
I unfortunately didn’t have the arm ability to finish this.
4. Write book 3 of The Gates of Westmeath with Jen (Fail)
We decided to put off this one until we could figure out what’s wrong with my arms.
5. Keep Working on FADDS (Success)
I created an entire ridiculously complex module for mixing components that was just way too much. So, I remade it in a simpler way and it seems to be working really well. I’m continuing to tweak and add more monsters as I go. Mostly, I’m just having fun with the system and my players.
I also created a new power for characters who use magic but don’t have access to a lot. It’s to mimic the idea of Adepts that I’ve been playing with in my books.
JenEric Designs and Coffee
6. Ensure 5+ days of updates (Success)
We managed to keep things updated, but the only reason I suceeded was because of Jen’s help and all the work she’s been doing for the blog.
7. Write a movie review each week (Success)
I created a copy-paste template and that’s helped a lot. I have had, so far, a movie review each week for the whole year.
8. Design and release a new flavour and redesign Green Apple (Fail)
I really wanted to release Pineapple this year, but I didn’t have the energy or time. Same with the redesign of Green Apple.
Personal
9. Read 5 Books (Success)
In July I discovered Audiobooks and that I could listen to them at physio. They’ve really helped keep me from returning early from mandatory health breaks at work.
So far I’ve read 15 and I should be finished another this week.
10. Be More Patient (Fail)
Honestly, I have no idea how I’m doing on this one. I do know that I’m a terrible injured/sick person. Feeling like I’m letting people down makes me grumpy. I’m trying and that’s the important thing, but it’s hard. I know I’ve taken it out on my wife and kids more than I should have and I’m trying to be better.
11. Don’t over-stress (Fail)
Ontario’s health care system seems to be imploding, so that’s not helping.
The endless bureaucracy that is WSIB has not helped. I’m still missing writing, video games, and ukulele.
I also had issues with CRA this year. It’s been a year… sigh.
12. Practice bass or ukulele 2-3 times a week (Fail)
This was going great, but now if I pick up the instrument I have maybe three strums and the pain becomes too much.
Well that’s 6 out of 12 successes. Considering my injury, I’m going to take 50% as a win.
I might be complaining a lot, but there were some great things that happened this year. Big things like Assassins! Accidental Matchmakers being released or two great conventions and small things like staying up too late chatting with my wife about books or snuggling with my kids in front of a good movie.
I hope you’ve had a good 2022. Either way, thank you for reading.
Éric