Nevada Update!

Hey everyone! I am almost completely settled in my new state!

So far, so good. But I haven't had much time or energy for fun things like blogging. I've been keeping notes about things that I want to write about, but I also have about 60 unpacked boxes. There were some things broken and seemingly, some things missing.

But all around, things are great here! The people are nice. There's some issues with the unit I'm in, though. Right now I also have a crazy number of seats. My two bedroom can seat 30 people. And I'm still missing two chairs.

So almost completely settled really means, I'm almost able to never go back to Oakland.

I need to go back a few times maybe to take care of some issues, but after that, if I go to the Golden State it will be for vaykay. People have been dissing Reno, but they're all crazy. Reno is awesome. It has everything I liked in the Bay Area, plus more, and all within a ten mile radius.

Reno people consider half-hour commutes to be too long. As a Bay Area native, it makes me laugh every time I hear it, because it's said without sarcasm. That's the pace and style here. And I like it. Because I hate traffic.

I should have more time to blog in April — hopefully I'll have my desk chair back by then. I have two kickass desks in my office now.

I'm much happier here. Hope things are going well for you!

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Writing and Blogging in 2013

The sketch above is a logo concept for a new blog that I'm working on. I've been trying to decide on what to do with my life since my disability has gotten worse and my overall condition hasn't improved. This year has been particularly tough; I might've done about 1% of what I'd planned on, and each day, I can feel the strain of chronic pain, muscle spasms and migraines taking its toll, sapping my energy and resolve. Just about everything takes a considerable effort.

I don't think that I had a particular vision for Says Brad when I renamed it, I just wanted a place to share thoughts on life, technology and design. I've enjoyed writing about and discussing iOS apps and iPad accessories, and sharing my favorite games. Several times I've thought about focusing on just mobile games, or just iOS — several times this year I've seen a glimmer of hope, the possibility and potential, only to be thwarted by illness or injury... or both. It's unbelievably frustrating.

It's given me a lot of time to think and read, however. I've had time to explore iOS7 (I really don't like it) and organize thoughts on the new Apple iOS. I've discovered a passion for mobile technology and figured out that what I really like about video games is story and catharsis. At times, I want to dedicate myself to sharing these passions, especially when I look online and see the (lack of) quality content (and poor writing) available.

I love the iPad and Sony Playstation Vita. In particular, there's a lot of negative press surrounding the Vita, and technology seems to draw flame wars about as frequently as politics. I don't like the hostility and personal attacks. Why can't I like iOS and Android? Mac OS and Windows? Why can't I like the Nintendo 3DS and the Playstation Vita? Playstation and Xbox? Why can't I have both Christian conservative and Obama supporters as friends? Why can't I discuss religion and politics with friends and in public?

Perhaps it's old-fashioned tribalism, something built in our DNA. You're not supposed to like the Oakland A's and the SF Giants, Raiders and 49ers, Lakers and Clippers, Nadal and Federer. You're supposed to choose, and never change sides.

It's been frustrating enough where I've thought about just writing about RPG stories... I just don't know that anyone wants to read my thoughts on Skyrim and Persona 4, so perhaps I might as well just keep it all private. I also don't know why anyone would want to read this.

Sometimes I don't think I have the energy to write about controversial things on a regular basis. I don't always have the energy... rather, I rarely do. It takes time, patience and the courage of conviction to state your position and defend it — because people will attack it.

My new blog will be built using WordPress, and I intend to devote a significant portion of my strength to it. If you follow my Facebook, you know that it's almost entirely political, with a few Instagram photos of my mom's cats and links to video game news and free apps mixed in. I love America, small businesses, free market capitalism and The Constitution — I want to share this passion in my personal pursuit for more knowledge and constant growth. I hope that I can continue to learn and educate along this bumpy road of life.

There will be supporters and detractors. I will always encourage people who disagree with me to share their thoughts, but I won't tolerate name-calling, personal attacks and vile, spiteful remarks. People can feel however they feel, but I can't afford to have that negativity seep into my life. I hope to have rigorous, honest debate and exchange perspectives and values with various people from all backgrounds. Mostly, I hope that I will have the strength to continue and carry on.

Thanks again for your support. As the Bay Area cools down and nights get longer, I should have more energy to get this blog back on track, too.

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SaysBrad says Bradtastic

Just a little update about the blog and me.

This year really hasn't been good to me yet. Been really sick and over the past few weeks I've been having stomach problems and RLS. I have been trying to improve my mood with a few games and sharing content online, including new images added to my tumblr and Instagram.

Over the years I've taken a ton of photos and have created hundreds of designs that I've never shared — I feel like I might as well. I don't really know who cares to see it all, but it'll be there. Who knows how long this life will be or if I'll ever chisel into history a piece for myself. Can't spend all day and night worrying about that, though.

I'm in the process of writing up a little life hacks email guide with some stuff that I've found useful. That was going to be my next post; however, it's fairly comprehensive and time-consuming — and as such, it isn't finished. I've had some technical issues with my blog as well, so I'm looking into long term solutions and other platforms for online expression.

Hopefully I'll start to feel better, too. Right now I'm pretty nauseated and my head hurts.

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10% Power, Water: off.

I’m writing this on my MacBook Pro… with almost no battery left. For the time-being, the building’s water is shut-off. I’m not really sure why — just dealing with it.

Vampire + sunlight = uncomfortable dying feeling.

I’m still trying to recover from Wednesday. I’m glad that I took my car in, but it was physically taxing. I’m not used to that much heat and walking.

Currently, effort and energy is going into several writing projects and some work stuff. There’s no reason to go into tons of detail at the moment, however, I’d like to at least say the following: it’s going to be a lot of fun and involve a fair amount of previously-untapped creativity.

The water should be back on soon.