So, at this point, I'm a week late for a new episode. Don't fear, a new one is coming. Probably next week. I recognize that I've skipped weeks before and haven't ever said why, except perhaps in passing. Normally, it's because I'm off performing my two weeks of annual training for the National Guard. But not this time.
It's like this. I need to get my life to a better place. Mainly with my health, but also my relationship with my wife and kids. I have high blood glucose and I need to get it under control. I've drastically altered my diet and am exercising more. That means earlier mornings, which require earlier nights. That means less time for recording and editing and everything else that goes into making the podcast.
If you're reading this, I assume you're a regular listener. For that I thank you. I owe you quite a bit. For example, I owe you more and better content. It's coming. Exactly what form that is, I don't know.
But back to my main point.
I'm exercising more, eating better, working harder on my Cub Scout commitments (I'm Cub Master for the Pack my son is in), working harder in my National Guard posting (Senior Platoon Trainer NCO for Officer Candidate School), and wanting to do more "hobby stuff." All of this takes time. Unfortunately, all of these things take a higher priority than simply banging out a podcast when it comes due.
Now, there is some cross-pollination in there. It's especially evident when it comes to my National Guard pursuits and my hobby. For example, Henry Hyde will be publishing an article I wrote as a direct result of my recent military education. Additionally, I'll be writing about my experience in planning a staff ride for the Officer Candidates. More on that later. Furthermore, I'm planning more articles for Henry.
As for the hobby stuff, I want to spend more time with my kids. Luckily, they both want to paint figures with me and play more games. Anticipate that generating more content for the podcast and maybe more blog posts here. For example, the projects I'm actively pursuing include:
- A semi-secret Seven-Years War project
- My son's 40k Orks
- A Full Thrust project using Halo ships
- A microarmor game I'm developing with my brother Chris
- Rommel in 3mm
- The Commands & Colors Epic Fantasy (not BattleLore) project (and I might have a writing partner for this one now)
- The space station project I talked about previously for sci-fi skirmish (possibly Oldhammerish)
Lots of other stuff is ruminating as well. What can I say, I'm a gaming magpie from way back. In the meantime, I'm trying to read more history, historical fiction, self-help, US Army doctrine publications and even the occasional hobby magazine!
I'm a busy guy. Part of this little pause has been taken up with some thought, soul searching, prioritizing, planning, and figuring what the hell I'm doing next. Part of that is going to take me becoming more personally disciplined in how I go about things. I've never scheduled "free time" before, but I might have to start.
We're all busy. So, I hope you can understand why I might be late with the podcast. I hope you'll forgive me. One of these days, you might even think what I produce was worth what you paid for it.
That is all.
Thanks for the update Jay. I'm glad you're taking the time to balance other important things. It takes energy to create content. It also takes time to have the experiences you need in order to write authoritatively when you do put pen to paper.
ReplyDeleteIt seems to me it's a natural part of the creative arc that there's an initial year of fast paced output and then fatigue starts to set in - creative, social, emotional. The initial store of energy and ideas is depleted. Other important facets of life start to reassert themselves, demanding again the attention they've deserved all along. Attention that's been diverted into getting a blog/project/podcast off the ground. Hit this wall myself in February.
It seems like you've finished the 'sprint' part of The Veteran Wargamer and now have enough momentum to permit a gently easing into the slow, sustained, and steady pace that will allow you to hit reasonable milestones on time, with plenty of gas left in the tank, and your family and friends cheering section still there to support you.
We've both been able, in about a year, to elevate our content to the point where Henry Hyde is willing to publish our stuff on Battlegames. I've got two articles now in WSS as well. Time now to make sure that our output retains the quality and standards we started out with. For me, I've gone every two weeks on my blog posts which is allowing me to create for Henry and submit articles elsewhere.
Congrats on finding the pace that's right for you.
Health and family first Jay.
ReplyDeletePat and Sean beat me to it. Health and family and I’ll add sanity first. You’re a busy man. Don’t beat yourself up – and that’s from someone who is an expert in that department. Take care of youself, buddy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the feedback, gents. Your opinions matter. If you see some feel-good, positive affirmation type posts on the FB page and Twitter feed, they're as much for you as they are for me. Go do good things.
ReplyDeleteHealth and family first Jay.
ReplyDeleteReply
Henry HydeMarch 16, 2018 at 5:02 AM
Pat and Sean beat me to it. Health and family and I’ll add sanity first. You’re a busy man. Don’t beat yourself up – and that’s from someone who is an expert in that department. Take care of youself, buddy.
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thanks