My night before Christmas...

Hello, it's been a little bit since I made a legit post here. Let me break some stuff down:

First of all, I've beaten 8 games since I started streaming my playthroughs! I'm proud of myself for actually making progress in my backlog of games I wanna play and experience. Granted, there's still a lot of them to go, but especially for starting so late into the year (about halfway in), it's a decent beginning, with some long and short games completed. I want to stick to this so that I can put more games under my belt and have more t0 discuss, as well as letting myself watch other playthroughs of these games after completing them; the way I should've been doing it, but at the time I couldn't do that, so consider this makeup-work.

Alongside beating these games, I've been doing fanart of them. I wanted a way to showcase that I've beaten them, alongside showing my personal experience with playing through them. I feel I've gotten a lot better at art this year: just look at my Super Mario RPG fanart VS my Rain World: Downpour fanart. Even with all the knowledge I know, I'm still learning new things about art, and it's exciting.

Now, let's get onto what this post is really about.

These past few years have been pretty rough for a lot of us, and even more rough to the societies and countries that we're a part of. However, despite all this, I somehow remain optimistic for the future. I've had many people help me get through these last 3 years, and I want to give my personal thanks to all of them, along with some hope for a better tomorrow.

My Parents (from all sides)

No matter who reads this, my mom, my dad, my step-mom, it doesn't specifically matter because I still thank you all the same. I know I can sometimes be tough to deal with, and be absent from things, but I thank you for being there for me and helping me as I begin to tumble into life's curveballs. It means a lot to me.

Mom and Sis

...and now to you guys, I know that you guys still struggle with what the world has been tossing to you. I wish I could help you guys with all that ails you, but all I can offer is my support. You guys, despite being in a different home, are my family. I will be there for you guys. I hope this next year marks the start of your well-deserved break from all this madness.

Grams, Pops, & Nanaw

Thank you guys for being the wisest and kindest people I know. Grams & Pops, your house always feels like a well-protected home; a sanctuary of sorts. I love hearing your stories and learning from you. Nanaw, you've helped me and my family through many things, and much like my other grandparents I like listening to some of your stories as well.

My last childhood friends

I know we haven't seen each other much, if at all, these past few years. I also know that I am also not as active in chatting with you guys as much as I want to, but I miss being able to see you guys. Part of that is nostalgia, sure, but the majority of that is genuine. If it weren't for that Messenger app, I think we would've drifted apart. Out of all the friends I had from elementary to high school, you two (from elementary school) are my only remaining friends from that time period. I don't know what your guy's lives are like, but in any case I wish you guys the best of luck. You guys are still in my core memories. Oh, and to my friend currently in Southern Dakota, I thank you for introducing me to my current friend group...

BoundBreak

You guys are some of the most talented, creative, and intelligent people I've met. I still remember the beginning days of the server, I stuck with the friend that introduced me to you all. I honestly don't remember how it happened, but all of a sudden I became more comfortable around you all. This is the first community-based thing I've been a part of that I feel I fit into. I've never truly had something like that until I joined this group, and I thank every one of you for just being the best kind of you. May our server thrive in Volume 1!

Discord Buddies

...and as for those of you that have been consistently active on the server (MKV, CellXLee, Dardanos, Jedi_Vey, TheGuyToTheLeft, It'sNyx, and Rose), I thank you for being there for me. While I can't finish those drawings for you in time for Christmas, as I said I will make sure that gets top priority when I return from my vacation. Because of this, I won't go into full detail here, as that will ruin the surprise, but I can give you a little snippet:

You guys have kept me sane from all the bullshit this world likes to advertise in our faces, kept me from straying off the path of good, and have overall had a positive impact on my life since I've become friends with you guys. That means a lot to me, so if I'm able to do even a quarter of that for you guys the way you have done so for me, I will strive to do so. Thank you guys. With everything you guys have going on in your current lives, I believe in what you guys are doing. You will prevail, and I'll support you all in your separate endeavors.

That is all I have here tonight. It is currently 9:50 PM on Christmas Eve as I write this. I have no idea what all of your plans for Christmas will be like, but regardless, Merry Christmas to you all, and to all of you, have a good night!