How perfect that I’m posting this on the first day of 2019. I’ve been brainstorming quite a bit recently about how to change up my blogging habits.

One way of doing that is to talk about the things that tend to keep me from writing: absorbing other peoples’ stories.

I also think my blogging has become too formulaic. Friday Write-Days / complain about not writing, Haiku Sundays, and whatever else I come up with on Tuesdays. I’d like to inject a little more spontaneity here.

So I’ll write these posts as I consume more and more content, of whatever type I feel like talking about. Consider this to be the first installment in what I intend to be a running fixture. I don’t know how often I’ll do this–not weekly–but here it is.

These posts will also ultimately feed my reviews, which I’d also like to do more of this year.

#AmFinished, a.k.a. Recently Completed

Outlaw King, Netflix film

I liked it. Chris Pine is cool, Scotland is cool. History–even when fictionalized–is cool. Actual review incoming.

#AmReading

Caught, by MLS Weech

It took me a bit to get into this book, but I really started to follow/enjoy it about 1/3 of the way in. Definitely will be reviewing this once I’m done. I’ll also need to memorize Weech’s pitch so I can help him sell this at Awesome Con.

The Sleeping and the Dead (beta version), Paul B. Spence

This is my second experience beta reading for another author, and I’m excited for the opportunity. The sole reason I am confident I can do so in a timely manner is because I’ll be stay-at-home dad-ing for another three weeks this month.

Parador, Peter A. Dixon

Part two of the series I started reading on Wattpad. I’ve already reviewed part one, The Juggernaut, here. Honestly, I started reading this but then got wrapped up in other things on this list. I’ll come back to it after I finish the aforementioned beta read.

#AmWatching

Civilizations, Netflix documentary series

I love documentaries. This one discusses the rise of great civilizations through the lens of art. From the earliest cave paintings to the Renaissance, this has been an insightful look at how art is and should be recognized as a defining aspect of Civilization.

Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Hulu

I’ve been slow-binging this show for a few months. I enjoy it, but it’s also just filler content for me. It stands among the other great workplace comedies of the last 10-15 years: The Office, Parks and Rec, 30 Rock, etc. Andre Braugher continually surprises me and cracks me up as Captain Raymond Holt. His relationship with Gina Linetti also might be the most layered in the series.

Turn, Netflix

I can’t believe it took me this long to get into this show about Washington’s spies during the Revolution. It’s been on my watchlist for years, and I finally picked it up on Friday night. It will definitely be my go-to drama for the foreseeable future.

This show debuted during AMC’s heyday of Mad Men and early The Walking Dead, when live locations and practical effects were used to make period pieces feel real, rather than CGI and green screens. It’s paying off, compared to a Netflix drama which did not make this list: Medici. I haven’t even finished the first episode. The scenery is mostly green-screen, and there are already too many characters for me to care about.

#AmPlaying

Eternium, Android mobile

I found this RPG on Google Play, since I don’t have a lot of time to invest in PC gaming right now. I have a level 43 mage, while only dedicating a couple hours per week to playing. It’s a fun game with great UI and graphics, and it’s FREE. I don’t need to spend money to accomplish things, unlike a lot of pay-to-play games these days.

Torchlight II, PC via Steam

I haven’t actually started playing this RPG yet, but I bought it as a way to hang out with one of my closest friends, who lives in L.A. I’m thinking of rolling either a mage or an outlander.

So, what are you consuming? Has anyone played Torchlight II?

Steve D