1986, a perspective of Seniority?

June 8, 1986. Seventeen years old and a high school graduate.

Valedictorian? No.
Salutatorian? No.
Top 10%? Maybe. >.>
Did I do my best in High School? Hell no.
Do I wish I still had that much hair? Oh, yes. (The glasses can go, though)

Have you ever thought about what you would do if some fantastic device was invented that let you go back in time and edit your life and experiences? Of course, this machine would take out all of that temporal paradox nonsense; so you wouldn't accidentally kill yourself in the future or some such hog-wash. It would be an honest-to-goodness time machine with no ill effects.

What would you change? Would you make sure that you invested in AOL and Time Warner before the huge merger in late 2000? How about the way you voted? Would you strive to be more productive in your studies? Not date that particular person (you know the one...)? Or maybe, befriend the nerd that you bullied who now makes ten times more than you?

Well there are three areas that I might change if given the opportunity:

1.     Firstly, I now appreciate how important and self-fulfilling your education is to your lifestyle, finances, and general well-being. Could I have been Valedictorian of my Senior Class? Absolutely. I scored a 1350 on my SAT (back in the day) and nothing in any of my subjects was difficult. I was lazy and wrapped up in extra-curricular activities. Underachiever is an Understatement.

I would make the grades and participate in whatever school functions would secure multiple scholarships and awards; and off to a credible four year university I would go. In the late 1980's there were several fields that would have accommodated me. Computer Programming, in its infancy, would have probably been my choice. With a four year degree behind me, the world would have been my oyster. Life would be good.

2.     Secondly, I would have paid MUCH more attention to my health in my late teens and twenties. In 1986, when I graduated from high school, I was an even six feet tall and weighed around 185 pounds. I was somewhat active and had a membership to a gym.

By 25 years old, I weighed over 300 pounds and my knees were starting to give me problems, as well as my lower back. During this time of bodily destruction and masochism, I developed Diabetes. Didn't know it until I was over thirty. I had done irreparable damage to my body.

Here I am at 25, ironically wearing a Ralph Lauren shirt in all my "sexiness". With my fantastic time machine, this would have never happened. A typical lunch for me would be over 4000 calories of junk food. Do I need to paint anymore on this canvas or are you seeing this picture clearly?

Fast forward to 40 years old. I am still six feet tall, but I am a MUCH more healthy 205 pounds. I am fitting into clothing sizes that I haven't been able to wear since I was twenty. My knees and back have dull aches that I associate with middle age and I have very little hair on my head; but alas, I still have diabetes. Managed and without insulin, but diabetes is incurable.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to be healthy. With my time machine, I would make sure that I did everything possible to accomplish that for my entire life not just part of it. I also would have never touched a cigarette (Thank you J & J, you know who you are...)


3.     Lastly, with all this new-found time, I would not squander it.

I would be a better grandson and son. I would make more friends and be a better one. I would read a WHOLE lot more and let the television grow dusty from disuse. I would definitely find the time and resources for a family of my own. I would learn "all the things" and teach whenever possible. I would practice diligently to be a better musician, maybe even write a piano concerto or a decent pop song. I would certainly not get involved in other folks' domestic affairs (always got me in trouble) and would only offer advise when it was requested in those situations. I would go to more concerts with performances of all genres of music. Probably run for president. And, on and on. You see my point. I would experience life instead of being a bystander.

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So, was this thought provoking? Do you have anything that you would change, given the chance?

Would you change things in your past life if it meant you wouldn't meet your best friend, or your current spouse, or maybe you wouldn't have your kids (at least the kids you know now)?

{Queue the Twilight Zone theme}

The fantastic time machine would be great but I have to admit: If it meant not meeting one of my friends or experiencing some of the great things I have; I would not use the time machine.

Surprised? If you know me, you shouldn't be. Friendships and relationships define who you are. Your education, your experiences, your accomplishments, your healthiness, even the decent pop songs you write; will probably be forgotten in time.

What will not be forgotten is who you were to your friends and loved ones. Long after I am gone, someone will be talking about how I did this or that. Or when I made someone smile or laugh. Maybe they will talk about my sage advice or my positive attitude and how I inspired them. Who knows.

Nonetheless, I will use the time, starting from this point in time, responsibly and make sure that I am remembered and loved by those close to me. To hell with the time machine if I never meet the important people in my life. It is not worth it, it has been a grand ride so far.

Thank you for indulging me and my temporal musings.

A stroll through Vana'Diel

My first post in this blog pertained to gaming. Specifically table-top RPGs, in which I still have much interest. But there are other arenas that I challenge my imagination and virtual skills.

In 2004, an interesting creature emerged from Japan. Godzilla? Well, no.

Notice the "online" in the title.

This was the first MMORPG that I would ever really play. And play, I did. For years...

Bear in mind that I had also played almost every other "Final Fantasy" title in existence; from FFIV on the Nintendo to FFX on the PS2. Probably around 12 titles in all.

This idea of an online game playing with folks from other countries, fascinated me and intimidated me in the same instance. On the one hand, meeting new people was definitely an awesome prospect; especially those from other ethnic/racial/social backgrounds.

But now, other people will see my feats and my failures. I was on the world stage and the pressure would be on. For countless years I had sat comfortably in my room with my PC or console; not worrying about messing up or failing because nobody was watching me. If I was going to be involved with this MMO stuff, I would have to be marvelous at it.

And, I was. Of course. (gratuitous self-back-patting)

That's her in the center. Paragon, in her younger days. The greatest Red Mage that ever existed in Vana'Diel. And on each side, two of my best "real-life" friends who also journeyed with me in FFXI's world of Vana'Diel. One has the profession of a mighty Warrior, and the other an honorable Samurai. The things that we accomplished, the fun we had, the friends we made, and the number of deaths; were staggering. (insert jovial chuckle)

There has never been, nor (dare I say) ever will be a game like this for me. I think my friends share this sentiment. It was truly epic.

Indulge me, if you will, to share a few memories of my time in FFXI:

It was a beautifully crafted world, without a doubt. The Japanese designers must have worked tirelessly on every detail. I was always amazed at the scenery, quite different in every zone you would enter. This particular screenshot is in Lufaise Meadows, a zone introduced in the second expansion.

This screenshot captures one of the ultimate triumphs in FFXI. Four of my greatest allies and I solved riddles, overcame tumultuous obstacles, slayed countless foes, died (a lot), climbed mountains, delved into deep caves; and then, after many months of determination: had access to "Sea". Those that have ever played this game (before the nerfing) will know that this was no easy task. We finished this content one month before It was reduced drastically in difficulty.

One of the weekly events that was exciting was Dynamis. Our larger group, called a linkshell, weekly made forays into this Dream World that mimicked the regular playable world. You learned alot about other players during events like this; especially if they were a "baddie". Immortality was the name of the linkshell and I am still in contact, somewhat, with most of the original members. Great folks.

This was our social linkshell. Many players were from the United States and Canada, some from the United Kingdom, and a couple from other parts of Europe. But all pretty good friends and in-game companions.This was the fulcrum of our experiences in Vana'diel. Occasionally we had to deal with drama, since getting together that many folks is bound to have some social effect. Overall though, it was a great place to hang out and plan your next excursion into the unknown. I miss this aspect of the game the most.

Oh, that's Paragon in the front center. Kyre is directly under the "e" in Clandestine and Asherr is directly to your right of him. I am hoping that they will both comment on this post...

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Lastly, in a fit of lunacy and/or stupidity, I deleted Paragon in 2008. I still don't know what in Gehenna I was thinking, or if that function was even present. I can not even remember why I did it, maybe I am blocking it. But, I did it. My friends have still not let me forget it.

But, I did not do this without a backup plan...

Before I deleted Paragon, I sold all of her equipment that could be sold and amassed all of her resources; then transferred all of those resources to another character. Then I deleted her. So if I wanted to play again in the future, I wouldn't have wasted everything by deleting her.

It only took two months and I had recreated her. Same hair, face, etc. Only now, she was level 1 in everything. The original Paragon had two level 75 jobs with end-game equipment; and countless other jobs well above 40. I didn't have it in me to do it again.

Alas, Final Fantasy XI died for me and not of it's own accord. It was by my hand and the blood still lingers with me today. A virtual stain of that impotently stares at me every time I play another game. The neo-Paragon is still there somehwere on a server in Japan; a digitial remant of a time that is now long past. I am not sure if the title of the game is not a fitting epitaph for Paragon.

Rest in peace, mighty battle-maiden Paragon.

1984 -- Sophmoric, at best.

It was my hardest year in High School, the first time I was heart-broken, and the year I was able to drive (with a parent, but still).

A few things stand out in 1984.

Remember this?

King of Pop. This was a little scary because it was all on video. That HAD to hurt.

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On January 17, 1984 the Supreme court ruled (5-4) that it was ok for VCR's to privately record TV programming and that it does not violate Federal Copywright laws. VCRs huh? Still have one? Know someone who does?

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In April 1984 -- The Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus (AIDS) is identified. I remember some of my friends in a panic. Twenty-eight years later, no cure -- just treatments.

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On organized religon: In Summer 1984, the Southern Baptist Convention -- the largest Protestant Denomination in the United States -- declares no women clergy. Ha.

But, look how far they have come in a few decades: This year saw the first African American President of the SBC, a predominately Caucasian denomination:

There is hope.

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Finally, I thought it would be interesting to add some lifestyle/cost of living factoids:

How Much things cost in 1984

Yearly Inflation Rate USA4.3 %
Year End Close Dow Jones Industrial Average 1211
Interest Rates Year End Federal Reserve 10.75%
Average Cost of new house $86,730
Median Price Of and Existing Home $72,400
Average Income per year $21,600.00
Average Monthly Rent $350.00
Movie Ticket $2.50
1 gallon of gas $1.10
Dodge RAM 50 Truck $8,995.00


And guess what one of the most sought-after gaming systems was in 1984, that cost a whopping $39.95?

That's right, a ColecoVision. Had one, hours of enjoyment.

Wonder what I looked like in 1984? Let your wonderment cease:

Look at that awesome hair! Wish I had some of it now.

Peace.

1983, Freshman in High School

Communication. Sometimes we take it for granted how connected we are to each other in 2012. I can hardly recall not having a cell phone, even though a very small percentage of my life have I had one. I think that innovations in communication has to be a very important happening in my lifetime.

In 1983, the FCC approved the first wireless phone and its network, including it's operating frequency. The patent was owned by DynaTac and this technology opened the doors for a plethora of other mobile technologies.

The first "cell" phone that I used was equally grandiose...Some of my friends (J & J) will remember it.

And, of course, the "bees knees" at the time:

And, what? An upgrade that slides -- sexy:

Then, we get a little more fashionable (with Internet access):

Now, with 4G technology, the Samsung Infuse. My little lifeline:

Now that I have laid bare my mobile phone collection, what can we accomplish with  our "smartphones" and why does it necessarily make us intelligent? Short answer, it does not grant cognitive skills nor does it purvey logic. Sorry, I know that is an epiphany some folks are not ready to embrace. Such is life.

These communication device do provide benefits though. Countless gadgets, widgets, gizmos, and apps. How could we live without:

My godchildren have both completed all flavors of this blasted game. Addicting as it may well be. (5 & 9 years old).


Besides entertainment value, my Infuse allows me to check multiple email accounts, post to social networking sites, blog, take HD pictures/video, win an arguement with my best friend by looking up the truth on my phone (you know who you are), and the list goes on and on.

What is the most used app on my phone? Music. I am addicted to 0.99 cent downloads from Amazon. It's shameful, I know. But, rarely do I enter my vehicle that I do not plug in my phone to the car receiver and shuffle some playlist that I have created on my cell phone. Bliss, just bliss.



With all of this said, the question remains: what we would we do in 2012 if we had not mobile networks, no mobile email access, no InstaGram, no mobile social networking, and no wireless calls?


Would we talk less, visit more? Would our workplace efficiency be diminished? Would we forget about friends and family?


Would our civilization crumble?


I don't think so, because I lived in a time when none of this was possible; and I was happy and loved my friends.

Am I going to give up my Samsung Infuse with 4G technology? Hells no.It is an interesting scenario, nonetheless.

Oh, gotta go, one of my good friends is texting me to see if I want to come for a visit!

How about that.

A beginning? Hardly.

I think that I will start my blog from the present, then move backwards in retrospect...

I have realized, in my venerable state, that I have seen some fairly interesting things in my life. Experienced some interesting things; even witnessed some interesting things -- first hand. As I slowly approach what some would call middle-aged, I have started reflecting on how awesome my life has been, how blessed/fortunate I have been, and the profound impact some of my experiences have been for me, my peers, and the world.

So, for a while, let me share some of the events in my life that I feel were important or terrible or "game-changing". Some of the posts will have commentary. Some posts will not require narrative. Please feel free, even required, to post your thoughts to any of my posts; as you are my closest friends and peers.

I will begin with this:

Some of you might not know what this represents. Some of you (**wink**) are all too familiar with the image.

In 1982, I was introduced to gaming. Not just tabletop D&D. Gaming.

During lunch or free period in High School, we played Dungeons and Dragons. Three or four of us assaulting keeps, finding treasure, slaying foes, etc. But most importantly, using our imagination.

I have never stopped using it. I use it all the time, every day, even when you can't tell I am using it. It is my greatest asset.

I still "game". Different formats, types, mediums; but I still love it. Judge as you see fit, I am quite comfortable in my skin, thank you very much.

What about you? Do you have an imagination? Can you listen to someone tell a story and describe your environment, then imagine that environment in all it's details? I wonder.

Game on.