Posted by Kim on December 31, 2021, 9:00am
It's the eve of a new year. As is tradition, I am looking back on the past 365 days (by the warm glow of a thousand fireworks) and reflecting on what was.At the start of the year, I set myself one main overarching goal for my work with the RPR. It was this:
Quote:
I'm going to experiment with ways to add real time, interactive avatar and map support to the site. I'm not ready to promise that we'll get this yet, but it's a really sincere goal and I'll be trying all kinds of experiments to see what the most likely techniques will be to get us there.
You saw the fruits of some of these experiments in the Epic Week Farming Game -- and your playing of that game, and the ways in which it was (and wasn't) successful over the course of its active week represented another set of data in those experiments.
Aside from that Epic Week glimpse, the bulk of those experiments were totally invisible to the user base. But I did indeed do a great many such experiments, and came to some conclusions. Those conclusions will certainly guide my goals for the next year. But it isn't next year yet; it's still time to reflect on this year.
In between those experiments, I mostly aimed for quality of life updates for the live site, ranging from the ability to jump immediately to a specific page in a long-running RP, to the ability to adjust the font size on the main site, to the ability to pick the specific pronouns you want Server to use when talking about you. Just lots of things to make life easier and cozier around here.
In my personal life, the biggest changes I saw were:
- VACCINES! HOORAY FOR SCIENCE!
- I had to say goodbye to two guinea pigs that I dearly, dearly loved. The first, Mr. Truffle, succumbed to absolute ancient old-age. The second, Mr. Ghirardhelli, turned out to have a fast-moving cancer and was gone two weeks later, to my absolute shock.
- Not knowing that they'd both go more or less at once, I had adopted a very very young guinea pig in the hopes that the new baby, Mr. Crunchie, could keep Mr. Ghirardhelli company and be his new friend after Truffle departed. But that meant I was left with an orphan baby guinea pig who was all alone at a too tender age.
- The humane society was able to help me swiftly adopt two new adult guinea pigs we all felt would be good at parenting the baby, and to everyone's relief, it was true! Cadbury and Dove came waddling into our lives all business, kissed away Crunchie's tears, set up some reasonable boundaries and rules, taught age-appropriate lessons on being a good guinea pig, and went hog-wild on nurturing and encouraging. I didn't think I'd be ready for new animals so soon, but their utter devotion to each other and to their surprise son helped to soothe my grieving heart as well.
- Crunchie is all growed up by guinea pig standards now, and a very well adjusted young sir.
What accomplishment are you most proud of in 2021? What was the biggest change you saw in your life?
Comments
Mm. My year wasn't the best, but it wasn't the worst either. I started gaining the weight that I lost back, and that brought me down a bit. Then my work ended up shutting down. Then I ended up losing contact with my friend for a few months, which really sent my mental health in a downward spiral.
But then it kinda perked up later in the year. My friend contacted me again, and I found a new job that pays much better than my old one. I'm still having issues with my weight gain, which also ties into my own self-esteem and body dysphoria, but it's something I plan to work on in 2022.
But then it kinda perked up later in the year. My friend contacted me again, and I found a new job that pays much better than my old one. I'm still having issues with my weight gain, which also ties into my own self-esteem and body dysphoria, but it's something I plan to work on in 2022.
I think im most proud of the cheer teams I'm coaching actually... or i guess that translates to the work i've done with them (Along with my co-coaches of course) (:
At the first competition of the season, my beginners team managed to get 2. place out of like 6 teams who all had a lot of elements with a higher difficulty than my girls. But i had stuck to simple stuff that they could manage to perform more clean and it payed off in the end, much to our own surprise as well!
My intermediate team managed to score 3rd place with a routine made for a lower level than they were participating in, so this was wild to us as well in a category with 9 teams!
And on a more "me" level, I will be done with my teachers education this january after 4 long years and some years before that of studying other stuff! Then i have to find my first "adult job"
At the first competition of the season, my beginners team managed to get 2. place out of like 6 teams who all had a lot of elements with a higher difficulty than my girls. But i had stuck to simple stuff that they could manage to perform more clean and it payed off in the end, much to our own surprise as well!
My intermediate team managed to score 3rd place with a routine made for a lower level than they were participating in, so this was wild to us as well in a category with 9 teams!
And on a more "me" level, I will be done with my teachers education this january after 4 long years and some years before that of studying other stuff! Then i have to find my first "adult job"
2021…what a wild ride that has been!
It was also the year I discovered THE BEST PLACE EVER! In meatspace, that is.
I discovered Sheetz. I may or may not be referencing them throughout 2022 on RPs I do here…maybe. Could be. Probably.
Other than that, I feel I can say I’ve done a lot of people proud. Who knows what the future holds?
It was also the year I discovered THE BEST PLACE EVER! In meatspace, that is.
I discovered Sheetz. I may or may not be referencing them throughout 2022 on RPs I do here…maybe. Could be. Probably.
Other than that, I feel I can say I’ve done a lot of people proud. Who knows what the future holds?
The accomplishment I am most proud of and the biggest change in my life in 2021 are one in the same! January 2021 I ended up in the ER after not sleeping for several days. My anxiety and mental health was at the point it always gets to after a few months of calm, I always have a breakdown. That's just how it has been for the last...oh 9-10 years.
This year, I said enough is enough. I couldn't handle it anymore and I needed to get help. So I did, it took about a month or two of avoiding setting up an appointment with a tele-therapist and a tele-physiatrist, but I did.
I've been on a couple medications since April and June of this year, and for the first time in my life I'm not worried that every 3 months I'm going to have a mental breakdown. Normally I'd have repeated that exhausting cycle 2-3 times by now; but I haven't once.
There's things that still need work, and there's things I have to do every single day aside from medicine in order to keep myself steady and healthy, but I'm so glad that I can confidently say that this year, I got help and I stuck with it. I'll continue sticking with it.
Happy New Years everyone ❤️
This year, I said enough is enough. I couldn't handle it anymore and I needed to get help. So I did, it took about a month or two of avoiding setting up an appointment with a tele-therapist and a tele-physiatrist, but I did.
I've been on a couple medications since April and June of this year, and for the first time in my life I'm not worried that every 3 months I'm going to have a mental breakdown. Normally I'd have repeated that exhausting cycle 2-3 times by now; but I haven't once.
There's things that still need work, and there's things I have to do every single day aside from medicine in order to keep myself steady and healthy, but I'm so glad that I can confidently say that this year, I got help and I stuck with it. I'll continue sticking with it.
Happy New Years everyone ❤️
This time last year there was a very real chance I was about to lose my job. I love my job, I didn't want to leave. My bosses didn't want me to leave. It was nothing but an administrative obligation that would've forced that outcome. This was coupled with an unrelated heavy workload, so I was in this situation where I was working my butt off and could very easily get the boot at the end of it. I was fairly depressed, looking for new jobs, unmotivated creatively and such. But my supervisors worked very hard for many months, and in about March I was finally offered a permanent position at my workplace which means those months of stress will never happen again. Finishing this year with security is such a 180 from last.
As well as a more stable employment situation I've gotten more confident with my art. I finished a large project, which I plan to share with you all soon It's the largest project I've ever attempted and I didn't even announce it until I was comfortable with working on it, because I didn't want to get a reputation as someone who hypes up a project but fails to follow through.
I can't understate what an accomplishment this project was for me. I know me. I've known me my whole life. And I'm the kind of person who stresses out on tiny details until I'm burned out. I don't have fun, I suffer through until I'm so exhausted that I stop drawing for months in shame that I couldn't get the result that I wanted. But against my nature, I completed it. I even had fun. I tried to uphold that 'perfect is the nemesis of the good'.
I went back and looked at some of my earlier work yesterday and although I don't want to toot me own horn, it really was shocking the style and quality difference from the start to the end. Things which I'd struggled for hours and eventually gave up on in exhaustion took me less than an hour to correct. Even if I haven't improved much in a technical sense, I've increased my problem-solving toolbox and that's probably just as valuable.
On the downside, Covid is hitting all-tine highs in my town, and it feels like Australia has just given up and is willing to let it spread. Going out to do simple necessities like grocery shopping have all become such a stressful experience. And I've also had to suffer through family members showing no empathy or concern for people harmed by this pandemic. And it's depressing because don't foresee it going away, I wouldn't be surprised if we were still in this situation in 2023.
As well as a more stable employment situation I've gotten more confident with my art. I finished a large project, which I plan to share with you all soon
It's the largest project I've ever attempted and I didn't even announce it until I was comfortable with working on it, because I didn't want to get a reputation as someone who hypes up a project but fails to follow through.I can't understate what an accomplishment this project was for me. I know me. I've known me my whole life. And I'm the kind of person who stresses out on tiny details until I'm burned out. I don't have fun, I suffer through until I'm so exhausted that I stop drawing for months in shame that I couldn't get the result that I wanted. But against my nature, I completed it. I even had fun. I tried to uphold that 'perfect is the nemesis of the good'.
I went back and looked at some of my earlier work yesterday and although I don't want to toot me own horn, it really was shocking the style and quality difference from the start to the end. Things which I'd struggled for hours and eventually gave up on in exhaustion took me less than an hour to correct. Even if I haven't improved much in a technical sense, I've increased my problem-solving toolbox and that's probably just as valuable.
On the downside, Covid is hitting all-tine highs in my town, and it feels like Australia has just given up and is willing to let it spread. Going out to do simple necessities like grocery shopping have all become such a stressful experience. And I've also had to suffer through family members showing no empathy or concern for people harmed by this pandemic. And it's depressing because don't foresee it going away, I wouldn't be surprised if we were still in this situation in 2023.
2020 and 2021 were very much the same for me. I never set goals for myself during either year nor did I try to change anything due to the fact that I wasn't happy with who I was and where I was in life. I became so incredibly drudged down by my life choices that I fell into depression and gave entirely up on absolutely everything. I no longer socialized, I worked night and day, I lost contact with friends, family, the like, and I was pretty much a husk. I gave up on everyone and everything that I loved.
I used to be eagerly motivated, ambitious, wanted to leave an impact on the world and change things for the better somehow. It got even worse when my 21-year-old cat, Angel passed away on June 22nd, 2020. I was completely devastated and the days leading up to her demise were the absolute hardest ones of my entire life. To this very day, I still am recovering from that loss -- you never move on, but you can move forward.
Something happened toward the end of 2021, and I honestly can't say that I know exactly what. I was suddenly inspired to change and overcome this dreary disposition I had made for myself. I felt as though I wanted to make a change and a drastic one at that. As of now, that is exactly what I am trying to do. Slowly, surely, though tentatively I am reaching out again, trying to be and do what once made me happy.
With my heart of hearts, I hope 2022 is the change I so desperately need! And no matter what, I will fight to the very end to make that change happen. 2 years I threw away -- don't do the same. Represent!
Oh! And I am also vaccinated. Stay safe out there, kids. Goodnight, and Happy New Year! Here is to a prosperous, fortuitous, and promising year ahead.
Love and Light.
I used to be eagerly motivated, ambitious, wanted to leave an impact on the world and change things for the better somehow. It got even worse when my 21-year-old cat, Angel passed away on June 22nd, 2020. I was completely devastated and the days leading up to her demise were the absolute hardest ones of my entire life. To this very day, I still am recovering from that loss -- you never move on, but you can move forward.
Something happened toward the end of 2021, and I honestly can't say that I know exactly what. I was suddenly inspired to change and overcome this dreary disposition I had made for myself. I felt as though I wanted to make a change and a drastic one at that. As of now, that is exactly what I am trying to do. Slowly, surely, though tentatively I am reaching out again, trying to be and do what once made me happy.
With my heart of hearts, I hope 2022 is the change I so desperately need! And no matter what, I will fight to the very end to make that change happen. 2 years I threw away -- don't do the same. Represent!
Oh! And I am also vaccinated. Stay safe out there, kids. Goodnight, and Happy New Year! Here is to a prosperous, fortuitous, and promising year ahead.
Love and Light.
This year wasn't a good one for me and I took many heavy blows to both confidence and energy. Part of why I've been less active here. There were a few good things though.
Happy New Year to everyone!
- The broken will and spirit from college has been overcome after years! Artwork galore again!
- Dared to step into a few new art sites. Can now be found on Newgrounds and Fur Affinity.
- Was blessed with a totally awesome gift from a best friend I found right here on RPR!
Happy New Year to everyone!
Pen_Tsunami
December 31, 2021
5:45pm
2021 was pretty weird taking how I barely remember a good half of it, but the half I do remember is pretty cool! Some personal stuff happened and is still happening but hopefully it’ll all end next year. I’m still working on some things like most people tho lol, I’m just glad to have my drivers license now :>
I made new characters and since my art is slowly improving I’ve decided to make more characters on the horror spectrum along with adding a bit more depth to their backstories.
My roleplaying skills are slowly improving like my art and I’m proud to say I don’t write how I used to 4 years ago and instead try my best to be formal yet still myself in my responses, serious but laid back if you will, I hope people like it lol.
It’s Bullets 3rd birthday, I’m very happy to have my therapy bunny in my life and hope he stays with me for a very long time!
I made new characters and since my art is slowly improving I’ve decided to make more characters on the horror spectrum along with adding a bit more depth to their backstories.
My roleplaying skills are slowly improving like my art and I’m proud to say I don’t write how I used to 4 years ago and instead try my best to be formal yet still myself in my responses, serious but laid back if you will, I hope people like it lol.
It’s Bullets 3rd birthday, I’m very happy to have my therapy bunny in my life and hope he stays with me for a very long time!
It’s been well kinda crazy for me actually but I’ve accomplished a couple of things in life that have been good but my life has had crazy ups and downs but I’ll start a small this so I don’t make everyone have to read it.
Accomplishments
-coming out to my family
-being active again
-making new friends
-trying to do better with roleplaying
-having just fun on RPR when ever I log on!
Accomplishments
-coming out to my family
-being active again
-making new friends
-trying to do better with roleplaying
-having just fun on RPR when ever I log on!
What accomplishment are you most proud of in 2021? What was the biggest change you saw in your life?
Some of the biggest accomplishments for me would have to be:
- being accepted into another family
- becoming active again on this site
- making more characters
- making friends, both old and new
- and most importantly, surviving this year
Some of the biggest accomplishments for me would have to be:
- being accepted into another family
- becoming active again on this site
- making more characters
- making friends, both old and new
- and most importantly, surviving this year
It's... actually pretty hard to think in terms of having accomplished anything this year. This one hit me particularly hard. But I did manage to finally get connected with a therapist again, and I'm hoping to get some things untangled better this time. Hopefully I've managed to set myself up to accomplish a lot more in the coming year.
I'm glad that I found RPR. Due to a lot of BS drama, I was seriously questioning if internet rp'ing was something I should have kept doing, and finding RPR was very much what kept me going through this year.
I made a whole lot of progress on building my fantasy world, and it is starting to become fleshed out enough that I'm confident in it!
I finally left my job as a copy editor to focus on my 2D generalist career shift and freelancing! I kept postponing my resignation for two whole years, not wanting to leave anyone hanging. Then my coworkers themselves had to sit me down and tell me that I was overworking myself in a place I should have moved on from by now (I was very visibly burning out but I was super in denial about it). Even my boss acknowledged that if I was going to make a move it was now or never, despite her wishing I’d stayed a bit longer. It’s been a bit of a hassle, but I now have the time to improve and build my portfolio, and myself! I might even go to our local public art school where they have an open education program for college graduates of all ages. Sometimes I still feel guilty, as not everyone is able to do this safely, but it’s great to finally be able to breathe again. It helps no one to be self-destructive, no matter how well-intentioned you are.
I also met some really cool people here, and while I’m still kind of terrified of reaching out to them more, the few times I’ve done so have done so much good. Everyone has been incredibly patient with me, and I love you all for that.
Here’s to more hopeful beginnings! Happy new year!
I also met some really cool people here, and while I’m still kind of terrified of reaching out to them more, the few times I’ve done so have done so much good. Everyone has been incredibly patient with me, and I love you all for that.
Here’s to more hopeful beginnings! Happy new year!
We're back in lockdown in Quebec City with a 10:00 pm curfew, so the year ends much as it started last year. It has been stressful not just for myself, but for many people. I have not lost anyone close to me this year, but I know many of my co-workers and friends who have. I have a few of my fellow teachers who have gone on burnout. Honestly I lift my hat to everyone who has kept it together in the field of education and health.
What I'm most proud of has been my ability to adapt to all the changes and demands placed on me as a teacher for the two years from going to never have used tools such as TEAMS to do online teaching to being able to turn myself on a dime within a twenty-four hour period to do so and post and adapt materials for my students.
I've had my vaccines and agree with @Riik, that at this point that and following guidelines by public health in whatever area or country one lives in should be a given. For me it is more important to isolate and protect the people I care about than risking their health and that of all those they may come in contact with.
I'll be counting down to 2020 with my pet bird and friends online. To a safe and Happy New Year everyone!
What I'm most proud of has been my ability to adapt to all the changes and demands placed on me as a teacher for the two years from going to never have used tools such as TEAMS to do online teaching to being able to turn myself on a dime within a twenty-four hour period to do so and post and adapt materials for my students.
I've had my vaccines and agree with @Riik, that at this point that and following guidelines by public health in whatever area or country one lives in should be a given. For me it is more important to isolate and protect the people I care about than risking their health and that of all those they may come in contact with.
I'll be counting down to 2020 with my pet bird and friends online. To a safe and Happy New Year everyone!
nightmqre
December 31, 2021
10:21am
2021 was a massive autopilot year for me I think. I honestly don’t remember anything before September, and it’s kinda upsetting. But I am proud of the fact that I managed to continue to improve my art & the way I handle certain things when they rise.
Hm.
In terms of my personal life, what I'm the most proud of is that through a variety of dietary changes and a rigorous treatment program I was able to get an autoimmune disorder I suffer from under control and into remission. I've been fighting this illness for years and this is the first year I've felt like I can win.
On RPR, one of the most exciting developments for me would be my partnership with Sland. It's a real struggle to find writers who can actually capture LGBT experiences - particularly the experiences of gay and bi men - and write about them respectfully. Sland is one of those people, and not a week goes by that I'm not thankful he decided to reach out to me.
In terms of my personal life, what I'm the most proud of is that through a variety of dietary changes and a rigorous treatment program I was able to get an autoimmune disorder I suffer from under control and into remission. I've been fighting this illness for years and this is the first year I've felt like I can win.
On RPR, one of the most exciting developments for me would be my partnership with Sland. It's a real struggle to find writers who can actually capture LGBT experiences - particularly the experiences of gay and bi men - and write about them respectfully. Sland is one of those people, and not a week goes by that I'm not thankful he decided to reach out to me.
Well... I've had a very uneventful year... at least until the summer when we got a new dog, who... ehhhh... we're still not entirely sure about yet. She is adorable and very friendly, but she does not get along with our other dog. And she just does not stop moving, ever. I mean seriously, it is such a blessed relief when she finally stops bringing balls over to play fetch with. I have never seen a dog so absolutely obsessed with playing fetch. Also, since Bonfire Night, she does not like going outside. Hopefully she'll grow out of much of that at some point and give everyone (including the other dog) a break.
I also made a substantial move with regard to my personal fitness just before autumn. Noticed I was getting a bit of a belly, so decided to set myself an exercise routine that has pretty much undone that weight gain and probably done me a lot of good in terms of personal health too.
But that's pretty much all, really. Well except for vaccine stuff, but at this point everyone should have had that anyways (barring exceptional circumstances). Honestly, most of the year has just been a blur.
I also made a substantial move with regard to my personal fitness just before autumn. Noticed I was getting a bit of a belly, so decided to set myself an exercise routine that has pretty much undone that weight gain and probably done me a lot of good in terms of personal health too.
But that's pretty much all, really. Well except for vaccine stuff, but at this point everyone should have had that anyways (barring exceptional circumstances). Honestly, most of the year has just been a blur.
Dawnia
January 4, 2022
9:02pm