Upgrading Computers to Windows 7

So, today, I upgraded both my laptop and desktop to Windows 7. This was somewhat painful, as I wne tthrough backing up all important work I had, on top of having to install the OS, followed by installing all related software for each.

I have decided that I am going to try to separate my desktop into more of a "just for fun" machine, while my laptop will remain multi-purpose of both amusement, work, and classes.

Aside, I have been thinking of adding a writing and art section to the portfolio part of my website, so that I can show some of my more creative aspects. This could be a boon or a hindrance, depending on who reads it. However, it would be a great show of what I can do creatively (not all of it, but some of it).

Can I have Guild Wars 2 Now Please!?

So, today ArenaNet made their big announcement and released the world premier trailer for Guild Wars 2.

Here is the site: http://www.guildwars2.com/

After watching that, all I have is this to say:

As a developer who wants to develop awesome games, I've found myself having two positions: wanting to make the awesome game, and then wanting to play the awesome game. So, here is my rant: when option 1 (developing the awesome game) is currently not an option, you fall back on playing the awesome game (or the closest thing you can get to it).

(Begin rant, humor, etc)

So, here is my message to ArenaNet:

You've completely ruined my break! I was planning on doing so much personal work on personal projects, working on my professional profile, etc. Now you go and release news like this to me!? Well, now I've stuck with option 2, having to play the closest thing to the awesome game you have shown (which means playing the first game). I had plans... Goals... I was going to work on so much over this few week break... And now, I'm playing Guild Wars.. Lots and lots of Guild Wars. There's only one way to make this up to me: you're just going to have to hire me. There's just no other way. It's the only way to get my motivation back for doing tons of awesome development and personal work. Well, what say you? I've given you everything you've asked for (application, resume, portfolio site... what more do you want from me).

(End rant)

So, aside, everyone should watch this trailer, just for how awesome it is. You need to watch it all the way, because it only gets better as it goes.

Anyhow, that is my personal rant for today.

Beth Turned 20 Yesterday!

So, yesterday, I spent time talking and working with Katlyn on getting everything setup for her sister's, Beth, birthday yesterday. I went over to hang out with Beth while everyone was at work, playing Guild Wars with her and distracting her until Steve and Kat got home from work. We then proceeded to take her out to dinner.

So, for dinner, we took her out to the Macaroni Grill. The only one of us that had ever been was Steve, so it was a new experience. The food was great and so was the service, especially for the relatively low prices. Beth was very excited and enjoyed her dish very much.

We then went back to Steve's place and presented the cake Kat had baked, on top of Beth's gifts (ha ha, I have no money... I just helped with her new computer). All in all, it was a cheerful time and everything went well.

Kat even wore a dress last night, which is relatively astonishing and very nice (I have to say, she typically doesn't have a reason to wear one... so, it's nice when she does and enjoys it).

Making the Most of My Time

So, for the next few weeks up until school starts, I am going to be trying to make the most of my time for accomplishing personal projects, getting some extra money, and relaxing (and after 5 quarters of straight work/class, I could use it). So, my tentative schedule is going to be the following:

* 1 to 2 hours - Work on game related articles for publishers.
* 1 to 2 hours - Work on Neverwinter Nights 2 Mod or IL Engine.
* 1 to 2 hours - Work on resume, website, and professional links (blog, etc.)
* 1 to 2 hours - Play new games and gather ideas for personal works.
* 1 to 2 hours - Do physical activity (Kendo, Iaido, Aikido, Running, Jogging, DDR, etc.)
* 2 to X hours - Play games / Hang out with Kat after work.

This is mainly for my benefit to have a plan of doing things for each day. Otherwise, odds are I won't get a lot done. Aside, the timings are really only suggestive, as if I have a serious break through with work or some such during a day, I may work much longer.

Aside, those are my current daily plans.

Last Day of Finals

So, today I had the last of my finals for the quarter, ending finals week for me. Both finals ended up being fairly difficult in comparison to the original material they covered, but overall I feel I did relatively well.

So, with that said, I'm gearing up to be working on some personal projects for the next few weeks between the two quarters. This includes my Neverwinter Nights 2 mod, Lands of Neremeir, as well as my game engine primer and related libraries I've been developing. I also need to update my website with my work experience from Project ASE and senior project.

Aside, I'm planning my work and academic hours for next quarter, which is slightly troublesome. Along with these, I have other payments due this month, along with school, which will be interesting to see how they all turn out.

So, all in all, even with school out, I'm going to be very busy.

What to Do when You're so Burnt Out!

So, after finishing up the majority of senior project documentation and having to deal with a few extra meetings, I've been pretty burnt out. Classes have only added to this, which makes me somewhat upset because otherwise I would be enjoying them a lot. Oh well, it can't be helped.

So, being burnt out has made it hard for me to go home and do anything amusing. I feel so exhausted that nothing seems like fun, even playing games and such. I've tried several times, but they can barely hold my attention. Furthermore, if something hiccups the game or goes completely wrong, it usually ends up ending my gaming session.

However, a slightly positive side effect has been that I've finally started working on a NWN2 mod I've been planning since NWN 1. So, it's actually coming quite well. I'm getting very experienced with the features and options very quickly, which is nice. Tons of gameplay testing of just the layouts of the areas already, which is cool.

Aside, I applied for a new Game Designer position at ArenaNet. I haven't heard back from them yet on the position, but I hope to soon. Because I really don't graduate for another 3 months, it's hard to expect them to want to interview and hire me right now, especially in such a competitive environment. However, I am hoping to hear back from them soon.

So, that about wraps it up for now.

Upcoming Week

Well, Kat is gone for the week. So, I'm here at home, working on ideas for new articles, finishing up some classwork, working on personal projects, and taking care of the iguana.

During the course of working, I think I'm going to plan on finishing up several games I have started, including: Final Fantasy XII (correction, beat it last night; may do more, don't know), Magna Carta: Tears of Blood, Okami, Devil May Cry 2. May play some more DDR and such too. Aside, will probably be at the gym doing sword work a little more, to fill in some of the time.

Aside, got an article published on FreeMMOGamer. Turns out it was divided into 2 articles, which is kinda nice (two for me). Also, it gives me another thing to put on my resume.

Well, that's about it for now.