Let's give this a shot.

To all those thinking I went off the deep, 

I had an opportunity to do what I love at the highest level, but the timing simply wasn't in the cards.  I'm extremely passionate, and it's very frustrating to me knowing that opportunity, one that took a decade to present itself, might never be there again.  That was simply the tipping point for what's easily been the most tumultuous time of my life.  In the past 12 months I've had 9 jobs.  . As with an alarming number of people my age, I'm still trying to figure out the long-term direction of my life.

Instead of playing video games, I've been playing a card game known as Magic: The Gathering.  I played it as a kid 20 years ago when the game first released, and it's since evolved into quite the machine.  The strategic options available simply appeal to me more than most of the current VG fare.  To me, deck construction, understanding, and leaving the house to interact with real people (there's the kicker) is just much more fulfilling than sitting at home collecting headshots against hateful bullies hiding behind TV sets.  My current goal is to qualify for a pro tour.  It ain't much, but it's something.

For those worried about my drinking... I only drink socially, and never in excess.  I work in the hospitality industry where co-workers frequently go out for drinks after a long shift (and I have plenty of those).  Haven't partook in a month, which has lead to more sleep, less stress, and a lot more money in my pocket.

I went on one more date.  It went really well... until we were spotted by the brother of the OTHER guy she was apparently seeing... needless to say, I'm just not really interested in any romantic pursuits right now.  But on that note...

It's draft time and I still love the NBA.  I've never missed draft night, so here I am.  I don't know how much time I'll have to commit to future projects (if any), but for now, just being around the NBA at it's annual peak is good enough for me.

Thanks to all who've expressed concern, 

Rashidi