PixlBit

Aside from some shitty weather and some much-needed vehicular repairs for my truck, 2015 ended about as good as any year.

And there was some rough patches, especially at work. At times, I lost focus as the summer work wrapped up that I neglected regular cleanup at times and I really was concerned that I was going to lose my job a time or two. I got my head out of my ass, got those areas into better shape and made sure they got my attention. It sucks that I needed the threat of termination to shake me out of apathy and neglect after 10 years as an employee (and I'm not sure what caused the lapse) but you move on and try to do better.

Luckily, I had the most supportive family and friends. My father is in his mid-60s and he'll never stop working or being a handyman (he performed most of the truck repairs). He and my mother always kept in touch and made sure I was doing okay and if I needed anything. I'm blessed for parents like these and I truly don't deserve the everlasting love and support they send me. My brother and sister-in-law were also charitable and easy-going at every turn. This summer's highlight, no doubt, was going to Kansas City's Arrowhead Stadium to see The Rolling Stones with him and two college friends. It felt like a bucket list challenge was crossed off and give me even more appreciation for the band. I try to call my sister every week just to be cheered up or geek out about certain things. One of the unexpected delights of the Christmas vacation was on that Saturday, when we both curled up in blankets with coffee, chili and Netflix; we re-watched Hot Fuzz and almost completed 3 seasons of an old British TV show that she introduced to me: The IT Crowd. It's now one of my favorites. 

I went home Sunday through one of the shittiest weather days of the year - low temperatures and extremely heavy rainfall - knowing that the previous 4 days were among the happiest I've had with my family and in my life in general. I'm hoping 2016 is merciful. 

Normally, I post a best of list regarding movies or games but I'm still in catch-up mode. Work (or napping) has taken a huge portion of time at home so I haven't got to enough to even remotely put up a list that I can be proud of. I blame myself for that. I haven't even blogged enough although I visit this site quite often. So the lists will be here soon. 

Gaming, I'm still on the behemoth that is Mad Max, assuming you're like me and you just HAVE to find everything on that blasted map, conquer every stronghold and kill every warboy you can find. It's fun to upgrade Max and his car (coming closer and closer to the baddest-ass V-8 Interceptor) and while the story isn't that compelling, driving around the beautifully composed wasteland world and living up to the title of "Road Warrior" has been such a fun experience. I was worried about the lukewarm reception this game got initially but I'm glad a few friends or trusted sources egged me on to give it a shot. Definitely worth a rental. 

Meanwhile, that copy of Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain is still staring at me. I know, dude, I know.

Gotta finish Bloodborne and Dragon Age: Inquisition. And The Witcher 3 (maybe Witcher 2, perhaps?).And Dying Light. My backlog is hideous. 

Finally seeing the brilliance of Persona 4 Golden was one of my favorite gaming experiences. I went through a good portion of this year not touching my Vita (*shrugs*) but I felt compelled to give it another shot. Once you got to the point where you can go dungeon-hopping and grind, the story opens up and it feels less like the whimsical Nickelodeon sitcom. I even like these characters more the further and further I go. 

Speaking of the Vita, I still make daily runs in Spelunky. I used to be really good at that game. And that goober, Greg Miller, hyped up Taco Master so much that I plunked down $3 for it and it's stupid fun in the vein of Men's Room Mayhem. 

I've seen Star Wars: The Force Awakens twice now and it's one of the most satisfying movie-going experiences I've ever had. Made me feel like a kid. I love the new characters (Daisy Ridley's Rey was the best movie character, aside from Furiosa from Mad Max: Fury Road), the callbacks to A New Hope (not that nonsensical, IMO), seeing some old, friendly faces, the John Williams music. JJ and Co. nailed it and the wait for Episode 8 is so excruiating because I can't wait to see what Rian Johnson will do with it. 

I still need to make time to see The Revenant, The Hateful Eight and Creed before they leave the cineplexes. 

Right now, I'm doing cleanup at my apartment with the Lithium SiriusXM channel on full blast. I hope everyone here had a good year and best wishes for 2016!