Well 2020 was a rough year and 2021 has not let up.

I'm going to use this as an update on things so there will be a little bit of personal stuff. Sorry sorry in advance.

2020 was a hard year for most people, I've been exceptionally lucky where I am and we've had minimal impact from COVID in comparison to other countries. That being said the community and friends I've made here have been an absolute life raft for me socially speaking. It's been amazing connecting with people all over the world and I like to think some of these friendships will last forever.

The year ended with the death of my grandmother. I was surprised at how I ended up handling this, she was very, very close to me and yet I think im still yet to process the fact that she is truly gone. She was also my significant connection to the rest of my family and the absence of that connection is sure to have a lasting impact. I had a chance to say a few words and reflect at her funeral and I was able to learn a lot about her in turn. She was someone that gave herself absolutely. She lead her life with compassion and action. In a way I hope that can live on in me and how I choose to carry myself.

I turned 25 in January and spent it alone. I enjoyed the space I had to myself to think about where I was in life. I was blessed with a lot of thoughtful messages, art and animation from friends which really made me feel loved. Really solidified the value I place in my online friends. Everyone talks about 'community' on social media platforms and the like but I think Newgrounds is the first place i've truly felt that sense of belonging and 'community'. I truly hope I can find a way to pay it forward and give back in a way that is meaningful.

This last week has been wild, we've recently gone back into lockdown. Work has somehow gotten busier as a result. We also had bushfires the closest i've seen since 2009. I had to protect some family property in the north east as the blaze was within spitting distance. The 2nd day of the blaze we started to get ash rain which was frustrating, made it hard to breathe and couldn't be outside for too long without your eyes starting to sting. I know last year the fire season here was unprecedented and made international news. It's really sad to think it's happening again. Luckily the fires have been contained, approx 60 houses were lost which is very sad.

Here's a view of the fire from the morning of the second day. There was talk of a cyclone up north moving south at the time so I think most of the city felt like the sky was falling. With all the crazy thats happened it's been hard to find any true sense of purpose or direction I've had to put off important things to prioritize finance and health.

My desire to be productive hasn't manifested in a way that I would like. I've been flakey on commitments I've made and nowhere near as disciplined as I would have hoped. I'm going to continue refining my process and trying new things until I get it right. I hope with time I can get to a place I'm truly proud of and I can make some things that impress and entertain people. I'll be tracking my progress in the incremental improvement club if anyone would like to follow what I'm up to or share their own journey.

My current priority is to make good on the commitments i've made and focus on moving forward in a healthy way.

Despite all the negative things i've mentioned I am genuinely optimistic about this year and what it will bring for me.

I owe that largely to this place.

Thank you Newgrounds you've been the light in the dark for me.