2015 In Review
Written by jackgonzo on December 29, 2015
Seems like the best time to do this. Wait, no I need a float. Fixed.
The last few years have been, interesting. When I got a college degree I was essentially named top student for my major. But my years and lack of connections did not allow me any opportunities in my immediate area. I turned to what I knew I could do later that year and taught teaching. That lasted a year until I screwed up and maybe let a bit of military training take over good decisions. 2014 ended with a very much Buffy Where Do We Go From Here.
2015 began and…I was lost. I had no idea what to do, what was going to happen, and what my place would be. I am lucky for two important points. One, I’m a feminist and don’t have the overwhelming urge to be the me the man must provide fire bad in me. Marriage is fucking teamwork, no matter the marriage. I am eternally grateful and lucky that not only I married a woman like Brenda but that she puts up with my shit. I’m also lucky that she is crazy type A and has the burning desire to be the best at what she does, which she is. This allows me the opportunities I have in life since I met her. For a lot of 2015 I was not in a good place I think. As good of a feminist I am, I was still raised to work. I consider college work so 2015 was the first year I did not hold a job of any kind since I was 16. 20 years of constantly working, it was weird to not have this. But then, maybe, I found what I was supposed to do.
I think it happened at Sherwood Forest Faire. As folks who know me at campgrounds and tailgates, I play music. This year I was asked constantly, where did I find that music?! More often than not I replied Bilgemunky. It had been a few years since Gerard had stopped the show and I missed it immensely, and so had others. I think it was at my birthday weekend the seed for Scoundrel’s Inn was planted by someone out there. It took awhile, but by June I had started the show and was on my way. Since then I have not looked back. The second half of 2015 was an absolute blast, and it wasn’t just the Houston Cougar Football kicking ass and taking names.
I’ve always been a bit of a wallflower. I think that’s part of the reason Perks speaks to me. There’s the RHPS portion, but to a certain extent I was that kid (without insert spoilers here). I’m not the first to go up and talk to someone. Maybe that’s why I’ve dated strong, forceful women, they came up to me. They can speak on that lol. But the show has opened me up and I think brought the greater community in Texas together.
Some of the people I call friends now I’ve seen before but never talked to except maybe on a passing basis. I don’t know if I’ve had a group like this since Knight Realms and I’ve missed it. I’m not going to lie, when everyone says you should move to DC for Brenda’s work I consider it and it is mainly because I would be able to do KR again. I miss you all so much and I don’t see the lot of you nearly enough. Even at KR it took me awhile to open up to folks and who knows if I wouldn’t have if I hadn’t somehow RPed/met up with the Donnerbane’s and a certain Drow that second event. But I am eternally grateful to Kristina for introducing me to it. But I’m getting sidetracked.
Since the show has started, I am amazed. I have like 90% of the bands I wanted. Hint hint The Pyrates Royale and Captain Bogg & Salty. I have a group of friends in Texas that always have a smile on their face when they see me. We are listened to literally all over the globe. In 2016 I am trying to start something special in the Houston area. The ultimate goal, a pirate musical festival. Houston has the tradition and deserves it. But outside of that, maybe a pirate pub crawl for International Talk Like A Pirate Day. A growth of the pirate community as one in Houston since it is so large. Scoundrel’s Inn will be a presence in 2016 (likely at least at Space City Comic Con and Comicpalooza). We are moving toward bigger and better things and I can only thank my friends and loved ones for supporting me.
As I close out I want to thank specific folks who I didn’t mention above. Dane Paul Craig & Craig. This almost goes nowhere without local support. The support all the “local” bands have given me is tremendous. Zach Brandan Charles Christopher Taylor Brandywyne & Johnny. It feels like you’ve supported me and show since day one and I appreciate all you have done in supporting the show and how you’ve all been a friend to me. Steve for allowing us to crash The Den on a regular basis for the show. How bout next Wednesday? Casey & Sean, do I need to say anything? PALS.
To all the listeners, to all the bands, to all who support me, I thank you. To any who read through all of this, you deserve a drink. I wasn’t sure where I was going, but I think now I just may know. Thanks for a slow burn 2015, and here’s to a kick ass 2016.
Episode 574: Season of Beginning 
Episode 556: The Raw Materials of Change