Rant 10 - Where I Stand
12.1997

I think this one should just be an update. Where I Stand Now will probably be the upcoming title, when it is retired with the other rants. I never really know who reads these. I know my buddy Arawn does, for he has a page much similar -- the Epiphanies, and Musings as well. I wrote one for him a while back, but I haven't written one of these in a while. And that last one... whew! That was fun, actually. But that was then. What is now?

As anyone can see, I have started up a new page. The old page, Ruined Halls, is still very much in effect. Undergoing many facelifts as time goes, but really not much content added. It's so much easier for me to touch up, and spice up looks, but when it comes to writing something... well, that's part of why this page is here. Honestly, that page should really be dedicated to the game itself, now that it grows uncontrollably. You don't look at the Mimir, or the Mists (a page about Ravenloft) and read anything about the author's personal life. Sure it's reassuring to know that some of these people are human, but if you come for a game, chances are you'll only read those as a whim. Here in the Minds Eye, that's probably different.

Yes, I'm delving further into more web design. I honestly love it. I even have the insane notion of making it a career, if I can just make the right moves. Right now, I have the availability I would say. And maybe the opportunity, but that will have to be seen. I'm available because I got downsized at my job. Yes, the wonderful place that I just started at in June of this year cut back. My department shrank down to 1/3 of its size, and having no seniority put me in a bad place. It was a very odd sensation, since I have not been unemployed in over six years. I felt that I was always brought up with a strong work ethic (to overcome my natural apathy) and I've always worked since college.

For the most part, the concept of being unemployed hasn't debilitated me like I thought it would. I don't enjoy it, to be sure, but I know that I'm on my way to something better. Hell, I've taken classes for the past two weeks. Nice, cool courses in Web Design, of all things. They were good too, since the teacher has his own company and knew what he was talking about, instead of just dabbling with it. I think that is a very important thing to consider. Anyway, it's been fairly easy to chide myself by saying 'Sure, I'm going to school so I can get the ideal career in something I enjoy.' Hope it works out that way.

Other little things that bear on some of my past rants: In recent games, I've had the pleasure of hanging out with Charles, who is now the husband of one my serious ex-girlfriends. He's the one I was really apprehensive about meeting, and didn't want to befriend. Honestly he's not that bad of a guy. I don't have much problems hanging with him in our groups. Still, I haven't gotten around to hanging out with him and Alissa, but that's sure to come. It'll be odd, but what isn't these days. Speaking of marriages, Spencer & Jennifer had their Rennaisance wedding and it was great. Wonderful to see a great couple like that get married, and the wedding was tres cool.

Well, that's enough for me for the moment. I've got some serious concepts for this page, and I hope it'll please as many as Ruined Halls had. I plan to create, write, design, and rant my little head off, so be prepared.

B.Mooney