A Reflection on 2023

Welcome back to Chris' Miniature Woes! It's been quite a journey, and I appreciate your patience as I navigate through the challenges that 2023 brought into my wargaming and roleplaying world. Last year was a bit of a rollercoaster of health issues and a subsequent focus on my career, leaving my beloved miniatures gathering dust and the gaming table silent. Today, I want to share with you what happened, how it impacted my hobby, and the exciting plans on the horizon for 2024.

Health Struggles:

Last year marked a challenging period in terms of health. My GP switched my medication for chronic pain, I moved onto new antidepressants, and I also had access to legal medical cannabis for the first time, which altogether brought both physical and mental adjustments. A hernia operation in the summer added to the mix, demanding my attention and time to heal. The confluence of these factors affected not only my personal life but also spilled into my professional sphere.

Career Focus:

In response to the health challenges, I made the decision to channel my energy into my career. This shift required a significant portion of my time and dedication, but I am pleased to share that the effort has paid off. I'm now in a more stable position at work, providing a solid foundation to refocus on my personal life and hobbies.

Home Renovations:

Despite initial plans, home renovations were put on pause in 2023 due to health issues, work commitments, and financial constraints. However, I'm excited to share that it will be a major focus in 2024. The pending changes, especially in the dining room (until this point the area has mainly been a temporary dumping ground for boxes and furniture from our house move), will finally create a space where we can entertain with friends, which will include board gaming, wargames and roleplaying games!

Returning to the Hobby

With my health stabilising, career on track, and a renewed focus on long-awaited home renovations, I'm excited to announce the return of Chris' Miniature Woes! I acknowledge that 2023 was a year of minimal output, but I'm committed to reviving the blog with a semi-regular posting schedule to begin with. Starting with two posts a month, expect updates every other Wednesday, where I'll share insights into ongoing projects, new releases, and the latest from my miniature-filled world.

Upcoming Post Preview:

Look out for my next post, "2024 - A New Year - Motivation, Projects, Aims & Goals," where I'll delve into the specific projects lined up for the year. I recently acquired a resin 3D printer and a wash and cure machine, unlocking new possibilities for miniatures and terrain creation. Among these projects is a Cyberpunk 2077-themed skirmish game that has been brewing in my mind for quite some time. Stay tuned for more details and updates!

Conclusion:

Thank you for sticking with me through the ups and downs of 2023. Your support means the world, and I can't wait to embark on this exciting journey with you in 2024. Let's roll the dice, paint some miniatures, and create unforgettable gaming moments together! Thanks to my wargaming friends online, who have kept my inspiration burning! A special shout-out to Lewis, a consistent blogger and one of my best friends - it's mad that after so many years of friendship (as well as living in the same country, and only a couple of hours away!) that we've yet to meet up for a game! Perhaps 2024 is the year? Let's make it happen!