Once again it comes to the time where a year ends and a new one will begin soon after. It has been no doubt one hell of a roller-coaster this year but I feel from absolutely everything that has happened, the good and the bad that I have developed immensely as a person, almost like someone completely new in a way haha! Still, may as well do a quick recap on what has gone down.
The year started off relatively normal, though the first main thing to happen was the trip to London for the UK Fighting Games Facebook Group 1 year anniversary meet in London. The original venue was shut down a few days before which was pretty crappy, but in the end we managed to get somewhere hooked up in an arcade and played a bunch of Street Fighter and other games. It was pretty awesome. The day after I made my first ever trip to Cardiff to meet up with someone that would over the year become quite special to me. I would end up making a few more journeys to Wales throughout the year, and her visiting me which was awesome, however there is no longer that kind of special connection anymore, but looking back it has been good and it really has helped in more ways than one. I feel now, just before the new year I can truly get out there and really enjoy things! In this time though, I did truly make some amazing friends in which I hope to see in the new year!
There was also the two MCM Expos this year in London, #11 was pretty interesting despite not going for the full weekend but still it was good to hang out with the guys I usually hang out with a bit more often! Also wicked to see other people as usual! #12 was good, but due to some circumstances could have been a lot better, however I did hang out and meet some of the most awesome Voice Actors ever, getting some cool photos with them as well! Richard Epcar was brilliant, he voices Batou from Ghost in the Shell. Such an awesome guy!
It has been good as well to hang out with the Ipswich crew, and really make stronger friendships with them as well! We hung out a fair few times over the year and all of them were amazing. I really hope we can up the momentum in the new year and keep on going with these hang outs! I was able to also host a fair few things with the guys from Ipswich as well. Always tonnes of fun to host hang outs! We used to do them a lot back during Uni so actually being able to host them personally has been great. They really helped me in a tough time as well so mad awesome feels towards them.
2013 has been the first full year living here in Peterborough as well. Work has been a bit of a roller-coaster in itself. Me originally being made potentially redundant, finding out I really didn't get on with my new department (though I had an absolutely KICK ASS interview, it was almost perfect!). I did however then go on to return to my original department, and I have passed the dreaded 3/4 month barrier of when department changes so far have happened so I feel I am secure for the time being. Looking forward to really learning more though. For those that don't know I work on the TV Channels Ideal World and Create and Craft, good ol' shopping TV.
Besides work, this year has been interesting in terms of getting out there! I have made countless trips to Nottingham in the name of the World of Warcraft Trading Card Game. It is a huge shame now the game will not be getting any more content, but I will admit, I have met some amazing people through it across the country. It also introduced me to Spalding as well, furthering the journeys this year!
Beyond this, we come to the local TCG shop in Peterborough, The Rift. I have found myself heading this small shop so many times this year because the people I have met through it are absolutely brilliant. Especially in the later part of the year, I feel as if I have made a wicked friend group, people I can hang out on a regular basis, play games and watch anime/films with enjoying each others company. It honestly feels so awesome and came around at the right time! Managed to host a few fighting game nights so far with them, and planning to carry them on in the new year! Still, it has been brilliant so far and I can't wait to see what is on the horizon.
There have no doubt been the lows this year, losing and also hurting people without meaning to. If there is one thing I hate is making people feel sad but I have learned, if you are not truly happy with how things are going on, you can't just sit around and let it carry on. Something needs to be done, no matter how much it may hurt there and then. Still, as I said though I feel like I have developed hugely as a person, well despite the massive lack of creative work this year. There was the NaNoWriMo attempt which wasn't successful however I have the basis for a truly cool journey to write about so I look forward to that!
Christmas was pretty rocking this year, really did enjoy it immensely. Seeing the entire family again after so long and having a day where there was no arguments, or debate, and just having fun was really awesome. My PC has returned, and my steam account is ready! Also in terms of Video Games. GotY for me? Pokemon X/Y no doubt. I have loved every minute of playing it, and I have actually through this game made even more friends! Can't wait to play even more, although for the new year I have a tonne of games to play in the backlog, as well as the new Zelda and also Fire Emblem on the 3DS. Should be pretty hype!
Cannot forget as well, I finally started going to the Gym this year, despite December not being the best of months for it due to illness and Christmas, next year I will get back into the swing of things. This leads to next year! I hope to really get back into the swing of things creatively, starting off with a sketch I have done for a friend. I hope as well I can carry on well, getting the body I am happy with and start really exploring the world of Cosplay properly. I hope I can keep up with things at work, survive, keep learning and see where the future takes me beyond. I want to keep on enjoying things with my new friends, as well as my older friends who have been there for me throughout the rough and good times! Can't wait to make some awesome new memories, and look forward to seeing who else I meet in the new year!
In the end of this 2013, it has been one hell of a journey of self discovery. It has been a wild ride, but I am glad I have made it. With that, I leave you with a pretty relevant mix, the journey of the year .
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Good stuff dude! 2014 should be fun on a bun. 