It seems like a lot of people are experiencing rocky roads . . . hard times not the chocolate chunk ice cream. Heck, it seems like half the people I talk to are experiencing some level of financial loss or apprehension about their employment and about 20% having recently lost their jobs.
Here in the Motor City talk about the Auto-Crisis and G.M. bankruptcy chatter and handwringing is nonstop.
It is all depressing, worrisome and wears you down.
I’ve been in a bit of a funk myself lately. Last Sunday evening I just melted down. I had struggled writing/editing all day (12 pages in 8 hours – should have been double or triple that), went home early evening (should have called it a day much earlier and went to a movie or something) and curled up on the couch to watch some mindless TV and mope. Nothing bad happened, I just felt blue.
Palladium sales are okay, but (along with most companies I talk to) are up and down like a yo-yo. A couple days worth are great. A couple days sales are in the toilet. Then they’re not bad, then they are bad, then amazing, then ... you get the idea. Overall sale were a bit down (10%) in May compared to a surprisingly strong April. Of course, April saw us release three new game books and we had the Open House so it was an excellent month for us.
The up and down sales are frustrating and nerve-wracking. They keep you anxious and uncertain whether things are up, down or holding steady. Roller coaster rides are fun in amusement parks and movies, not so fun in finance or business.
The Anniversary of Erick Wujcik’s death is coming up next week too. I feel like I’m at peace with Erick’s passing, even though I miss him very much, so I don’t think I feel depressed or down about it. Then again, I did dream about Erick recently, a couple times, but nothing bad.
I wonder if my funk is post-Open House blues . . . There was so much going on for the three months leading up to the Open House, and the POH itself is always a whirlwind of excitement, gaming, work and fun, and then – it's over. The warehouse suddenly feels empty and quiet like a morgue.
I thought I felt reasonably rested, but I bet I’m more pooped than I think. Back to long hours and while work on Nightbane Survival Guide has been going well, as always, it seems, we are behind deadline (at least where we wanted to be). More frustration.
Met with Mark Dudley yesterday and he laughed and told me how he and are on the same bio-rythms, because he’s been down the same period I have been, and doesn’t know exactly why either. Maybe it's something in the air? Are you feeling blue too?
We all need to stay positive and confident
Hey, we can’t let all the negative junk floating around out there get us down. Sure, the economy stinks. Sure, life has its problems lately. Sure, it's frustrating and unpredictable. Most of us can probably make a big list of all the things we have reason to be feel angry, frustrated, sad, and worried about. Welcome to life. And life ain’t easy, but you know what, it’s pretty darn good.
If you are alive and healthy, you’re doing well. If you are also surrounded by people who love you, you are doing GREAT.
Don’t let all the worries and negative media get you down and make you forget what life is all about. It’s all about finding joy in the simple things and sharing life with friends and loved ones who make it all worthwhile.
Rich or poor, employed or out of work, a sunrise or rainbow is still beautiful. Stop and enjoy it. Be happy with what you have. Strive for more, pay off those bills, keep looking for that new job (or second job), take care of business and deal with your problems, but please do not forget the world is full of beauty, joy, laughter and friends. And all you probably have to do is look around you to find them. Do it and enjoy.
That’s what I’ve been doing. I’m still in a bit of a funk, but you know what? That’s okay too. You can’t always be positive and happy. Sometimes you just feel blah.
Hang loose, hold on to your loved ones, play some games (that’s always fun) and enjoy life’s little pleasures. With any luck that rocky road leads to greener pasture.
Sincerely,
Kevin Siembieda
Publisher, Writer, Game Designer & Two-Bit Philosopher
© Copyright May 28, 2009 Palladium Books Inc. All rights reserved.
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