October 2023 Entry:
A new adventure began.
PS: New bottom banner. The previous one has been in use maybe since the start of this blog and I haven't associated with the person that originally made it in years. Current one is a crop of something my cousin made for the final stream. Temporary depending on if I can find something else to replace it with.
MISC=========================
- Adam Copeland (fka Edge) is now All Elite (10.01). That felt like the biggest get for AEW. Crazy to see my second favorite wrestler in another company after all this time.
- I won a giveaway for a free iceTokki shirt last month and it came by early this month (10.03). While I could have chosen different colors for it, I was surprised with my lack of pink shirts especially when I first got into SNSD. I wore the shirt for a few simple errands and also wore it as an undershirt on my first Saturday at work, ha.
- Twitter/X Anniversary (10.05). 12 years now. I know more people are moving away from the platform because of how things have changed. Understandable, but I'll stick with it and maybe get the other one people are getting at the beginning of 2024.
- Took my mom to the airport (10.10). Went to pick up an aunt who was going with her to San Francisco. Other than the two pockets of traffic, it was a simple drive. I actually took an odd route back home that kind of brought through an area close to work. Not super close, but it eventually hit the main highway I take. It was one of those "I have no idea what's around me" situation for about 15 minutes.
- A day with one of my best friends and her daughter (10.10). It's been a long time since she and I hung out and this would be the second time I'd meet her daughter. We met to have lunch at Rakkan Ramen (a mutual long time friend is one of the owner's, but unfortunately wasn't there that day). Good stuff, try it out if you're in the area. Other than catching up, there was one moment where she had to stop her daughter from doing something wrong and she started to quietly cry. She sat her on her lap to face her and calmly talked to her about why she wasn't supposed to do that. As she was wrapping it up and her daughter was okay, I couldn't help but tear up and then the tears began to fall. She asked what happened and I simply said "what you just did, I want to do that." Tearing up as I type this. She knows I've wanted to be a dad forever. Seeing her be a great mother moved me and made me envious. She almost cried too, ha. As lunch was coming to an end, she suggested getting boba.
Went to R&B in Chinatown, which is an area I actually have not been to in many years other than a simple pass by. Just the area we were in, there were so many new food and shop places (at least to me). The boba itself was good and the place was nice to chill in. I actually saved their cup and still use it to this day. Played a lot with her daughter (taught her how to fist bump and explode, got to touch fake spiders together, play hide and seek with her doll, etc). We then walked to the churro store next door. The regular ones were sweet and the chocolate filled ones I got were even sweeter. Since the store was playing Kpop music, my friend asked if there were Kpop stores around that we could visit. Back when we got into Kpop, there was only one small local Kpop store and they unfortunately shut down after a year or two (I can recall still seeing their posters on the walls after it closed). There was one a few minutes away so we went there.
It was EvePink. This was the store my fellow ONCEs always talked about. I never bothered to look up the location for myself. Didn't realize it was 15-20 minutes away from my place. It was smaller than I would have expected, but it was loaded with tons of stuff. It was crazy to see so much Kpop merchandise in person. They mainly stay modern so no old stuff from 10-20 years ago (I asked the clerk). While I did find things I would have liked, I opted not to get anything. The closest thing I was tempted by was the ITZY light ring. The clerk was kind enough to open up a box and show me. I think if the price was $10-$20 less, I would have bought it. Maybe I'll treat myself to it for Christmas.
And then it was dinner time, ha. A simple meet up for lunch lasted almost the entire day. Throughout all the catching up we did throughout the day, we talked about people from our past and places we've been. We ended up going to Crawfish Cafe. It's been a long time for both of us. It did feel different being back in that area again as it was quite vacant. The owners weren't there, but the food was great. We then took a walk around Hong Kong City Mall, which was empty since it was late. Her daughter kept trying to avoid all the blue tiles, ha. It was around 9 when we called it a day and split. Hugs from her and her daughter before departing. I think we both needed this day. Thank you, friend.
- I received my custom postcard from Rannchan (10.14). It was a reward for donating during her charity stream. I asked for nothing amiibo related as she had done one in the past. Went for a wrestling entrance and something to celebrate the 5 years and 1000 streams and she did a marvelous job. Thanks, Rannchan.
- While walking up the stairs like normal, my left knee popped (10.15). A lot of my bones pop and crack regularly. This was different. First off, I normally walk up two stairs at a time. Secondly, I wasn't going any faster. But outside of the pop, it felt like electricity ran up the sides of my knee close to the thigh. It was enough to make me stop and take it easy the rest of the day. It didn't hurt at any point afterwards, but the pop became constant. It pops whenever I go down the stairs (not up), if I turn too fast, or if I extend it too far (stretching exercises, etc). More on this later in the entry.
- The knee stuff happened an hour before going to the airport to pick up my mom and aunt (10.15). Not much to say about this other than my aunt got me a San Francisco shirt (I probably won't ever wear it, ha). And then a few days later, my mom and I went to pick up my dad from the airport (10.18). It's been one month since he went to the Philippines so it was good to see him again. He got me some two pairs of dress shoes (I only asked for one). Unfortunately they are a size bigger, which is odd because my sneakers are the same size. I can always stuff something in them whenever I finally end up wearing them. No formal events in the near future, but the dress shoes I last wore are fairly old and need to be retired.
- Got invited to a friend's murder mystery dinner (10.20). Had not seen them since before the pandemic and before they moved and before they had a baby. No one had to dress up, but the majority did. I was Becky Lynch because I have a shirt, orange hair extensions, and it gave me a reason to bring out a replica belt, ha. It was nice catching up with others and meeting new people. Food was great.
Then it was time for the murder mystery activity. DW was in charge of setting it up and let everyone choose characters. The character packets mention how the character would dress if we were given these ahead of time, but I did like that we could choose minutes beforehand. Less stress of trying to find an outfit. I was Ned the Stable Boy. When we all had the chance to read about our character, I knew I had to give him my "bro" voice I used on streams. As we introduced ourselves, I was super nervous, but was totally into character by the end of my speech. There were three chapters to go through where there was an audio clip played putting suspicion on characters (my character was never mentioned) and then a few minutes to go talk to whoever and give the predetermined questions and answers. I could easily tell after talking to others that they easily wrote off that I was the murderer. Other than my voice, I talk about the horses...and aliens, ha. By act two, I had my top three suspects. By act three, I had a definitive suspect. As we wrapped up, I was first to admit innocence and of course my character ended with the line of "ladies, I'm currently available." I was one of a few or the only person who guessed the murderer correct. I was thrilled to get the answer correctly. Great way to end the night as we slowly wrapped up and left.
- Went to see a doctor for my knee (10.24). It was a short stay as all I did was wait, get x-rays, and then see the doctor himself to physically move my knee around. As I said many times, it only pops when I go DOWN the stairs (records show up and down) and if I turn fast and that it does not hurt at all. It's annoying. His summary, no surgery needed obviously, but he prescribed physical therapy (first day for analysis is 11.13). Thankfully the physical therapy place is close by too.
Later in the day, I went for a massage appointment at Cloud 9. I had been thinking of how to spoil myself with my first paycheck. Didn't want to do anything too crazy or buy something super expensive off my wish list. But since it was close to a month of working, my body is still not used to feeling sore from physically moving around a lot again. And it's been years since I got a professional massage. Then it was about finding a place and this one was only 20 minutes away. And it was fitting too as this was also a gift for being sober for 9 years. Cloud 9, 9 years of sobriety.
The massage place itself was nice. I got a 40 minute foot massage and a 40 minute body massage. The foot massage was really nice especially since I've been on my feet more. Just in case, I had to mention not to go for my left knee because of the recent injury. After that, it was to the private room for the body massage...and the power went out...as I'm lying face down...naked, ha. It was out for maybe 2-3 minutes. Once things kicked back on, the masseuse entered to start. Would have been funny if the power went out during, ha. While I normally like deep pressure, I had to ask for it to be lighter. Overall it was good and that 40 minutes flew by. The manager is Filipino and he knew I was based on my name so we chatted up a bit as he asked about the experience itself and recommended other workers for the next time I go back. Not sure when, but I'll be back.
GAMES=========================
- First official game played after streaming was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection (10.01-10.16). I was excited for this as there was a good mix of nostalgia and new as there were a few titles in the compilation I never played. Rather than talk about each one, you can click the links to see the screenshots and my thoughts on them. Overall, this felt great to finally play through.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade) (10.01)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (Arcade) (10.01)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) (10.02)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES) (10.03)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (NES) (10.06)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (NES) (10.06)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (SNES) (10.08)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (SNES) (10.09)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (Sega Genesis) (10.11)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Sega Genesis) (10.13)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan (Game Boy) (10.15)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back From The Sewers (Game Boy) (10.15)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue (Game Boy) (10.16)
- A DDR Classic Mini was announced (10.03). I normally don't go for mini consoles/arcades, but this one is really intriguing. Probably won't jump on it right away, but I will definitely keep my eyes on it.
- My physical copy of The Artful Escape arrived (10.11). I think they threw in an extra set of guitar picks by accident or as a "sorry it took so long" gift. This was my favorite game of 2022.
- 1 Demo a Day is a way I figured to work through all the demos I never played on stream (10.12). While I won't be doing that specifically anymore (won't play on a work day or other non-off days), I'll see how it feels. I can't remember how I used to run through demos before I incorporated them in streams, but I think I played them as they came. With a backlog of demos, I might do more than one a day if I'm feeling it. The Demo Showcase Shorts will be kept in one thread.
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge was radical (10.17). I now first-hand understand the praise it gets. I'm open to playing it with others online, but so far it's been beaten and put back on the shelf.
- Picked up my copy of Super Mario Bros. Wonder (10.20). It felt great to play a new 2D Mario platformer because I grew up playing them. There were only a few times I had to look up stuff, but I did 100% complete the game (10.26). And for the final-final stage, I did prop something on my TV to help out, ha. Is it the best 2D Mario platformer, no, but it is one of the better ones.
- I started to archive the Game Summaries I wrote on Discord (10.23). As of typing this (11.03), I have archived the majority of them. The first one posted was for Sayonara Wild Hearts in January 2020. The last one archived was for Cellular Harvest for July 2022. I try to do a few chunks at a time rather than doing them all in one shot. As much as I like tedium, I didn't want to quickly run through this one as it's not a top priority.
- The long awaited Coffee Talk Episode 1 and Episode 2: Double Shot Bundle is now in my posession (10.24). This got delayed quite a few times. I even had Episode 2 as part of the final month of streaming until it got pushed to October. I could have downloaded the digital version, but I figure with how much I'm spending on this, I can save a few dollars. I forgot how much stuff came in this. Impressed.
- Blasphemous II was the final game I played for the month (10.31). Felt it was appropriate for October and because I played the first game in October a few years ago. Gameplay and the imagery felt familiar. Story and depictions of certain things felt tamer. There was enough to be shocking and off-putting, but I think they held back. Made the effort to 100% as all signs pointed to nothing being missable if I took my own path. Cheers to all the maps and video guides online I found to help make that happen. Great sequel.
WORK=========================
- First day of work (10.04). Back to the universe of escape rooms, but with a different company. Oddly enough, I don't recall too much about the first day of work. The second day of work I can recall easier because there was a corporate event. Doing hosting duties felt natural to fall back into and this team really made it easy. The company worked for a food franchise and gave us some gift cards. I ended up getting two as the guy giving them said "thanks for telling me about the secret bathroom," ha. Yeah, you can tell I like a team if I can crack jokes like that with them.
The first Saturday was busy. They made sure I know how busy a Saturday can be and they weren't kidding. I was mainly out front to check in and greet guests. Then I would shadow anyone as they were game hosting so I can see how they do it and what they say. I tried my best to reset what I knew, but I was definitely rusty with the majority of rooms. Antidote was the one I ended up being confident in first.
My first official host/master happened during week two (10.12). I don't remember which room it was for, but I feel like it was either for Scooby or Mansion. Agent Ocean (yes, I'm still calling him that for these entries) was there helping whenever I had questions.
Speaking of Agent Ocean, I had to take him home one Saturday (10.21). Not only was it a busy day, but he had a minor car issue. This was also my first time doing a 9 hour shift. I stayed longer to be his ride home. It took about 40 minutes to get from work to his place. Then it took another hour for me to return home, which was around 12:40AM. Yeah...I was tired.
To wrap up the first month, I feel more confident in my resets for almost every room. If I'm not sure, I still ask whoever is resetting with me. I've barely remembered actual combinations, which isn't the worst thing, but I should at least try to be better on that. I do feel bored being a game master. While I've equated it to watching a stream that might have "no backseating" on, it really depends on the team. I haven't had enough reps to be ready to run two or more games at the same time. I haven't even been a game master for our Star Trek room yet. There are definitely better staff members than me at being a game master and I trust them. Game host and lobby duties, no problem. Outside of scenarios I have not been presented with yet and the occasional rude customers (one was cool until I didn't know alcohol and he laughed at me being sober for 9 years, and the one guy that didn't believe me being assistant manager), I'm in my element. Opening, I keep thinking I'm forgetting something or don't know how to turn on certain things in certain rooms. Closing duties I feel secure in.
One thing I like about working again is listening to music and podcasts. Getting to hear old favorites I haven't heard in years, good stuff. If you never knew, I sing in the car and it's a good way to warm up my voice going in to work. Podcasts I'll do for my ride home as I come down from the day (busy or not). The one podcast I added is How Rude, Tanneritos! It's a Full House rewatch podcast and it's crazy how much I remember from the show as they talk about it.
However, one drawback to this all is I feel very lonely going home. Sometimes a podcast isn't distracting enough and I'm not in the mood to sing. I have called a couple of friends to talk if they were available and I don't know if I can keep doing that simply because I don't want to be a bother or reiterate "I'm lonely" every time. It doesn't happen all the time, but I vividly recall that it happened at the end of the second and fourth week of work. I'm hoping it will get better over time.
Overall, work is helping me gain my confidence again. I lost it during the latter end of HER and lost it more throughout the 5 years of streaming. If I must have a goal, I'd like my confidence meter to be 80% or more by the end of the year (at least pertaining to work).
I do want to give a shout out to one person. Outside of Agent Ocean being a familiar face and energy, one other person has made this transition back to the world of escape rooms easier. Can't use Agent names to conceal any staff member's identity and I don't feel like using initials so I'll give them a nickname; Midori Hoshi. And if you're reading this and don't like the nickname, I can come up with something else, ha. The meaning of the name was what easily came to mind. We've already talked about how we clicked easily and how we've gotten to know each other by sharing stories etc. While I can trust the staff with their duties, I never have to worry about you and can rely on you every time. Thanks for being patient with me and my work questions while I was training. It's neat how we have a lot of similarities too. And we've already said things to each other in person and that's between us, but never doubt that I think you're a fantastic coworker, working with you makes the work day more fun, and you're the coolest. Thank you, Midori Hoshi, you know who you are.
ETC=========================
- TWICE Chaeyoung - Weatherman (MELODY PROJECT)
- ITZY - Sugar-holic (MV)
This might be my favorite Japanese single from ITZY. It's very chill.
- Lee Hyori - HOODIE E BANBAJI (MV)
Hyori with a new song? That was something I wasn't expecting. So good.
- TWICE - 2023 FANMEETING ONCE AGAIN (10.22)
- 1 month of not streaming hit on the 28th. The thing I worried about the most is happening; I have been forgotten. A small handful of people have reached out since then and by small I mean less than 10. Am I reaching out to them, no. I admit to have kept to myself. I lurk more and don't participate in streams like I used to. But it goes without saying that because of that and not streaming anymore, I am not thought of in that aspect. And I kind of felt this was going to happen making it another reason I do not plan to return to streaming. I tried it for 5 years. I was complimented on my professionalism, my consistency, my organization etc. I was never supported to the lengths that others that deserve it were even though I was told I should be on their level too. Even though there were positives, the negatives outweigh them. This will go down as something I don't look to fondly back on for a while.
Speaking of being forgotten, that is a worry I've had in general. Streaming watered those seeds and they sprouted when I stopped. I'm worried that it's creeping into my work life. Sure, I've been there for a month and my coworkers know who I am on some level. Part of me wonders if I'm thought of after hours. Would there be reason for any of them to think of me outside of work...maybe not. For a few maybe. But it goes with the loneliness factor I mentioned earlier. Being forgotten has compounded my loneliness. So not even specifically coworkers, but just friends and family (been that way for a long time). Sure, I can reach out, but years of getting ghosted or no replies or not seeing anyone for months or years on end...it's a lot and it makes me hesitate to reach out.
I really hope some of these worries shrink before the year is over. The last thing I want to feel is that I'm lonely as a new year rolls in. I've been there enough times, it's never been great.
That's a wrap on October 2023. Thank you for your support. Be cool and be kind.
"Reprise the theme song and roll the credits."
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