So Long, 2020

End of the year and I must add that December has been a trip.  I intend to continue the series on NPCs, but I'd like to add a few diary notes, since it's late on the 29th.

I regret to say to some that I'm in a very good place just now.  I've watched the world burn down too, watched the American legal and political system tumble and watched the horror of covid's rise.  I'm in the midst of the worst outbreak in Canada, for pretty much the same ignorant reasons why there's a big outbreak in other reactionary parts.  Alberta is not a forward thinking province in Canada; it's full of people who made their money in raw material resources and agriculture, who possess that same dumbfuck maverick perspective that makes them feel untouchable.  But though I am amidst them, I don't leave my house more often than once a week to buy groceries—and thankfully, that's one place in the city where the rule of law is followed.  If people start congregating, the groceries have been supplied with an alarm and if someone presses it, the cops show up and will break it up.  Thank blazes.

I haven't gotten sick, nor has any friend or acquaintance I know directly.  I have several friends who would be very susceptible to the disease, but they're ensconced just like me.  And so, though covid's a nightmare, my people are bearing up so far.  Thankfully, there's a vaccine available now for anyone who might be hospitalized with it, so that in a month we should see a real fall in fatalities.

No, my news is of a different sort.  Back in early August, I was in a bad place with regards to the blog; I spent most of that month in meditation.  Some here might recall.  And some might have thought ol' Alexis had finally slipped a gear.  But truthfully, I've felt a lot better about blogging and about my message.  I feel sorted out, as though I'd turned a corner.  I've had three surprises this month with donations; Jack I've thanked already, but I'd like to thank Ed and Tom as well.  Their contributions were sincerely generous.

And since I'm here, I'd like to give a solid thanks to Carl, whose had a rough year of it in Wisconsin.  Hang in there Carl, you've been my rock for a long time.  I'd like to reach out to Wandrille too, and James H.  Thank you fellows.  Vlad, I never fail to appreciate your comments when I receive them; and Walter E., shake my hand.  I'm looking at you too, Laughing Lunatic, and Andrea, whose silent strength has been there for a couple of years now.  Robert, that was a truly great thing you did for me back in February; I haven't forgotten it.  Shelby U., thanks for your help with the wiki this year; at least we got it off the ground, though there's a lot of work there.  And Shelby M. too, along with Alejandro and Carl again, thanks for putting up with my meanness regarding the wiki.  Ellie, take a hug; we'll get the online game started again soon.  Jon L., Tim out there in Toronto, Chris R. and David B., you all feel good about yourselves.  I hope you and everyone else has had a good Christmas.  C.Angus, I haven't heard from you in ages; MPSpence, Jon R. and Elizabeth, you three have a Happy New Year.  Sterling is probably at sea; Deadly, I have no idea where you are, you ought to drop a line sometime.  Dusk, I see you there too.  And Recueillir ... sorry, I'm cutting Twitter out of my life, so I've stopped seeing you there.  To everyone else, and there are just too many to name, please believe me when I say that you've been great to me.  From the bottom of my heart I thank you.

I feel that 2021 is going to go very well.  Patreon is up, I've got an odd consulting gig going and a friend of mine has suggested he might be retiring and that some of his office equipment could find its way into my study.  It looks like I might be able to upgrade to a new neighbourhood in Calgary sometime in May or June, with more space and, hopefully, an end to restaurant work (at last).  Its the first time I've feel sincerely destressed since early 2015.

Be well, all.  I'll probably write another post before the end of 2020.  For those in the campaign, I'll remind you we'll be starting up again Monday, if you're willing.